Bangkok to Siam Reap by land

[IrishIvan]

A friend of mine is interested in going to Cambodia from Bangkok but he doesnt want to fly. I guessed it might be about 6-8 hours by vehichle, I strongly recommended a VIP bus.

My questions are:

Has anyone done it?

Where to get the bus from?

How long does it take?

Are the roads ok once crossing to Cambodia?

Thanks in advance

[PoorSucker]

You'll find everything here.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/637556-coconuts-test-drives-the-new-bangkok-to-cambodia-bus-service/

[phuketrichard]

bus no longer runs from Morchit direct as there was not enough interest

easiest way;

train to Aran, 5 1/2 hours 58 baht

tuk tuk to boarder 10 min 60 baht

taxi to sr $40-50 for the whole taxi

Roads excelent the whole way

[Lakegeneve]

bus no longer runs from Morchit direct as there was not enough interest

easiest way;

train to Aran, 5 1/2 hours 58 baht

tuk tuk to boarder 10 min 60 baht

taxi to sr $40-50 for the whole taxi

Roads excelent the whole way

That refers to the PP bus. Are you certain that the SR bus was also cancelled??? This definitely had more pax than the PP bus

I wouldn't recommend anyone who had not traveled much inThailand to take the train, it is slow on this leg and hard seats being 3rd class. If they are a rail fan or like a slow trip or need to save money then yes.

[Lakegeneve]

OP, plenty of people have done this trip. I sent some friends just last week who wanted to do it, though they were coming from Koh Chang. There are numerous bus and van options (though I wouldn't recommend taking a mini van as some of the drivers on this route are crazy and dangerous)

Buses depart BKK Airport (limited to 2 buses am), Ekkamai (same as Airport bus and vans) and mainly from Mo Chit (services every 1-2hrs). Where does you friend stay in BKK? (There are also the casino buses every morning from all parts of BKK but that may be difficult for your friend).

Once you reply I can send info & tips on crossing the border and share taxi to SR details.

[phuketrichard]

he doesn't want to fly and the train is a great way to experience Thai life.

Its very easy to navigate from Bangkok Hua Lamphong station, so even a first time traveler could manage it

Beats siting on a bus any day :-) and adds maybe less than a hour

I sent some friends just last week who wanted to do it, though they were coming from Koh Chang

Koh Chang is off of Trat>>>>

You sent them to Bangkok than Poi Pet to reach SR??

Trat to the border and they cross at Koh Kong and taxi to SHV or PP than up to SR by bus or Taxi??

Plenty of taxi to pick up, but best bet is find one wanting to get back to SR

[IrishIvan]

OP, plenty of people have done this trip. I sent some friends just last week who wanted to do it, though they were coming from Koh Chang. There are numerous bus and van options (though I wouldn't recommend taking a mini van as some of the drivers on this route are crazy and dangerous)

Buses depart BKK Airport (limited to 2 buses am), Ekkamai (same as Airport bus and vans) and mainly from Mo Chit (services every 1-2hrs). Where does you friend stay in BKK? (There are also the casino buses every morning from all parts of BKK but that may be difficult for your friend).

Once you reply I can send info & tips on crossing the border and share taxi to SR details.

They are staying in Asoke, Sukhumwit, thanks for the info.

[Lakegeneve]

he doesn't want to fly and the train is a great way to experience Thai life.

Its very easy to navigate from Bangkok Hua Lamphong station, so even a first time traveler could manage it

Beats siting on a bus any day :-) and adds maybe less than a hour

I sent some friends just last week who wanted to do it, though they were coming from Koh Chang

Koh Chang is off of Trat>>>>

You sent them to Bangkok than Poi Pet to reach SR??

Trat to the border and they cross at Koh Kong and taxi to SHV or PP than up to SR by bus or Taxi??

Plenty of taxi to pick up, but best bet is find one wanting to get back to SR

Yes I do know where Koh Chang is ty. Your route is much less direct, slower and longer, And only the once a day bus from Koh Kong to Shin. Nice way for a scencie trip but silly if one wants to go from Koh Chang to SR by land.

