How to Get from Bangkok to Siem Reap by Road: A Detailed Guide
Looking for a road trip to Angkor from Bangkok? Here is Your Essential Overland Travel Companion Between Thailand and Cambodia
For many travelers, a visit to the ancient temples of Angkor Wat and the charming town of Siem Reap is at the top of their Southeast Asia itinerary. The overland journey between Bangkok and Siem Reap by road is now easier than ever, with improved infrastructure and transportation options connecting Thailand and Cambodia.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to travel from Bangkok to Siem Reap entirely by road. We’ll cover detailed directions, tips, and advice for buses, private transfers, car rentals, border crossings, and more.
Whether you’re looking for affordability, flexibility, or just an adventure, this guide has all the information to help you plan your road trip from Thailand’s capital to Cambodia’s famous temple town. Let’s hit the road from Bangkok to Siem Reap!
Key Takeaways:
- Distance between Bangkok and Siem Reap is approximately 250 miles (400km).
- Total drive time averages 7-12 hours with border crossing.
- Direct buses take 7-10 hours and cost $25-$45 USD.
- Private transfers range from $47 to $137 USD per person, depending on your group size, but require vehicle change. See the dedicated page for Siem Reap to Bangkok [or Bangkok to Siem Reap] by road with private transfer.
- The border crossing can take 1 hour (or more during the high season), be sure to prepare your visa.
- Ideal time to drive is during cooler months of November-February.
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How Far is Bangkok from Siem Reap?
The distance between Bangkok and Siem Reap is approximately 250 miles (400km) as the crow flies. By road, the journey spans 275 miles (443km).
Driving time averages around 5-6 hours just for this portion, not including the border crossing wait. The road conditions are decent, with a well-paved 4-lane highway nearly the entire route from Bangkok to the border.
After crossing into Cambodia, the main road is paved but narrows to 2 lanes. Driving speeds may be slightly slower, but the road is still in reasonable condition. Total road trip duration averages 8-12 hours door-to-door depending on traffic and the border wait.
Now let’s look at the step-by-step directions and transportation options for road tripping between Bangkok and Siem Reap.
Directions from Bangkok to Siem Reap by Road
Here is an overview of the route by road from Bangkok to Siem Reap:
- Leave Bangkok and drive east on Highway 1 (Phahonyothin Road)
- Continue on Hwy 1 to Hin Kong intersection
- Turn left onto Highway 309 towards Aranyaprathet
- Drive to the border crossing at Aranyaprathet/Poipet
- Cross border into Cambodia at Poipet and continue on NH5
- Follow NH5 north to Siem Reap
This route sticks to major highways and is pretty straightforward with clear signage along the way in both Thai and English.
Next, let’s look at the options for getting from Bangkok to Siem Reap by bus, private transfer, rental car, or ride share.
Bus from Bangkok to Siem Reap
For budget travelers, taking a direct bus from Bangkok to Siem Reap is a convenient option. You can sit back and relax while the bus handles the driving and border crossing.
Bus Route from Bangkok to Siem Reap:
- Depart Bangkok from Khao San Road or Morchit Bus Terminal
- Drive east on Highway 1 to Aranyaprathet (3.5-4 hours)
- Stop at border for visa processing (1-2 hours)
- Continue on NH5 from Poipet to Siem Reap (2.5 hours)
- Arrive in Siem Reap town center or bus station
Several bus companies offer direct service including Giant Ibis Transport, Transport Co., Travel Mart, and Nattakan Transport.
Buses depart Bangkok in the morning and arrive in Siem Reap in the evening, taking ~7-11 hours total. Tickets cost $25-45 USD one-way. Be sure to book 1-2 days in advance.
Tips for Taking the Bus:
- Depart Bangkok 7:30 – 9 am to arrive Siem Reap by dinner
- Book tickets online and print/save e-ticket
- Confirm if visa is processed by bus company
- Have small bills ready for potential tips at border
- Keep valuables with you when crossing border
Pros of taking the bus are the low cost and convenience of direct service. Cons are the early departure time and long travel day. But it’s a comfortable way to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap overland.
Hop Aboard: Bus Companies for Travel from Bangkok to Siem Reap
| Operator | Duration | Frequency | Price | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Transport Co. | 7h | 2x daily | $8 – $22 | https://tcl99web.transport.co.th/Home |
| Nattakan Transport | 9h | 2x daily | $28 | https://bookmebus.com/en/nattakan |
| Virak Buntham | 3h | Daily | $9 – $17 | https://vireakbuntham.com/ |
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Extra Tip from Bangkok to Aranyaprathet – Poipet border
The land border crossing between Aranyaprathet, Thailand and Poipet, Cambodia is a key junction on the road from Bangkok to Siem Reap.
