About the ride from Kampot to Siem Reap
Located on the banks of the Preaek Tuek Chhu River, Kampot is a charming town that gives visitors a taste of the Cambodian countryside. Known for its pepper plantations and salt flats, the town is best experienced on bike. Admire the town's French colonial architecture, visit the iconic Durian Roundabout or ride out to Bokor National Park.
Siem Reap, on the other hand, is the starting point to the spectacular temple ruins of Angkor Wat, said to be the world's largest religious monument. Discover its beauty, in all its crumbling glory, over a three-day discovery tour or even a week-long one. Back from exploring the ruins, get a taste of Cambodian culture as you savor traditional dishes while witnessing a mesmerizing Apsara dance performance.
The 280 mile (452 km) distance from Kampot to Siem Reap takes eight to nine hours to cover. Travelers can pick from sleeper buses, minivans, and private taxis. With plenty of daytime and nighttime departures to select from, you can choose a timing that works best for you. Minivans are the fastest way to travel this distance while sleeper buses are a popular choice. Those who prefer to travel in comfort can book a private taxi.
What to see when traveling from Kampot to Siem Reap
The journey from Kampot to Siem Reap showcases Cambodia's beautiful countryside to its fullest. Relax to the sight of lush green paddy fields and idyllic rural scenes of farmers plowing their land and people going about their everyday lives. If you are traveling by sleeper bus, though, you might not get to see much of the smaller towns, but you can expect to reach Siem Reap refreshed after a good night's sleep.
How to get from Kampot to Siem Reap
Taking a bus
Overnight buses are a popular and convenient option available for those looking to get to Siem Reap from Kampot. The buses take around nine hours to cover the distance, reaching Siem Reap in the early morning. With air conditioning and flatbeds to sleep in, buses are a preferred way to travel this route, especially amongst budget travelers and backpackers. The operator provides blankets and pillows and makes rest stops along the way.
Since the buses are fitted with double beds, those who don't want to share space with another passenger or need more privacy are advised to purchase two tickets. It’s also recommended to keep a warm jacket handy as the buses, sometimes, get a little too cold for comfort.
Taking a minivan
With hourly departures for most part of the day, minivans are a good option available to travelers, especially if you are looking for flexibility in travel. With ticket prices starting from $21, they are also a cost-effective choice. Private minivans are available for hire, making it perfect if you are traveling as part of a bigger group. Multiple departure options, air conditioned vehicles, shorter travel times, and hotel pick up and drop off make minivans a very convenient pick.
Hiring a private car/taxi
If you are looking for privacy and more flexibility in timings, hiring a private taxi might be the best choice. Though the most expensive option, private cars are faster, offer a lot more legroom, and hotel pick up and drop off service. Perfect for families with kids and couples who don't mind paying a little extra.