No I worked out a route with 4 buses via Trat, Chantaburi, Sa Kaow and Aran which took 6 hrs total from the Leam Ngop pier to the border which is fairly good. Worked out better than I expected for them. The 522 bus between Chantaburi and Buriram was the key. They wanted to do it. Calling bus stations for exact times was the key.

Yes the train can be nice for some but not all. He can decide. Generally the train is 2 hours longer than the bus. Oranges and apples.

[Lakegeneve]

OP, plenty of people have done this trip. I sent some friends just last week who wanted to do it, though they were coming from Koh Chang. There are numerous bus and van options (though I wouldn't recommend taking a mini van as some of the drivers on this route are crazy and dangerous)

Buses depart BKK Airport (limited to 2 buses am), Ekkamai (same as Airport bus and vans) and mainly from Mo Chit (services every 1-2hrs). Where does you friend stay in BKK? (There are also the casino buses every morning from all parts of BKK but that may be difficult for your friend).

Once you reply I can send info & tips on crossing the border and share taxi to SR details.

They are staying in Asoke, Sukhumwit, thanks for the info.

So Ekkamai would be easier.

Let me check the exact dep times as I think it is 7am or 7:30am and 9am or 9:30am departures from Ekkamai and 45mins later from the Swampy Transport Terminal. Only 3 hrs from the airport so it is fairly quick and new buses so comfortable (haven't done it but have seen them). About 200-220 baht.

[danielwhite532]

Train is a great way to experience Thai life. Its very easy to navigate from Bangkok Hua Lamphong station. Nice way for a scencie trip but silly if one wants to go from Koh Chang to SR by land.

[Lakegeneve]

Train is a great way to experience Thai life. Its very easy to navigate from Bangkok Hua Lamphong station. Nice way for a scencie trip but silly if one wants to go from Koh Chang to SR by land.

Esp silly since you can get anywhere near either location by train!

[Lakegeneve]

OP, plenty of people have done this trip. I sent some friends just last week who wanted to do it, though they were coming from Koh Chang. There are numerous bus and van options (though I wouldn't recommend taking a mini van as some of the drivers on this route are crazy and dangerous)

Buses depart BKK Airport (limited to 2 buses am), Ekkamai (same as Airport bus and vans) and mainly from Mo Chit (services every 1-2hrs). Where does you friend stay in BKK? (There are also the casino buses every morning from all parts of BKK but that may be difficult for your friend).

Once you reply I can send info & tips on crossing the border and share taxi to SR details.

They are staying in Asoke, Sukhumwit, thanks for the info.

So Ekkamai would be easier.

Let me check the exact dep times as I think it is 7am or 7:30am and 9am or 9:30am departures from Ekkamai and 45mins later from the Swampy Transport Terminal. Only 3 hrs from the airport so it is fairly quick and new buses so comfortable (haven't done it but have seen them). About 200-220 baht.

Might be worth getting your friend to just go to Ekkamai a few days before and check as I am getting different departure times. Can also call Ekkamai and ask. Once you do pls ask your friend to post the time here for future ref

(remember some departures are vans so be clear). The Ekkamai bus travels via the Airport Bus Terminal then directly east to Aran so it is quicker than the Mo Chit buses which go via Rangsit, Nakhon Nayok then east.

This blog is quite good with pics for your friend to familiarise;

http://www.solobackpacker.com/2012/08/09/how-to-reach-from-bangkok-to-seam-reap/

This is what I wrote for my friends for the actual crossing which may be of some use;

Note most buses/mini vans will go to the border bus station - called Talat Rong Kluea - and this is preferable. Aran is 6km from the border.

If the bus terminates at Aran bus station you will need ot take a tuk tuk (60 baht) to the border.

Note: They will ask you if you have a visa, say yes you do. Otherwise they will ask to take you to the Cambodian Consulate where you will be charged 1200 baht ($40) for a visa - tuk tuk driver gets a commission. Just say you have one.

5) Crossing the border (30 mins to 2hrs). The border closes at 8pm both sides.

