Phnom Penh to Bangkok: Best Travel Options, Tips & Itineraries

The distance from Phnom Penh to Bangkok is around 700km by road. Flying is quick & easy but expensive from Phnom Penh. Taking the bus is cheap and lets you see new cultures. Train connections, in contrast, take more planning. But they are great for travelers who are after adventure.

In this article, we’ll cover all of these options from Phnom Penh to Bangkok and their distances, travel times, and tips to make your Thailand and Cambodia journey smooth and stress-free.

How Far is Phnom Penh from Bangkok?

The Bangkok to Phnom Penh distance by air is 660km, so flying is the fastest option. The distance is 700km by road, depending on the border crossing you use. Travel times vary in different ways. A flight is 1 hour, and a bus from Phnom Penh to Bangkok is 12-14 hours. There are train options from Bangkok to Phnom Penh for travelers who want an adventurous Thailand and Cambodia tour, but there is no direct route between the two capitals.

Knowing the Bangkok to Phnom Penh distance helps you plan which mode of transport suits your schedule and comfort level. Here’s a quick comparison of the main options for your Bangkok to Cambodia journey. It shows duration, distance, comfort, and key notes to help you decide which mode of transport is best for you.

This map shows the routes from Phnom Penh to Bangkok.

Phnom Penh to Bangkok Flights: Fastest & Most Convenient

The quickest way to travel from Phnom Penh to Bangkok is by air. A Phnom Penh to Bangkok flight typically takes around one hour. Flights operate multiple times a day, and booking early can secure better deals. Budget airlines often offer low fares, making a Thailand to Cambodia flight accessible for most travelers.

There are flights all day long between Bangkok and Phnom Penh. You can leave as early as dawn or as late as midnight. Major airlines serving this route include Thai Airways, Cambodia Angkor Air, Bangkok Airways, and VietJet Air. Thai Airways and Cambodia Angkor Air offer full-service flights with complimentary meals and beverages.

Right strategies for booking can bring down the cost of Bangkok to Phnom Penh flight. Generally, the earlier the flight is booked, the lower the price, particularly during the peak Cambodia tour tourist time that last from November to March.

Phnom Penh to Bangkok Flight Schedule:

Note: Prices vary based on season, booking time, and availability. Peak season rates (November-March) tend to be higher.

Phnom Penh to Bangkok by Bus: Budget-Friendly but Long Journey

NOTE: Tourists are not allowed to travel directly between Thailand and Cambodia by overland border crossings at the moment. We will update the latest information when the overland route reopens.

Travelers on a budget often choose a bus from Phnom Penh to Bangkok. Buses depart daily and cross the border at points like Poi Pet or Aranyaprathet. The journey usually takes 12–14 hours, depending on traffic and border delays. Several bus companies operate this route with varying service levels and pricing structures. When traveling around Indochina, buses are an easy and convenient way to reach most destinations.

The journey begins in central Phnom Penh with pickup from major hotels or the central bus station. Comfortable air-conditioned buses typically feature reclining seats, onboard restrooms, and entertainment systems. However, comfort levels vary significantly between different bus operators and service classes.

Border crossing procedures represent the most complex part of any bus from Phnom Penh to Bangkok journey. The Poipet-Aranyaprathet crossing requires passengers to disembark, complete immigration procedures, and continue on different buses. This process typically adds two to three hours to total travel time.

Travelers can go from Phnom Penh to Bangkok by bus.

Phnom Penh to Bangkok by Train: Indirect Routes for Adventurers

There is no direct train from Phnom Penh to Bangkok, but travelers can combine segments, such as Phnom Penh to Poipet and then onward to Bangkok. Through this route, travelers travel from Phnom Penh to the border town of Poipet by bus or taxi. Then, from Poipet, travelers cross into Thailand and continue by train from Aranyaprathet to Bangkok. This mixed transportation to get to Thailand requires patience and flexibility.

Bangkok to Phnom Penh train connections through Battambang offer another indirect option. Travelers can take the historic Battambang railway from Phnom Penh, then continue by bus to Thailand. This scenic route showcases the rural Cambodian countryside and traditional village life.

However, you need to know that planning train combinations to visit Thailand requires flexible schedules and backup transportation options. Railway services may experience delays or cancellations due to weather or mechanical issues. Travelers choosing this option should allow extra time and maintain alternative transportation plans.

Travelers can only take the train from Hualamphong Station to Aranyaprathet.

