When visiting Bangkok, many tourists are drawn to Cambodia, the neighboring country and the city of Siem Reap (also spelled Siem Reap), known for its spectacular Angkor temples. This city is about 400 kilometers (250 miles) away, which is a short enough distance to escape to one of the world’s most impressive World Heritage sites.
We hear a lot about companies scamming innocent tourists, so we’ve put together a guide to help you make the best decision when traveling from Bangkok to Siem Reap.
Flights from Bangkok to Siem Reap
Air Asia plane at Bangkok Don Muang Airport © Kiwisoul / Shutterstock.com
As you can imagine, flying from Bangkok to Siem Reap is the quickest way to get to Angkor, although it is also the most expensive. For a long time, only one airline, Bangkok Airways, flew this route, and since it was the only option, the stakes were very high, especially considering that the flight lasts only one hour. Fortunately, there is another alternative that has brought Bangkok Airways prices down, although it is still the most expensive airline.
Bangkok Airways always flies from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, which is the most modern, as do two other airlines: Thai Airways (operated by Thai Smile) and Cambodia Angkor Air. Another option is Thai AirAsia, which flies from Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok. When looking for flights, don’t forget to check which Bangkok airports they are departing from and check the baggage allowance in each case as it may vary. Please note that if you need to check in extra baggage, the fare may increase. Generally speaking, Thai AirAsia usually offers the cheapest tickets for a flight from Bangkok to Siem Reap, but as always, buying tickets in advance can save you a lot of money.
Although the plane is the most expensive option, it is certainly the quickest and for some the easiest way to get to Siem Reap. The flight takes only one hour, and you can pay for your Cambodian tourist visa on arrival by going through the immigration department. Outside of the airport, you’ll find several options to get into the city. If you have already booked your accommodation, the hotel may offer you a pick-up service, in many cases for free. Taxis can be paid for in advance at pre-paid counters outside the terminal, so you can travel with peace of mind that the driver won’t overcharge you.
By bus from Bangkok to Siem Reap
Bangkok Mo Chit Bus Station © Gos Eye View / Shutterstock.com
It was the bus companies that gave the route between Bangkok and Siem Reap a bad name. There are some unscrupulous companies that charge tourists much more than they should, promising to obtain a visa for an exorbitant additional fee. Bus journeys can also be very long and have many stops along the way to encourage passengers to spend more. Fortunately, there is now a much more reliable bus service from Bangkok to Siem Reap, and for a much lower price than traveling by plane. Thus, traveling by bus can be a good option.
There is a direct bus service from Bangkok’s Mo Chit North Bus Terminal with two departures each morning. This bus will take you to Siem Reap for a reasonable price, although be aware that the route crosses an international border and you need to find out how the transfer to another country works.
This direct bus will take you to the border at Aranyaprathet. But far from leaving you there to continue on your own, the service staff will tell you what to do. Basically, you’ll have to get off the bus (leave your luggage on the bus, but remember to take your valuables with you, including your passport), walk a few meters to the Cambodian border, and buy an entry visa. When you have your visa, you will be officially in Cambodia, specifically in the city of Poipet. The same bus that took you there will be waiting for you with your luggage to continue to Siem Reap. While not the cheapest option among bus services, the ease of travel makes it one of the best options.
If you want to save a little more money, you can take a look at the other buses that offer travel from Bangkok to Siem Reap. The problem with these buses is that they only go to Aranyaprathet bus station and do not cross the border. This means that if you choose this option, you will have to find a way to get to the border (about 5 minutes by tuk-tuk), get a visa to enter Cambodia (shouldn’t be complicated) and find a way from Poipet to Siem Reap. The road has recently been renovated which makes the journey more enjoyable than before. Taxis charge around €25-40 for a 90-minute journey. If you travel by bus you will pay less but it will take more time.
Train and bus from Bangkok to Siem Reap
The last option is inexpensive, but slower than the previous ones. Traveling by train from Bangkok to the Cambodian border is cheap, and if you have some time (the journey takes about 6 hours), you can enjoy the fantastic scenery. With this option, you will have to figure out how to get from the border to Siem Reap after getting your visa, so weigh the pros and cons of all options to choose the one that best suits your budget and plans.