It all the depends on the number of people crossing, at that time it should not be too bad. LP describes this crossing at Poipet (Cambodian side) as the scam border crossing capital of the world! Numerous Casinos here mean that weekends the place is full of thais gambling. Traders, scammers, tourist guides and small children and beggars make this a chaotic place. Take your time, be focused and all will be well.

Thai Side: Well marked and clear, just follow the lanes and it should not take too long as long as there are not too many crossing at that time. Don't forget to sign your departure card. Once you exit the building Cambodian guys will approach you offering help to get a visa - tell them that you have one and you don't need help. Some might pester you.

You will cross a small bridge (the middle point is the actual border) on the left side, then pass through a supposed health check point. You then need to immediately cross over diagonally to the right towards a two story official looking building where you obtain your Cambodia visa.

Cambodian Side (Visa Office) This is where the fun starts. A form needs to be completed with a passport pic attached (if you don't have a pic they will charge you 100 baht extra). The visa fee is US$20, however the Immigration guys try to get everyone to pay 800 baht ($US26-) to make money on the side. Only pay in US $. They then tell everyone that there is 100 baht processing fee, this is bullshit but most people pay it. Just smile and hand over your $20 and tell them the embassy told you it was only $20 and no other fees. (If you don't have a passport pic just pay the 100baht and no extra).

It is a game, they want that extra 100 baht (I think they even have a hand written sign) , especially for anyone paying in US $ as it is extra money for them. Be patient and polite but firm.

Entry point Once they accept the form and payment it is a quick process not taking more than 5-10 mins. Exit and stay on this side of the road heading right. Approx 200m away past the big white casino is the actual entry point. This is where the wait can be long. If there are many people with lines going outside the building it could take 30-45mins. You need to fill in an arrival from so ask for this from a guy sitting on a table on the left.

You may be asked to pay 100 baht by the immigration when they process you but refuse with a smile. Once your passport is stamped, exit to the right and enter chaos.

6) Poipet to Siem reap: Trip should take 3-3.5hrs

There is a shuttle bus just after you exit immigration arrival to the Poipet Bus Station for buses to Siem Reap ($7-8??) but I have no info on times etc. Most people chat in the immigration line and catch a taxi together to Siem Reap and I'd recommend you do the same ($40-50).

[Lakegeneve]

And some tips I gave them for SR which may be useful;

1) Get yourself a copy of the Siem Reap guide, glossy A5 size, free publication. It has lots of great maps and info. Very, very handy. Cannot highly recommend enough.

I was going to give you mine but you went straight there.

http://www.canbypublications.com/siemreap/srhome.htm

2) You will need to hire a tuk tuk/moto driver to go around Angkor Wat area. The hotel should have a list of drivers. I expect that it will be about $8- or so now. This is for the whole day or practically 5-6 hrs, whatever you can last.

the candy guide says "motorcycle taxi (‘motodup’) for $6-$9/day; "

http://www.canbypublications.com/siemreap/srstarted.htm

3) Get the 3 day pass which gives time and flexibility.

4) Don't go too early as the tour buses tend to leave early. Work out your tour to avoid the buses. Whatever you do, avoid where the buses are as you can literally have hundreds of tourists swarming over diff sites. They tend to do the main sites like

the Bayan, Angkor Wat and Angkor Tham. Late afternoon tends to be quieter for these places

5) Spend time around the old town as lots of nice cafes and restaurants there. New Seam Reap is quite tacky. Just a short walk from you to the north around pub st.

Other may wish to add............

Oh and they stated that the taxi ride to SR from Poipet was fine, 2.5- 3hrs.

[phuketrichard]

And some tips I gave them for SR which may be useful;

1) Get yourself a copy of the Siem Reap guide, glossy A5 size, free publication. It has lots of great maps and info. Very, very handy. Cannot highly recommend enough.

I was going to give you mine but you went straight there.

http://www.canbypublications.com/siemreap/srhome.htm

2) You will need to hire a tuk tuk/moto driver to go around Angkor Wat area. The hotel should have a list of drivers. I expect that it will be about $8- or so now. This is for the whole day or practically 5-6 hrs, whatever you can last.

the candy guide says "motorcycle taxi (‘motodup’) for $6-$9/day; "

http://www.canbypublications.com/siemreap/srstarted.htm

3) Get the 3 day pass which gives time and flexibility.

