There are a lot of different options to travel from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh. These include bus, minibus, boat, plane and taxi.
The road connecting the main tourist town in Cambodia to the capital city is now in good condition. The journey from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh by road takes between 5 hours and 6.5 hours
Bus and Minivans
The trip from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh is very scenic. You will see lots of rice paddies, traditional wooden houses and lots of farm animals. A full size bus is safer, more comfortable and offers better views of the scenery.
The Giant Ibis Bus Company offers a great service with modern buses. The driver’s speed is monitored to improve passenger safety. The Giant Ibis also offers a night bus at 10.30om, 11pm and 11.30pm so that you can arrive in Phnom Penh early enough to then catch a minivan to other provinces such as Mondulkiri.
Minivans travel a bit quicker than the larger buses. There are many companies doing this route from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh.
For a large list of other bus and minivan options from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh you can book online. Book a minivan with this link to BookMeBus and $1 will be donated to elephant rescue and conservation.
Plane
There are now three airlines operating daily flights from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh. This is the fastest (and most expensive) way to travel; if you’re short on time, flying is the best option because it only takes about 45 minutes. The three airline companies are Bassaka Airlines, Cambodia Angkor Air and Bayon Airlines. Bassaka air is usually the cheapest.
When you arrive in Phnom Penh the price of a taxi into town is now almost the same as a tuk tuk. For $10-$12 you have air-conditioning, no pollution and no chance of losing any of your bags.
Taxi
Taxis from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh cost between $65 and $100. Private taxis are usually Toyota Camrys and can fit 4 passengers as long as they don’t have a lot of luggage. Private taxis can be hired through any guesthouse or travel agent. Make sure to confirm the price before the trip.
Boat
Between July and March ferries run from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Travel by boat is best during the wet season when water levels are high. Boats leave from both Siem Reap and Phnom Penh at 7:30 a.m. and the trip takes about six hours. Tickets cost $28. If you buy your tickets via this link $1 is donated to elephant rescue and conservation at the Mondulkiri Project.
Once you have booked you travel from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh you should consider visiting the Mondulkiri Project elephant sanctuary. Enjoy one and two day elephant sanctuary and jungle trek tours. All you need to do is book a minivan from Phnom Penh to Mondulkiri which will take you 5-6 hours.
