About the ride from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh
When traveling the 229 kilometer (142 mile) distance between Sihanoukville and Phnom Penh, you’re only 5 hours away from Cambodia’s capital. When booking your transfer, you have 4 options to choose from.
You can travel on a bus, which will take between 6 and 7 hours to arrive at your destination. Your second option is a minivan, and you can choose between shared and private trips. The third option is a private car, which is great for families and smaller groups of friends. Lastly, you can fly from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh, with the flight only taking 1 hour.
Depending on the time you arrive in Phnom Penh, you can take a short walk through the city or continue the journey to your accommodation.
What to see when traveling from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh
What you’re able to see out of your window on your journey between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville depends on what time your ride leaves, and the type of transfer you choose.
If you’re flying to Phnom Penh, if the weather is nice and you manage to grab a window seat, you’ll be able to say goodbye to the Cambodian paradise with an endless panorama of blue seas.
For those who are leaving during the daytime and traveling on a road, you’ll mostly be riding through endless views of the Cambodian green countryside. If you’re leaving in the evening or during the night, there won’t be much to see, but you’ll be able to catch up on your sleep.
Phnom Penh is a dynamic, energetic, and exotic city to visit. However, it has a very turbulent history. To really understand Cambodia, you should visit places like the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields to learn about the brutal Khmer Rouge regime. This won’t be an easy experience, but it’s an essential part of Cambodian history.
Phnom Penh had to deal with difficult times in its recent history, but the city is rebuilding itself and its culture, making it a lively place to visit. The beautiful Royal Palace is a must-see attraction in the city, along with several temples with golden roofs.
The National Museum is a great place to learn about the country’s entire history. Often, performances by Khmer dances are organized, and there are many statues of warriors, clothing, and accessories worn by modern-day farmers, Buddhist figures, and much more.
How to get from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh
Taking a bus
When traveling between Sihanoukville and Phnom Penh, you can book a bus ticket. The bus ride takes around 6 hours and 30 minutes to arrive and will cost you $14. All buses on the route are well equipped with A/C, chargers, and some might even have a Wi-Fi connection. During your trip, the driver will make frequent stops on the way, and you’ll have the opportunity to stretch your legs and use the toilet.
Taking a minivan
Taking a minivan from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh is the most popular and affordable option. The tickets cost $9 for a shared ride and the trip will usually take around 6 hours. The minivans are equipped with AC and comfortable seats. You can expect the minivan to make a few stops for the toilet along the way. If you’re traveling with a larger group, you can also choose one of the private minivans for your journey. There are options available for groups between 7 and 13 passengers.
Driving with a private car
For travelers who are on a trip with a family or a smaller group of friends and need privacy, the best option is to book a Private Car. There are options available for groups between 3 and 6 passengers, and you can choose between Standard and VIP transfer. All operators provide arranged pick up and drop off, and you can choose the departure time that fits your needs.
Flying
If you’re short on time, you can book a flight between Sihanoukville and Phnom Penh, which only takes 1 hour - ticket prices start from $105 per passenger.