How to get from Siem Reap to Si Sa Ket (Sisaket)

Getting from Siem Reap to Sisaket can be an exciting journey as you traverse northern Cambodia to northeastern Thailand. With multiple transportation options available, planning your route between these two cities is easier than you may think. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get from Siem Reap to Sisaket, including:

• • Take a direct private car or van transfer for the fastest and most customizable journey from Siem Reap to Sisaket.
  • Alternatively, fly to Bangkok then onward to Sisaket by bus, train or flight for faster travel but higher costs.
  • Crossing the border at Chong Sangam is mellow compared to Poipet. Have documents ready and budget 1 hour.
  • Don’t miss Sisaket’s magical Angkor-era temples like Prasat Hin Wat Sa Kamphaeng Yai and Wat Phrai Phatthana.
  • Book accommodation in Sisaket early for the best rates and availability at centrally located hotels or guesthouses.

No matter which option you choose, this guide will prepare you with the key information, logistics, and tips to make your journey between these two fascinating cities as smooth as possible.

Traversing Cambodia to uncover Sisaket’s spellbinding Khmer and Thai temples?

This complete guide has everything you need to master getting between Siem Reap and Thailand’s underrated gem.

Let’s explore each method in detail!

Taking a Private Drive from Siem Reap to Sisaket – Making the Most of the Drive from Siem Reap to Sisaket

The Fastest and Most Scenic Route from Siem Reap to Sisaket

For those looking to combine the fastest travel time with memorable sights along the way, the optimal route from Siem Reap to Sisaket is:

• Visit the exquisite Banteay Srei Temple near Siem Reap
• Drive north to Anlong Veng, former Khmer Rouge stronghold
• Continue to the Chong Sangam border crossing and pass from Cambodia into Thailand
• Journey through Pha Phaya Goopree National Park in Thailand
• Stop at the picturesque cliffside Wat Luang Phu Suang Temple
• Complete the last 95 km stretch to arrive in Sisaket

This route allows you to make the border crossing and arrive in Sisaket rapidly, while still enjoying scenic temples and nature along the way. Hiring a private driver lets you optimize the route to avoid backtracking.

By combining the direct land transfer with strategic sightseeing stops, you get the fastest travel time possible from Siem Reap to Sisaket in just one day. And you’ll feel enriched from the cultural and natural beauty experienced en route.

Must See Temples in Si Sa Ket, Thailand

The northeastern province of Si Sa Ket in Thailand boasts an impressive collection of magnificent temples that showcase the region’s distinctive Khmer architectural influences. From ornate Buddhist wats to ancient Khmer Prasat ruins, Sisaket’s temples offer visitors a glimpse into the area’s rich history and culture.

When exploring this lesser-visited part of Thailand, be sure to include these spectacular temple sites in your itinerary:

Wat Maha Phuttharam

One of the most revered temples in Sisaket, Wat Maha Phuttharam is renowned for housing a highly sacred Buddha image known as Phra Khrueng Roy Phee. This beloved statue dates back to the 15th century and draws Buddhist pilgrims from across Thailand and beyond.

The temple grounds also contain a museum with rare Buddha images, ancient votive tablets, and artifacts that provide insight into Sisaket’s history. Don’t miss the intricate murals inside the assembly hall depicting stories from the Buddha’s life.

With its peaceful atmosphere and significance as a spiritual center, Wat Maha Phuttharam is a must-visit temple in Sisaket.

Wat Pa Maha Jedi Kaeo (Wat Larn Kuad)

Wat Pa Maha Jedi Kaeo, also called Wat Larn Kuad, is a fascinating temple built using thousands of recycled green Heineken and brown Chang beer bottles.

The abbot initiated this unique recycled glass construction in 1984 to find a practical reuse for discarded bottles donated by the community. The temple’s being lovingly built bottle-by-bottle over decades.

Highlights include the glass-covered crematorium and the sparkling emerald hues of the main chapel’s walls and pillars. Wat Larn Kuad demonstrates Thai Buddhist innovation and eco-consciousness through its brilliant bottle temple architecture.

