How to get from Siem Reap to Preah Vihear

Siem Reap to Preah Vihear is a rewarding full-day (or overnight) trip to a cliff-top UNESCO World Heritage temple on the Thai border. Choose a small-group tour for ease, a private car for flexibility, or mix intercity minivans with a local pickup to the summit. Details, bookings, and step-by-steps below.

At A Glance (Siem Reap to Preah Vihear)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚌 Small-Group / Private Tour (Hotel pickup)	~10–12h round trip	Hassle-free, first-time visitors
🏷️ Cost: ~US$45–120 pp (group) / from ~US$90–160 private » compare tours | Klook option | Trip.com pick
🚐 Private Car / Charter	~3.5–4.5h each way (plus temple time)	Families, flexible stops
🏷️ Cost: ~US$120–220 per vehicle (size-dependent) » get quotes
🚐⛰️ Minivan/Bus to Preah Vihear City or Sra Em + Local 4×4 to Temple	~4–6h to town + 30–45m uphill 4×4	Budget travelers, DIY
🏷️ Cost: Siem Reap→Preah Vihear from ~US$9–27; Siem Reap→Sra Em taxi from ~US$138; hill 4×4 ~US$10–25 pp (variable) » compare vans/buses | Siem Reap→Sra Em
🛵 Experienced Rider (Motorbike)	~4.5–6h each way	Very experienced riders only
🏷️ Cost: Scooter rentals from ~€5–15/day in Siem Reap » compare scooters

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest & easiest: Small-group or private tour with hotel pickup and included hill 4×4 to the summit.
• Most flexible: Private car/charter—leave at sunrise, add Koh Ker or Beng Mealea stops.
• Cheapest DIY: Minivan/bus to Preah Vihear City or Sra Em + local 4×4 up to the temple.
• Only if skilled: Ride your own bike—long, hot, and dusty; bring tools and water.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Summit access: Private vehicles usually stop at the mountain base; a local 4×4 shuttle runs uphill. Tours include this; DIY travelers pay on site.
• Cash: Carry small USD/KHR for village meals, 4×4 shuttle, and park fees; ATMs are scarce near the site.
• What to bring: Sunhat, 2–3L water, snacks, sturdy shoes—exposed stairways and uneven stones on the ridge.
• Connectivity: Signal can drop on the mountain—download offline maps.
• Storing luggage: If checking out in Siem Reap, keep bags at your hotel or search options via Radical Storage.

🚌 Option #1 — Small-Group / Private Tour (Most Popular, Hassle-Free)

Guided Hotel pickup All logistics handled

• Overview: Depart Siem Reap at dawn by minivan with a licensed guide. Most tours include Koh Ker or Beng Mealea and the mandatory 4×4 up to Preah Vihear’s summit.
• How to book (with price): Group tours typically US$45–120 pp; privates from ~US$90–160 depending on inclusions. Compare reviews and itineraries on GetYourGuide top-rated day tour, browse Klook, or check Trip.com.
• Pros: Simple and efficient; built-in time at viewpoints. Cons: Fixed schedule; lunch spots chosen by operator.

Step-by-step: Guided Tour

1. Compare inclusions (Koh Ker/Beng Mealea, 4×4, lunch) and pick your date on GetYourGuide, Klook, or Trip.com.
2. Set pickup at your Siem Reap hotel (Old Market/Wat Bo areas are standard); pack sun/water and modest dress for temple areas.
3. Ride ~3.5–4.5h with rest stops; switch to the included 4×4 for the climb to the summit gate.
4. Explore the galleries and cliff-edge viewpoints with your guide; return via Koh Ker (if included) and arrive back evening.

Getting to the main embarking points (Siem Reap hotel pickups)

• Hotel pickup zones: Most operators collect in central Siem Reap; if staying out of town, they’ll assign a meeting spot near Pub Street/Old Market.
• Late return: Arrange a light dinner/snacks in the van; many tours get back after 7–8pm.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #2 — Private Car / Charter (Most Flexible)

Door-to-door Custom stops Higher cost

• Overview: Hire a driver for a day (sedan/SUV/van). Go direct via Sra Em with optional detours to Koh Ker or Beng Mealea. You’ll still use the local 4×4 for the summit road.
• How to book (with price): From ~US$120–220 per vehicle (size/season). Get instant quotes and vehicle types on GetTransfer (Siem Reap). For short hops in town, Grab-style ride-hailing is limited; taxis arranged via hotel are common.
• Pros: Leave at sunrise, linger at viewpoints; easier with kids/elders. Cons: Costlier than shared vans; arrange your own lunch and 4×4.

