How to Travel from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by Bus: Guide & Eco-Tours

A Scenic Journey Through Cambodia’s Heartland

Traveling from Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant capital, to Siem Reap, home of the iconic Angkor Wat, offers a budget-friendly, scenic adventure through lush rice paddies, traditional villages, and water buffalo-dotted landscapes. The 320 km route along National Highway 6, spanning 5–6 hours, is a favorite among cultural enthusiasts, families, and eco-travelers, connecting the bustling riverside of Phnom Penh to Siem Reap’s temple-studded charm. Buses provide an affordable and comfortable way to experience Cambodia’s countryside, making travel from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by bus an authentic, immersive journey, perfect for exploring the nation’s rich heritage.

Bus travel supports sustainable tourism by reducing carbon emissions compared to flights, aligning with Cambodia’s eco-friendly initiatives like community-supported transport hubs. Legend Travel Group, Southeast Asia’s leading sustainable tourism ambassador with over 17 years of expertise, enhances this journey with eco-conscious tours and transfers. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to travel from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap with sustainability and cultural respect!

Travel Note

Buses depart from Phnom Penh’s Riverside, Night Market, or BKK1 terminals, arriving at Siem Reap’s Pub Street or Central Market areas. Eco-friendly tuk-tuks and e-bikes connect terminals to cultural sites, ensuring a green, authentic experience.

Legend Travel Group excels as the region’s premier local travel curator, dedicated to unveiling Vietnam, Cambodia, and Southeast Asia’s treasures through safe, eco-conscious journeys. Our Cambodia bus tours feature sustainable transport, expert guides on Khmer culture, and initiatives supporting local communities and ecosystems. Specialists provide insights on traveling from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by bus, cultural etiquette, and green travel practices for seamless adventures. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before, and 24/7 support, we ensure effortless exploration. Register a free account on our platform to save travel plans, craft eco-focused itineraries, and receive fresh updates—enhancing your Cambodian journey!

Affordable and Scenic Bus Travel for a Khmer Adventure

Bus travel from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap is a popular, eco-friendly option offering comfort and stunning countryside views. Here’s your comprehensive guide to traveling from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by bus:

• Bus Options:

  • Economy: Mekong Express, Capitol Tour; basic seating, air-conditioning ($8–$12 or 32,000–48,000 KHR). Ideal for budget travelers.

  • Standard: Virak Buntham, Cambolink21 Express; Wi-Fi, USB charging ($12–$16 or 48,000–64,000 KHR). Balanced comfort and cost.

  • Premium: Giant Ibis; spacious seats, English-speaking staff, snacks ($15–$18 or 60,000–72,000 KHR). Best for eco-conscious travelers.

  • Night Bus: Giant Ibis, Virak Buntham; sleeper beds ($18–$22 or 72,000–88,000 KHR), departs 10:00 PM–11:30 PM, arrives 5:00 AM–6:30 AM.

  • Booking: Via apps, bus terminals, or Legend Travel Group for eco-packages. Fees $1–$3 (4,000–12,000 KHR).

  • Eco-Tip: Choose operators like Giant Ibis with fuel-efficient buses.

• Bus Route Details:

  • Distance: 320 km via National Highway 6.

  • Duration: 5–6 hours (day buses); 6–7 hours (night buses), depending on traffic.

  • Schedule: Day buses depart hourly from 6:00 AM–3:00 PM; night buses at 10:00 PM, 10:30 PM, 11:30 PM.

  • Stops: 1–2 rest stops (15–30 minutes) for meals ($2–$4 or 8,000–16,000 KHR) and restrooms.

  • Terminals: Phnom Penh (Riverside, Night Market, BKK1); Siem Reap (near Pub Street or Central Market).

• Cultural Etiquette for Bus Travel:

  • Greetings: Use “sok sabay” (hello) with drivers and staff; smile politely.

  • Dress: Modest attire (long pants or scarf, $4–$5 or 16,000–20,000 KHR) respects Khmer norms.

