Bangkok to Siem Reap tickets

About the ride from Bangkok to Siem Reap

Saying farewell to Thailand's beautiful scenery and chaotic capital is hard. But don't worry; the magnificent country of Cambodia awaits, starting with the world-famous city of Siem Reap.

To conquer the 393-kilometer (244-mile) distance, travelers can take a short flight to make quick work of the journey. Budget-conscious people can opt for a minivan or a bus, and those who enjoy more luxury will love the minivan option.

However you choose to arrive, your longing for Bangkok will dissipate as you discover the more sedate brand of wildness in Siem Reap, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angkor Wat.  

What is Siem Reap like?

Siem Reap is Cambodia's second city, but it's more like a series of small towns and villages centered on Angkor Wat.

Despite feeling like a splintered city, Siem Reap has a friendly atmosphere fueled by a heavy focus on community in the culture. It's certainly not as chaotic as other big cities in Southeast Asia — a welcome reprieve after the high-energy atmosphere of other top destinations on your backpacking journey.

Siem Reap centers on a series of canals where people spend their evenings chatting and drinking on plastic chairs, sampling delicious meals from vendors lining the walkways. You'll even see people here when it's pouring. They huddle beneath umbrellas and just carry on sipping their beers.

Even though the town was founded on an ancient civilization, Siem Reap still feels like an up-and-comer. You'll find plenty to do after your adventures to its attractions. Vibrant graffiti and trendy cafes pop up every other week, adding to its appeal. 

Unforgettable activities in Siem Reap

Siem Reap is a fantastic place to meet fellow travelers because so many flock here to see the magnificent Angkor Wat. You'll easily find friends to continue your adventures with.

Angkor Wat is obviously the number one reason people visit Siem Reap. It's the largest Buddhist temple in the world, built by multiple kings between the 9th and 15th centuries. You cannot see everything in one day, so either go for one day and choose your highlights ahead of time or consider booking multiple-day trips.

Next, consider visiting the Kompong Khleang Floating Village to float through bargaining chaos and sample a few delicious dishes. 

Afterward, move onto the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve to take a boat ride to see some truly incredible wildlife, including some of the most enormous birds you'll ever see.

Lastly, it's worth visiting Phnom Kulen National Park for a day trip. It's a 90-minute to two-hour drive, but it's worth it for the epic waterfalls here. The park is on a mountain with stunning layers of temples, waterfalls, jungle, and viewpoints to discover.

How do I get from Bangkok to Siem Reap?

Travelers on their way to Siem Reap from Bangkok can choose between a flight, a minivan, or a bus to reach their final destination.

By flight

Pick between an economy flight with Thai AirAsia or Bangkok Airways to make short work of the journey between Bangkok and Siem Reap. All flights have air conditioning and a WC on board.

A Thai AirAsia flight will depart from Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok and arrive at Siem Reap Angkor International Airport one hour later.

You will need to pay an additional fee for luggage. This ticket will cost approximately $60.

Passengers flying with Bangkok Airways will depart from Suvarnabhumi Airport and arrive at Siem Reap Angkor International Airport one hour later.

This ticket usually includes one piece of 20 kg (44 lbs) luggage and one carry-on. Tickets cost around $180.

By bus

Taking a bus from Bangkok to Siem Reap is a great option for the budget-conscious, but the journey time is between eight and nine hours. Prices start at $27.

Travelers depart from central Bangkok and arrive in the heart of Siem Reap. Departure and arrival stations may vary, so check the booking confirmation of your details carefully. Typically, you'll meet the operator at their offices and get dropped off at the corresponding office at your destination. Arrive at least 15 to 30 minutes early to avoid any confusion.

Possible bus amenities include:

Air conditioning

WC on board

WiFi, subject to availability

Food and drinks purchased on board 

Reclining seats

Rest stops 

A luggage allowance of two bags and one handbag weighing up to 25 kg (55 lbs) per passenger

By minivan

Booking a seat in a minivan from Bangkok to Siem Reap is a more comfortable way to complete the journey. And tickets can be less expensive than the bus. Prices start at $22.  

The ride will take around seven to nine hours, and services are available throughout the day to fit your itinerary.

Departure points vary depending on the operator, so check the confirmation details carefully.

Possible minivan amenities include:

Air conditioning

Snacks and drinks

Rest stops

Crossing the Thailand and Cambodia border

Anyone traveling this route by road will cross the Aranyaprathet/Poipet border to reach Siem Reap from Bangkok.

Remember that the immigration process can take a long time, accounting for a significant amount of the journey time.

This process is your responsibility, not your bus or minivan operator's. Prepare all the relevant documents ahead of time so everything is ready for inspection. 

You can get a visa upon arrival, but securing a Cambodian visa in advance is far quicker. 

When flying into Cambodia, you'll still need a visa, but it's less risky to get a visa upon arrival this way. 

The best things about the ride from Bangkok to Siem Reap 

The journey between Bangkok and Siem Reap could be more exciting. Yes, it still boasts pretty spectacular scenery, just like the rest of Southeast Asia. Still, it's mostly a thick jungle that obscures the sweeping beauty of the countryside.

Instead of clambering to look out the window, sit back and relax with your headphones to 

pass the time. You'll see plenty of majestic views and sights after you arrive. 

If you choose to fly, grab a window seat because the aerial views are phenomenal, and if you're lucky, you can see Angkor Wat!

When is the best time to visit Siem Reap?

The best time to visit Siem Reap is during the dry season between November and May. These months bring clear skies, minimal rainfall, and sunny days. Expect temperatures between 77°F and 95°F (25°C and 35°C). 

However, the pleasant weather also entices more tourists, so you'll be wandering the grounds of Angkor Wat alongside more crowds. 

To skip the crowds, visit just before the dry season starts or right after it ends. There's a higher chance of rainfall, but you'll see the city in a more tranquil state. Plus, it's worth it to experience Angkor Wat without melting.

Avoid visiting from June through October when the skies open and humidity threatens to overheat the city. In the wet season, daytime temperatures typically sit between 77°F and 80°F (25°C and 27°C).

How many days should I spend in Siem Reap?

Four to five days is more than enough time to experience all of Siem Reap's gems. If this unique destination enchants you, maybe spend an extra few days.

However, four days are just the right amount of time to tour Angkor Wat and spend a couple of days checking out some of Siem Reap's lesser-known sites.

Where should I go after Siem Reap?

When you can tear yourself away from Siem Reap, head north to discover the remote beauty of the Kulen Prum Tep Wildlife Sanctuary. Here, you'll spot elephants and ruins on the same horizon. You can also see the incredibly rare giant and white-shouldered ibises.

To get off the beaten track, go to Virachey National Park to see some spectacular scenery on the border of Laos' southern tip.

Alternatively, visit Phnom Penh, Cambodia's bustling capital, before heading south for a taste of island life on Koh Rong.