Traveling by Bus in Cambodia
Traveling by bus in Cambodia is the most common way to reach destinations within the country and its neighbors, such as Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam and the 4,000 Islands in Laos. Most of the bus companies we provide service for focus mainly on tourists, and so while you are likely to be seated near many local people, the level of service should be better than the average bus. While it’s generally good advice to keep an eye on your valuables at all times, and in the past, theft did occur with other operators, we have not had any reported problems with our partners here since we began working with them. You can feel comfortable putting luggage underneath the larger buses and leaving bags on the bus at rest stops.
Types of Buses in Cambodia
Express Buses
Express buses are the most common buses in Cambodia. They generally have 45-55 seats in rows of four, with two on each side of the aisle. The seats can often be worn out but will recline partially and be comfortable enough for any day trip in Cambodia. Taller passengers should be warned that the legroom can be slightly cramped on many older buses. You can usually bring as much luggage as you would when flying, and larger pieces can be stored below the bus.
Local Cambodians frequently travel on Express buses, especially during holiday and festival periods, so that they can sell out a few days before departure. All Express buses should have A/C (which may be too strong) and make rest stops every few hours at prearranged times. The food at these rest stops often leaves much to be desired, but plenty of prepackaged snacks and drinks will keep you going.
Van
Traveling in Cambodia by van is often faster than traveling by larger buses, but what you make up for in time, you lose comfort. Vans likely seat 12 or 15 passengers, and it is rare for one not to be full once you depart. Luggage space is limited, and at least one piece of whatever you bring will probably end up on your lap or at your feet.
The drivers on all buses, but especially vans, may have a style of driving that would, by the standards of your home country, be best described as ‘crazy,’ ‘insane,’ or ‘suicidal.’ But rest assured that they are none of the above and usually behave for this part of the world.
Bus Terminals in Cambodia
Currently, all of our partners in Cambodia depart from their offices, not the main bus stations. Please check your ticket for the proper location and contact your transportation provider directly if you need to arrange a pick-up. Most of our partners do not offer a pick-up at your hotel, but their well-known offices are in the city center. It should cost no more than $3-5 to get there by tuk-tuk.