Wat Phra That Rueang Rong

Situated atop Phra That Rueang Rong hill, this forest temple lets you get back to nature while exploring an historic Khmer-style Prasat. Dating to the 10th century, the laterite and sandstone Prasat is one of Sisaket’s oldest intact monuments.

Within the grounds you’ll also find a revered whitewashed chedi housing Buddha relics, a sacred pond, and resident monkeys that invite you to escape the crowds. The hilltop setting offers stunning vistas over Sisaket city too.

Prasat Hin Wat Sa Kamphaeng Yai

Nestled amid rice paddies and reservoirs, the atmospheric ruins of Prasat Hin Wat Sa Kamphaeng Yai allow you to get a feel for what ancient Sisaket was like. Constructed in the 9th-11th centuries, the red brick and laterite Khmer temples are partially collapsed yet still convey a sense of past grandeur.

Repair efforts by the Fine Arts Department have stabilized the structures. Wander among the crumbling monuments overrun by tree roots and reflect on the passage of time.

Prasat Ban Prasat Sanctuary (Huay Tap Tan Ruins)

Deep in Sisaket’s countryside, these mysterious Khmer ruins dating to the 7th-11th centuries are hidden away in jungle overgrowth. Left largely unrestored, explorers will discover bewitching carved sandstone lintels and weathered towers being slowly reclaimed by nature.

The sanctuary invites you to channel your inner adventurer while bushwhacking through the forest. Its secluded, mostly unexcavated state makes for an intriguing albeit challenging excursion.

Wat Phrai Phatthana

Also called Wat Phra That Kham Kaen, this traditional 19th century temple charms with its richly decorated viharn containing ornate murals, carved wooden doors, and central golden Buddha.

The epic exterior bas relief depicts classic scenes from the Ramayana. Surrounding the temple are tranquil gardens ideal for contemplation amid shady trees, ponds, and monuments covered in tiny glass mosaics.

Wat Phrai Phatthana’s vibrant artistic details showcase Sisaket’s cultural heritage in an oasis of serenity.

With its mellow pace of life and sacred sites exuding spiritual power, Sisaket is the perfect place to slow down and tap into the mysteries of ancient Siam. Let these magnificent must-see temples transport you!

Planning Your Visit

If you’re ready to experience Sisaket’s temples for yourself, here are some tips to plan your trip:

• Best Season: Cool and dry November-February. Very hot March-May.
• Map It Out: Group temples close together for easier day trips. Rent transport to reach remote sites.
• Opening Hours: Most are open daily from around 8am-5pm. Some may close midday.
• Dress Code: Shoulders and knees covered is recommended when entering sacred sites.
• Admission Fees: Typically around 20-50 THB per temple.
• Stay in Sisaket City: Convenient base with accommodation options. Then do day trips.
• Consider a Tour: Joining a guided tour can be useful for history context and transport.

Let these incredible must-see temples convince you to add Sisaket to your Thailand travels! With some handy preparation, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.

Other less rewarding and less convenient ways to get from Siem Reap to Si Sa Ket (Sisaket)

Flying Between Siem Reap and Bangkok, Then Onward to Sisaket

If you prefer faster travel, consider taking a short flight to Bangkok first. From Bangkok, you have multiple options to reach Sisaket, including:

Fly to Bangkok, then bus or train to Sisaket

• Flights: AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, and more fly from Siem Reap to Bangkok’s two airports multiple times daily. Flights take about 1 hour and cost around $100 one-way.
• Bangkok to Sisaket: From Bangkok, take a 4-5 hour bus or 5 hour train to Sisaket. Buses leave Bangkok’s Northern (Mo Chit) station for Sisaket 8x daily for THB 380-750. Overnight trains leave Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong station in the evenings and arrive early morning. Fares start around THB 600 for Second Class.
• Cost and Time Savings: This route costs more but saves 3-4 hours of total travel time compared to the direct bus. It offers more transport flexibility too.

