Recommended Journey (Save 1 Night Hotel)
1. Land in Phnom Penh
Arrive at Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH).
2. Larryta Night Bus
Take the 6-hour sleeper bus directly to Siem Reap.
3. Arrive Early
Arrive around 3:00 AM. Our Tuk-Tuk is waiting for you at the station.
4. Angkor Sunrise
Head straight to the ticket office and start your tour immediately!
How to travel from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap in Cambodia?
Because Phnom Penh is the capital and main international gateway, traveling from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap is the most common route in Cambodia. You have four main ways to make this journey:
1. VIP Minivan or Sleeper Bus (Most Popular): This is the most highly recommended option. Companies like Larryta Express or Giant Ibis offer comfortable, air-conditioned rides that take about 5.5 to 6 hours. Tickets usually cost between $14 and $17.
2. Private Taxi or SUV: If you want total comfort and a flexible schedule, you can hire a private driver. A private taxi takes about 5 to 6 hours and offers door-to-door service from your Phnom Penh hotel directly to your Siem Reap hotel. Prices range from $70 to $100 depending on the vehicle size.
3. Domestic Flight: The fastest option. Cambodia Angkor Air offers domestic flights from Phnom Penh Airport (PNH) directly to Siem Reap Airport (SAI). The flight only takes 45 minutes, but it is the most expensive option and you still need to factor in the 1-hour drive from SAI airport to the city center.
4. Speedboat (Seasonal): During the wet season, when water levels are high enough, you can take a scenic boat ride across the Tonle Sap lake. It is a beautiful adventure but takes a long time (up to 8 hours) and can be bumpy.
Arriving By Air
Siem Reap Airport (SAI): Siem Reap operates exclusively through the new Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI). Located approximately 45 to 50 kilometers from the city center, the drive takes about 1 hour. Official airport shuttle buses run to the city center for around $8. Private taxis and minivans can be arranged for faster, direct hotel drop-offs.
Phnom Penh Transit (PNH): If your international flight arrives in Phnom Penh, you can transit to Siem Reap by booking a short 45-minute domestic flight directly to SAI, or you can take a VIP bus overland.
VIP Vans & Buses
Larryta Express: This is the #1 most popular choice for both international tourists and locals looking for a safe, comfortable ride. Larryta Express offers direct VIP sleeper buses and minivans from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. The journey is highly reliable, well-air-conditioned, and takes about 6 hours. Tickets cost approximately $14 to $17.
💡 Insider Travel Tip: If you are coming from Phnom Penh, taking the Larryta Express sleeper bus at night is a great idea many travelers recommend on TripAdvisor. The bus usually gets to Siem Reap early around 3:00 AM or 4:00 AM. This is perfect because you can start your Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour right away and save money on paying for a hotel that night. Also, you do not need to worry about arriving early in the dark. Our Tuk-Tuk drivers actually use the Larryta station as their main parking spot all day and night. When you book your tour with me, your friendly driver will already be right there waiting to pick you up and take you straight to buy your temple tickets for the sunrise.
Other Operators: Companies like Giant Ibis and Vireak Buntham offer excellent sleeper buses and VIP services if you prefer to travel overnight or in larger coaches. It is highly recommended to book these tickets online in advance through their official websites.
Overland Border Crossings
From Thailand (Important 2025 Update): Due to recent tensions along the border, all land borders between Thailand and Cambodia have been officially closed since 2025. It is currently impossible for tourists to cross overland via bus or taxi at Poipet or any other land checkpoint. Please do not attempt to book overland border buses as you will be turned away. What is possible: You must travel by air. There are still many direct daily flights available from Bangkok to Phnom Penh (PNH) or directly to Siem Reap (SAI). We highly recommend booking a flight to Phnom Penh and then taking the VIP Larryta Express bus to Siem Reap to save money.
From Vietnam (Moc Bai / Bavet Border): There is no direct border bypassing the capital. The standard overland journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap requires transiting through Phnom Penh. The total journey takes between 11 to 16 hours. Booking a through-ticket with a major bus company simplifies the transfer process.
From Laos (Trapeang Kriel Border): When traveling from the 4,000 Islands (Don Det/Pakse), you will cross at Nong Nok Khiene / Trapeang Kriel. This involves taking a boat to the mainland, a minivan to the border, and a connecting van to Siem Reap. Ensure you have clean USD bills for any Visa processing fees at the checkpoint.
Common Arrival Pathways
Direct International (Singapore / Malaysia / China)
Direct Flight
Board direct flight to Cambodia.
Land at SAI
Arrive at Siem Reap Angkor Airport.
1hr Transfer
Private taxi to city center.
Start Tour
Meet your driver at the hotel.
From Thailand (Flights Only - Land Border Closed)
Direct Flight
Fly from Bangkok to Phnom Penh (PNH).
Land at PNH
Arrive in Cambodia's capital.
Larryta Bus
Take the VIP bus to Siem Reap.
Arrival
Meet driver at the station for sunrise.
Overland from Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh)
HCMC Bus
Bus to Bavet/Moc Bai border.
Phnom Penh Transit
Arrive in PP and change buses.
Larryta Express
6-hour VIP bus to Siem Reap.
Start Tour
Rest or start exploring Angkor.
Overland from Laos (4,000 Islands)
Boat Transfer
Boat from islands to mainland.
Trapeang Kriel
Cross Laos/Cambodia border.
Connecting Van
Minivan to Siem Reap.
Arrival
Meet driver at bus station.