Here are the most popular bus routes in Cambodia 2024/2025 to explore. Enjoy Cambodia as if you were a local, and experience all the wonders it has to offer.
1. Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
This classic route is a must for first-time visitors. It connects Cambodia’s vibrant capital, Phnom Penh, with Siem Reap, home to the world-renowned Angkor Wat. Along the way, travelers pass through Cambodia’s rural heartland, offering glimpses of traditional villages, rice paddies, and the beautiful Tonle Sap Lake.
- Duration: 5-6 hours
- Highlights: Angkor Wat, Tonle Sap Lake, countryside scenery
2. Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville (and onward to the islands)
This route takes you from the bustling capital to Cambodia’s premier beach destination, Sihanoukville, known for its white sandy beaches and lively island life. From here, many travelers head to Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem, islands famous for their pristine beaches and turquoise waters.
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Highlights: Coastal views, Sihanoukville’s beaches, island hopping
3. Siem Reap to Battambang
For those interested in authentic local experiences, the Siem Reap to Battambang route offers a quieter, less touristy alternative. Battambang is known for its colonial architecture, the Bamboo Train, and beautiful countryside peppered with temples and caves.
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Highlights: Bamboo Train, Phnom Sampeau, local art scene
4. Phnom Penh to Kampot
Kampot is a favorite for those seeking a laid-back vibe. This charming riverside town is famous for its pepper farms, salt fields, and the nearby Bokor National Park. Travelers can also visit Kep, famous for its crab market, and explore nearby caves and countryside.
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Highlights: Kampot River, Bokor National Park, Kep’s crab market
5. Phnom Penh to Kratie
For eco-tourism lovers, the journey to Kratie offers an off-the-beaten-path adventure. This small town along the Mekong River is a key spot for seeing the rare Irrawaddy dolphins, especially around the Kampi Dolphin Pool. The surrounding rural landscapes make this a peaceful escape from the urban bustle.
- Duration: 6-7 hours
- Highlights: Irrawaddy dolphins, Mekong River, river island of Koh Trong
6. Phnom Penh to Mondulkiri
Mondulkiri, in Cambodia’s eastern highlands, is perfect for nature enthusiasts. The bus route leads through stunning mountainous scenery, dense forests, and vast coffee plantations. Mondulkiri is home to waterfalls, elephant sanctuaries, and indigenous Bunong villages, offering a unique cultural and nature-focused experience.
- Duration: 7-8 hours
- Highlights: Bou Sra Waterfall, Elephant Valley Project, trekking in the highlands
7. Siem Reap to Poipet (Cambodia–Thailand border)
If you’re planning a cross-border trip to Thailand, the Siem Reap to Poipet bus route is a practical and interesting one. The journey takes you through Cambodia’s western provinces before reaching the border town of Poipet, a popular crossing point into Thailand’s Aranyaprathet.
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Highlights: Border crossing experience, onward connections to Bangkok
8. Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam)
This international bus route is popular among travelers heading to Vietnam. The journey from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) takes you through the scenic Mekong Delta region, offering a taste of both Cambodian and Vietnamese cultures.
- Duration: 6-7 hours
- Highlights: Mekong River views, Bavet (border crossing), bustling Saigon
9. Phnom Penh to Pakse (Laos)
For those looking to venture into Laos, this route connects Phnom Penh with Pakse, a gateway to southern Laos. It’s a long but rewarding journey, with opportunities to explore Laos’ famous 4,000 Islands (Si Phan Don) or the Bolaven Plateau, known for its waterfalls and coffee plantations.
- Duration: 11-12 hours
- Highlights: Cross-border adventure, 4,000 Islands, Lao culture
10. Sihanoukville to Koh Kong
This scenic coastal route is perfect for those looking to explore Cambodia’s southwestern corner. Koh Kong, located near the Thai border, is an ecotourism hotspot with mangrove forests, waterfalls, and the Cardamom Mountains. Travelers can enjoy river activities, jungle trekking, and visiting local communities.
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Highlights: Tatai Waterfall, Peam Krasaop Wildlife Sanctuary, mangroves, Koh Kong Island
Tips for Booking Bus Tickets in Cambodia
Booking bus tickets popular bus routes in Cambodia is easy and convenient via CamboTicket, Cambodia’s leading online platform for overland travel. CamboTicket provides options for buses, private taxis, and ferries, with services available in both English and Khmer, ensuring a simple, safe booking experience. Easily compare routes, travel times, and operators to find the best journey for your trip.