The Phnom Penh Airport Express Bus connects the city centre to Techo International Airport. Here are the bus details, including the route and ticketing information.

Airport Express Bus route and stops

The Airport Express Bus has limited stops between the airport and city centre.

[Map of Phnom Penh Airport Express Bus.]

The route map of the Airport Express Bus.

[Airport Express Bus route map.]

The Airport Express Bus on the city map gives a better idea of how far the airport is.

If you are staying in the riverside area, the Canadia Park bus stop is the most useful stop.

[Canadia Park Bus Stop.]

If you are staying in the BKK1 area, the Royal University Of Law And Economic Sciences bus stop is closer.

[Royal University Of Law And Economic Sciences bus stop.]

The final stop is at the Kouch Cannon Roundabout Bus Station (Phnom Penh City Bus Terminal), near the Embassy of France. There are not as many hotels around here, thus the Canadia Park stop will be the most useful (though check the map to see what is most useful for you).

If you are unfamiliar with the city, here is my guide on where to stay in Phnom Penh.

[Airport Express Bus at Kouch Cannon Roundabout Bus Station.]

Going from the city to the airport, the University of Health Sciences bus stop is the most useful stop. This is near the Phnom Penh Railway Station.

[University of Health Sciences bus stop.]

The bus stops have shelters that are clearly marked “Airport Express Bus”.

[R & F City Bus Stop]

Airport Express Bus timetable

The bus runs approximately every hour. A timetable is on the airport website.

[Airport Express Bus timetable from Techo International Airport.]

[Airport Express Bus timetable from Kouch Cannon Roundabout Bus Station.]

Airport Express Bus at Techo International Airport

The bus stop is outside the terminal building at the end of the carpark. There are some signs pointing in the direction of the bus stop.

I had some taxi/tuk-tuk drivers approach me to try and persuade my to get a ride. I said I was getting a bus and one of the drivers said that the bus doesn’t run very often and it is slow. Ignore such taxi touts (which is good advice for any airport).

[A long walk through the airport car park.]

Tickets for the Airport Express Bus

The ticket price is 1,500 KHR (0.37 USD) (as of December 2025). The driver doesn’t handle cash so there is an old-school cash drop-box. This is a problem if you don’t have any change. Luckily I had some small riel notes from my last trip so I was able to pay the exact amount.

There is also Tap and Pay for the local payment system WingPay, but this doesn’t accept international cards. Payment by QR code has become the dominant payment system in Cambodia, so payment by Visa and Mastercard is not as prevalent.

If you are arriving at Techo International Airport without riel, there are ATMs and a bank in the arrival hall. Cambodia uses USD and KHR, and many of the ATMs only dispense 100 USD notes. This is inconvenient when you arrive and you are trying to break the note with a small purchase. I took a $100 note to the bank and they converted it to riel. They gave me 20,000 KHR notes (about $5), which is more manageable, but still not useful for buying a bus ticket. Ask for some small change as well (eg some 1,000 and 500 KHR notes).

[Canadia Bank at Techo International Airport.]

Onboard the Airport Express Bus

The Airport Express Bus is city bus with seats and standing room, not a seat-only coach.

There is also a section for luggage.

A guide for the original bamboo railway in Battambang and the new bamboo tourist train in Banon.

The bamboo railway in Battambang is a lightweight trolley (known as a norry) that was originally used to transport goods and passengers along the old railway. This makeshift trolley railway served a functional purpose when there was no rail service. The railway became a popular tourist attraction, and trolley rides were set up specifically for tourists.

I visited the railway in 2016 after hearing that the bamboo railway would be closed down once the line was rehabilitated. I wrote a review of the bamboo railway before the line was rebuilt, which explains some of the history of the line.

The plan was to move the norry railway to a new site once the Northern Line reopened. This didn’t make sense to me at the time, because why would they build a railway specifically for joyriding on bamboo trolleys?

The Northern Line has since been renovated and there is now a passenger train between Phnom Penh and Battambang, but the original bamboo railway continues to operate. There is also a new bamboo railway at another site.

I visited both of the bamboo railways, and here is what to expect.

Map of the two bamboo railways in Battambang Province

Map of the old and new bamboo railway locations in Battambang.

