How to get from Siem Reap to Kratie

Siem Reap to Kratie is a classic Cambodia overland journey. Most travelers go by direct minivan/bus along National Roads 6–7, while private cars save time and let you stop in Kampong Thom or Kampong Cham. You can also self-drive (or ride a motorbike) or break the trip via Phnom Penh. Pick based on budget, comfort, and schedule.

At A Glance (Siem Reap to Kratie)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚌 Direct Minivan / Bus	~6.5–8.5h (traffic/roadworks dependent)	Low cost, straightforward ride
🏷️ Cost: ~US$15–25 one-way » compare schedules & seats
🚐 Private Car / Taxi (Door-to-door)	~6–7.5h	Families, lots of bags, comfort
🏷️ Cost: ~US$120–200 per vehicle » instant quotes | GYG transfers
🚘 Self-Drive Car / 🛵 Motorbike	~6.5–8h riding/driving	Maximum flexibility & photo stops
🏷️ Cost: Car ~US$35–70/day; scooter ~US$10–20/day » car rentals | scooters in Siem Reap
🔁 Via Phnom Penh (2 legs)	~9–11h total (break in the capital)	Splitting the trip, city stopover
🏷️ Cost: ~US$25–45 total by two buses/minivans » SR→PP | PP→Kratie

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest + easy: Private car (door-to-door, fewer stops).
• Best value: Direct minivan/bus—cheap and frequent, hotel pickup often available.
• Most flexible: Self-drive or motorbike—stop at Kampong Thom, Skun (spider town), or Kampong Cham’s bamboo bridge (seasonal).
• Make it two days: Break via Phnom Penh for food and museums, then continue to Kratie for the Irrawaddy dolphins.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Booking platforms: Check real-time seats and hotel-pickup options on 12Go. For private cars, compare on GetTransfer or browse GetYourGuide.
• Ride-hailing: PassApp and Grab operate in major Cambodian cities for station transfers. Always confirm the pickup pin.
• Luggage: If you’re sightseeing pre-departure, stash bags via Radical Storage Siem Reap.
• Cash & SIM: ATMs common in Siem Reap/Kratie; USD and riel accepted. Data SIM helps for navigation—download offline maps.
• Road notes: Mostly paved with some works; rainy season can slow sections. Start early for smoother traffic.

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

Low cost Frequent Hotel pickup often

• Overview: Daily minivans and buses run Siem Reap → Kratie via NR6 (Kampong Thom) and NR7 (Kampong Cham). Many operators offer hotel pickup for a small fee.
• How to book (with price): ~US$15–25 one-way. Compare departure points, seat layouts, and reviews on 12Go (Siem Reap→Kratie). Some agencies sell at Pub Street offices on the day, but seats can sell out.
• Pros: Cheapest, straightforward. Cons: Multiple pick-up stops; AC can be cold—bring a layer.

Step-by-step: Direct Minivan / Bus

1. Choose a departure time on 12Go and note the exact pickup spot (hotel or the operator’s Siem Reap office).
2. Get to the pickup: use PassApp/Grab or your hotel tuk-tuk to the operator office if hotel pickup isn’t included.
3. Board on time; keep valuables with you and confirm if there’s a meal/rest stop plan (usually Kampong Thom or Kampong Cham).
4. Arrive at/near Kratie town (riverfront/market or the bus company office). Take a short tuk-tuk to your guesthouse.

Getting to the main embarking points (Siem Reap town)

• Common pickups: Central hotels around Pub Street/Wat Bo, or operator offices along Sivutha Blvd/NR6.
• Arrival in Kratie: Drop-offs typically near the riverfront market or company office; tuk-tuks wait nearby.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #2 — Private Car / Taxi (Fastest Door-to-Door)

Door-to-door Custom stops Higher cost

• Overview: A sedan/MPV picks you up at your hotel and drives directly to your Kratie accommodation. You choose departure time and rest/photo stops.
• How to book (with price): ~US$120–200 per vehicle (size/season). Compare instant quotes on GetTransfer or browse GetYourGuide for drivers/cars.
• Pros: No transfers, fastest overall, flexible. Cons: More expensive than bus/minivan.

