Reaching Bangkok from Phnom Penh
After visiting the legendary Angkor complex, sweating and experiencing incredible emotions during treks through the jungles of Ratanakiri, savoring Kampot pepper and Kep crab, and sunbathing on the pristine beaches of Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem, you may feel the urge to switch countries, especially if time is limited during your vacation. After Cambodia, Thailand seems like a perfect destination to continue exploring Southeast Asia. The cultures and traditions of Thailand, while similar to those of neighboring Cambodia, are unique and worth experiencing to appreciate this diversity. Added to this is the geographical proximity, which makes the journey more affordable for budget-conscious travelers, making Bangkok the ideal next step.
After spending your final moments in Cambodia, immersed in the heart of the capital, Phnom Penh—adorned with its diverse communities, the confluence of two major Southeast Asian rivers, the Mekong and Tonlé Sap, or its rich history and culture—it's time to embark on new adventures. Of course, there will be a tear in your eye, nostalgia creeping in as you savor those final moments, whether aboard a tuk-tuk driven by a smiling driver in the central market or enjoying a delicious lok lak… Several options are available to leave this kingdom and enter the realm of its neighbor. Your choice will depend on your preferences: some dread long trips, while others live by the famous saying, "It's the journey that matters, not the destination." Some may fear flying, others the bumps of a night bus. However, what will most often influence your decision is, of course, the budget allocated to transportation. Here are a few ideas to help you choose your best mode of transport to reach Bangkok from Phnom Penh. For stays of less than 30 days in Thailand, French travelers do not require a visa. For stays longer than a month, a visa is necessary. Please note, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date into Thailand.
Phnom Penh to Bangkok by bus or train
The easiest and one of the most affordable ways to travel from Phnom Penh to Bangkok is by bus. The 700 kilometers are covered in 13 hours, and travelers are required to change buses at the border. Depending on the bus company, prices range from $23 to $38 at most, with Giant Ibis being known for its safety, comfort, and welcoming service. The trip can also be faster by choosing a mini-van, although less comfortable than a coach.
Alternatively, you can take a more adventurous and even cheaper route. Some bus companies will drop you off at the Khmer-Thai border in the town of Poipet. Prices with these companies range from $8 to $11, and the journey takes about 10 hours. From there, with your passport in hand, you can cross the border and take a tuk-tuk or taxi to the town of Aranyaprathet, located just 5 kilometers away. From there, you can catch a train to Bangkok. Simply head to the train station in the center of this small town to purchase a ticket. The cheapest fare is $1.50, which, as you might imagine, will provide you with a very basic and uncomfortable seat. Note that only two trains depart daily from Aranyaprathet station to the capital: the 6:40 AM train (number 280), arriving in Bangkok at 12:05 (a 5-hour and 25-minute journey), and the 1:55 PM train (number 276), which reaches Bangkok at 7:40 PM (a 4-hour and 45-minute trip). The total cost of the trip can therefore be under $10.
Phnom Penh to Bangkok by air
For those with the budget and a preference for saving time on-site, flying is the best option. There are about ten daily flights from Phnom Penh to Bangkok, each lasting around 1 hour and 10 minutes, which makes it easy to plan your arrival.
By choosing low-cost airlines like Air Asia or Lanmei, you can easily find flights starting at €50 to reach Bangkok.