[Map of bamboo railways in Battambang Province.]

The original Battambang Bamboo Railway

The original bamboo railway operates on a section of railway about 5 km from the city centre of Battambang. You can use Grab to get a tuk-tuk there, or arrange a tuk-tuk via your hotel.

It costs $10 to take a trolley by yourself, or you can wait for other people and pay $5 for a shared trolley. I didn’t have to wait long for some other people to arrive, so I shared a trolley ride.

The norries are a simple set up, with a bamboo platform on a steel frame, and a little engine that is easily removed.

My first trip on the bamboo railway was in the dry season, so it was hot and dusty. I was here at the start of the dry season, so the countryside was still lush and green.

The most noticeable change since my last visit was the new tracks. The line has been rebuilt with new sleepers and track ballast, and the tracks are visibly straight.

Here is what the track looked like in 2016.

[Section of railway near Battambang before it was renovated.]

This is now a live track, but there is only one passenger train per day that arrives in the afternoon. There are also freight trains, so I’m not sure if they are forewarned of freight train schedules, or if they just pay attention to what is ahead of them.

The trolleys stop at a tourist shop next to rice fields.

You are invited to look in the shop while the trolleys are repositioned.

Most of the tourists seemed to be foreigners. I shared a trolley with a British couple, and on the other trolleys there was a Singaporean couple and some Americans.

Banon Bamboo Train

The Banon Bamboo Train is the new Battambang bamboo railway, though it’s not in Battambang City and it’s not really a railway. The Banon Bamboo Train is an amusement ride in a leisure park. The park is next to Wat Banan, 21 km from Battambang City.

The “train” at Banon Bamboo Train is how you get to the main area of the park. Tickets cost 17,000 KHR ($4.25 USD) for locals and $7.25 USD for foreigners.

There is a queue for the trolleys that resembles a queue for a rollercoaster ride.

I was by myself, so they put me on my own trolley.

The trolleys are operated similar to the original trolleys, with a driver at the back running the engine. These trolleys have seats though.

I was surprised with how busy it was. We passed several full trolleys on the way to the park, and everyone waved and yelled out hello as we passed.

The track length is about 3 km, and it ends at a terminal at the leisure garden.

The station at the end has a turntable for the trolleys, so no need to disassemble the trolleys for the return journey.

The park entrance has a shopping area with some random Marvel characters.

The garden is a nice place to walk around, and there are plenty of selfie props scattered throughout.

I enjoyed the weird and wonderful animal statues in the gardens.

I was the only foreigner there, and it seemed more like a place where locals go for a fun lunch trip on the weekend.

An unintended benefit of this excursion was I got to visit Wat Banan. When I was negotiating with the tuktuk driver my itinerary, I pointed to the Banon Bamboo Train on the map. He took me to Wat Banan instead, probably because that is what most foreigners visit.

Wat Banan has some interesting ruins on top of an incredibly steep hilltop.

Which bamboo railway to visit

The bamboo railway that runs on the actual railway is the one of most interest to foreigners.

While the Banon Bamboo Train is not for my taste, I don’t mind it as a concept. I like that the Banon train pays homage to the bamboo railway without replicating it. The park was filled with locals who were having a day out with friends in a pleasant environment.

When the original bamboo railway was supposed to shut down, I thought that was a good thing. Like Hanoi Train Street, the bamboo railway feels like foreigners celebrating dilapidated infrastructure. As I said in my original review, I would prefer to see a functioning passenger train that runs between Battambang and Phnom Penh.

Read more about railways in Cambodia and train travel in Southeast Asia.

A review of the Japanese KiHa 183 series train that operates between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville.

In 2024 the Royal Railway of Cambodia acquired 11 KiHa 183 series train carriages from JR Hokkaido in Japan. The trains were converted from 1067mm gauge to metre gauge, and a test service began on the Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville route in November 2024.

This retired train from snowy Hokkaido now has a new life in tropical Cambodia. I rode the service from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville in December 2024, and it turned out to be one of the most enjoyable train trips I’ve taken in Southeast Asia. Here is what to expect.

