There are lots of ways to get from Cambodia to Thailand, and it all depends on how much time, money, and patience you have. In this post, I’ll cover the best ways to get from Siem Reap to Bangkok in 2022 whether you travel by plane, direct bus, mini-bus, or taxi. Flying is always the most convenient, but going overland is less expensive and more of an adventure!
If you’re heading the other direction, how to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap.
At a glance…Siem Reap to Bangkok
- Direct bus: Costs $49. Takes 8 to 10 hours. → Book now
- Taxi: Starting at $195. SUV seats 4. About 8 hours. → Book now
- Indirect buses and vans: Costs $26+. 10 to 12 hours. → Book now
- Plane: Costs $100-300. Fastest but most expensive. 75 min. → Book now
- Crossing the border: What you need to know.
The Giant Ibis direct bus from Bangkok to Siem Reap (and vice versa)
Direct buses from Siem Reap to Bangkok
The easiest way to get from Siem Reap to Bangkok is by direct bus, although it’s not the fastest. Direct means that you don’t have to change buses at the border or haul your luggage over the border — it stays on the bus while you get your visas. While many buses advertise themselves as direct buses, but they are not, and will require changing buses at the border.
Giant Ibis, a company with great reputation in Cambodia, is the best option between Bangkok and Siem Reap. The buses are new, the drivers are good, and the attendants are friendly and help you through the visa process at the border. Although the tickets are more expensive at $49, it is worth the price, and there are no booking fees. There is a $5 visa charge if you do not already have a visa, for “VIP” processing, which means you will not have to go through the Thailand visa hall at all.
I have taken this bus and felt completely safe leaving my baggage in the baggage compartment under the bus while I went through the visa process. The Giant Ibis Siem Reap Bangkok direct bus leaves from Siem Reap at 7:45 a.m. and arrives around 4:15 p.m. Read our full review with photos of the Giant Ibis Bangkok bus.
You can book the Giant Ibis Siem Reap to Bangkok bus online and choose your seat in advance (the closer to the front the better, in my opinion). → Book now
Taking a taxi
Taxi is the most expensive overland option, and can cost approximately $200. If you book online you can choose between an SUV taxi or minivan that can take 4 or 7 passengers, respectively. → Book now
It’s possible to also book a taxi in Siem Reap to go to Poipet, and then get a second taxi at the border to go to Bangkok. This is a less expensive option, but is generally very stressful, particularly if you have substantial baggage. I’ve been left sitting at the border for hours trying to argue my way out of extortionate taxi prices, and frankly, it’s easier to just book in advance unless you enjoy that sort of argument (some do).
Indirect and mini-buses from Bangkok to Siem Reap
Travel Mart runs various sized buses from Bangkok to Siem Reap, from full size to vans.
There are buses and mini-bus services that go “direct,” meaning the same company will drop you off on the Cambodia side of the border and then meet you on the Thailand side of the border. You still need to haul your luggage through the border on foot, and often end up waiting for others on your bus who mysteriously take an hour to go through immigration. These services offer you no direction or hand-holding in getting through the border, but are substantially less expensive than than a true direct bus.
Travel Mart has a good reputation (I’ve taken them and had no complaints). They used to run direct buses but since the pandemic are doing a van to a minibus or express bus combo in cooperation with Virak Buntham, who have a not-quite-as-good reputation. Travel Mart offers night buses or day buses, which range in cost from $26 to $34.50. → Book now
Go Ho Travel are also running vans that require a change at the border for $30. I haven’t taken this bus so I can’t comment. → Book now
Flights from Siem Reap to Bangkok
AirAsia usually have the cheapest flights from Bangkok to Siem Reap, but there are strings attached.
There are fewer flight than pre-pandemic, but Bangkok Airways and Air Asia are flying from Siem Reap to Bangkok in 2022.
Bangkok Airways offer one-way flights at around $100. They offer a 20kg baggage allowance, but if you sign up with their frequent flyer club they will automatically give you an extra 10kg. Another nice perk is that there’s an airline lounge for all passengers, not just those in business class. → Book now
Malaysia-based LCC Air Asia has daily flights between Siem Reap and Bangkok that are usually the cheapest option available. You can find one-way flights on this route for as little as $70 if you book in advance. Flights arrive at Bangkok’s DMK airport and you’ll pay extra for baggage. → Book now
Crossing the Thailand-Cambodia border.
Crossing the border
The Aranyaprathat/Poipet border is known for scams, delays, and confusion. I’ve got a whole blog post with what you need to know about crossing the Poipet/Aranyaprathet border, but here are some important things to know.
