How to get from
Phnom Penh to Bangkok

About the ride from Phnom Penh to Bangkok

No trip to Thailand is complete without visiting Bangkok, a crazy concoction of markets, temples, palaces, brightly-lit malls and high-end hotels. Sample the street food, take a longtail boat down the river, and soak up the atmosphere in one of the most eclectic cities in Southeast Asia.

Bangkok is also Thailand’s main transportation hub. From the airport, you can catch a flight to Myanmar, Laos and Malaysia as well as to many Thai cities. You can take a bus from Bangkok to destinations all over Thailand, including Phuket, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Pattaya and Kanchanaburi. Bangkok is also the starting point for the iconic Eastern and Oriental Express train journey to Singapore, which passes through southern Thailand, Penang and Kuala Lumpur.

You can travel to Bangkok from Phnom Penh by air or overland. Flying is the fastest, if not the most eco-friendly way to make the trip. Flights can be booked with several domestic airlines including Thai Airways, and take just over an hour. Bus and minivan travel is cheaper, but the ride is long (around 13 hours).

 

What you’ll see when traveling from Phnom Penh to Bangkok

You won’t see much on an airplane, but if you travel overland, the ride is more interesting. The route takes you on major highways and some smaller roads. You’ll see everything from the assorted forms of quirky transport on Bangkok’s streets, to rural life passing by in the countryside.

 

 

How to get from Phnom Penh to Bangkok

Taking a flight

The journey by air takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. There’s a choice of airlines to fly with, including some budget ones like Thai Smile and Thai AirAsia. Phnom Penh Airport is around 30 minutes from the city, and can be reached by train, bus, taxi and tuk-tuk. When you arrive in Bangkok, you can take the train, bus or a taxi to central Bangkok, which takes around 30 minutes, depending on the traffic.

 

Taking a bus

There are several different buses you can take on this route, including the Sleeping Bus, Semi-Sleeping Bus, Tourist Bus and the Economy Bus. All have AC. Bus companies partnering with Bookaway have English-speaking drivers who are used to dealing with travelers.

The Tourist Bus by NagaTravel has the best amenities, including reclining seats, Wi-Fi, and blankets. The Economy Bus by Nattakan Travel is cheaper but basic. When choosing a bus, one thing you might want to consider is where it leaves from. The Nattakan Travel bus leaves from a hostel in the center of Phnom Penh (Eighty8 Phnom Penh).The Naga Travel bus leaves from Phnom Penh Post Office which is further south close to Wat Phnom Buddhist temple. Both buses arrive at the Mo Chit Bus Terminal in Bangkok.

One advantage of taking a long-distance bus between Phnom Penh and Bangkok is that you don't need to deal with scams and overcharging at the border. You simply get off the bus and get back on the same bus again. Just make sure to have all your travel documents ready, including printouts of your e visa, or USD and passport photos if you’re paying for your visa at the border.

All buses in Southeast Asia tend to crank up the AC, so you might want to wear layers. If you are taking the Sleeping Bus, bringing a neck pillow, ear plugs and an eye mask can ensure the best chance of getting some sleep.

Always book your tickets well in advance if you’re traveling on a Thai public holiday, which is when most locals take to the roads to visit their families. 

 

Taking a minivan

Virak Buntham Express operates modern, air conditioned minivans on this route. While these do have comfortable seating, the journey takes 13 hours, which is quite a long time to be in a minivan, so make sure to take plenty of breaks and stretch your legs.