Fly to Bangkok, then flight to Ubon Ratchathani + transport to Sisaket

• Ubon Ratchathani Airport: This closer airport has flights from Bangkok on Thai Smile, AirAsia and Nok Air. It’s 60 km from Sisaket.
• Ground Transport: Take a taxi, Uber or pre-arranged transfer to get from Ubon Ratchathani to Sisaket in about 1 hour.
• Faster But More Expensive: Flying to Ubon Ratchathani can save 1-2 more hours of travel time, but the flights are more expensive than Bangkok.

When flying through Bangkok, be sure to allow 3-4 hours minimum for connections between your flights and ground transport. This option takes a bit more planning but the flights, buses and trains give you flexibility to customize your route.

Combining Bus and Private Transfers

Another alternative is to combine express buses and private transfers between Siem Reap, Bangkok and Sisaket. This allows you to break up the long bus ride and add a door-to-door segment.

For example:

• Bus from Siem Reap to Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal
• Private car to Bangkok’s main airports for your flight
• Flight from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani
• Private driver to take you from Ubon Ratchathani airport directly to your Sisaket hotel

Benefits of adding private transfers:

• More comfortable and quicker than taxis for the airport/hotel segments
• No hassling with luggage on public transportation
• Pickup and dropoff directly from your choice of locations
• Possible to arrange sightseeing stops en route

The private transfers with flights or buses in between offer greater convenience, though at a higher total cost. Consider this mix of public transit and private door-to-door service to customize the trip to your needs.

Driving Yourself Between Siem Reap and Sisaket

For ultimate flexibility to stop wherever you please along the way, consider renting a car or motorbike to drive between Siem Reap and Sisaket:

• Rental Cars: Rent an SUV or 4×4 from rental companies like Budget Cambodia. Dropoff fees may apply for cross-border rentals.
• Motorbikes: Rent a motorbike in Siem Reap to cross the border into Thailand. But check license requirements.
• Driving Time: The 376 km journey takes about 7-8 hours of driving time without stops.
• Route: Take NH6 from Siem Reap to Poipet, cross to Thailand, then hop on Highway 224 following signs for Sisaket.
• Pros: Total flexibility, freedom to take your own stops. Cons: You must be comfortable navigating solo driving abroad. Rental and fuel costs add up too.

Renting a car or motorbike provides the greatest independence. But the long drive could be tiring, plus you’ll need to plan border crossing logistics. Weigh the pros and cons vs. other transport options.

Hiring a Private Driver For Door-to-Door Service

For maximum ease without the headache of driving yourself, hire a private driver for door-to-door service between Siem Reap and Sisaket. A private transfer allows:

• No Transport Planning: Your driver handles all logistics and arrangements. Just sit back and enjoy the ride.
• Comfort: Private cars and vans offer relaxed comfort with A/C, space to spread out, and no crowded public transport.
• Border Handling: Your driver will guide you through passport control and procedures at the border crossing.
• Stops: You can customize stops along the way for sights, meals or breaks.
• Luggage Assistance: No schlepping bags around. The driver will handle your luggage.
• Cost: Hiring a private car and driver costs around $100-150 USD each way, depending on the vehicle and stops. Well worth it for the perks and convenience.

Booking a private transfer takes all the stress out of travel between Siem Reap and Sisaket. Despite the higher cost, the benefits are unmatched for comfort, ease and customized sightseeing.

Crossing the Border Between Cambodia and Thailand at Chong Sangam border crossing

The Insider’s Guide to Crossing at Chong Sangam Border

Smoothly navigate this peaceful Cambodia-Thailand border crossing with our pro tips
Looking for a stress-free border crossing between Cambodia and Thailand? Skip the chaos of Poipet and head to the mellow Chong Sangam crossing.

Crossing at Chong Sangam from Siem Reap into Thailand’s Surin province is straightforward with our insider guidance. Get ready to breeze through with key advice on documents, transportation, and border procedures.

