Getting Around Cambodia
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use tuk-tuks and motos for Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Rural: Rent a car for countryside exploration. Temples: Motorbike rentals or boats for Angkor. For convenience, book airport transfers from Phnom Penh to your destination.
Train Travel
Royal Railways Network
Limited but scenic train services connecting key cities with infrequent but improving schedules.
Cost: Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville $7-10, journeys 6-8 hours on main routes.
Tickets: Buy at stations or through agents, cash preferred, no widespread app yet.
Peak Times: Weekends busier for coastal routes, arrive early for seats.
Tourist Train Passes
Special tourist trains offer day trips from Phnom Penh to scenic areas for $20-30 including meals.
Best For: Short excursions to rural spots, combining history with comfort.
Where to Buy: Railway stations, hotels, or online via tourism sites with advance booking.
Future Expansions
Rehabilitation projects aim to connect Siem Reap and Battambang more reliably by 2026.
Booking: Monitor official updates, book early for new services, potential discounts for locals.
Main Stations: Phnom Penh Central handles most departures, with links to Sihanoukville.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Ideal for flexible rural travel like Angkor outskirts. Compare rental prices from $20-40/day at Phnom Penh Airport and major cities.
Requirements: International license recommended, passport, minimum age 18-21.
Insurance: Basic coverage often included, add comprehensive for $10-15/day.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 40 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural, 90 km/h highways.
Tolls: Minimal on national roads, occasional checkpoints require small fees.
Priority: Yield to larger vehicles, motorbikes dominate traffic in cities.
Parking: Free in rural areas, $1-2/day in hotel lots or street parking in cities.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations common at $1.00-1.20/liter for petrol, $0.90-1.10 for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me for offline navigation in remote areas.
Traffic: Chaotic in Phnom Penh during rush hours, lighter on rural highways.
Urban Transport
Tuk-Tuks & Remorks
Ubiquitous motorized carriages, single ride $2-5 in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, day charter $15-25.
Negotiation: Always haggle fares upfront, use ride-hailing apps like Grab for fixed prices.
Apps: Grab or PassApp for booking, real-time tracking, and cashless payments.
Motorbike Rentals
Easy rentals in Siem Reap for $5-10/day with helmets provided at guesthouses.
Routes: Ideal for Angkor temples and rural paths, but wear protective gear.
Tours: Guided moto tours available for $20-30, including fuel and driver if needed.
Buses & Local Services
Local buses in Phnom Penh cost $0.50-1/ride, operated by private companies with basic routes.
Tickets: Pay onboard in cash, frequent services during daylight hours.
Boat Ferries:
Essential for Tonle Sap Lake or coastal areas, $5-15 for short trips.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near markets or temples in cities for easy access, Siem Reap Pub Street for nightlife.
- Booking Timing: Book 1-2 months ahead for dry season (Nov-Apr) and festivals like Khmer New Year.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for monsoon season travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for AC, WiFi, and proximity to transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Strong 4G coverage in urban and tourist areas, 3G in remote spots like northern provinces.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from $5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Metfone, Cellcard, and Smart offer prepaid SIMs from $5-10 with nationwide coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, markets, or provider shops with passport required.
Data Plans: 3GB for $5, 10GB for $10, unlimited for $15/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi common in hotels, cafes, and tourist sites, but speeds vary.
Public Hotspots: Airports and major temples offer free public WiFi.
Speed: 10-50 Mbps in cities, sufficient for browsing and calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Indochina Time (ICT), UTC+7, no daylight saving observed.
- Airport Transfers: Phnom Penh Airport 10km from city center, taxi $12 (20 min), tuk-tuk $10, or book private transfer for $15-25.
- Luggage Storage: Available at airports ($3-5/day) and bus stations in major cities.
- Accessibility: Limited ramps in historic sites, urban transport improving but challenging for wheelchairs.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on buses with carrier (small fee), check guesthouse policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Motorbikes can carry bikes, trains allow if space permits for $2-5 extra.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Cambodia
Phnom Penh International (PNH) is the main hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Phnom Penh (PNH): Primary international gateway, 10km west of city with taxi connections.
Siem Reap (REP): Angkor hub 6km from temples, shuttle bus $5 (15 min).
Sihanoukville (KOS): Coastal airport with regional flights, convenient for beaches.
Booking Tips
Book 1-2 months in advance for dry season (Nov-Mar) to save 20-40% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh and busing to Cambodia for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
AirAsia, VietJet, and Cambodia Angkor Air serve regional routes affordably.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and transport to sites when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available in cities, $2-5 fee, use Canadia Bank to avoid extras.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted in hotels, less so in markets or rural spots.
- Contactless Payment: Growing in urban areas, Apple Pay limited but expanding.
- Cash: Essential for transport and vendors, keep $50-100 USD in small bills.
- Tipping: Not customary but $1-2 appreciated for good service in tourist areas.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchanges with poor rates.