You can also reach the Aranyaprathet border point by train from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong railway station, which takes around 5 hours. Local transport like tuk-tuks and mini-vans from the train station shuttle passengers the short distance to the border crossing. Just be prepared to negotiate fares in advance.
Whether you arrive by road or rail, these tips will help streamline your border passage as you make your way from Thailand into Cambodia on the famous Bangkok to Siem Reap route.
Trains from Bangkok to the Border
| Operator | Train | Duration | Frequency | Fares | Classes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Railway of Thailand | Phayathai to Ban Klong Luk Border | 4h 14m | Twice daily | $2 – $35 | 3rd Class: $2 – $6 | 2nd Class: $17 – $23 | 2nd Class Seat: $8 – $12 | 1st Class: $24 – $35 |
Ban Klong Luk Border Location:
Private Car or Van Transfer
For flexibility and convenience, consider booking a private transfer by car, van or minibus to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap.
Transfer Route from Bangkok to Siem Reap:
- Hired car picks you up in Bangkok
- Drive east on Hwy 1 to Aranyaprathet border (3.5-4 hours)
- Change vehicles and guides at border
- Continue in new car from Poipet to Siem Reap (2.5 hours)
- Arrive at your Siem Reap accommodation
Because vehicles can only be licensed in their country of registration, you must switch cars and drivers at the Thailand/Cambodia border during a private transfer.
Private transports, which necessitate a change of vehicles, cost between $47 and $137 USD per person and are accessible to groups of varying sizes.
The benefit is door-to-door service and flexible timing. Just be sure to confirm all pricing ahead of time.
Private Transfer Tips:
- Ideal for groups of 3+ to save costs
- Agree on vehicle size, total pricing, amenities
- Reconfirm border transfer process
- Keep passport handy for easy access
- Stop for snacks/photos along the way
This option allows you to fully customize your itinerary between Bangkok and Siem Reap. You could even add stops at attractions along the route.
Driving Route from Bangkok to Siem Reap:
- Pick up rental car in Bangkok
- Drive east on Hwy 1 and cross at Aranyaprathet border
- Continue driving through Poipet and on NH5 to Siem Reap
- Return rental car in Siem Reap or Bangkok
This gives you maximum flexibility tocruise the open roads of Thailand and Cambodia. Just be prepared for the challenges of navigating a foreign country on your own by vehicle.
You can rent cars or motorbikes in Bangkok through rental agencies like Avis, Hertz, or local companies. Daily rates start around $30 USD for motorbike rentals to $70+ USD for car rentals, depending on vehicle size.
Be sure to verify:
- International driving permit requirements
- Rental insurance options & waivers
- Border crossing documentation
- Drop-off fees if returning in Siem Reap
The independence of a rental car or motorbike lets you tour at your own pace. But driving in Southeast Asia can be stressful, so weigh the pros and cons.
Carpooling from Bangkok to Siem Reap
If you want to share the drive, consider carpooling to split costs between Bangkok and Siem Reap.
- Use apps like Karoo Road or PickMe to find carpools
- Match with drivers going from Bangkok to Siem Reap
- Meet driver in Bangkok and start your road trip
- Switch vehicles at the border along with fellow riders
- Continue on to Siem Reap together
Carpooling is affordable and sustainable. Just be sure to vet driver profiles and reviews first. Apps tend to offer verification.
Costs vary by occupancy but expect to pay around $15-30 USD per person for carpooling from Bangkok to Siem Reap.
Carpooling Tips:
- Review driver profile and past reviews
- Confirm vehicle meet point in Bangkok
- Don’t pay full amount until arrival
- Bring snacks and music to share
- Get to know your fellow passengers
This option gives you the benefit of shared costs while still being transport door-to-door from Bangkok to Siem Reap.
The Ultimate Showdown – Siem Reap Elephant Tour vs. Siem Reap Countryside Tour
Crossing the Border Between Thailand and Cambodia
However you choose to travel by road from Bangkok to Siem Reap, you’ll need to cross the border. The main land border crossing used by travelers is between Aranyaprathet, Thailand and Poipet, Cambodia.
Here’s what to expect:
- Long lines on Thai side for exit stamp
- Walk across ~100 yards of “no-man’s land” – Cambodia visa processing and entry stamp
- Transport waits on other side to continue
It’s best to arrive early morning when offices first open to avoid long queues. Weekends and holidays also tend to be busier.
The visa-on-arrival for Cambodia costs $30 USD cash only. Be sure to have small US bills ready, as officials may claim they cannot provide change. There are often separate windows for visas and stamping.
If using a bus or transfer service, they will assist with the border crossing process. Going independently requires navigating each step yourself using local transport like tuk-tuks or minivans.
