Getting There
Thailand’s
propinquity to Cambodia makes it an ideal starting point for
a trip to Angkor Wat. In times past the political situation
in Cambodia made a trip to Angkor Wat nearly impossible, however,
recent improvements have once again opened up Cambodia to
foreigners. There are three methods by which one can reach
Angkor Wat from Thailand, varying in expense and comfort.
By
Plane
Many
of Thailand’s travel agencies offer packaged trips to Angkor
Wat, including airfare and accommodation. These trips are
by far the most convenient, and affordable by western standards.
Bangkok Airways offers three daily flights from Bangkok directly
to Siem Reap/Angkor Wat, for around US $320.00 round-trip,
not including accommodation. Travelers can also reach Angkor
Wat by flying to Phnom Penh and continuing on to Siem Reap.
Flights to Phnom Penh are offered by: Thai Airways, Bangkok
Airways, and Royal Air Cambodge, all for about US $220.00.
There are three domestic airlines that fly from Phnom Penh
to Siem Reap: President Airlines ($105.00), Royal Air Cambodge
($132.00), and Phnom Penh Airlines ($110.00).
By
Car
The
newest, and by far the most adventurous and least expensive
way of getting to Angkor Wat from Thailand is by land, by
way of the newly opened highway connecting the border towns
of Aranya Prathet, Thailand, and Poipet, Cambodia. Trains
and buses in a variety of classes are available from Bangkok
to Aranya Prathet for a very reasonable fee.
Bangkok-Aranya
Prathet
By
Train 
Take
the number 275 train, leaving Hua Lampong Train Station at
05:55 AM. Trains in Thailand generally offer a much more scenic
view of the countryside, however, they usually take a longer
time to reach their destination. The trip to Aranya Prathet
takes about 6 hours. Both first and second-class train cars
are air-conditioned and comfortable. Third-class is not suggested
for the traveler looking for a comfortable ride, as it is
often hot, crowded, and the seats are very small and uncomfortable
wooden benches. The prices are as follows:
First-class
222 baht
Second-class
111 baht
Third-class
48 baht
By
Bus
Take
the number 60 or 921 bus from Moh Chit 2 bus station.
These
buses leave every hour, taking about 4 hours to get to Aranya
Prathet, and are available in two classes. Both first and
second-class buses are air-conditioned, with adequately comfortable
seating. The 921 bus is a more direct route, and about a half-hour
shorter. These buses are priced as follows:
First-class
– No. 60 (Blue) – 160 baht
No. 921 (Blue) – 144 baht
Second-class
– No. 60 (Orange) – 125 baht
No.
921 (Orange) – 112 baht
Aranya
Prathet-Siem Reap
Once
you get to Aranya Prathet, your trip is far from over. After
a short tuk-tuk to the border, which should be around 40 baht,
you cross in to Poipet, Cambodia, where the real adventure
begins. In Poipet, transportation is readily available at
the traffic circle just past the border checkpoint. There
should be a number of pickup trucks there, many of which will
have English-speaking drivers. You will have to change trucks
in Sisophon, however, if you pay your driver up front, he
will arrange through transportation to Siem Reap. The fare
is generally in the range of 200 baht. Although the entire
trip from Poipet to Siem Reap is only just over 200km, it
takes around 7.5 hours due to horrific road conditions. The
road from Poipet to Sisophon is bad, and winds through areas
that are still scattered with land mines; however, once you
get on the road from Sisophon to Siem Reap, conditions markedly
worsen. Roads are barely passable wide, dirt paths with ridiculously
large potholes. Many of the bridges no longer function, or
are in hazardously poor condition. Additionally, from the
middle portion of the road onwards, AK-47 toting terrorists
stop the truck to collect impromptu “tolls”. For this reason,
travelers are advised to carry little amounts of cash, and
no valuables. Also, for very real safety reasons, this entire
trip must be made during daylight hours. Plan accordingly,
so that you arrive in Aranya Prathet as early as possible.
If you do not reach Cambodia by 10:00AM, delay your trip
for a day. Also, if you plan to travel by land, tell someone
before leaving, giving them your dates of travel and a copy
of your passport. If you are not back by the return date,
have them call the proper Embassy. This is for safety reasons,
and although the situation in Cambodia is improving, there
is still a need for some concern.
Back
to Top |