4) Don't go too early as the tour buses tend to leave early. Work out your tour to avoid the buses. Whatever you do, avoid where the buses are as you can literally have hundreds of tourists swarming over diff sites. They tend to do the main sites like

the Bayan, Angkor Wat and Angkor Tham. Late afternoon tends to be quieter for these places

5) Spend time around the old town as lots of nice cafes and restaurants there. New Seam Reap is quite tacky. Just a short walk from you to the north around pub st.

Other may wish to add............

Oh and they stated that the taxi ride to SR from Poipet was fine, 2.5- 3hrs.

the above must be old

2 hours poi pet to SR by taxi $40-50

Tuk tuk ( just ask outside ur hotel) for the day MIN $15 an ur's from sunrise till u head to bed, I would usually be picked up ( before i started taking my own car) before dawn and than driven around till about 11 am than back to the hotel for a nap before back to Angkor around 4 to catch the sunset.

RECOMMENDED to go to Angkor before Dawn to see the sunrise, The book below tells u where to go an when for the best views. One of the most magical sights to see, also sunset.

Pick up a copy of "Ancient Angkor" available via street sellers and once u arrive in the complex $7-10 .

Pay a visit to the NEW museum located in town before u head to Angkor as it gives u lots of information.

You can get a free admission to see a sunset as the park allows u in for free after 4:30 pm.

3 day pass $40 but must be 3 consecutive days or $20/day

Head out to Kampong Phluk ( Vietnamese village on the lake), its a 1 hour tuk tuk ride an a 2 hour boat trip . Prices for the boat trip about $15 /person

Pub street, Ko San road for the suitcase backpackers. entertaining for an evening, Plenty of shops, clubs, rests an bars

MY trip in Photos; Cambodia

[Lakegeneve]

And some tips I gave them for SR which may be useful;

1) Get yourself a copy of the Siem Reap guide, glossy A5 size, free publication. It has lots of great maps and info. Very, very handy. Cannot highly recommend enough.

I was going to give you mine but you went straight there.

http://www.canbypublications.com/siemreap/srhome.htm

2) You will need to hire a tuk tuk/moto driver to go around Angkor Wat area. The hotel should have a list of drivers. I expect that it will be about $8- or so now. This is for the whole day or practically 5-6 hrs, whatever you can last.

the candy guide says "motorcycle taxi (‘motodup’) for $6-$9/day; "

http://www.canbypublications.com/siemreap/srstarted.htm

3) Get the 3 day pass which gives time and flexibility.

4) Don't go too early as the tour buses tend to leave early. Work out your tour to avoid the buses. Whatever you do, avoid where the buses are as you can literally have hundreds of tourists swarming over diff sites. They tend to do the main sites like

the Bayan, Angkor Wat and Angkor Tham. Late afternoon tends to be quieter for these places

5) Spend time around the old town as lots of nice cafes and restaurants there. New Seam Reap is quite tacky. Just a short walk from you to the north around pub st.

Other may wish to add............

Oh and they stated that the taxi ride to SR from Poipet was fine, 2.5- 3hrs.

the above must be old

2 hours poi pet to SR by taxi $40-50

Tuk tuk ( just ask outside ur hotel) for the day MIN $15 an ur's from sunrise till u head to bed, I would usually be picked up ( before i started taking my own car) before dawn and than driven around till about 11 am than back to the hotel for a nap before back to Angkor around 4 to catch the sunset.

Nothing to do with old info. You are just stating a 2hr time which is a more unsafe driving speed than a 2.5-3hr timeframe. People can chose faster but on Cambodian roads with poor driving skills, I'd suggest a little slower is better. Always good to reach your destination!

Also, you are paying way more than most do on the tuk-tuk, most pay between $7-10 max. (My friends paid $8- for a whole day just 2 weeks ago). I suspect that it may be due to where you are staying or perhaps you are not bothering to negotiate? Perhaps the tuk tuk had leather seats & aircon?

Aside form that, all the other info is good and some very nice pics!