  • Behavior: Keep noise low; no photography of locals without consent; store bags securely.

  • Eco-Advice: Use digital tickets to reduce waste; bring reusable water bottles ($5 or 20,000 KHR).

  • Tip: Say “arkun” (thank you) to staff; respect local customs at rest stops.

• Terminal Transfers:

  • Phnom Penh: Eco-tuk-tuk from city center to terminal ($3–$5 or 12,000–20,000 KHR).

  • Siem Reap: E-bike from terminal to Pub Street ($2–$4 or 8,000–16,000 KHR).

  • Booking: Pre-arrange via apps or Legend Travel Group for sustainable transfers.

  • Eco-Tip: Shared tuk-tuks minimize carbon footprint.

• General Bus Tips:

  • Booking: Reserve 1–2 days ahead, especially for night buses; peak seasons (Khmer New Year) require earlier booking.

  • Comfort: Bring a neck pillow ($5 or 20,000 KHR) for night buses; carry snacks ($2–$4 or 8,000–16,000 KHR).

  • Navigation: Pin “Phnom Penh Night Market, Cambodia” or “Siem Reap Pub Street, Cambodia” in offline apps (Maps.me).

  • Legend Travel Group tours include eco-transfers and cultural briefings.

Note: Schedules and costs reflect current travel trends; verify updates with operators. Our tours enhance with sustainable practices.

These budget-friendly, eco-activities, $0–$37, complement your journey:

1. Explore Angkor Wat

Marvel at the UNESCO temple at sunrise, entry $37 (148,000 KHR).

• Cost: $37.

• Hours: Daily, 5:00 AM–6:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Use e-bikes ($6–$10 or 24,000–40,000 KHR).

• Tip: Included in Legend Travel Group’s Angkor Eco-Trail ($90–$130).

2. Wander Old Market

Shop crafts and street food, daytime, items $1–$5 (4,000–20,000 KHR).

• Cost: $1–$5.

• Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–6:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Walk or e-tuk-tuk ($3 or 12,000 KHR).

• Tip: Part of Legend Travel Group’s Market Eco-Tour ($45–$85).

3. Cruise Tonle Sap Lake

Discover floating villages, afternoons, boat $12–$18 (48,000–72,000 KHR).

• Cost: $12–$18.

• Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Community-supported eco-boats.

• Tip: In Legend Travel Group’s Lake Eco-Cruise ($70–$110).

4. Visit Pub Street

Enjoy Khmer dining and nightlife, evenings, meals $3–$6 (12,000–24,000 KHR).

• Cost: $3–$6.

• Hours: Daily, 5:00 PM–11:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Locally sourced food.

• Tip: Highlight of Legend Travel Group’s Nightlife Eco-Dine ($40–$80).

5. Explore Phare Circus

Experience Khmer arts, evenings, tickets $18 (72,000 KHR).

• Cost: $18.

• Hours: Daily, 8:00 PM–9:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Supports community programs.

• Tip: Featured in Legend Travel Group’s Cultural Eco-Show ($50–$90).

November to March offers mild weather for comfortable bus rides and temple exploration, ideal for cultural immersion. Avoid April-May heat or June-October rains, which may delay travel; February or May balances pleasant conditions and fewer crowds.

Details for a seamless bus adventure:

• Bus Booking: Use apps, terminal counters, or Legend Travel Group for eco-packages. Book 1–2 days early; peak seasons require earlier reservations.

• Departure Points: Phnom Penh’s Riverside, Night Market, or BKK1; confirm exact location with operator.

• Arrival Points: Siem Reap’s Pub Street or Central Market; arrange e-tuk-tuk ($2–$4 or 8,000–16,000 KHR) for hotel transfers.

• Navigation Tip: Pin “Siem Reap Central Market, Cambodia” in offline apps (Maps.me). Parking: $0.50–$1 (2,000–4,000 KHR).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Shared buses reduce emissions.

• Travel Tip: Morning buses (6:00 AM–9:00 AM) align with Siem Reap’s daytime activities.

