Bangkok to Phnom Penh — One-Hour Flight, All-Day International Bus via the Poipet Border, or the Coastal Route via Trat and Koh Kong, with Visa and Border Notes
Three ways from Bangkok to Phnom Penh: a direct flight of about an hour, an international bus across the Aranyaprathet–Poipet border in 12–14 hours, or the coastal route via Trat and Koh Kong. Visa steps, what to watch for at the border, and how to combine with Siem Reap.
Phnom Penh is a good deal further from Bangkok than Siem Reap, so the overland trip is a full day that includes a border, while the flight takes about an hour. The choice comes down to whether you value money or time, and whether you want Siem Reap on the way.
All options
| Option | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Direct flight | About 1 h 10 min | Several a day, full-service and low-cost; the default |
| International bus via Aranyaprathet–Poipet | About 12–14 hours | One bus all the way; you get off for immigration and reboard the same bus; the cheapest |
| Train + cross the border yourself + Cambodian bus | About 14–16 hours | Cheap and fun for rail fans, but several legs |
| Coastal route Trat → Hat Lek/Koh Kong → Phnom Penh | About 12–14 hours | For travellers on Koh Chang or heading to Koh Kong and Sihanoukville |
Flying
Direct flights from both Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang to Phnom Penh run all day and take about an hour and ten minutes; with airport time at both ends it is still under half a day. Phnom Penh airport is about 10 km from the centre, with taxis and Cambodian ride-hailing apps. Booked ahead, the fare is closer to the bus than you would expect once you count a day's meals and time.
- Compare Bangkok–Phnom Penh fares: open the fare search
International bus
Several bus companies run Bangkok–Phnom Penh direct, leaving Mo Chit 2 or their own offices in the morning and reaching the Aranyaprathet–Poipet border around midday. Everyone gets off to clear Thai exit immigration, walks across for the Cambodian visa and entry stamp, then reboards the same bus, which continues via Sisophon and Battambang to reach Phnom Penh in the evening, 12–14 hours in all. The advantage is not having to find transport on the far side, and staff who help with paperwork.
- Book international buses Bangkok–Phnom Penh: open 12Go
Train to the border, then cross on your own
A morning train from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal reaches Ban Klong Luk, the terminus right at the Aranyaprathet border, around midday, and is very cheap. Walk across the border yourself, then take a bus or minivan Poipet–Phnom Penh, about 7–8 hours, arriving at night. Good for travellers with time and a tight budget who are happy to handle Poipet's uncertainties themselves.
The coastal route
From Koh Chang or Trat, reach the Hat Lek–Koh Kong border in about 1.5 hours, cross, then take a bus or minivan Koh Kong–Phnom Penh in about 5–6 hours, or stop first at Sihanoukville. This crossing is far quieter than Poipet, with few people and a calm checkpoint, but Cambodian departures are limited, so arrive at the border before noon.
Visas and the border
- Thai passport holders enter Cambodia visa-free for short tourist stays with a passport valid for more than 6 months (check the latest rules before travelling).
- Most other nationalities get a visa on arrival or an e-Visa in advance. The e-Visa removes almost all of the overcharging problems at Poipet.
- At Poipet, people will approach offering to "help with your visa" or take you to a "special window". Decline and walk to the immigration building yourself; pay in US dollars at the official rate.
- Carry small US dollar bills and one passport photo. Cambodia uses dollars alongside riel.
Combining with Siem Reap
If Angkor is also on the list, the overland route splits at Poipet: Siem Reap is only 2–3 hours from the border, Phnom Penh another 7–8. Many travellers do Bangkok → Siem Reap (2–3 nights) → Phnom Penh by bus or boat, then fly back to Bangkok from Phnom Penh.
- See Bangkok–Siem Reap buses: open 12Go
Seasons
Cambodia's dry season runs November to April, hottest in April; the rainy season is May to October. The Poipet–Phnom Penh road is fully paved; rain slows it but does not cut it. Around Songkran and Khmer New Year (mid-April), buses are full and the border is crowded.
Common mistakes
- Following a stranger at Poipet to get your visa. Walk to the immigration building yourself, or get an e-Visa beforehand.
- Arriving in Phnom Penh late at night without a booking. Buses land between about 8 and 10 pm; book ahead.
- Assuming overland is always cheaper than flying. Compare an advance fare against the bus plus a day's meals and time; they are often close.
Flights
Compare fares across all airlines in one search (prices depend on the date; last-minute is the expensive way): Bangkok → Phnom Penh · Bangkok → Siem Reap
Where to stay
Compare hotels and guesthouses along this route (prices change by season; check the live price on the booking page): Phnom Penh · Siem Reap
Summary
Short on time, fly direct in an hour. On a budget and unhurried, take a single international bus all the way. Get an e-Visa in advance if you need one, decline the helpers at Poipet, and if Angkor is on the list, stop in Siem Reap first and finish in Phnom Penh.