Cambodia Transportation: Get to and around Cambodia

Posted on 14/03/2014 7:43:12

Cambodia is home to various transportation – some of which are international; some you have never seen; some disappeared long ago from western countries, such as Cyclos, Tuk Tuks, Ox Cart, Buffalo Cart or Horse Cart.

Getting to Cambodia

1. By Flight

At this moment, there are only two airports handling international flights: Pochentong International Airport in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap international Airport. The former one is the largest airport in Cambodia while the latter is the busiest one in terms of passenger traffic for it is located near the famous tourist site, Angkor Wat. There are direct flights to these airports, from Bangkok, Guangzhou, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Vientiane.

Indochina Tour helps arrange flights for those taking our tour service or wanting a flight ticket to the next destination. Please contact us to tailor-make a tour.

a. Phnom Penh Pochentong International Airport
Location: Road Notional No. 4, about 10km west of Phnom Penh
Country Code: +855
Telephone: +855(0)23890890
Website: www.combodia-airports.com
Transfer from the airport: Taxi costs $7 for the 30-50 minutes ride into the downtown; motorcycle taxi can be hired for $2 into the downtown. A taxi to the airport from the downtown costs $5-$7 and shared taxi for $2 per person.

b. Siem Reap International Airport
Location: about 8km from Siem Reap
Website: www.cambodia-airport.com/siemreap/
Transfer from the airport: Motorcycles charge $1 and cars charge $5 into the downtown. Most hotels offer free transportation from the airport, but you must notify them in advance of your arrival.

Siem Reap International Airport

2. By Land

a. from Thailand
The border crossing between Aranyaprathet in Thailand and Poi Pet in Cambodia opens from 08:00-18:00. There are also two trains to Bangkok in a day at 06:40 and 01:00. Visitors have to get Cambodia visa at Royal Cambodian Embassy in advance.

b. from Laos
No public transport border crossings. Travellers entering Cambodia from Laos must obtain a Cambodia visa before travelling to the border.

c. from Vietnam
International border crossings at Bavet in Cambodia and Moc Bai in Vietnam connect two major cities of two countries: Ho Chi Minh City of Vietnam and Phnom Penh City of Cambodia with the distance of around 230km. Cruise ship can be possible on the Mekong River from Vietnam to Phnom Penh capital city. Visitors are required to have an entry visa for Cambodia in advance.

Mekong River from Vietnam

Getting around in Cambodia

1. By Flight
Flying between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap is very convenient. There are five flights each day. Currently we use Cambodia Angkor Air for internal travel. But the tickets are so head to book, please contact us at an early date of your tour.

2. By Boat
Boats are common in Cambodia. Many Khmers live on a river or lake or perhaps may live on water at some time during the wet season. There are some ferries that are used to cross the major rivers. When you have a boat trip along Tonle Sap Lake which offers spectacular scenery along the way, we can arrange your boat.

3. By Motorbike
In major urban centers like Phnomand Siem Reap, you will see this common scene – motorbike transfer. Because it is cheap, quick and easy to hail everywhere.

Cambodia Motorbike

4. By Bus
Nowadays, as the road conditions are improving, buses are becoming more and more common. There are large and small buses available for the trips between most cities, including Siem Reap, Sihanoukville and Battambang.

5. By Taxi
Taxis are commonly found in Siem Reap, but at other places are more difficult to find. They are air-conditioned cares ( usually small sedans ) and are often considered dangerous by many as they travel at high speeds.

6. By Bike
Bicycles are also used frequently and because they are cheaper then motorbikes. The bicycles are bigger than other countries and used for carrying 3-4 persons as well as goods.

7. By Cyclo
Cyclo, also named three wheeled pedal powered vehicle, is also available throughout Cambodia, but mostly found in urban areas. When you travel there, you often, a cyclo carry entire families and goods including motorbikes, animals and building materials. Usually, it is used by the driver as his bed.

8. By Tuk Tuk
Tuk Tuk is a kind of three wheeled vehicles ( usually a two wheeled carriage pulled by a motorbike ) are also now readily available in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and other major town. It is a good way for our guests travelling in and around the towns.

Cambodia Tuk Tuk

9. By Elephant
In the Northeastern part of Cambodia, elephants are used to work as a kind of vehicle in the fields and forests. Riding are available for our guests and a fun way to see the countryside.

10. By Ox, Buffalo or Horse Cart
In rural Cambodia, the most common mode of family transport is the ox, buffalo or horse cart. They are regional, and it might only be possible to see one or two types depending on the province you visit. Due to the lack of truck, These carts often carry very heavy loads.

We recommend you to experience these modes of transport with us as you can. It will bring you a good and real Cambodia tour.

Ox Cart in Cambodia