Pack for a comfortable, respectful journey:

• Documents: Passport, Cambodia visa ($42 or 168,000 KHR); wallet ($8–$12 or 32,000–48,000 KHR).

• Clothing: Light, modest attire; scarf ($4 or 16,000 KHR) for temple visits post-arrival.

• Essentials: Reusable water bottle ($5 or 20,000 KHR); snacks ($2–$4 or 8,000–16,000 KHR).

• Tech: Phone with offline maps; portable charger ($15–$25 or 60,000–100,000 KHR); local SIM ($7–$10 or 28,000–40,000 KHR).

• Eco Items: Reusable tote ($4 or 16,000 KHR); phrase card ($2 or 8,000 KHR).

• Extras: Small cash in USD/KHR for stops; neck pillow ($5 or 20,000 KHR). Tip: Modest attire respects Khmer cultural norms.

Costs for Traveling from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by Bus

Bus Costs

• Economy: $8–$12 (32,000–48,000 KHR).

• Standard: $12–$16 (48,000–64,000 KHR).

• Premium: $15–$18 (60,000–72,000 KHR).

• Night Bus: $18–$22 (72,000–88,000 KHR).

Visa & Travel Costs

• Cambodia Visa: $42 (168,000 KHR).

• Bus Stop Snacks: $2–$4 (8,000–16,000 KHR).

Activity Fees

• Angkor Wat: $37 (148,000 KHR).

• Old Market: $1–$5 (4,000–20,000 KHR).

• Tonle Sap Boat: $12–$18 (48,000–72,000 KHR).

• Pub Street Meals: $3–$6 (12,000–24,000 KHR).

• Phare Circus: $18 (72,000 KHR).

• Souvenirs: $3–$7 (12,000–28,000 KHR).

• Eco-Tour: $20–$35 (80,000–140,000 KHR).

Total Daily Cost (Per Person, Post-Arrival)

• Budget: $30–$50 (economy bus, street food, market).

• Mid-range: $60–$90 (standard bus, boat tour, circus).

• Luxury: $120–$160 (premium bus, upscale dining, private tour). Tip: Bus $8–$22; visa $42; activities $0–$37; eco-tours add cultural value.

• Etiquette: Use “sok sabay” for greetings; respect fellow passengers; keep belongings secure.

• Bus Choices: Giant Ibis for comfort; Mekong Express for budget.

• Schedules: Morning buses for daytime arrival; night buses for overnight travel.

• Sustainability: Digital tickets reduce waste; choose eco-conscious operators.

• Navigation: Terminal to city via e-tuk-tuk ($2–$4 or 8,000–16,000 KHR).

• Weather: Dry season for smoother roads and clear views.

• Cultural Note: Engage politely at rest stops; respect local customs.

• Legend Tours: Eco-transfers and cultural briefings included.

Explore Siem Reap post-bus with our eco-tours:

• Angkor Eco-Trail ($90–$130/person, 1 day): Guided temple tour with e-bike, eco-snack ($3–$5 or 12,000–20,000 KHR). Guide, cultural tips included.

• Market Eco-Tour ($45–$85/person, half day): Old Market exploration, sustainable meal, culturally sensitive stops.

• Cambodia Temple Explorer ($280–$400/person, 4 days): Multi-site tour with eco-lodges, meals, green transfers. Prices include guides, sustainable logistics, entries. 25% off for groups of 4+! Register a free account to track, save, and tailor your Siem Reap itinerary.

Traveling from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by bus offers a scenic, affordable journey ($8–$22 or 32,000–88,000 KHR, 5–6 hours) through Cambodia’s countryside, connecting the capital’s vibrancy to the temples of Angkor. This eco-friendly route fosters respectful exploration with sustainable transport and local experiences. Legend Travel Group, your eco-travel ally, blends bus travel with green tours for deeper cultural connections. Create your free account to monitor guides, design vibrant itineraries, and explore further—reach out at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com for your sustainable Cambodian adventure!