Step-by-step: Private Car / Charter

1. Request quotes with pickup time, group size, and planned stops on GetTransfer; confirm air-con and fuel/tolls included.
2. Depart Siem Reap early (~05:30–06:30). Carry cash for the 4×4 hill shuttle and park fees.
3. At the base station, switch to the official 4×4 to reach the summit gate; your driver waits below.
4. After visiting Preah Vihear, optionally stop at Koh Ker/Beng Mealea en route back; return to your hotel by evening.

Getting to the main embarking points (Door-to-door & base station)

• Pickup: Any Siem Reap hotel/airport; share a Google Maps pin with your driver.
• Summit access: Local 4×4 station sits at the mountain base; expect 15–20 minutes up a steep road.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐⛰️ Option #3 — Minivan/Bus to Preah Vihear City or Sra Em + Local 4×4 (Cheapest DIY)

Budget Frequent vans Multiple transfers

• Overview: Ride a morning minivan or bus from Siem Reap to Preah Vihear City (Tbeng Meanchey) or Sra Em, then hire a local taxi/moto to the mountain base and take the official 4×4 up.
• How to book (with price): Vans/buses from ~US$9–27 on 12Go (Siem Reap→Preah Vihear City). If heading direct to Sra Em, compare Siem Reap→Sra Em taxi. Expect the hill 4×4 to be ~US$10–25 pp depending on season/grouping.
• Pros: Lowest cost; flexible timing if you overnight in Sra Em. Cons: Extra bargaining for taxis; fewer late-day returns.

Step-by-step: Minivan/Bus + Local 4×4

1. Check current departures and book your seat on 12Go (bus/minivan listings); aim for the earliest service to maximize temple time.
2. From your Siem Reap hotel, take a tuk-tuk/taxi to the designated van office or bus station printed on your voucher.
3. Arrive in Preah Vihear City or Sra Em; negotiate a taxi/moto to the base station (set round-trip price and waiting time).
4. Buy tickets for the official 4×4 hill shuttle; ride to the summit gate, explore, then descend and connect back to your van/taxi.

Getting to the main embarking points (Siem Reap van offices & Sra Em)

• Siem Reap side: Many vans depart from company offices around National Road 6; confirm the exact pickup point on your 12Go voucher.
• Sra Em / Tbeng Meanchey: Basic services; carry snacks/water and enough cash for return transport.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🛵 Option #4 — Experienced Rider (Motorbike, Not for Beginners)

Maximum freedom Rural roads Long/hot ride

• Overview: Skilled riders sometimes tackle the 300+ km round trip on a semi-auto or 150–250cc bike. Road quality varies; avoid riding after dark. You’ll still park at the base and take the official 4×4 up.
• How to book (with price): Compare scooters/motorbikes on BikesBooking. Bring tools, spare fuel cash, and a first-aid kit.
• Pros: Total independence and photo stops. Cons: Heat, dust, punctures possible; not advised during peak rains.

Step-by-step: Experienced Rider

1. Reserve a well-maintained bike and helmet on BikesBooking; inspect brakes, lights, and tires at pickup.
2. Depart pre-sunrise; follow Google/OSM directions to Sra Em; refuel whenever stations appear.
3. Park at the mountain base; pay for the official 4×4 shuttle to the summit gate.
4. Descend well before dusk and ride back to Siem Reap cautiously.

Getting to the main embarking points (Rental shops & base station)

• Rental areas: Most shops cluster around Wat Bo/Old Market; leave a passport deposit only with reputable outfits.
• Base station: Ticket/4×4 office sits at the bottom of the access road—cash only.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Siem Reap to Preah Vihear)

Can I drive my own car to the very top?
Usually no—private cars stop at the base and visitors continue in an official 4×4 shuttle to the summit gate.

How long do I need at the temple?
Allow 2–3 hours at the top to walk the long ridge, climb stairways, and enjoy cliff-edge views.

Is there food or water on site?
Simple stalls operate seasonally near the base/village—bring extra water and snacks.

Do I need a guide?
Not required, but guides add valuable context and help navigate the sprawling complex. Tours on GetYourGuide and Klook include guiding.

Where should I stay if I want sunrise?
Overnight in Sra Em (basic guesthouses) or return to Siem Reap and repeat with a private car next day. Search broader Siem Reap stays on Booking.com if you’re basing in town.