Thailand and Cambodia Reignite Tourism with New Cross-Border Bus Services

[snoop1130]

 

For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic stopped travel, Thailand and Cambodia will resume their cross-border bus services, linking Bangkok with Phnom Penh and Siem Reap starting this Friday, November 29. After a pause of over three years, people can again enjoy easy travel between these iconic Southeast Asian destinations.

 

This news follows an agreement reached today, November 26, between Atthawit Rakchamroon, the Acting Managing Director of Thailand’s Transport Co., and Suo Vireak, the CEO of Vireak Buntham Express Co., Cambodia’s top bus operator. The partnership will operate along two important routes, both passing through the Aranyaprathet checkpoint in Sa Kaeo province.

 

These routes will reconnect the capitals, Bangkok and Phnom Penh, and reach the popular tourist site Siem Reap, known for the Angkor Wat temple complex. Atthawit Rakchamroon emphasized the reopening's importance, stating it will "promote tourism in both countries as Thailand and Cambodia have entered high season."

 

 

The Bangkok-Phnom Penh route will run daily at 7 a.m. from each city, taking approximately 11 hours with a ticket price of 900 baht. For quicker travel, the Bangkok-Siem Reap service departs at 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. from both locations, lasts about 7 hours, and costs 750 baht.

 

With the pandemic situation improving, both nations aim to boost their tourism sectors, and this restored bus service is expected to be a significant step forward. Travellers can look forward to exploring the rich cultural connections between these neighboring countries with a safe, efficient, and affordable mode of transport ready to welcome them onboard.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-11-26

 

 

[hotchilli]

11 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

For quicker travel, the Bangkok-Siem Reap service departs at 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. from both locations, lasts about 7 hours, and costs 750 baht.

Definitely interested in that one... Angkor Wat is on my bucket list

[Bday Prang]

13 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

With the pandemic situation improving

"improving" !!!   so we are not out of the woods yet the?      I fully expect a certain member will now produce charts and statistics to  keep us on our toes

[mangpono]

Not sure how accurate this is or if I am not understanding something, as I took the bus from Khao San Rd bkk to Siem Reap back in August this year. Everything else mentioned is about what I remember in terms of bus schedule and prices.

[soi3eddie]

Did I miss which bus terminal the bus departed from? 

 

Also, any news on the train service? Last year we got the train right on the Ban Klong Luk border station back to Bangkok. They had brand new Thai immigration facilities on the platform and it looked like they were almost ready to connect with through trains to Cambodia and Phnom Penh.