How to get from
Siem Reap to Sihanoukville

About the ride from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville 

From spending a day (or more) at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat to watching a mesmerizing Apsara Dance or visiting museums that tell stories of the country’s turbulent history, there is so much to see and do in Siem Reap. So, it’s only natural that after a few days of hectic sightseeing in Siem Reap, you might want to just kick back and relax on a beach. 

There is probably no better place to head to than Sihanoukville, a popular seaside town that is known for its beaches and vibrant nightlife. While in Sihanoukville, spend time at the popular Ochheuteal Beach or Lazy Beach or take a short ferry to the serene Bamboo Island. A little further out of town, Otres Beach is also a must-visit. Enjoy the music and markets during the day and, at night, walk down its soft sands for a chance to swim amongst electric blue-colored bioluminescent plankton. 

The town is also the jumping off point to Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samloem and Koh Ta Kiev, some of Cambodia’s most beautiful islands that lie a short boat ride from Sihanoukville.

Depending on how you travel, it takes anywhere between 8.5 hours and 11 hours to travel the 527 km (327 miles) from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville. You have multiple options to cover this distance: Overnight bus, minivan and private taxi. If you are on a tight schedule and don’t want to waste time, take one of the overnight sleeper buses. If however, you want flexible departure times, then book a private taxi or minivan.

How to get from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville

Taking a bus

One of the most popular ways to travel to Sihanoukville from Siem Reap is by taking an overnight bus. With lie-flat beds on some routes, they are a comfortable way to travel. Plus, they help save on hotel expenses. The buses are equipped with single and double beds, air conditioning and passengers are provided with a pillow and blanket. 

While the ride itself is quite comfortable, it is suggested that you keep a sweater handy for times when the bus gets too cold. Also, do note that the buses are fitted with double beds, so book both beds, if you want the bed all to yourself.

Taking a minivan 

You could also choose to travel from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville by minivan. This is a good option if you are traveling as part of a bigger group and want to book a private van. Private minivans also offer flexibility in terms of departure time and though not as cheap as a sleeper bus, are still economically priced.

Hiring a private car/taxi 

If you are looking for convenience, then look into booking a private taxi. Depending on your group size, you can choose to hire a standard-sized car that can accommodate up to 3 passengers or an SUV that is perfect for groups up to 7 or 8 passengers. It’s also the best option if you are planning to make stops along the way for sightseeing, have extra luggage or just enjoy a more relaxed style of traveling. 

 

What to see when traveling from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville?

If you are taking any of the overnight sleeper buses, there is little you will be able to see but the upside is that, after a full night’s sleep, you will be ready to hit the beaches of Sihanoukville as soon as you arrive. If you are traveling during the day by minivan or private car, you will get the opportunity to see Cambodia outside its tourist hotspots. You will pass through busy towns and green stretches of jungle along the way. Take a nap or simply relax to the sights of locals going about their day-to-day activities. Do remember to take breaks to stretch your legs or just grab a cup of coffee.