How to get from Don Det to Siem Reap
Why visit Siem Reap?
Siem Reap and Angkor Wat come hand in hand with each other. Almost everyone who visits Siem Reap also explores the extensive and remarkable temples of Angkor Wat – the largest religious monument in the world.
Some visitors spend an entire week discovering every corner and carving of the temples, but here’s your reminder to explore beyond Angkor Wat. The city also has cute cafes, a nightly circus that will leave you stunned, never-ending markets, and a lively Pub Street. For many, it exceeds expectations.
What are the 3 ways to travel from Don Det to Siem Reap?
There are 3 ways to travel the 235 kilometre (146 miles) distance from Don Det to Siem Reap. You can choose between the bus, shared minivan and flight + bus. The journey takes 5 hours 45 minutes to 11 hours and the quickest way is by flight + bus. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by shared minivan with tickets starting at 91,000 KHR ($22.50).
Don Det to Siem Reap by Bus
The bus is an affordable way to get from Don Det to Siem Reap. Bus fares start from 108,000 KHR ($27), and the journey takes around 7 to 10 hours.
You can choose from four bus companies operating on this route: Garuda Transport & Travel, AVT - Asia Van Transfer, Lana Express and Airbus.
We recommend booking with Asia Van Travel. Their company gets great feedback because they have very friendly staff who give good instructions on how to cross the border and where they will make stopovers.
Just note that they run only one direct trip per day from Don Det to Siem Reap. If you miss it and have a slightly bigger budget, you can book with Airbus instead.
Most bus companies include the ticket for the short boat ride from Don Det to Nakasong Pier (mainland). If it’s not included, expect to pay an extra 50,000 KHR ($12.50) total for 1–2 people, or 20,000 KHR ($5) per person for groups of 3–5.
Bus schedule from Don Det to Siem Reap
In Cambodia, transport companies often adjust the vehicle type based on how many people are travelling. You might book a bus but end up in a minivan, or the other way around, depending on demand.
Tip: For those who need a visa to enter Cambodia, it’s best to get one before the trip. Travellers are usually overcharged for visas at the border.
Don Det to Siem Reap by Shared Minivan
A minivan ride from Don Det to Siem Reap costs around 91,000 KHR ($22.50). The minivan journey takes about 7 to 11 hours, depending on traffic.
You can choose from nine companies operating on this route.
A minivan ticket is usually cheaper than a bus ticket, which makes it a good choice if you’re travelling on a budget. That said, for a long journey like this one, keep in mind that minivans can feel quite cramped, especially when every seat is taken.
Note that some operators include the boat ride ticket from Don Det to Nakasong, so it’s worth checking what’s covered before you book.
Minivan schedule from Don Det to Siem Reap
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Don Det to Siem Reap by Flight + Bus
Flying from Don Det to Siem Reap is a bit faster, but expect to pay at least 783,000 KHR ($195) — and that’s only if you book early. Flight fares rise quickly as your travel date gets closer. Plus, you’ll miss the experience of crossing the border on foot!
The flight itself takes just 1 hour, but the total travel time is around 5 hours 45 minutes to 6 hours 30 minutes.
That’s because the closest airport to Don Det is in Pakse, about 4 hours away by land. Once you add transfers and airport waiting time, flying isn’t quite as fast as it first seems.
Still thinking about taking a flight? Check out the step-by-step guide below.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: Don Det to Pakse International Airport by Bus
You can take the bus from Don Det to Pakse for around 32,000 KHR ($8) when you book through BookAway.
From Pakse town, you’ll still need a short taxi ride to Pakse Airport, with fares starting from 36,000 KHR ($9).
For more details, read our article on how to travel from Don Det to Pakse.
Step 2: Pakse to Siem Reap by Flight
There is only one direct flight from Pakse to Siem Reap daily, and it is operated by Lao Airlines.
Flight fares start at 562,000 KHR ($140), but it’s more common to pay around 682,000 KHR ($170).
The good thing is that the flight only takes one hour.
Step 3: Siem Reap Airport to the city centre
Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport (SAI) is located about 45 km east of the city centre. Since replacing the old airport in 2023, it now takes longer to reach town — around 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and your transport choice.
The cheapest option is the airport shuttle bus, with fares from 32,000 KHR ($8). It drops you off along 7 Makara Street, about 2 km from the tourist centre. From there, you can take a tuk-tuk or taxi to your hotel.
Private transfers are the most comfortable and fastest option, though they’re also the most expensive. You can choose between airport taxis, ride-hailing apps like Grab and PassApp, or pre-booked cars through BookAway. Prices range from 100,000 KHR ($25) to 181,000 KHR ($45).
There are also tuk-tuks from the airport, but they’re slower and not ideal in bad weather. You can read more about all the transport options on our Siem Reap airport page.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Don Det to Siem Reap. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Frequently Asked Questions about Don Det to Siem Reap
What is the distance from Don Det to Siem Reap?
The distance from Don Det to Siem Reap is 235 kilometre (146 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Don Det to Siem Reap?
The fastest way to get from Don Det to Siem Reap is by flight + bus and takes 5 hours 45 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Don Det to Siem Reap?
The cheapest way to get from Don Det to Siem Reap is by shared minivan with ticket costs starting from 91,000 KHR ($22.50).
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
