Phnom Penh to Siem Reap to Laos

sigmoid · Post by **sigmoid** » Mon Sep 28, 2015 11:16 am

I've recently read that the road from Siem Reap to the border with Laos was newly paved/surfaced about a year ago and that minivans ply this route, making the trip in about 7 hours.

Has anyone done this trip or heard anything about it? Would be interested to hear personal experiences if this is really the case.

Also, how about the road from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. Have read that it's pretty bad but wondering if it has also been recently improved. What's the current situation with bussing to SR from PP?

There are flights with Cambodia Angkor Air for around $65. How reliable are they?

Finally, is there an option to go by boat, either speed boat or slow boat?

Cheers for any info!

phuketrichard · Post by **phuketrichard** » Mon Sep 28, 2015 12:17 pm

quickest i would think

from SR head to Osmach border with Thailand ( less than 3 hours by taxi) , than bus to Surin,( less than an hour spend the night an bus to Udon and than bus to Nong Khai an across to Vientiane for dinner
driven it a few times

phuketrichard · Post by **phuketrichard** » Mon Sep 28, 2015 12:38 pm

I wanted to edit the above but got another cloud flare;

Error 524 Ray ID: 22cd1357c483131d • 2015-09-28 05:35:29 UTC
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i know a great hotel in Surin for less than $15

Visa exempt for Thailand ( 15 or 30 days if ur a G7 Nationality)
VOA for Laos

Anchor Moy · Post by **Anchor Moy** » Mon Sep 28, 2015 3:32 pm

sigmoid wrote:I've recently read that the road from Siem Reap to the border with Laos was newly paved/surfaced about a year ago and that minivans ply this route, making the trip in about 7 hours.

Has anyone done this trip or heard anything about it? Would be interested to hear personal experiences if this is really the case.

Also, how about the road from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. Have read that it's pretty bad but wondering if it has also been recently improved. What's the current situation with bussing to SR from PP?

There are flights with Cambodia Angkor Air for around $65. How reliable are they?

Finally, is there an option to go by boat, either speed boat or slow boat?

Cheers for any info!

The road from SR to Stung Treng and the Lao border is new and good - they say that the bridge is already cracking, but I'm sure it will hold till you get there.

It's after ST that things may get complicated, due to minivan mafia problems btw ST and the border. However, NEVER heard of anyone who didn't get there eventually - just warning that you MAY have hassles like being left on the roadside for a few hours unexpectedly.
VOA in Laos, plus "stamp fee".
And I too would like an update on the PP-SR road. Anyone ?

sigmoid · Post by **sigmoid** » Fri Oct 02, 2015 1:14 pm

Thanks for the info!

quickest i would think

from SR head to Osmach border with Thailand (less than 3 hours by taxi) , than bus to Surin, less than an hour spend the night an bus to Udon and than bus to Nong Khai an across to Vientiane for dinner

I am sure you're right that it's quicker, but I'm in no big hurry to get to Vientiane and will eventually get there by travelling on the other side of the Mekong. Also, no interest in Thailand. Lived there for years and have travelled in Issan numerous times.

The road from SR to Stung Treng and the Lao border is new and good - they say that the bridge is already cracking, but I'm sure it will hold till you get there.
It's after ST that things may get complicated, due to minivan mafia problems btw ST and the border. However, NEVER heard of anyone who didn't get there eventually - just warning that you MAY have hassles like being left on the roadside for a few hours unexpectedly.
VOA in Laos, plus "stamp fee".

Cheers!

I've been through this border once before a couple years ago but going the other way from Champasak to Stung Treng, so I know a bit about that part and the visas.

I guess I will consult with my travel agent in PP about getting to Siem Reap. The flight option is looking tempting.

Anyone have any recommendations for accommodation in Siem Reap or tips/advice about Angkor Wat?