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How to get from Siem Reap to Bangkok
After a nice immersion into rural life in Siem Reap, heading to the Capital City of Thailand will give you the opportunity to experience all things Thai. Bangkok is filled with culture, history, shopping and nightlife. From tasty local street food to fine dining of international cuisine, your palate will have a blast in this city.
Take a tour of the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, or hike up to the top of Golden Mountain Temple for excellent views of the city during the day. Spend your evenings enjoying the vibrant nightlife of Khao San Road or taking in some live music at almost any restaurant in the city.
3 ways to get from Siem Reap to Bangkok
The distance from Siem Reap to Bangkok is 430 km (265 miles). In this post, we compare the 3 options to travel from Siem Reap to Bangkok: by flight (1-1.5 hours), by bus (7-12.5 hours), or by train (8-9 hours). Ticket prices range from 475 THB ($13.00) to 2,200 THB ($61.00).
Taking a flight from Siem Reap to Bangkok is the fastest and easiest option. However, it is also the most expensive, with fares starting at 2,200 THB ($61.00). The travel time only takes 1-1.5 hours.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to help reduce your impact on the environment.
The bus is a good alternative with combined fares from 1,050 THB ($29.00) from Siem Reap to Bangkok. The bus ride takes about 7-12.5 hours. An advantage of this option is that buses depart from Siem Reap city centre and arrive near Bangkok’s Khao San Road.
The cheapest way to travel from Siem Reap to Bangkok is by train. Combined costs start from 475 THB ($13.00), but note that this option involves several transfers. You can take the train if you want to save money while enjoying the rural views during the 8 to 9-hour journey.
Since this is a cross-border route, take note of the customs and immigration process.
Siem Reap to Bangkok by Flight
Flying is the fastest way to travel from Siem Reap to Bangkok. Airfares are a little pricey, but you will be on your way to Thailand’s capital city in just 1-1.5 hours.
All flights depart from Siem Reap International Airport (REP). You can take a 20-minute ride by taxi, a tuk-tuk, or a motorbike taxi from the city centre to the airport.
AirAsia offers the cheapest flights from Siem Reap to Bangkok, with prices starting from 2,200 THB ($61.00). Bangkok Airways also offers direct flights for this route, but their airfares are more expensive at around 4,600 THB ($125.00).
Air Asia flights land at Don Muang Airport (DMK) in Bangkok, which is about 30-60 minutes by taxi or bus to the city centre. Meanwhile, Bangkok Airways flights land at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK).
Both airlines offer promo rates during special holidays. We suggest booking your flight in advance as ticket prices tend to increase for last-minute bookings.
Siem Reap to Bangkok by Bus
If you don’t mind the long travel, the bus is a good alternative when travelling from Siem Reap to Bangkok, especially if the airfares are too expensive.
The cross-border journey takes about 7-12.5 hours, excluding the stop at Poipet for immigration. This travel time can take longer, depending on traffic. Bus fares start from 1,050 THB ($29.00).
There are several bus companies that operate from Siem Reap to Bangkok, such as Giant Ibis, Virak Buntham Express, and Travel Mart. The earliest departure is at 07:45 in the morning and the latest is at 14:30 in the afternoon.
Departure and arrival stations
There are two departure points in Siem Reap. Giant Ibis bus departs from Giant Ibis Siem Reap Office, while Virak Buntham Express and Travel Mart depart from Virak Buntham Siem Reap Bus Branch.
These bus stops are located along Sivutha Boulevard, about 1 km from the centre. To get here, you can take a 10 to 15-minute walk or a 5-minute ride from Siem Reap city centre.
The last stop for all buses is at Phra Nakhon, just a few minutes walk to Khao San Road.
Bus schedules from Siem Reap to Bangkok
Customs & Immigration
All buses from Siem Reap to Bangkok make a stop in Poipet for immigration purposes. Here, you will have to get off the bus and go through the border immigration for both Cambodia and Thailand. The bus crew will guide you on the things you need to do.
For those who are required to have a visa to enter Thailand, it’s important that you have your visa ready to present to the immigration officer.
The tourist visa fee at the Thailand-Cambodia border costs $30, plus a small processing fee of $5 at the Cambodian immigration counter. Note that these fees should be paid in US Dollars.
After paying the fees, you can now head to the Thailand immigration office past the casinos. Here, you can present your documents and get your passport stamped. Once you’re done with all these steps, you can board the bus again and resume your trip to Bangkok.
Siem Reap to Bangkok by Train
The cheapest option when travelling from Siem Reap to Bangkok is by train.
It’s worth noting that this option is a bit complicated as it requires several transfers, but it does offer lovely views along the way.
Step 1: Siem Reap to Poipet by Bus
For the first part of your journey, you will need to take a bus or taxi from Siem Reap to Poipet. Poipet is where the border station of the Cambodia side is located.
Bus ticket prices going to Poipet from Siem Reap start at 335 THB ($9.00) for the 2-3 hour journey. Virak Buntham Express offers 4 bus trips daily, but you must take one of the two morning trips to make it in time for the connecting train to Bangkok.
The buses also depart from Virak Buntham Bus Station located along Sivutha Boulevard, the same station where the direct buses to Bangkok depart from.
Bus schedules from Siem Reap to Poipet
Alternative Option: Siem Reap to Poipet by Taxi
Duration: 3 hours
Cost: 2,120 THB ($59.00)
If you want a private transfer or if the bus schedules don’t match your itinerary, you can also take a taxi from Siem Reap to Poipet. The fare can be quite expensive at around 2,120 THB ($59.00), but it offers more convenience compared to buses. You can check Cambotickets to reserve a taxi.
Alternately, for less hassle, you can also book this 3-hour taxi trip from Siem Reap to Poipet through your hotel.
