Travel from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap

Q: My husband and I will be travelling to Cambodia in November. We would like to know the best way to travel from Phnom Penh up to Siem Reap and back - by speedboat or bus. Could you also please recommend a good 3 star hotel in both places. - Lorna Dodkins

A: The easiest way to get to Siem Reap is by plane, flying with Bangkok AIrways. You appear to have discounted this option, probably because of the much higher price than the other alternatives. Taking the bus is the most popular mode of transport. The standard of the road is fairly good and the journey takes 5-6 hours. You can buy tickets from a number of companies or, more conveniently, from travel agents and guesthouses. Two of the best are the Mekong Express and the Sokha Komar Tep Company, which charge around 10 US dollars for a one-way ticket. If you don't fancy a bus, a shared taxi will cost you about the same. You can also take a speedboat or ferry which ply the route on the Tonle Sap River and lake between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. The journey takes 4-6 hours and cost from 22 US dollars one way. It is very difficult to book in advance, so the best is to wait until you are there and can get advice from fellow travellers. For accommodation, you should consult the discount hotel websites like www.travelfish.org for pricing tips and www.agoda.com for hotels. (21/8/11)