You do not need to change money into Thai baht. This is a scam and you will be given an outrageously bad exchange rate.
You do not need to pay any border crossing fees or get a Thai visa before you get to the border office. Do not accept help from anyone who says they can help you get a visa or cross a border. The exception is your bus company, who may offer VIP service, like Giant Ibis.
Know that Thai officials have been cracking down on those who appear to living illegally in Thailand. They only allow two land border entries per year, and there is a requirement for each person to be carrying 10,000 Thai baht, or the equivalent in another currency, per person. This is rarely enforced unless the border officials have some misgivings about you, but if you have multiple Thai visas it’s best to show be able to show that you have cash on hand, a hotel reservation, and plans to leave.
If you’re going the other way, check out my post on how to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap.
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Hi, firstly what a great helpful site, well done :) I am planning on coming from SR in the afternoon and then catching a casino bus to Bangkok. Do they run every day? And what is the latest that they leave the border area? If I was unable to get a bus and couldnt afford the time to waste at the border is there another means of getting to Bangkok once I cross the border? Thanks so much
I am not sure what time the last casino bus is, but I have heard it’s not very late, probably around 4 p.m. It’s best to try and get across the border early, because the later you go, the longer immigration takes. If you’re going later, you can always take a taxi.
Hi, I am just after some advice please. I am travelling alone from SR to BKK, I need to cross the border…will I be okay travelling on my own? I am thinking of the Casino bus. I need to get to BKK airport(Suvarnabhumi Airport) Does the casino bus drop off near here? Thank you.
Hi Natalie, as far as I know the casino bus only drops off in Mo Chit and Bang Na and Lumpini Park. It just depends on when you need to get to the airport and how much you want to spend, but I would be worried about trying to make it across the border on the same day you need to catch a flight, because sometimes the border crossing can take hours, which means you are then caught in rush hour traffic on the way to Bangkok. I know there are buses from the Aranyaprathet bus station to the airport, but I only think there are two a day. You could also take a taxi from the border for about $60. Honestly, I’d just go over the day before and spend a night in Bangkok, or fly. But even then I would give myself an extra day as a security. But I’m a overly cautious traveler!
Hi Lina,
Thank you for this information, I am on a tour that ends the day before so thought I would spend the night in SR and travel the next day for a late night flight, but thinking about this I think I am going to travel the day before as I wasnt aware on how long it can take to cross the border! Flights looked expensive so really just looking for something that will cose less than $150 (the cost of the flight)
Cambodia Angkor Air $80 inclusive of all fees, taxes and surcharges. Based on their super promo fare of $19 through June 30th.
We are planning to travel back to Bangkok at night time, probably around 7pm, is that possible? What are the options? Thanks!
Fly as border will be closed before you can get there unless you want to spend the night in the armpit of cambodia, poipet
What bout if we start travelling back at around 3pm, is that going to be possible? Any idea what time the border closes?..thanks alot!
I think it closes at 7:30 PM but double check me. Trip by bus is about 2 1/2 hours if all goes ok but I have done it in less time.
Remember it is easily a 9-10 hour trip by land from SR to BKK. Depends on delays at border crossings, construction, accidents, weather and the terrible BKK traffic. Good luck!
Thanks for the info Vincent..we are planning to travel tomorrow by bus, from Mochit to SR, then go back to BKK on the next day if we can..
You would need to have a very good reason for a short turn around…but good luck. You will spend more time on a bus than in SR. It is a fun town. Bring US dollars.
latest update, so i travelled back from SR – Bkk yesterday afternoon, i booked a taxi from SR to the border ($20/person), then take a casino bus from border to BKK for 200 baht..i started travelling 3:00pm, arrived at the border at 5:45pm, then by 6:30pm we were on our way to BKK, and arrived safely before midnight.
Lyra, Happy it was safe and met your needs.
Happy Khmer/Thai New Year…Cheers!
same to you Vincent,happy Khmer New year too! Thanks for the info, it was really helpful, now im getting ready for my trip this evening to Laos by bus again…
Very “laid back” Country although been a couple of years since I visited. Just enjoy!
Does the Casino bus operate everyday? Can we depend on it?
Where does the bus drop you off once you get to Bangkok? The place I’m staying is near Khao San Road so I just want to plan how to get there from the bus drop-off accordingly.
Thank you very much! This post has been really helpful!
Which bus? There are several mentioned.
Unless you paid $28 for the bus from SR to BKK you will get a van at least from Thai border to BKK. Most stop at Victory Monument about a 10 minute walk to the BTS station.
