Job Discussion Forums

[sandinista445]

I'm planning a trip through South East Asia, and I have a question regarding transportation through Cambodia. I'm wondering if there is a safe and easy way to get across Cambodia (from Vietnam to Thailand) other than flying?

I've read that train travel in Cambodia is dangerous. Is there a safe alternative? Is there a bus line that crosses the (tiny) country?

I really want to see a little bit of Thailand after I see Vietnam, but my budget for transportation will be limited.

[liehtzu]

Sure, people do it all the time. I believe there's a direct Saigon-Bangkok bus via Phnom Penh - has your usual border stops and little hassles, but from what I hear it's a pretty smooth ride, and hardly dangerous. Also a few land routes through Laos and Issan in Thailand (Hanoi-Vientiane or Danang/Hue-Savannakhet).

[Proffeshnial Teachman]

Saigon to Phnom Penh, easy, straightforward and reasonably quick. There's even a nice new building at both sides of immigration. Cost 5USD for bus, 20USD for Cambo visa.

Phnom Penh to Siam Reap, OK, roads not too bad, takes about 6-7 hours. Cost about 5USD.

Siam Reap to Poipet. Hmmm gets a bit uncomfortable here as the roads are poor, but have improved. Much better and much quicker than going the opposite way which for some reason is a horror of a journey (NOT RECOMMENDED). Immigration is a hassle and be prepared for a possible long wait in Thailand as they try and milk you for refreshments in (presumeably) the coach driver's cousin's restaurant. Highly variable transit times to Bangkok.

Poipet to Bangkok/elsewhere - a dream, oh those smooth Thai roads and the air-con bus will purr along at speed. Cost: @10 USD? (SReap-BKK)

Synopsis: Do-able with a little discomfort, but avoid the return journey from Poipet to Siam Reap (dreadful)