Traveling from Bangkok to Siem Reap is a popular route among tourists who, despite visiting Thailand, don’t want to miss the chance to see the magnificent temples of Angkor Wat. The two cities are about 400 kilometers apart, and you can travel between them in various ways – from a quick flight to a more budget-friendly trip by bus or train.
We’ve prepared a detailed guide on how to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap: how much a plane ticket costs, whether it’s worth taking the train or better to travel by minivan or private transfer, whether you need to arrange a visa in advance and which border crossing is most convenient, along with other useful tips to help you plan the perfect trip.
Flying from Bangkok to Siem Reap
Taking a flight is the fastest way to travel from Bangkok to Siem Reap. Several flights operate daily on this route, and the journey takes just about one hour.
Departure and arrival airports
You can fly to Siem Reap from either Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) or Don Mueang Airport (DMK). The first is Bangkok’s main international airport and the more modern of the two, while Don Mueang mainly serves low-cost airlines.
Flights from Bangkok to Siem Reap arrive at Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport (SAI).
Airfare and airlines
You can choose from the following airlines: Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, and Thai AirAsia. It’s worth noting that flights operated by Bangkok Airways take about 20 minutes longer, lasting around one hour and twenty minutes instead of just one hour.
Ticket prices start at around $300 per person one way. You can check current rates and purchase tickets online.
Although flying isn’t the cheapest option, it’s definitely the fastest and most convenient – even when factoring in the time needed to get to the airport – especially since you can obtain a visa on arrival in Siem Reap. The main downside, apart from the relatively high ticket price, is the baggage allowance limit and the extra fees you may need to pay if your luggage exceeds the permitted weight.
Bus from Bangkok to Siem Reap
Although flying is the fastest way to reach Siem Reap, most travelers still prefer taking the bus. Several companies operate passenger services between Bangkok and Siem Reap, including Thailand’s state-owned carrier, The Transport Company, whose buses depart from the Mo Chit 2 bus terminal.
A particularly popular choice among travelers is Giant Ibis, known for its comfortable buses and assistance with border crossing procedures. The total travel time from Bangkok to Siem Reap is approximately nine hours, including the border crossing.
Buses vary in size, offering between 26 and 40 seats. Ticket prices start at around $21 per person and go up to $43 for VIP seats.
It’s best to purchase bus tickets in advance, which you can easily do through the website 12go.asia. Keep in mind that different bus companies depart from different locations in Bangkok.
Plan to arrive at the bus terminal at least 30 minutes before departure to allow time for check-in and registration.
Crossing the Thailand–Cambodia border
Most buses cross the border at the Poipet checkpoint – a city in western Cambodia opposite the Thai town of Aranyaprathet.
The border crossing process generally goes as follows: all passengers exit the bus before the border to complete immigration procedures on the Thai side, then walk through the neutral zone and obtain their visa at the Cambodian border checkpoint. Depending on the bus company, passengers either continue their journey on the same bus after completing the process or transfer to another one waiting on the Cambodian side.
From Bangkok to Siem Reap by minivan
Waiting for 40 passengers to clear immigration can be quite tiring. If that doesn’t sound appealing, you can travel to Siem Reap by minivan instead. Minivans typically accommodate between 4 and 10 passengers.
The travel time is on average about an hour shorter than by bus. Most minivans are air-conditioned, and some companies even provide bottled water. The only downside is the limited luggage space, so if you’re traveling with large suitcases, this option may not be ideal.
Ticket prices from Bangkok to Siem Reap start at around $25 per person. You can find more details and book your seat online.
By taxi from Bangkok to Siem Reap
If you’re traveling with family or a small group, taking a taxi might be the most convenient and fastest way to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap. The cost for a car accommodating up to four passengers is around $500.
The main advantage of this option is flexibility – you can choose your preferred pickup location, such as directly from Bangkok Airport. The only thing to keep in mind is the luggage size and weight limit per passenger, which you can confirm during booking.
With a two-day tour
Since many travelers visit Siem Reap from Bangkok primarily to see the Angkor Wat temple complex, booking a two-day organized tour can be a convenient and well-planned option. This choice has both advantages and drawbacks.
The main advantage is comfort: you’ll be picked up from your hotel, driven to the border, assisted through immigration, transferred to your hotel in Siem Reap, and provided with sightseeing activities. The next day, you’ll visit Angkor Wat and return to your hotel in Bangkok by evening. You can find more details and booking options online.
However, this option may not be ideal for those who want to explore the temple complex in greater depth. The itinerary is quite packed, and you’ll spend a significant amount of time on the road, which can be tiring.
