Land Transport in Cambodia
Transport in Cambodia is limited to land travel, except between for the Phnom Pennh-Siem Reap flight connection. This is likely to stay the case until Sihanoukville airport reopens, although we can arrange helicopter transport if desired.
Border Crossings
Bus services
Many travelers arrive in Cambodia other than by flying. Traveling by bus from Bangkok-Siem Reap, from Ho Chi Minh City-Phnom Penh, and by river from Chau Doc-Phnom Penh are popular routes of entry. Other commonly used crossings are in Koh Kong (the Bangkok-Sihanoukville route), and north of Stung Treng (into Laos).
Bus services
Bus services are the method that most Cambodians use for long distance travel in the country, but are also widely used by visitors to Cambodia. Bus and coach quality can vary enormously, from very comfortable air-conditioned coaches with reasonable leg room and complimentary water that are not much slower than a private car, to cramped minivans with little luggage space and less leg room that stop every hour at stores and restaurants that pay the bus commission. The reputable bus companies are well-known, and we have assisted (particualrly lone) travelers with ticketing, although in practice and hotel or travel agent can assist. The alternative to bus transport, particularly traveling Phnom Penh-Siem Reap or Siem Reap-Battambang is to travel by boat, although the length of journey is seasonal!
Getting Around
Taxis are not commonly seen, although can be arranged, and share taxis are a good alternative to bus travel between Siem Reap and Poipet. Instead, especially in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, you will likely hear appeals from moto-remorques (commonly known as tuk-tuks) and motodup (or just moto - basically a small motorbike) drivers offering rides. Haggling a price beforehand is recommended, and maintaining a relationship with a trustworthy driver is useful for longer stays. Car hire is uncommon, and probably unwise, and motorbike hire is actually illegal for tourists in Siem Reap - insurance coverage is patchy in Cambodia, and getting used to the traffic conventions takes some time. Car and driver hire is relatively inexpesive, and can be very economical for more than one traveler. Bicycle hire is becoming more common, and more popular, particularly in Siem Reap.
Road Safety
The Siem Reap - Phnom Penh route is becoming increasingly busy, and we normally recommend flying between these two cities. For two travellers, this is normally a cheaper option than driving with a guide, as well as giving more time in the destination city. Where road transport is required or unavoidable, our drivers are instructed that safe driving is prioritised over speed - and our road travel time estimates are therefore more conservative than others.
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