How to get from Siem Reap to Bangkok

Siem Reap to Bangkok is a classic overland hop: take a direct bus/minivan across the Poipet–Aranyaprathet border, fly in about an hour and a bit, combine local transport + Thai State Railway for a scenic slow route, or book a private transfer for maximum ease. Pick your option below, then follow the step-by-steps and map links.

At A Glance (Siem Reap to Bangkok)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚌 Direct Bus/Minivan (Siem Reap → Bangkok)	~8–10h border-inclusive	Good value, simple & direct
🏷️ Cost: ~US$20–40 one-way » compare buses/minivans
✈️ Flight (SAI → BKK/DMK)	~1h10 flight + airport transfers	Fastest overall
🏷️ Cost: ~US$60–180 one-way (seasonal) » search flights | Trip.com fares
🚉 Local Transport + Thai Train (via Poipet/Aranyaprathet)	~10–12h (connection-dependent)	Backpackers, scenic/slow travel
🏷️ Cost: ~US$8–20 total (tickets + local rides) » check Thai train seats
🚐 Private Transfer/Taxi	~7–9h door-to-door	Families, lots of luggage
🏷️ Cost: ~US$170–250 per vehicle » get quotes

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest/Most Convenient: Fly SAI→Bangkok (BKK or DMK), then airport rail/taxi into the city.
• Good Value, No Changes: Direct bus/minivan handling the border stop en route.
• Cheapest Adventure: Local transport + Thai train via Poipet/Aranyaprathet (longer but scenic).
• Door-to-Door Comfort: Private transfer/taxi—ideal with kids/gear or late arrivals.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Tickets & seats: Compare buses/minivans and trains on 12Go. Flights on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com.
• Border basics (Poipet–Aranyaprathet): Exit Cambodia, walk to Thai side, enter Thailand. Beware “visa agencies” at the gate if you’re visa-exempt—go straight to the official counters.
• Ride-hailing: Grab operates in Siem Reap; Bangkok has Grab and Bolt. For fixed intercity quotes compare GetTransfer.
• Storage & dayrooms: Sightseeing before departure? Check Radical Storage Siem Reap or Radical Storage Bangkok.
• Onward mobility: In Bangkok, consider a scooter day-rental once settled—compare on BikesBooking.

🚌 Option #1 — Direct Bus/Minivan (Most Popular, Good Value)

Low cost Simple Border-dependent timing

• Overview: Through buses/minivans run Siem Reap → Bangkok with a stop to clear immigration at Poipet/Aranyaprathet. Many services drop at Bangkok Mo Chit or Khao San area.
• How to book (with price): ~US$20–40 one-way. Compare reputable operators and pick seats on 12Go (Siem Reap→Bangkok). For arrival hotels, browse Booking.com Bangkok.
• Pros: No changing vehicles (with most operators), luggage handled. Cons: Subject to border queues; midday arrivals can face Bangkok traffic.

Step-by-step: Direct Bus/Minivan

1. Book your departure on 12Go and note the pickup point/time (hotel pickup or central office).
2. Ride to Poipet International Border; disembark with your daypack, clear Cambodian exit, walk to Thai entry, and rejoin your bus/minivan on the Thai side.
3. Continue to Bangkok; common drop-offs are Mo Chit Bus Terminal or Khao San Road. Use Grab/Bolt or a metered taxi for the last mile.
4. If your service stops near a BTS/MRT, use rail to reach your hotel quickly.

Getting to the main embarking points (Siem Reap city & border)

• Siem Reap pickup: Many operators include hotel pickup; otherwise, use Grab/tuktuk to the operator’s office.
• Border walk: Keep valuables with you; avoid any unofficial “visa help” booths if you’re visa-exempt.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

✈️ Option #2 — Flight (Siem Reap SAI → Bangkok BKK/DMK) — Fastest

Quickest Multiple daily Airport transfers needed

• Overview: Nonstop flights connect Siem Reap–Angkor International (SAI) with Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK). From either Bangkok airport, continue by airport rail, bus, or taxi.
• How to book (with price): ~US$60–180 one-way depending on season and airline. Compare on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com. For Bangkok airport pickups with meet-and-greet, see GetYourGuide transfers.
• Pros: Fast and frequent; avoids border queues. Cons: Airports are outside city centers; luggage/liquids rules apply.

