Pattaya/Bangkok to Siem Reap

[ryro88]

Have any board members made this trip overland lately and if so which way did you go about it? I'm aware that there are mini bus tours but all I keep reading online are bad reviews about them. could anyone enlighten me on the best choice for an overland journey from either bangkok or Pattaya to Siem reap? Thanks in advance.

Edited January 27, 2015 by ryro88

[mike2011]

Check the Cambodia section below for some recent info regarding your question.

To summarize:

From Pattaya - safest, cheap, and also reliable ist the Yellow bus line Rayong - Mukdahan which departs also from the bus station on Pattaya Nua (the BKK bus station) and runs through Aranyaprathet - 6 kms from the border. Several buses each day. Apparently currently 250 baht per person one way.

From BKK: cheapest and safest - train at around 6 AM and 1 PM - Train station is near the Aranyaprathet bus station 6 kms to the border

second best option are buses either from Morchit or Ekkamai bus stations either to the border market (right on the border) or Aran. The Ekkamai - Aran bus stops also at the airport bus station which might suit you depending on your location in BKK.

Border: Do some searches on the various visa scams. You could save some time and perhaps money by doing a Cambodian Tourist visa online. Otherwise buy for 30 USD at the border, plus, maybe, 5 USD extortion fee. Bring USD otherwise you get sce..d, Dont forget passport photos - if not you pay 1 USD extra per missing photo.

Poipet to Siem Reap: This is the classic Cambodian scam. Do not follow orders, advice, invitations, whatever anybody tells you and enter the shuttle bus to the bus station. If you're there you're done for good. Scams without end.

A lot of current info online. It seems, depending on your budget, that taking a cab with together 4 people seems to be good. Only pay once the driver delivered you at your guesthouse in SR. Never before.

[ryro88]

Cheers Mike a lot of good info there. I knew it wasn't straight forward but it did give me a good insight into a few options I could take. Thanks.

[mike2011]

What is your time budget and is it only Siem Reap in Cambodia?

One idea might be to take the afternoon train 1 PM and arrive at Aran a little before 7 PM. Excellent time to cross the border, ZERO waiting.

There are still people pimping around the border and offer taxis to Siem Reap which would get you in to SR by around 10 PM.

Important is that you have a reservation for a GH or hotel with exact directions. The driver will try to stirr you to an overpriced place that gives him a commission. As will any tuktuk driver and motortaxi driver. There are good deals online in any price category.

Or: Spend the night in wild west Poipet and its let's say not quite Pattaya levels of nightlife and take a cab in the morning.

Thirdly, cross the border and get a ride to Sisophon. Spend the night there and take a regular bus for 3-4 USD to Siem Reap and no scams whatsoever. That might be the most economic variant.

If you're going to see temples. Get up at 6 AM in Sisophon and take a motorbike taxi to Banteay Chmar and surrounding temples north of Sisophon. The temple is NO (!!) second to the Angkor temples. You will have it for yourself and it is huge. Photos online and more info, google is your friend. After the visit back to Sisophon and an afternoon bus to SR.

The Pattaya Vans to SR deliver you on the border to a handler and you end up with those Cambodian scam artists. The Pattaya Van has factored his share into the fare. Plus you arrive at a bad time at the border and need to wait in the heat.

There are many options which is good as you can tailor them according to your personal preferences and maybe also to the situation on the day.

ENJOY you will have a great time. It sounds a bit a headache but the reading saves you from surprises and smooths your trip.

[ryro88]

Yeah it's only SR I intend to go to Mike and I plan to stay 5 days then return back to Thailand. I will book my hotel prior to arriving in SR yeah.

[Kaoboi Bebobp]

I know you said overland but why not book on Cambodia Angkor Air BKK to REP. Save a ton of hassle. Right this weekend it's 4800 baht return.

[ryro88]

I've had my fair share of airports lately and I thought going overland may be a bit more interesting plus I'm in no hurry.