Phnom Penh, the capital and largest city of Cambodia, is a popular destination for travelers who want to experience the rich and diverse culture, history, and cuisine of the country. Phnom Penh is located in the south-central part of Cambodia, on the banks of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. The city offers a variety of attractions and activities, such as the Royal Palace, the National Museum, the Central Market, the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, and the Choeung Ek Killing Fields.
Bangkok, the capital and most populous city of Thailand, is a major hub for international flights and transportation in Southeast Asia. Bangkok is known for its vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere, its stunning temples and palaces, its lively nightlife and entertainment, and its delicious and diverse food. Bangkok is located in the central part of Thailand, on the banks of the Chao Phraya river.
Traveling to Phnom Penh from Bangkok is relatively easy and convenient, as there are several options available for travelers, depending on their budget, time, and preference. The main options are by plane, bus, train, or car. Here are some of the details and tips for each option:
- By plane: This is the fastest and most convenient way to travel to Phnom Penh from Bangkok, as it takes about an hour and a half. There are several airlines that offer direct flights between the two cities, such as Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, AirAsia, and Cambodia Angkor Air. The average cost of a one-way ticket is around $100, but it can vary depending on the season and the availability. The flights depart from Suvarnabhumi Airport or Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok, and arrive at Phnom Penh International Airport in Phnom Penh. Travelers can book their tickets online or through a travel agent, and they need to have a valid passport and a visa for Cambodia. The visa can be obtained on arrival at the airport, or online through the [e-Visa] service.
- By bus: This is the cheapest way to travel to Phnom Penh from Bangkok, as it costs around $20. However, it is also the longest and most tiring way, as it takes about 12 hours. There are several bus companies that operate between the two cities, such as Nattakan, Virak Buntham, and Giant Ibis. The buses depart from Mo Chit Bus Terminal or Khao San Road in Bangkok, and arrive at various locations in Phnom Penh, such as the Central Market, the Olympic Stadium, or the Riverside. The buses are usually comfortable and air-conditioned, and they stop for breaks and meals along the way. Travelers can buy their tickets online or at the bus station, and they need to have a valid passport and a visa for Cambodia. The visa can be obtained at the border crossing, or online through the [e-Visa] service.
- By train: This is a scenic and adventurous way to travel to Phnom Penh from Bangkok, as it allows travelers to see the countryside and the rural life of both countries. However, it is also a complicated and time-consuming way, as it involves multiple transfers and modes of transportation. The journey takes about 15 hours, and it consists of the following steps:
- Take a train from Hua Lamphong Railway Station in Bangkok to Aranyaprathet Railway Station in Aranyaprathet, which is near the border with Cambodia. The train takes about 6 hours, and it costs around $2. The train departs twice a day, at 5:55 am and 1:05 pm.
- Take a tuk-tuk or a taxi from Aranyaprathet Railway Station to the border crossing at Poipet, which is about 6 km away. The tuk-tuk or taxi takes about 15 minutes, and it costs around $2.
- Cross the border from Poipet to Poi Pet, which is the Cambodian side of the border. The border crossing takes about an hour, and it involves getting stamped out of Thailand, getting a visa for Cambodia, and getting stamped into Cambodia. The visa can be obtained at the border, or online through the [e-Visa] service. The visa fee is $30, and travelers need to have a valid passport and a passport photo.
- Take a bus or a taxi from Poi Pet to Battambang, which is the second-largest city in Cambodia. The bus or taxi takes about 3 hours, and it costs around $10. The bus or taxi departs from the bus station or the taxi stand near the border crossing.
- Take a boat or a bus from Battambang to Phnom Penh. The boat is a more scenic and interesting option, as it travels along the Sangker river and the Tonle Sap lake, passing by floating villages and fishing communities. The boat takes about 8 hours, and it costs around $20. The boat departs once a day, at 7:00 am, from the pier near the Royal Hotel in Battambang. The bus is a faster and cheaper option, as it takes about 5 hours, and it costs around $7. The bus departs several times a day, from various bus stations in Battambang.
- By car: This is a flexible and comfortable way to travel to Phnom Penh from Bangkok, as it allows travelers to choose their own route, pace, and stops. However, it is also an expensive and challenging way, as it requires renting a car, driving on unfamiliar roads, and dealing with traffic and border formalities. The journey takes about 10 hours, and it covers about 650 km. The main route is as follows:
- Drive from Bangkok to Aranyaprathet, which is near the border with Cambodia. The drive takes about 4 hours, and it follows the Highway 1 and the Highway 33. There are tolls and gas stations along the way.
- Cross the border from Aranyaprathet to Poi Pet, which is the Cambodian side of the border. The border crossing takes about an hour, and it involves getting stamped out of Thailand, getting a visa for Cambodia, and getting stamped into Cambodia. The visa can be obtained at the border, or online through the [e-Visa] service. The visa fee is $30, and travelers need to have a valid passport and a passport photo. Travelers also need to have a carnet de passage, which is a document that allows them to temporarily import their car into Cambodia. The carnet de passage can be obtained from the Automobile Association of Thailand, and it costs around $200.
- Drive from Poi Pet to Phnom Penh, which is the capital and largest city of Cambodia. The drive takes about 5 hours, and it follows the National Road 5 and the National Road 6. There are tolls and gas stations along the way. Travelers need to be careful and alert when driving in Cambodia, as the roads can be crowded, chaotic, and poorly maintained. Travelers also need to follow the traffic rules and regulations, such as driving on the right side of the road, wearing seat belts, and avoiding speeding and overtaking.
These are some of the ways to travel to Phnom Penh from Bangkok. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, and travelers need to consider their budget, time, and preference when choosing the best option for them. Traveling to Phnom Penh from Bangkok can be a fun and rewarding experience, as it offers travelers the opportunity to see and explore two of the most fascinating and diverse cities in Southeast Asia.