Step-by-step: Flight

1. Get to SAI by hotel taxi/Grab (30–60m from Siem Reap center). Arrive 2 hours early for international flights.
2. Fly SAI→BKK or DMK. On arrival, follow signs for rail (ARL from BKK) or shuttle/bus/taxi into Bangkok.
3. Use Grab/Bolt or airport taxis to reach your hotel if you’re arriving late at night.

Getting to the main embarking points (SAI & Bangkok airports)

• Siem Reap–Angkor (SAI): Prebook a car through your hotel or use Grab; allow for traffic.
• Bangkok: From BKK, the Airport Rail Link connects to BTS/MRT; from DMK, use A1/A2 buses to BTS or taxis/Grab.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚉 Option #3 — Local Transport + Thai Train (Most Scenic/Backpacker)

Scenic Budget Multiple steps

• Overview: Travel Siem Reap → Poipet by bus/minivan/taxi, walk the border, then board a Thai train from Aranyaprathet or Ban Klong Luk Border to Bangkok (Hua Lamphong). Slow but atmospheric.
• How to book (with price): Cambodian leg by local bus/minivan (ask your hotel or compare on 12Go); Thai train tickets from ~THB 49–300 depending on class—see options on 12Go (Aranyaprathet→Bangkok).
• Pros: Cheapest way to enter Thailand by rail; countryside views. Cons: Connections add uncertainty; limited daily trains.

Step-by-step: Train Combo

1. From Siem Reap, ride a bus/minivan/taxi to Poipet International Border (2–3h). Book locally or compare on 12Go.
2. Walk Cambodian exit → Thai entry. If catching the morning Thai train, head to Ban Klong Luk Border Station (newer terminus) or nearby Aranyaprathet Station.
3. Buy the Thai train ticket on site or via 12Go. Ride to Bangkok Hua Lamphong and connect by MRT/BTS/taxi to your hotel.

Getting to the main embarking points (Poipet/Aranyaprathet & Bangkok)

• Border stations: Ban Klong Luk Border Station is walkable from Thai immigration; Aranyaprathet Station is a short songthaew/taxi ride.
• Bangkok arrival: From Hua Lamphong, connect via MRT Blue Line or a short taxi to your accommodation.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #4 — Private Transfer / Taxi (Door-to-Door, Most Comfortable)

Door-to-door Flexible timing Higher cost

• Overview: A driver picks you up at your Siem Reap hotel, drops you at Poipet for exit formalities, meets you (or a Thai vehicle meets you) after Thai immigration, and continues to your Bangkok address.
• How to book (with price): From ~US$170–250 per vehicle (car/van, size-dependent). Compare fixed quotes and vehicle types on GetTransfer. For Bangkok inner-city rides after arrival, Grab/Bolt are widely used.
• Pros: Fast border handover, no luggage schlepping; child seats on request. Cons: Costs more than buses/trains; border wait still applies.

Step-by-step: Private Transfer

1. Request quotes with pickup/drop addresses and passenger/luggage details on GetTransfer.
2. On the day, ride to Poipet Border; walk immigration. Meet your (Cambodian/Thai) driver per instructions on the Thai side.
3. Continue straight to your Bangkok hotel; share a Google Maps pin for smooth drop-off.

Getting to the main embarking points (Hotel → Border → Bangkok)

• Pickup in Siem Reap: Any hotel/airport. Confirm waiting time policy and possible overtime fees.
• Drop in Bangkok: Door-to-door anywhere (Sukhumvit/Siam/Old Town). Hotels can assist with parking/valet on arrival.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Siem Reap to Bangkok)

How long does the border take?
Expect 30–120 minutes depending on time of day/season. Early morning crossings are usually faster.

Which Bangkok airport is better to fly into?
BKK (Suvarnabhumi) has fast rail (ARL) into the city; DMK (Don Mueang) is closer to the north and served by buses/taxis—choose by fare and schedule.

Is the direct bus truly “direct”?
Most reputable operators keep you on the same service, but you still disembark for border formalities and may switch to a Thai vehicle afterward—your ticket covers it.

Can I buy the Thai train on the day?
Often yes for 3rd/2nd class, but check schedules and consider reserving on 12Go if traveling on weekends/holidays.

What about luggage?
Buses store big bags underneath; trains have overhead racks/ends of cars. Keep passports/valuables in your daypack.

Where to stay near arrivals?
For late arrivals in Bangkok, look in Sukhumvit/Siam/Old Town depending on interests—compare on Booking.com Bangkok. For early starts in Siem Reap, stay near the river/Old French Quarter and arrange pickup via your hotel.