To Phnom Penh

[Malani]

Hi,

i tried to find a topic how to get from Bangkok to PP by bus or train. I would prefer a bus but train is also ok.. I know that there is not a direct bus that i have to change but i am not sure where or what is easier route to go on. Also, any comment on price of transportation is welcomed, and any recommendation in PP to stay but not to be very expensive we have limited budged so i would prefer the cheaper places...

thanks

[Mario2008]

Look here for some reports under PP. Lots of information.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/189375-latest-reports-of-getting-a-visa-in-the-region/

[Nomadd]

There are bus options but I can tell you about trains as I did it recently.

From Bangkok there are 2 trains a day that go to Aranyaprathet on the border and they both cost 48 Baht (free for Thais). The first one leaves at 05:55 and the later one at 13:05. There is only 3rd class but there are many padded seats (not all "hard" seats). The trains are busy and you cannot book seats in advance. Turn up early on the day and get your ticket. I recommend grabbing a seat early or you could be stood up for the 6-ish hour journey.

Once in Aranyaprathet take a tuk tuk or moto to Rong Glua market and the border crossing. The border is open until 20:00 and on the other side you can take buses to Phom Penh. The buses mostly leave early doors (around 08:00) so it might be better to overnight in Aranyaprathet, although you don't HAVE to if you are short on time but remember that Poipet is a bit of a shithole and accomodation options are limited whereas Aranyaprathet is quite a nice little place (for a short time at least). Buy tickets for the buses in Poipet (KH side).

Warning: Be careful of high ticket prices out of Poipet. The high prices come from a company called Oudom Rithy who will charge around $15 (if I remember correctly). Phnom Penh Sorya are generally the cheapest (but still decent quality buses for Cambodia) and they have an office in Poipet. I think they charge around $6 or so to PP from Poipet . You can grab a tuk tuk or moto to their office which can be found on NH5 near the turning for the new (rip-off) bus station. But remember if you arrive after 9am the chances of finding a bus that day lie mostly with Oudom Rithy.

Basically with a couple of tuk tuk rides included you can get from Bangkok to PP for under $10.

Good luck!