Step-by-step: Private Car / Taxi

1. Request quotes with your hotel pickup and Kratie drop-off address on GetTransfer (specify luggage/child seats if needed).
2. Confirm route (NR6→NR7) and preferred stops (e.g., Kampong Thom lunch, Kampong Cham Mekong views).
3. Meet your driver at the lobby at the agreed time; share a map pin for your Kratie stay.
4. Pay any remaining balance (cash/USD common) on arrival; get a receipt if needed.

Getting to the main embarking points (Door-to-door)

• Siem Reap pickup: Anywhere in town/airport; confirm parking/one-way hotel access.
• Kratie drop: Most guesthouses are along the riverfront; streets are easy for drop-offs.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚘 Option #3 — Self-Drive Car / 🛵 Motorbike (Most Flexible, Adventure)

Freedom Scenic stops Road awareness needed

• Overview: Drive or ride NR6 to Kampong Thom, continue to Skun/Kampong Cham, then NR7 to Kratie. Fuel and food are available on route; carry rain gear in wet season.
• How to book (with price): Cars from ~US$35–70/day—compare on Booking.com Car Rental. Scooters ~US$10–20/day on BikesBooking.
• Pros: Set your own pace; sunrise/sunset flexibility. Cons: Navigation, variable road surfaces, and traffic near towns.

Step-by-step: Self-Drive / Motorbike

1. Pick up vehicle in Siem Reap; check brakes, lights, spare, phone mount. Download offline maps.
2. Exit Siem Reap on NR6 toward Kampong Thom (good breakfast stop), continue toward Kampong Cham for fuel/food and Mekong views.
3. Join NR7 north to Kratie; watch for speed bumps and village traffic. Avoid riding after dark.
4. Park near your riverside stay; many guesthouses have simple parking.

Getting to the main embarking points (Rental depots & route)

• Pickups: Airport or central Siem Reap depots; bring passport/ID and deposit/card.
• En route: Major services at Kampong Thom, Skun, and Kampong Cham; cash is handy.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🔁 Option #4 — Via Phnom Penh (Break the Journey, More Departures)

Flexible legs City stopover Longer total time

• Overview: Travel Siem Reap → Phnom Penh (bus/minivan), then Phnom Penh → Kratie (bus/minivan). Good if you want a capital stop for food/museums or if direct seats are sold out.
• How to book (with price): SR→PP from ~US$9–15 on 12Go (Siem Reap→Phnom Penh); PP→Kratie from ~US$10–20 on 12Go (Phnom Penh→Kratie). Consider a PP overnight—see hotels on Booking.com.
• Pros: More daily departures; rest and dine in PP. Cons: Two legs and terminals to navigate.

Step-by-step: Via Phnom Penh

1. Book Siem Reap→Phnom Penh on 12Go; depart from your chosen SR pickup (hotel/office).
2. Arrive in Phnom Penh; optionally store luggage and explore (use ride-hail for transfers across the city).
3. Book Phnom Penh→Kratie on 12Go for the afternoon or next morning; confirm the PP terminal address.
4. Arrive Kratie; tuk-tuks wait at arrivals to the riverside guesthouse area.

Getting to the main embarking points (Terminals in SR/PP)

• Siem Reap: Central hotel pickups or operator offices near Pub Street/NR6.
• Phnom Penh: Multiple terminals (Riverside, Central, or outlying); check your voucher for the exact address.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Siem Reap to Kratie)

Is there a train or flight between Siem Reap and Kratie?
No direct train or flight. Overland by van/bus or private car is the norm; some travelers break via Phnom Penh.

How long does the direct road trip take?
Roughly 6.5–8.5 hours depending on traffic, roadworks, stops, and weather.

Where do buses drop off in Kratie?
Usually near the riverfront market or the company’s office in town; tuk-tuks are available for final transfers.

Can I see Irrawaddy dolphins from Kratie?
Yes—boats operate near Kampi (north of town). You can arrange locally or prebook experiences on GetYourGuide or Klook.

Is self-driving safe?
Daylight driving is recommended; watch for scooters, animals, and speed bumps near villages. Avoid night riding, especially in the rain.

Any packing tips?
Water, snacks, light jacket (bus AC can be cold), power bank, and small bills for rest stops. Carry travel insurance and keep valuables with you.