Here’s what to know about crossing at Chong Sangam:

• The border is open daily from 7 AM to 8 PM for passport control and customs procedures.
• On the Cambodia side, the small casinos and duty-free shopping complex at the border are popular stops before leaving the country.
• Passport: Have your passport and Thai visa (if required) ready to show immigration officials.
• Currency: There are exchange booths and ATMs available on both sides. But best to already have some Thai baht on hand.
• There are some small restaurants and shops, but services overall are minimal. Get currency exchanged beforehand.
• After Cambodia exit formalities, walk across the Friendship Bridge to the Thailand side. Thai visas can be obtained on arrival for many nationalities.
• Transport options on the Thai side include taxis to Si Sa Ket, Surin, as well as onward buses and private transfers by car.
• The border seems orderly and straightforward, especially compared to the major Poipet crossing. But still budget at least 1 hour total for the full exit and entry process.
• Scams and overcharging are less common than at Poipet, but stay alert as usual when traveling. Use registered transport and don’t accept help from touts.

For travelers journeying between Siem Reap and regions of northeast Thailand like Khao Yai, the Chong Sangam crossing provides a more low-key border option than Poipet.

Just make sure you have the necessary visas and paperwork to pass through without hassles.

In Summary

With this insider guidance, crossing the border at Chong Sangam will be relaxing and hassle-free. Avoid the chaos of bigger crossings and take advantage of the orderly facilities. Just make sure documents are in order, currency exchanged, and transport planned on the Thai side. Then enjoy discovering the delights of northeast Thailand after a smooth, pleasant border crossing experience.

Finding Accommodation in Sisaket

Once you arrive in Sisaket, you’ll need a comfortable place to sleep after the long journey!

Here are tips for booking great accommodation options in Sisaket:

• Browse Booking Sites: Check sites like Booking.com, Agoda, Trip.com to find Sisaket’s best hotels, guesthouses, homestays and hostels.
• Proximity to Attractions: Stay centrally near the night market, Maha Viravong National Museum, and Wat Lan Khuat for convenience.
• Amenities: Look for free breakfast, WiFi, pools, fitness centers, and nice rooms in your budget.
• Read Reviews: Check ratings and reviews of real guests to evaluate properties. Newer and smaller places have fewer reviews.
• Air Conditioning: Temperatures can soar in Sisaket. Seek A/C accommodation for heat relief.
• Parking: Having parking is useful if you rented a car or motorbike. Some smaller lodgings may not offer it.
• Book Early: Sisaket has limited high-end hotels. Reserve your top choice well ahead to secure a room.

Give yourself time to review all the accommodation choices in Sisaket. Booking a room you’re excited about will let you end your travels from Siem Reap on a high note.

In Conclusion

We’ve covered all the key elements to help you plan getting from Siem Reap to Sisaket – whether you go by bus, fly, drive yourself or hire a private transfer. Each option has pros and cons to weigh based on your travel priorities.

Crossing the border at Chong Sangam-Aranyaprathet does take patience. But the reward is reaching Sisaket to begin exploring its captivating Khmer temples, fascinating local culture, and underrated attractions most visitors miss.

You may be glad to know our team at My Siem Reap Tours can arrange personalized, end-to-end private transfers between Siem Reap and Sisaket for maximum convenience. Check out our private car and driver services. We’d be delighted to take the hassle out of getting between these two incredible towns.

I hope these tips give you confidence to plan your journey from Siem Reap to Sisaket successfully. Safe travels, and please do reach out with any questions as you put together your exciting cross-border itinerary. I’d be happy to offer guidance to ensure your trip goes off without a hitch.

Looking forward to helping you discover the magic of Cambodia and Thailand!

Planning my journey from Siem Reap to Sisaket was a wonderful chance to research options for crossing between Cambodia and Thailand. Though the border crossing requires patience, I’m excited to make the trip. The opportunity to see both iconic and off-the-beaten-path attractions across two amazing countries is thrilling. This experience has truly ignited my sense of adventure.

I look forward to applying these lessons to future trips as well. Thank you for following along on my journey – please get in touch if you have any recommendations for must-see spots along the way!