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How To Get From Bangkok To Siem Reap

Traveling from Bangkok to Siem Reap on Bangkok Airways

After a a few days in the land of smiles, it’s time to head to the ancient city of Angkor. Seeing as Siem Reap, Cambodia has such a small airport, you are likely stopping in Thailand or another country in South East Asia first. Here’s how to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap.

By reading this post, you will know if the Bus, Plane, or Train is best for you. Keep in mind, the distance from Bangkok to Siem Reap is just under 500km, so you will want a comfortable and stress free method.

✈️ Plane 🚌 Bus 🚂 Train + Border
Cost $70–120 USD $10–40 USD $5–15 USD
Total time ~3 hrs door to door ~8–10 hrs ~10–12 hrs
Difficulty Easy Moderate Hard
Border crossing No Yes — Poipet Yes — Poipet
Best for Most travelers Budget travelers Adventure seekers
Book via AirAsia / Bangkok Airways Giant Ibis / 12Go Asia Bangkok Station

The Best Way: Bangkok to Siem Reap By Plane

For most people, the best way will be flying directly into Siem Reap. Using either Thai AirAsia or Bangkok Airways, you will be spending around $70-120 (depending on when you book). This flight is just a quick 1 hour hop east, but could be even a little bit shorter depending on the conditions.

I personally flew out of Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), but you wil also find flights out of Don Mueang International Airport (DMK). Air Asia is likely to be out of the latter.

Traveling from Bangkok To Siem Reap By Plane
Bangkok Airways at Siem Reap Airport

Bangkok To Siem Reap By Bus

Going from Bangkok to Siem Reap by bus is for people on a tighter budget, scared of flying, or quite frankly just people looking for a little more adventure. If you are more of a “backpacker” or searching for a cheaper alternative, this might be for you.

12go is a site focused on this type of transportation in a more luxury way, but even for $10-25 you can still embark on this 8 hour journey with other bus companies.

You may have seen some HORROR stories about some online, but I mean it’s an 8 hour bus ride for $15, what do you expect. Sure there may be some nuisances, but you really can’t beat that price and the story that comes with it. You will witness a unique perspective of the south east asian countryside by traveling by bus to Siem Reap.

Bangkok To Siem Reap By Train

This third and final way to travel from Bangkok to Siem Reap is not something the average person will be choosing. There is no train directly connecting the two, but it’s still possible. If you are looking for a more gritty adventure, this would be for you. 

 

You will be waking up early because you have a train to catch at 5:55am. For just a dollar or two, hop on the train from Bangkok Station to Ban Klong Luk (the border station) and enjoy your 5~ hour ride. This will not be the most lavish train you have been on. (There is also a train at 1pm)

Follow the signs and walk across the friendship bridge to pass through immigration, and boom. You are officially in Cambodia. If you travel from Bangkok to Siem Reap by bus, you are a traveler.

 
🛂 CAMBODIA VISA REMINDER
Most nationalities need a visa to enter Cambodia. You have two options:

e-Visa (recommended) — apply online before you travel at evisa.gov.kh. Costs $36 USD, valid for 30 days. Takes 3 business days to process so don't leave it last minute.

Visa on Arrival — available at the Poipet border crossing for bus and train travelers. Costs $35 USD. Bring a passport photo and USD cash — card payments are not always available at the border.

Poipet Border to Siem Reap

YOU WILL ENCOUNTER SCAMS, BE CAREFUL. When I say scam, I just mean “tourist” things similar to what you will see in most places. Just politely say no thanks and smile. It may be a little intimidating but this is such a friendly country. For me, I like to look for somebody giving an honest price and generally tip them more.

 

It is another 3 hour drive to Siem Reap so you will have to take a taxi or bus now….they will want you to take a taxi. WHY? Because just as you arrive outside of the city the taxi driver will pull over and transfer you to a tuktuk. WHY? Because they want to try and sell you tours to Angkor Wat or other activities. It’s not a scam, they just want business. In Cambodia, they always recommend their friends….respect the hustle. The cost of this will vary, but keep in mind its a 3 hour drive. 

 

If you have young kids, or not much experience traveling….maybe hold off on this one and take the quick flight. Or just YOLO it who cares.

Now that you are in the Kingdom of Cambodia, you can finally check out this amazing country. I had such a great time here in Siem Reap. If you’re still planning your trip, be sure to check out my Cambodia itinerary.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the best way to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap? +
For most travelers, flying is the best option. Bangkok Airways and Thai AirAsia both operate direct flights that take around 1 hour and cost $70–120 USD. If you're on a tight budget and have time, the Giant Ibis bus is the best overland option.
How long does it take to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap? +
By plane it's about 3 hours door to door including airport time. By bus it's 8–10 hours depending on the border crossing wait. By train and overland it can take 10–12 hours or more.
How much does it cost to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap? +
Flights cost $70–120 USD depending on how far in advance you book. The Giant Ibis bus costs around $40 USD. Budget bus companies go as low as $10–15 USD. The train option is the cheapest at $5–15 USD but involves the most effort.
Do I need a visa to travel from Bangkok to Siem Reap? +
Yes — most nationalities need a Cambodian visa. Apply for an e-Visa at evisa.gov.kh before you travel ($36 USD, takes 3 business days). You can also get a visa on arrival at the Poipet border for $35 USD if traveling overland.
Is the bus from Bangkok to Siem Reap safe? +
Yes — Giant Ibis in particular is well regarded for safety and reliability. Budget buses are generally fine too, just less comfortable. The border crossing at Poipet can be hectic but is safe — just be aware of touts and stay calm.
Which airport in Bangkok should I fly from? +
Bangkok Airways flies from Suvarnabhumi (BKK) — the main international airport. Thai AirAsia flies from Don Mueang (DMK) which is the budget airport on the north side of the city. Check which airport your flight uses before booking transport.

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