The capital and largest city of Cambodia, Phnom Penh has a lot to offer, from fantastic French colonial architecture to stunning pagodas and temples. It’s an energetic city that will keep you busy throughout your stay. For a change of pace after walking through the bustling streets, you can head southeast towards the coast to see another of Cambodia’s top tourist destinations: Sihanoukville. Beautiful beaches and attractive islands make it an ideal place for sunbathing on those days when you want to relax and soak up the sun.
From Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville: options
Traveling by road is the most common option to get from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, with the shortest route being 230 kilometers (143 mi). Although there is not much distance between the two cities, the mode of transport you choose will have a huge impact on the duration of your journey. Buses run frequently and are the cheapest way to get from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, but for a little more money and for a more convenient option, you can also travel by minibus. Taxis have also become quite a popular way to travel this route, and if you choose to go by road, a taxi will be the fastest vehicle.
But the road is not the only option. Despite the short distance between the two destinations, there are several flights that connect them. This is without a doubt the fastest way to travel. If you like to travel leisurely, you can also opt for the train.
By bus from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville
Let’s start with buses as it is a very popular means of transport from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville. You may have heard negative comments about buses and road conditions in Cambodia. It is true that just a few years ago the roads were in poor condition, but recently the government has been working to improve the safety of the routes so that residents and tourists can reach their destination without problems and on time. Even so, the buses that serve this route have a rather dubious reputation, so you’ll have to weigh all your options carefully when it comes to the different companies that offer this service.
We recommend Giant Ibis Transport as they have good safety reports and their buses are comfortable and well equipped. They don’t have onboard bathrooms, but they do have Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and snacks, and they make a 10-minute stop along the way so you can get off, stretch your legs, and go to the bathroom. Giant Ibis has two or three sailings a day and the trip takes about 4.5 hours.
From Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville by van or minibus
This Toyota vehicle is often used as a minibus or minivan in Cambodia © nitinut380 / Shutterstock.com
Tourists who have already traveled from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville will say that the bus is not the most convenient way to travel and recommend van or minibus travel. Most reviews state that vans are more comfortable and offer a more personal experience, which is especially nice if you’re traveling in a group as you can have the van all to yourself if the group is large enough. The minibus from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville is comparable in price to the bus. It only costs a few euros more and many say it’s worth it.
There are several companies that offer vans and minibuses departing from various points in Phnom Penh. Journey times can vary from 4 to 10 hours, so be sure to check this before booking your ticket. You can take a look at Mekong Express, Thero Express or Viruk Buntham Express.
From Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville by taxi
Taxi waiting for passengers outside Phnom Penh International Airport © 2p2play / Shutterstock.com
The last option to travel by road from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville is by taxi. Despite the extra cost, traveling by taxi between the two cities has become quite a popular option for a variety of reasons. First of all, a taxi offers great flexibility in picking you up from where you want, so you don’t have to stick to specific timetables that may not fit your plans. Secondly, taxis can travel faster than buses and vans, and they can also be more comfortable. Thirdly, a taxi gives you door-to-door access, so you can get to your hotel door in Sihanoukville without having to worry about using other means of transport or taking long walks. In addition, the taxi can stop along the way where you want to stretch your legs or visit an interesting place.
By train from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville
Phnom Penh Royal Railway Station © Visualize Creative / Shutterstock.com
If you’re not in a hurry and it fits your schedule, taking the train from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville could be a fantastic option. After many years without service, Royal Railways has re-launched a train service from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville departing every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The train is very cheap, so it’s perfect if you’re traveling on a budget. In addition, it gives you the opportunity to admire the wonderful landscapes while passing through the countryside.
The main disadvantage of the train is that it only has three departures a week, so it probably won’t fit in your schedules. In addition, trains on Saturday and Sunday leave early in the morning, specifically at 7 am, and not all travelers will want to get up early. Of course, the wagons are quite comfortable and the journey takes about 6.5 hours.
Flights from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville
Phnom Penh International Airport is growing rapidly, but there are still few flights to Sihanoukville © Tang Yan Song / Shutterstock.com
The last option to travel from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville is by plane. It’s the most expensive way, but also the fastest, so it’s perfect if you’re short on time and want to get to Sihanoukville in the shortest possible time. The flight time is only 35 minutes and at the moment there are only 4 flights per week with Cambodia Bayon Airlines. Book in advance to find good prices.