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Best Time to Travel from Phnom Penh to Bangkok

The dry season from November through February, which is the best time to visit Thailand and Cambodia, provides optimal conditions for travel from Bangkok to Phnom Penh travel. Temperatures remain comfortable with minimal rainfall in both destinations. Clear skies benefit flying conditions while pleasant weather enhances overland travel experiences.

Hot season conditions from March through May can be challenging for overland travel from Phnom Penh to Bangkok. Temperatures often exceed 35°C (95°F) during midday hours. Tourist crowds diminish and accommodation prices decrease. Rainy season travel from June through October presents unique considerations. Afternoon thunderstorms are common but rarely affect flight schedules significantly. Landscapes appear lush and green during this period.

Festival periods and holidays affect transportation availability and pricing. The Khmer New Year in April brings massive domestic travel in Cambodia. Songkran celebrations in Thailand during mid-April create similar conditions. Chinese New Year and Christmas periods see increased international visitor numbers.

Thai New Year is the most important festival in Thailand in April.

Suggested Phnom Penh to Bangkok Tours: 7–14 Days

For those combining cities into a larger adventure, a Phnom Penh to Bangkok tour can be part of an 8-day or 14-day itinerary. Let’s see in detail what each option offers.

8-Day Highlight Tour: Phnom Penh – Siem Reap – Bangkok

This 8-day Thailand and Cambodia tour itinerary is perfect for travelers looking to see the main highlights of Cambodia and Thailand in a short time. Start in Phnom Penh, exploring the Royal Palace and historical sites, then move to Siem Reap to experience Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples. The journey ends in Bangkok, where you can enjoy bustling markets, the Grand Palace, and local street food.

With this route, you get a compact but rich experience of both countries. Travel between cities is efficient, allowing more time to enjoy each destination. This tour is ideal for first-time travelers wanting a balanced Phnom Penh to Bangkok tour with a mix of culture, history, and city life.

8 Days Essence Tour of Cambodia and Thailand

Phnom Penh - Siem Reap - Bangkok

14-Day Extended Thailand and Cambodia Trip

This 14-day Bangkok to Phnom Penh tour itinerary is designed for travelers who want a deeper dive into both countries. Start in Bangkok, then head north to Chiang Rai and explore the Golden Triangle before visiting Chiang Mai. From Thailand, move to Cambodia to see Siem Reap’s temples, relax on Sihanoukville’s beaches, and end in Phnom Penh.

This route allows you to explore major cities, cultural landmarks, and natural beauty at a comfortable pace. It’s a great option for travelers who enjoy both sightseeing and immersive experiences on a Bangkok to Phnom Penh tour.

14 Days Thailand and Cambodia Classic Tour

Bangkok - Chiang Rai - Golden Triangle - Chiang Mai - Siem Reap - Sihanoukville - Phnom Penh

Insider Travel Tips for Phnom Penh to Bangkok Tour

Before traveling, check the visa rules for your nationality. Many visitors get a Thailand visa for 30 days free, but some need advance applications. Keep your passport valid for six months, make digital copies, and pack essential medicines. Visiting a travel clinic and carrying basic supplies like pain relievers and insect repellent helps with health and comfort. Travel insurance is strongly advised, especially for overland trips.

Book transport in advance to secure better prices, particularly between November and March. Having your first night’s accommodation reserved in Bangkok is helpful, especially if you arrive late. Popular areas include Khao San Road for backpackers and Sukhumvit or Silom for more varied stays.

For money matters, Cambodia often accepts US dollars, while Thailand prefers baht. Withdrawing from ATMs at airports or banks usually gives better rates than exchange counters. Notify your bank before traveling and carry small bills for border fees.

Pack light, breathable clothing, a hat, sunscreen, snacks, and a refillable water bottle. Overnight buses are easier with a neck pillow, eye mask, and earplugs. Finally, be ready for long waits at the Poipet–Aranyaprathet crossing if you decide to travel from Phnom Penh to Bangkok overland, where delays of 2–4 hours are common.

Our guests enjoyed a boat trip in Bangkok..

Conclusion

Whether you choose a quick flight, a long bus ride, or a scenic train from Phnom Penh to Bangkok, having the right guidance makes all the difference. At Indochina Tour, we craft Thailand and Cambodia tours tailored to your pace and interests. We take care of transfers, accommodations, and itineraries so you can focus on experiencing the best of Thailand and Cambodia.

Contact us now and turn your Phnom Penh to Bangkok adventure into a stress-free and memorable journey.