If you’re required to enter Thailand with a visa, make sure to prepare your visa in advance. It will be much faster to go through immigration with completed documents.
Step 2: Poipet to Aranyaprathet by Tuk-tuk
Upon arrival in Poipet, you need to first go through Cambodian immigration. If you already have a tourist visa, you just need to pay a small fee of $5. Then, walk past the casinos to the Thailand immigration building to present your documents and receive your passport stamp.
After these steps, you can now head to Aranyaprathet Train Station, where you can find the trains going to Bangkok. The best and quickest way to get to the station is by tuk-tuk, which you can easily find at the exit.
The cost for a tuk-tuk ride ranges from 80 THB ($2.20) to 110 THB ($3.00) for the 10-minute ride.
Step 3: Aranyaprathet to Bangkok by Train
The last leg of this option is to take the train bound for Hua Lamphong Railway Station in Bangkok. There are only two trains operating this route. They depart at 07:05 and 14:00 daily.
A train ticket costs 60 THB ($1.60) per person, and travel time takes 5-6 hours. Since there are only 2 train departures daily, it’s important that you arrange your bus/taxi ride from Siem Reap accordingly so that you won’t miss the train.
Train schedules from Aranyaprathet to Bangkok
Note that you can only buy the tickets at the train station on the day of your travel. The only seat type available for the Aranyaprathet to Bangkok train is a third-class coach, which may be a bit uncomfortable. But it’s clean and offers great views.
From the train station in Bangkok, you can easily reach the capital’s centre in 15-30 minutes. You can check our article on Hua Lamphong Railway Station for more info.
Our favourite places to stay in Bangkok
Bangkok is a big and bustling city with each neighbourhood offering something different to the next. Covering nearly 1600 km² and offering over a thousand accommodation options, it can be slightly daunting picking where to stay. Here is a quick rundown of our favourite areas to stay in Bangkok:
- Khao San Road — is one of the most famous areas in Bangkok, known for its party reputation. This area attracts a lot of backpackers that are looking for cheap accommodation and a place to party.
- Sukhumvit — has a more relaxed nightlife, centred around sophisticated restaurants and rooftop bars as opposed to travellers dancing on tables. It’s a great jumping-off point to explore the jam-packed city, thanks to the good connections via public transport.
- Riverside — along the Chao Phraya River, you’ll find an area rich in history and culture, hosting many of the popular sights of Bangkok, including the Royal Palace and Wat Pho – the Reclining Buddha.
Check out our favourite accommodations in Bangkok:
Greenery Hostel - Budget Friendly
As you’ve probably already guessed, Greenery Hostel has a green theme both inside and outside. It actually creates a really tranquil vibe inside a busy city.
The rooms are simple but great value for money. Plus there are nice chill-out spaces throughout the hostel with a swing, games and comfy chairs. It’s in a great location, close to lots of Bangkok’s attractions.
- Great value for money
- Relaxing chill-out areas
- Good location
- Free cancellation
Private rooms start from $21 per night.
Phranakorn-Nornlen - Mid Range
It will be hard to find another hotel in Bangkok like Phranakorn-Nornlen. This hotel is like a piece of art, with every room decorated differently and boasting a unique theme. Make sure to pick your room wisely.
The staff takes your stay here to another level. They are incredibly friendly and helpful. They’ll give you great recommendations for the local neighbourhood which is full of cosy cafes and local restaurants.
- Unique design and rooms
- Incredible staff
- Nice local neighbourhood
- Very clean
Double rooms start from $33 per night.
Naga Residence - Mid Range
Naga Residence feels less like a hotel and more like a home — just a very beautifully designed home that’s exceptionally clean. The rooms are very spacious and all of them have a private balcony overlooking the city.
There’s also an onsite gym, garden and terrace area for you to enjoy. And when you venture out of the hotel there are plenty of restaurants, shops and cafes nearby.
- Huge rooms
- Exceptionally clean
- Private balcony
- Onsite gym
Double rooms start from $37 per night.
The One Smart Living - Treating Yourself
The One Smart Living offers incredible value for money. The rooms are beautiful and feel extremely luxurious. You won’t want to leave your room it’s so nice!
It’s a great choice if you want to be close to the airport, but not so close that you’re constantly hearing planes above your head. The staff are incredibly helpful and super friendly. It’s hard to fault this place.
- Great value for money
- Close to the airport
- Helpful staff
- Beautiful rooms
Double rooms start from $50 per night.
dusitD2 Samyan - Treating Yourself
dusitD2 Samyan is one of the most unique hotels in Bangkok with its tiered appearance overlooking the city. You can take a refreshing dip in their sky swimming pool and enjoy the panoramic views. Or head to the gym and take them in whilst working up a sweat.
The floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the hotel create a bright and modern feel. The rooms are stunning, and decorated to an extremely high standard. This is one of the best hotels in Bangkok.
- One of the coolest buildings in Bangkok
- Rooftop swimming pool
- Onsite gym
- Bright and modern rooms
King rooms start from $110 per night.
Bangkok Travel Guides
The Ultimate Bangkok Travel Guide
12 Best Things to Do in Bangkok
Routes from Bangkok
Bangkok Airport (Suvarnabhumi) to the City Centre
Most popular routes in Thailand
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.
Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She’s loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand’s beaches also have a special place in her heart.
Hey, im wondering if i could get off the Giant Ibis BUs before khaosan? Thanks.
Hey Jie, we spoke to Giant Ibis to check for you, and you can get off the bus before Khao San Road. Simply inform the driver when boarding the bus and they will place your luggage in the compartment area with easy access. If you buy your ticket on booking platforms like BookAway, you will still need to pay the full amount.