Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Getting In

 
 

By Bus

Cambodia is finally aiding its development through improving its roads. Since around 2008, asphalt has been blazing trails into unexpected and remote places making for faster, year-round accessibility. The main highways that connect Phnom Penh with Siem Reap, Battambang, Sisophon and Poipet are both well paved and in good condition.
 
 
 
 
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The rather chaotic bus station at the southwest corner of Phnom Penh's Central Market is the base for buses run by Mekong Express, Phnom Penh Sorya Transport, Capitol Tours, Giant Ibis and GST Express. Tickets are available at the bus station. Guesthouses and travel agents throughout the city will also arrange tickets for a USD1-2 commission. The quality of buses runs from the less desirable (few dollars cheaper) to the more comfortable. Safety standards are low and crashes (not always reported) are common with both "quality" and "cheap" buses. Furthermore, some passengers have experienced valuables stolen from their luggage when stored out of sight.

Road to Phnom Penh by Phillie Casablanca

International services
Border crossings are not open 24 hours. On some nights buses will wait at the border until it opens. If entering Cambodia, watch out for visa scams. International services from outside Cambodia to Phnom Penh include:

  • Vientiane, Laos (around 27 hrs) - Stressful trip with shambolic border procedure and multiple bus changes. 
  • The Four Thousand Islands region, Laos (around 7 hours) - Departs for the Laotian town of Don Det.
  • Bangkok, Thailand (US$15, around 14 hours) - Change of bus required at the Poipet border.
  • Pakse, Laos (around 14 hours) - Buses arrive at night around 7:30-8:00 pm.

Bus transfer by Damien @ Flickr

Domestic Services
Phnom Penh is the domestic transport hub and direct buses run to the city from just about every provincial capital of Cambodia including far flung towns like Pailin, Samraong, Banlung and Sen Monorom. Major bus services to Phnom Penh include:

  • Siem Reap (USD5-10, 6 hourrs) - Capitol Tours (USD5) is the only company that runs buses from central Siem Reap.
  • Poipet - Cambodian town on the border crossing with Thailand, linking with the Thai town of Aranyaprathet, and hence Bangkok.
  • Koh Kong (around USD7) - Southern Cambodian town near Thailand and linked to Phnom Penh by Highway 48.
  • Sihanoukville (USD5-10, 3-5 hours) - Resort town along the coast of the Gulf of Thailand.
  • Battambang (USD6, 5-6 hourrs) - Popular tourist destination and nearby ancient temples.
  • Kampot (USD4-8, 4-5 hours) - Located in the southeast, it is a laid back town on the riverside.
  • Sisophon - A countryside town in Northwestern Cambodia and transport hub in the region.
 
Guide to
Phnom Penh

Cambodia Hotels
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Banlung
Battambang
Kampong Cham
Kampot
Kep
Koh Kong
Kratie
Phnom Penh
Poipet
Ratanakiri
Siem Reap
Sihanoukville
Sisophon

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