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Best Transport Options: Battambang To Siem Reap (& Back Again)
As these two destinations are both Northwestern Cambodian neighbours, the overland journey is very brief. There is an airport option, however, unless you’ve got your private jet waiting for you on the tarmac, there’s little point in flying.
Plane’s off the menu…
Today ladies and gents, the smorgasbord of transport canapés includes the buoyant boat, the bitchin’ bus, and the meandering mini-bus.
Take your pick…
Battambang To Siem Reap – By Boat
Yo ho ho-ing with a bottle of the rum…
If time is on your side, the most beautifully adventurous journey from between Battambang and Siem Reap is by boat.
There’s only one catch…
This route is highly impacted by the water level. Unfortunately the dry season hits Cambodia between April and June, when Poseidon and his team of Cambodian aquatic distributors are on their infamous annual strike.
The waters and the boat will usually be fully flowing again from July to March. The wet season baby!
So, what makes this journey so special?
The 8 hour boat journey gives you a unique insight into the rural Cambodian lifestyle. Grab a seat on the sun deck, feel the breeze slowly whistle past your ears, and breathe in that fresh air.
The atmosphere is tranquil, the views are mesmerising, and the small fishing villages float on by into the horizon.
Tickets for the journey cost around $20, and the day trip will take between 8 and 10 hours.
Secret sauce…
If you want to evoke your inner Step Brothers and throw some money at your very own “Boats & Hoes” style music video, the entire boat can be booked for $180.
The boat sets sail in either direction at 7am every day, if the water levels are high enough.
To investigate and make a booking, try give the boatmaster a call on one of these numbers or enquire at your hostel – T: 012 689 068; 012 601 287; 010 689 068; 097 774 1333
Sail away with me honeys!
Battambang To Siem Reap – By Bus
To be frank, there are a number of dodgy local bus companies that attempt to drive this route.
For what it’s worth…
We would recommend traveling with Capitol Tours, they have some absolute beast 42-seater buses, and they’re a highly respected organization on the public transport scene.
The journey will usually take around three hours, and you better not forget to pack your vocal chords. If lady luck isn’t the bus with you, you’ll probably be treated to some good ol’ Khmer karaoke. An acquired taste.
A ticket for this glorious mobile karaoke wagon, should cost around $5.50. Get your tickets directly from the Capitol Tours office (addresses below) to save yourself a few extra bucks.
As both bus terminals aren’t that centrally located, a mini-bus will pick you up from the Capital Tours office.
Capitol Tours departure timetable:
Battambang to Siem Reap: 7:45am, 9:45am, 1pm, 3pm
Siem Reap to Battambang: 7:30am, 8:30am, 9:30am, 1:30pm
Capitol Tours Battambang Office – Map View.
Capitol Tours Siem Reap Office – Map View.
Once you touch down on the other side, a short tuk tuk journey will get you safe and sound into town.
Battambang To Siem Reap – By Mini-Bus
If you’re feeling in a Mini-Bus kind of mood, Mekong Express is the one for you. The company is a long-standing traveler favourite between Battambang and Siem Reap, especially as they have a reliable safety record.
There are two mini-buses that run in either direction everyday. Tickets cost about $7 and the trip takes about 3 hours.
Mekong Express departure timetable:
Battambang to Siem Reap: 8am, 2pm
Siem Reap to Battambang: 8am, 2pm
Insider knowledge…
The 8am mini-buses from Siem Reap and the 2pm mini-buses from Battambang are both packing extra heat. They are 25-seater mini-buses, as opposed to the 18-seater.
Mekong Express Battambang Bus Terminal – Map View.
Mekong Express Siem Reap Bus Terminal – Map View.
Either visit the Mekong Express website or reserve yourself a seat on the trusty BookMeBus.
Travel safe!
Warning: These departure timetables are always subject to change, so be sure to clarify online before venturing off.
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