Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
 

I am going to Cambodia for a short visit on the tail end of a business trip. I am going to stay in PP for 1 day and then go on to Siem Reap for several days. I was planning on taking a flight between the cities but I understand the bus does the trip in 4 hours or so. What is better the bus or the plane? Any feedback would be appreciated. I have travelled 100 miles of bad indian road before and I know how that can take it out of you.

I've only flown that segment (a few years ago) but it was quick and easy. The road at that time was rough (and some still considered dangerous) even by car was pretty rough but I understand now that its a reasonable journey. There is also the boat to consider.

I thought the boat had been canceled. Anyway, don't consider the boat, it's not very safe. The bus trip is dirt cheap and much more interesting than flying. Last time I did it (2004) the road was fine. Lots of info on travel in Cambodia at talesofasia.com.

Bus takes 4-5hours, the roads are fine between PP and SR

http://www.travelsinasia.com/Cambodia/Cambodia.htm

Whoa, hold it here thursdaysd - whats wrong with the boat between SR & PP - I was planning to do it in March?

leonf - see http://talesofasia.com/cambodia-faq-...m#overdomestic for info on overland travel in Cambodia. Summary on the boats: "ridiculous prices and dodgy conditions". I thought someone had posted here recently that the SR-PP boat was no longer running, but checking back to what I think was the post it said that it was likely to go away, not that it had.

Flying is of course the quickest(1hr)but expensive at $75 net plus airport tax of $6. And you don't see any of the country.

The boat used to be the main way to travel since the raods were in such bad shape. It cost arond $20-25 for a trip which for most part is boring. You have the choice of siting inside with cool a/c, load music to drive you batty and dirty windows that are hard to see out of. Or you can sit outside and get burned and wet but see more. And once outside it is near impossible to get back inside.

The bus is now the best and cheapest way to go and you see the county as well. The Mekong Express is the best with 2 buses a day, morning and just after noon. Cost is $9 and they will pick you up at your hotel if you call them. The bus is quite nice with good seats, a/c and a toilet. Takes around 5hrs over a good road with one stop along the way.

Another alternative is a taxi for around $40-45. Takes slightly less time, is more comfortable than the bus and gives you the opporunity to stop at places you may find interesting.