Southern Line Phnom Penh – Sihanoukville

Depart Phnom Penh: 7:00 am
Arrive Sihanoukville: 12:40 pm
Travel time: 5 h 40 m

The main stops are:

Phnom Penh
Takeo
Kep
Kampot
Sihanoukville

The official booking site is at https://royalrailway.easybook.com.

I use Baolau to buy Cambodia train tickets.

Tickets are also available at the station.

[Phnom Penh Station ticket counter.]

Phnom Penh Station

Phnom Penh Station is one of my favourite stations in Southeast Asia. The station is in a good location near the city centre, which is how it should be for the main stations for capital cities.

There is a cafe in the station (Coffee Hub Royal Railway) which is advertised as opening at 6:30.

The station building wasn’t open when I arrived, so passenger entry to the platforms was via the side of the building.

There is a cafe and snack stand in an old train carriage next to the side exit. This was the only place open in the morning. There were also some food vendors selling pre-made meals (pork and egg with rice).

There are only two train services per day from Phnom Penh, and they both depart in the morning.

[Battambang and Sihanoukville trains at Phnom Penh.]

There is no assigned seating, so arrive early if you want to pick a preferred seat. I arrived at 6:30 so I could get photos of the train, though I discoved there were plenty of seats available on this day.

[KiHa train at Phnom Penh Station.]

Onboard the KiHa train to Sihanoukville

Economy class seats are in 2×2 configuration.

Having individual seats is a big improvement from the old trains with bench seats. The seats are generously padded, and I would say they are one of the most comfortable trains seats in Southeast Asia (I would put it in the top 3 with Whoosh and the Laos-China Railway). In addition to the comfortable seats, there is enough legroom to stretch out and not feel guilty about fully reclining your seat.

The seats have backseat trays and there are power outlets. There was no food or drink service when I went (I bought the coffee at Phnom Penh Station). The carriages are air-conditoned, so but not set to freezing like some other railway in Southeast Asia do.

There was another economy section with red seats.

The Business Class seats are arranged in 2×1 configuration.

The toilets are what you would expect from a Japanese train.

The Japanese labels are still on the toilet instructions.

There is also an external wash basin area.

The trains can reportedly travel at up to 110 km/h, but they are still limited by the tracks they run on. The Southern Line is mostly a single track, so it still has to stop at passing loops to let other trains pass. Sihanoukville is the main shipping port of Cambodia, so container trains heading to Phnom Penh also use this line.

The scenery gets more scenic in Kampot province. For many passengers, Kampot is the main destination.

Overall this was an easy train trip, despite the slow train speed and stoppage to let a freight train pass. I have done this trip before on the old trains, and having a comfortable seat with ample legroom in an air-conditioned carriage makes a world of difference.

The only downside was there was no food or drink service of any kind. Remember to bring your own drinks and snacks.

The train arrived at Sihanoukville at 1:36 pm (56 minutes behind schedule). Delays are to be expected on this service, so don’t book any time-sensitive onward connections if you are using the train.

[Kiha train at Sihanoukville.]

Sihanoukville or Kampot?

There is not much to do in Sihanoukville now that it has been turned into a casino wasteland, so this service is most useful for onward travel to Koh Rong. The downside to this is that the train takes longer than a bus to Sihanoukville, so it is a late arrival to Koh Rong.

A better itinerary is to get off at Kampot, which gives you a long enough experience on the train while being a nicer city to stay in.

This train travel review is part of the Southeast Asia railways guide.

Battambang is on the Northern Line that operates between Poipet and Phnom Penh. Here is what to expect on the train from Battambang to Phnom Penh.

Battambang – Phnom Penh train details

The Northern Line is the train line from Phnom Penh to Poipet (on the Cambodia-Thailand border). There is usually one train per day in each direction between Phnom Penh and Poipet, but at the time of my visit the Battambang-Poipet section wasn’t operating.

Depart Battambang: 3:00 pm
Arrive Phnom Penh: 9:30 pm

The official booking site is at https://royalrailway.easybook.com.

I use Baolau to buy Cambodia train tickets.

If you are overlanding from Bangkok to Phnom Penh, there is a train from Bangkok to Ban Klong Luk Border. From this station you can walk across the border to Poipet. From Poipet to Battambang you will need to get a van or taxi as there is currently no train service.

Battambang Station

Battambang Station is in the city centre, 450 metres from the riverfront.

