has anyone information on arranging a mini bus to take 5 adults from Bangkok to Aranyaprathet, as we wish to travel to Siem Reap overland.we are in our mid 50,s so really don,t want the hassle of the normal bus and I don,t think a taxi will fit the 5 of us. any info would be of help plus some idea of cost
Many thanks ( so much useful info on this site )

Adrian

Tales of Asia has the most comprehensive information about doing the overland route to Siem Reap. http://www.talesofasia.com/cambodia-overland.htm

Thanks KimJapan. I have looked at talesofasia site and must say that it is a wonderful source of information a must read for anyone that is traveling this part of the world. I am hoping that someone will be able to recommend a driver and supply contact details

Are you really sure that you want to travel this route especially with the terrible road conditions between Poipet and Siem Reap and contending with the Taxi Mafia in Poipet whom make it near impossible to get a whole taxi for less than $60. For 5 people you will need 2. Getting to the boarder from Bangkok is the easy and comfortaable part and a van should be in the neighborhood of $100. Your hotel should be able to arrange one for you.

I have traveled this way but now prefer taking the discount airline Air Asia to Phnom Penh early morning and catching the noon bus to SR. For five this will more than the land route but not the much, perhaps a $100-150 for all 5. And the road between PP and SR is good and takes around 5 hrs.

You know, the normal government bus (from Morchit) is really not too bad at all, comfort wise. About 200 baht each for the 4-5 hour trip to Aranyaprathet, then a couple of tuks tuks to the border will be about 200 baht for your group. A taxi as you've realised would be too small for 5 people. A taxi would cost something like 2000 baht and do the trip in 3 hours, a van might cost a bit more. There are many vans for hire in Bangkok but unless you know a local you might need to have someone at your hotel arrange it for you. When negotiating the cost keep in mind that the taxi/van might not be able to get a fare for the return to Bangkok so not every driver is going to want to do this trip.

I've done it many times as well as sometimes continuing on to Siem Reap and the situation in Poipet with the taxi mafia has lately gone from bad to worse. Two years ago you could get a taxi for $25, now even $60 is not guaranteed and you will need two taxis for sure. As far as l'm concerned they can all take a running jump as l'll be flying in future. Even for a visa run l now find somewhere else in Asia to fly to, easy enough with all the cheap flights on offer and a lot less hassle.

Thanks scotters & Zeer. for your comments. We had not thought about flying to Phnom Phen then back tracking. I was surpised at how cheap it was flying asian airways.Any info regarding the bus to SR would be welcomed.E.g cost where to pick up the bus etc. Can you also advise on a accomodation in Phnom phen.

many thanks for your words od wisdom.

The Mekong Express bus is the best of the lot and cost $10. The seat spacing is excellent and for the average person there is at least 6 inches of clearance from the knees to the seat in front. You are greeted by a lovely Khmer girl, shown to your seat and served pastries with a bottle of water. There is a toilet on board and you make one stop on the way for a break. Bus times are 7:30 and 12:30. If you stay in Phnom Penh overnight (I suggest that you do this on the way back as you cannot make connections to Bangkok on the same day) they would pick you up at the hotel. Their office is opposite where the boat to Siem Reap departs on Sisowath Quay - Tel: 023-427-518. Do not let anyone talk you into taking overpriced boat to SR. Since the plane gets in around 8.10 take a taxi or van if you can find one right to their office and buy your tickets. You can only reserve a day ahead or it used to be that way. Please NOTE that the SR bus station is a disgrace and for many can be an overwhelming, unpleasant and chaotic first impression to Siem Reap.

For mid priced hotels in PP (around $80 net per room with breakfast) there are the Bougainvillier, Foreign Correspondents Club and the Cambodiana that all have riverfront locations. If you want cheaper accommodation there are also many choices for a clean but basic room.