Bus to Angkor Wat

Q: I need to travel from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap in Cambodia to visit Angkor Wat. I have checked flights, but they are pretty expensive. Could you suggest one of two alternatives? - Michael Steyn

A: The most popular way to travel between the two centres is by bus. As the road is paved and safe, it only takes about five or six hours. Phnom Penh does not have a centralized bus station, the buses depart from different locations depending on what company is offering the service. You can get the details of your departure point when you buy your ticket. Several bus companies, guesthouses and travel agencies offer air conditioned bus transport. It is usually easier to buy a ticket through a travel agency or a guesthouse, as the prices will not differ much. The price depends on the service, from basic air conditioned bus to a deluxe one with entertainment, snacks and on-board toilet. Most buses make at least two stops along the way - at Skun and Kampong Thom for a snack or lunch. The price of bus tickets range from as little as 4 US dollars to around 10 dollars for a luxury bus. Many travellers recommend the Mekong Express bus service. You can also use a local shared taxi, which will cost you around 8 US dollars per person. You can rent the entire taxi for around 45 US dollars, which allows you the flexibility to stop along the route and shop for the very reasonably priced goods sold along the road. If you can convince fellow travellers to join you, you can get the price down. The taxis depart from the southwest corner of the Central Market in Phnom Penh. You can also go by ferry on the Tonle Sap river and lake. Although it can be very uncomfortable and costs around 35 US dollars per ticket, some tourists find the idea appealing. (8/8/10)