There are no shops inside the station, which is fair enough considering there is only one train per day in each direction.

Some food vendors show up before the train, but you would be better off to have lunch first and bring your own snacks.

There wasn’t anyone at the ticket office when I arrived, and the only travel information was this timetable written on a whiteboard.

Onboard Battambang – Phnom Penh service

This service featured two carriages with padded bench seats. The train is a diesel multiple unit (DMU), which means the engine is inside the carriage and not a separate locomotive. The carriage with the engine was noisier, so I sat in the last carriage.

The carriages have fans and the windows can be opened. The combination of fan and open air made for a comfortable journey.

There were only 10 people onboard when the train departed, so there was no worry about not getting a ticket. I still prefer to book in advance, especially if this is a preplanned travel event that I don’t want to miss.

I enjoy these trains with open windows. The combination of fresh air and feeling closer to the landscape makes for an enjoyable journey. I also know that these trains will soon be a thing of the past.

It should go without saying that you shouldn’t stick your arm or head out of the window.

The train has a toilet onboard.

The line is a single track, so if there is a train coming in the other direction then one of the trains has to wait at a passing loop.

The train made some stops along the way to drop off passengers and parcels.

We also had to stop for some cows that were on the track.

The train toots its horn frequently as there are many unmanned level crossings.

It’s a slow trip but it’s more scenic than by going by road. The train goes through rice fields, and seeing the occasional temple in the distance is a special sight.

Pursat Station

The main stop in between Battambang and Phnom Penh is at Pursat.

The train stops for 30 minutes here, so it’s the only chance to buy food or drinks on the trip. There are food vendors next to the station.

This is a popular stop with more people getting on here to go to Phnom Penh.

[A Pursat cat wondering if it should go to Phnom Penh.]

Phnom Penh Railway Station

The train is scheduled to arrive in Phnom Penh at 9.30, and on my trip it arrived at 9.35pm.

[Battambang train at Phnom Penh.]

On the platform to the left is the Kiha train that operates from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, which was my next trip.

The Kiha train will eventually operate on the Phnom Penh to Poipet service, so this trip report will become a historical archive of what the the train used to look like.

There are tuktuks waiting outside the station, but I used Grab app to book a taxi from the station.

Battambang Bamboo Railway

If you’re not getting the train from Battambang, you can still get a train fix by riding on the Battambang bamboo railway. There is also a tourist train, so here is a comparison of the old and new bamboo trains.

Read more about railways in Cambodia. This train travel review is part of the Southeast Asia railways guide.

The Bangkok to Ban Klong Luk Border train service goes from Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong) to the Thailand-Cambodia border in Aranyaprathet. There are two trains a day in each direction, but the early morning service (Train No. 275) is the best if you are planning onward connections in Cambodia.

Train number: 275
Service: Ordinary
Depart Bangkok: 5:55 am
Arrive Ban Klong Luk Border: 11:17 am
Total travel time: 5h 22m

[Bangkok to Ban Klong Luk Border timetable.]

Depart from Hua Lamphong Station (Bangkok Station)

Most trains from Bangkok now depart from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal. Trains that travel to Eastern Thailand still use the old Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong), so this is a good opportunity to experience the old station.

[Early morning inside the historic Hua Lamphong Station.]

The cafes aren’t open at this hour, so there is no chance to have a coffee and admire the station.

[Ban Klong Luk Border train at Hua Lamphong.]

Tickets

Tickets are available at the station on the day of travel. Tickets are not bookable in advance and there are no reserved seats. If you want to pick your preferred seat then you should board 30 minutes before departure.

[Ticket office at Hua Lamphong.]

The service is all 3rd Class seating, which is the cheapest form of travel in Thailand. The ticket costs 49 THB ($1.40 USD in December 2024).

[Bangkok to Ban Klong Luk Border ticket.]

Onboard Train No. 275

Train No. 275 is an “Ordinary” service, so it stops at most of the stations along the way. The train acts as a commuter service for Greater Bangkok, so the seats fill up quickly when it stops at the stations in Bangkok.

[Khlong Tan Station in Bangkok.]

The train passes Suvarnabhumi Airport at around 7 am, so it took an hour and 5 minutes to get this far.

