Traveling from Bangkok, Thailand to Siem Reap, Cambodia by Bus

Siem Reap has been the gateway to the marvels of Angkor Wat. For years, foreign tourists have swarmed in its beauty with admiration and curiosity. Over time, Siem Reap has expanded from a quiet dusty city, to one of the favorite tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. As tourist demand rises, Siem Reap has made sure that it is convenient and remarkable for its visitors. Budget-friendly accommodations, world-class resorts, delicious local food, accessible transportation, and nightlife are being offered to all wanderlusters. The people, the culture, the beauty and the ruins of the once great Khmer Empire should be in anyone’s travel bucket list.

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Traveling from Bangkok to Siem Reap by Bus:

Before 2009, traveling to Siem Reap from most parts of Southeast Asia is difficult and expensive. Also, it takes longer to travel by land during those times and scams are proliferating. As transportation advances, direct buses, air transportation, and travel tours were made available, making land and air travels to Siem Reap from Bangkok and vice versa easier.

Transport Co International – is a government operated bus company. They have VIP buses with good AC, Wifi, and toilet on board. A snack of bread with water or juice and a meal of rice and  Thai curry are provided during the trip. Though it’s not the best bus company for western travelers since their buses do not have enough leg room, however, compared to other average bus companies, their buses are preferable. The bus trip should take 6 hours from Bangkok to Siem Reap, but the holdups in the immigration makes it an hour or two longer.

Transport Co International Bus Schedule from Bangkok to Siem Reap:

The usual bus trip to Siem Reap from Bangkok is around 8:00 – 9:00 in the morning. The bus service only operates from Bangkok to Siem Reap and vice versa.

Ticket Cost: THB850

Main Bus Terminal: Bangkok Bus Terminal (MoChit 2)
2 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, Lat Yao,
Khet Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand

Do I need a visa to enter Cambodia?

Philippine passport holders and ASEAN countries need not to secure a visa upon arrival in Cambodia for 21 days to 30 days respectively.

However, for some foreign tourists who does not qualify for visa-free entry to Cambodia, e-visa is available online. Nationalities that are required to secure a visa prior to visiting Cambodia can apply for a visa from the Royal Embassy of the Kingdom of Cambodia in their country. At the border, it is available at Poipet Banteay Meanchey and Cham Yeam. Passport should be valid 6 months from expiration date and a recent passport-sized photo should be provided to obtain a visa.

How much is the visa fee?

Single Entry for tourist. Good for 30 days – $30

Single entry for Business. Good for 30 days – $35

Visa Scam at the Border:Visa scams are notorious especially when traveling by land. Even taking a government-operated bus from Thailand to Cambodia, scams are still common. Make sure you have your visa available before the trip to avoid inconvenience. If the option to get a visa is only at the border, avoid offers from fixers especially the expedited option which is not necessary.

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