Bangkok To Cambodia Phnom Pehn

[STEALTH K3]

Is it possible to do this route by train and how often do the trains leave

[BambinA]

I went to PP , but no idea about train ..(can we go there??)

just 3 routes i know

1 BKK(bus)>Aranyaprathet(bus)>Siem reap(boat)> PP

2BBK(bus)>trat(bus then boat)>Snookyville(bus)>PP

3 Flight , Bangkok Airway

Edited September 26, 2005 by BambinA

[Sel]

I think the closest train point is Battambang (a 100+km) in cambodia from aranyaprathet. It suppose to be really slow.

[Khutan]

Another option that is less known is the Bus from BKK to Prasat, then a local bus from Prasat to Chon Chom. You walk across the border, and you can get a car to take you to Phnom Penh or Ankor.

Its quite scenic, as people say, I have only been to Ankor that way.

[ovenman]

Another soon-to-be option: AirAsia will commence service shortly on the Bangkok-Phnom Penh route.

[ovenman]

Interesting, AirAsia now lists Phnom Penh on their website but it's KL->Phnom Penh starting Nov 1.  No mention of BKK->Phnom Penh, lets keep our fingers crossed.

AirAsia (AK) and Thai AirAsia (FD) are two separate operations in some senses. Keep your eye on their website as the Thai AirAsia seats are usually loaded into their system separately from the Malaysian-based seats.

[ProfessorFart]

You can do sections of it by train but not the whole way and bear in mind that Cambodian trains are not that great as they are old, slow and uncomfortable as well as having no real dependable timetable. They leave when they are able to.

Getting from BKK to Aranya is easy enough. There are 2 trains a day at 0555 and 1300.

From Poipet, even though the Cambodian railhead starts here- its fallen into total disrepair, you will have to head to Sisophon where the train leaves from. Because the service is so erratic don't be surprised if you have to wait up to a day for a train to arrive in Sisophon. There is supposed to be one departure for Battambang and Phnom Penh every two days leaving at about 1400 hrs . but bear in mind that this is Cambodia and delays are more often than not going to happen.

If things are running according to plan the train should leave Sisophon at 1400 then rattle slowly into Battambang at around 1800. You then have to overnight in Battambang before picking up the train again in Battambang at about 0600. The train the crawls on to Phnom Penh and you may get there by 2000 hrs if you are lucky.

Alternatively just head straight for Battambang and pick up the train to avoid hanging around in Sisophon as Battambang is a far nicer place to hang out if you arrive on a non train day.

If this hasn't put you off the train can be a very pleasant way to see Cambodia and meet the locals if you can handle the discomfort and the very real prospect of having to crash in the crowded train if there is a problem. I've done it twice now. Once it all went smoothly and the other time we finally crawled into Phnom Penh at 0030 ish but both times were memorable trips.

Some tips to make your trip smoother.

Bear in mind that this train makes Thai 3rd Class look like the Orient Express!

Take shitloads of water and food.

Take some good strong booze for breaking the ice as much as anything.

Pack your bag in such a way that it can double as a seat/cushion if needed.

Have plenty of reading material. WHile there is daylight the views from the windows can be stunning but once they are gone theres not much to be seen.

Be prepared for a lot of delays and waiting around.

There is always talk and speculation of how this line will be upgraded and opened up between BKK and PP but I'll eat a fresh dog turd if it happens any time soon.

[Rinrada]

The train from P.P.to Siso used you give the passengers who were happy to ride in the front carriage free tics.

This was located in front of the engine and was a sort of buffer against the NADK-KR who would use it for morter pratice

[STEALTH K3]

Air Asia have started flights there now for 1599 bht cant beat that I think

[Nam Kao]

CGs are sweet