Overall, the Thailand-Cambodia border crossing tends to be straightforward if busy at times. Just practice patience and go with the flow.
Escape to the Cambodian Countryside – A Journey Off the Beaten Path
What to See and Do Along the Way
The route between Bangkok and Siem Reap travels through the Thai countryside before crossing into Cambodia. Here are some noteworthy stops and attractions along the drive:
In Thailand
- Damnoen Saduak Floating Market – See vendors paddling boats of local fruits and foods to trade
- Phanom Rung Historical Park – Tour the beautifully restored Khmer-style temple ruins from atop an extinct volcano
- Prasat Muang Tam – Admire the picturesque, partial restoration of a Khmer temple near the border
- Local farms and fruit orchards – Stop for tropical fruit snacks like freshly picked mangoes
In Cambodia
- Banteay Chhmar Temple – Marvel at the atmospheric sprawling temple complex with elaborate carvings
- Beng Mealea Temple – Wander the jungle-entwined ruins, like a less-crowded version of Ta Prohm near Angkor
- Khleang North Bridge – Instagrammable colonial-era bridge near Siem Reap surrounded by rice fields
- Treat yourself to a fish pedicure or massage in Poipet town
Don’t rush – leave time to pull over and enjoy sights along the Bangkok to Siem Reap road trip!
Where to Stay Between Bangkok & Siem Reap
You’ll need to decide whether you want to tackle this road trip all in one long day, or spread it over two days with an overnight stop midway:
Option 1: Break up over 2 days
- Day 1 – Drive Bangkok to Aranyaprathet
- Overnight in Aranyaprathet or nearby town
- Day 2 – Cross to Poipet and continue to Siem Reap
Option 2: Drive nonstop
- Depart Bangkok early morning
- Complete drive with minimal stops
- Arrive Siem Reap just after dusk
For a 2-day road trip, the best place to overnight is Aranyaprathet. There are hotels for all budgets close to the border.
Top picks are Prachak Resort (mid-range), Home Hug Hotel (budget), or for a splurge, try Rattanachol Hotel & Serviced Apartments.
With an early start, you can drive the Bangkok to Siem Reap route nonstop in about 12 hours. Having a second alert driver is advisable for this marathon option.
Driving Your Own Vehicle Between Thailand and Cambodia
If you’re considering driving your own vehicle from Bangkok to Siem Reap, here are some key tips and requirements:
- Your home country driver’s license is valid in Thailand and Cambodia
- But an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended
- Purchase extra auto insurance for travel between both countries
- Carry vehicle registration papers, proof of ownership
- Allow extra time for border customs procedures
- Only right-hand drive cars are allowed in Thailand
- Car Rental companies may prohibit cross-border travel
Thailand and Cambodia drive on the left so steering wheel placement is important. Expect added paperwork and inspections during the border crossing with your own vehicle.
Hiring a driver for your own car or renting a vehicle is usually easier than navigating the bureaucracy of cross-border vehicle paperwork. But with preparation, it’s possible.
When is the Best Time to Drive from Bangkok to Siem Reap?
The cooler dry season months of November to February are ideal for road tripping between Bangkok and Siem Reap. Benefits include:
- Pleasant daytime temperatures in the 80s F / high 20s C
- Low chance of rain along the route
- Lush green scenery and rice paddies
- Less crowded at Angkor temples and Siem Reap
- Peak conditions for sightseeing along the way
The hot season between March and May can see temperatures top 100°F (38°C) which may be less comfortable for long drives without AC. Just stay hydrated!
Other items to note:
- Monsoon rains run from May to October
- Busy travel times are Christmas/New Year and Thai school holidays
- Avoid major Thai holidays for less traffic
Whenever you go, this road trip from Bangkok to Siem Reap will give you fond memories of both Thailand and Cambodia!
Driving Tips for Road Tripping from Bangkok to Siem Reap
Follow these tips for a smooth driving experience on the Bangkok to Siem Reap road route:
- Get an International Drivers Permit (IDP)
- Make sure your license is valid for vehicles you’ll drive
- Arrange appropriate auto insurance coverage
- Confirm rental vehicle condition prior to driving
- Load a offline map app on your phone or rent GPS
- Have local currency for tolls, snacks and emergencies
- Follow speed limits and traffic laws
- Drive defensively as conditions change quickly
- Be prepared for inclement weather like heavy rain
- Refuel often as gas stations can be sparse
- Carry a hard copy of all documentation
- Don’t drive overnight or when excessively tired
Most importantly, allow plenty of time so you can take in the sights at a comfortable pace along the way.
With these road trip tips and transportation options from Bangkok to Siem Reap, you’re ready to start planning your overland adventure in Southeast Asia. Safe travels!