Capital is a full sized bus to border then a van. I have used several times successfuly $10. Unless you fly it is a 9 hour trip.
The direct bus from Siem Reap to Bangkok worth 28$
Paulene,
The $28 one way bus through to BKK lets you off at Mo Chit Bus Station where you can catch a taxi cab to you final destination in BKK. ( or to the MRT and BTS train stops)Ignore people who tell you it is walkable to the train. Insist on them running the meter.
I’d suggest getting the 8AM bus. Nattakan Co. is located a couple of shops away from KFC.
I have flown for not much more than twice the $28 so 50 minutes versus 9 or more hours and nothing to see along the way anyway. Rather spend an hour or so with a coffee or beer at the airport.
Also, it only takes one person with “bad” papers or an “overstay” and no money to delay you at the border on either side as the bus will wait for everyone to clear immigration. When I go by land, that is the reason I use Capital as once I clear the borders I just go to the van and catch the next one out. (across from the 7-11)
Mo Chit Bus Terminal then take a meter taxi
Hi, is the taxi “fare” of about 30$ per person or per car/trip? What else is the donwside by going by taxi? Maybe the hassle to find a reasonable driver and price once you pass the border? Thanks in advance!
The taxi is $30 from Siem Reap to Poipet. There’s no real downside, but yes, you’ll then need to find another taxi to take you from the border to Bangkok. Worst case you can always hop on a casino bus (my preferred mode of transport).
Per cab not per person SR to Poipet. Last check taxi from Thai border to BKK was 1900 Baht per taxi cab and not per person. Safe trip.
PS, if you can find a driver who lives in Poipet and needs to get home you can negotiate a better deal.
Are there any night buses from Siem reap into Bangkok?
I am falling short of days to see the place and would prefer to travel at night to save time.
Poipet border crossing is not 24 hours so plan accordingly.
Good point, Vincent. I don’t know of any night buses from SR to Bangkok–I’m not sure if it would make logistic sense because it’s only a few hours to the border so the bus would be stuck at the border for hours waiting for it to open.
Go figure as they say! There are buses leaving at midnight but never understood the logic unless you need to be “first” in line. Plus the ride is questionably “safe” during daylight, I could not imagine at night.
I’m only willing to take Giant Ibis night buses (because of their safety record and low speed limits) so I don’t know anything about the other night bus companies. I wouldn’t recommend them, anyway!
Slight correction, it is a bus to Poipet connecting to the van services across from the 7-11
Lina,
If I want to travel from Siem Reap to Vientiane overland economically and smoothly. Should I be via Thailand or can I travel direct from Siem Reap to Vientiane (must be via Pakse, I guess). I understand there is no more Cambodia/Laos bus service by Phnom Penh Sorya Transportation.
Many thanks.
(Mr) LUI Pak Lam
20/11/2014
There are no methods that are both economical and smooth. Personally, I would fly as the overland method can take two days.
There is one more option though I am short on detail: a rail/road option. The trains leaving Bangkok’s Hualomphong station are easy on the bones as they go slowly through NE Thailand to Aranayaprathet. After that on to the border and then to Siem Reap. I’ve put someone on the train about 6am in Bangkok and they have got to Siem Reap by mid-afternoon. Travelling by train is the most relaxing but slowest way to go in Thailand. I love the wooden seats in third class with food and snacks being sold constantly. Pull up the window shutter and enjoy cutting through the countryside…..
Good suggestion, Steve. I’ll add that one on (and try it myself next time)!
There is nothing to see in either direction so fly if you can. At least the BKK to REP route as you will save your well being and no stress. If you’re on holiday/vacation no need to get stressed out by the journey.
Siem Reap to Bangkok? Although I try to fly, Capital Bus runs an efficient service for $10. Tip is get a seat up front on the bus, get off Poipet, grab your belongings head to Immigration (walk around the circle to the right GET YOUR STICKER when exiting bus, it is the pass for forward journey) Clear KH immigration and head to the Thai immigration to the left, through “casino alley” (maybe 5-10 minute walk)
Clear Thai immigration and walk to the vans across from the 7-11 store.No need to wait for everyone else to clear. You should have a “blue” sticker attached to your shirt/blouse when you exited the bus in Poipet.
Take the first Van leaving usually to Victory Monumnet . You can save an hour or more.
It is no faster or slower than the $25+ fancy bus route but you do get a free snack.
Is the Capital service a full-size bus or a mini-bus? I’ll check it out. I prefer the freedom of doing them as separate legs, personally. The direct bus is good if you have a lot of luggage.