[Under the Suvarnabhumi Airport flight path.]

You could technically board the train at other stations in Bangkok, but you will most likely not get a seat. It becomes standing-room only after a few stops.

[Standing-room only on Train No. 275.]

Chachoengsao is the largest station between Bangkok and the border. A lot of passengers get off here, but more passengers join as well. There are only two services a day to Aranyaprathet, and ultra-cheap fares makes it a popular route.

[Chachoengsao Station.]

There is no cafe carriage or official food carts, but there are food vendors that get on and off the train throughout the trip.

The seats are padded bench seats. They are confortable but it’s a bit tiresome to be bolt upright the entire trip.

[Seats on Train No. 275.]

The carriages have ceiling fans and the windows are kept open. These type of carriages will be phased out one day, so I enjoy the chance to ride on these trains with an open breeze and no glass between the scenery.

[Open windows on the Ordinary class train.]

The train stops at many stations, which accounts for the slow journey.

[Khlongsip Kao Junction.]

Even at the small stations there were many people getting off and on.

[Sa Kaeo Station.]

Some stations are just a little platform by the side of the track.

The train also has to stop to allow for the service in the other direction to pass.

[Waiting for the opposite train to pass.]

Ban Klong Luk Border

Ban Klong Luk Border Station is next to the Thailand-Cambodia border in Aranyaprathet. There is also an Aranyaprathet Station, but stay until the end of the line if you are crossing the border.

[Aranyaprathet Station (stay on the train if you are going to the border).]

Ban Klong Luk Border Station is right next to the border.

The Khlong Luek Border Checkpoint is next to the station. The border crossing is to your left as you exit the station.

[Walking from Ban Klong Luk Border Station to the border crossing.]

Walking across the border to Poipet, Cambodia

The train line is connected to Cambodia, but it is currently only used for freight. There is no cross-border passenger service between Thailand and Cambodia.

After going through Thailand immigration, you walk across the border to the Cambodia immigration building.

Once you clear immigration you exit the building and you are in the border city of Poipet. The city is famous for casinos and the vice that is associated with bordertowns. There are casinos as soon as you exit border crossing, and there is a Starbucks at the border entry.

[Starbucks at Poipet border gate.]

There is also an Amazon Cafe near the Starbucks, so you could stop in here to get wifi. If you use Grab taxi in Thailand it’s also available in Cambodia.

Poipet is a casino city that caters for Thai citizens, so the shops advertise prices in Thai baht.

Train from Poipet to Phnom Penh

The train line from Poipet continues to Phnom Penh (the Northern Line) but passenger trains are not currently running between Poipet and Battambang.

To travel from Bangkok to Phnom Penh in one day by train, you have to get a van or taxi between Poipet and Battambang. There is a Battambang to Phnom Penh train that departs at 15:00.

If you are taking this overlanding trip, then you are probably not in a great hurry, so I would recommend staying in Battambang as it is a charming little city.

Check transport from Poipet to Battambang.

Bus/van travel from Poipet to Siem Reap and Phnom Penh

Poipet has a bad reputation for being a dodgy border crossing. There are many tuktuk touts that will come up to you, but it seems that it is not as bad as it used to be.

The main problem with Poipet is that there are no onward bus services or travel agents next to the border crossing. This is where the hassle begins as you have to walk up the road to one of the travel agents that sell onward tickets.

Tuktuk drivers will ask where you are going and will drive you to a travel agent. You can just walk up the main road until you find a travel agent. There are a few travel agents on the left side of the main road, including some travel agents opposite Poipet Train Station. The station is about 10-minutes walk from the border crossing.

If you prefer to book a bus ticket in advance, there are different van and bus options via 12.go.

Transport from Poipet to Siem Reap.

Transport from Poipet to Phnom Penh.

This train travel review is part of the Southeast Asia railways guide.

A guide to train travel Southeast Asia, featuring resources for buying tickets and reviews of rail travel in Southeast Asia.

Southeast Asia railways index

Cambodia
Indonesia
Laos
Malaysia
Myanmar
Philippines
Singapore
Thailand
Vietnam
Southeast Asia train travel resources
Southeast Asia train travel FAQs
Future Southeast Asia railways

Cambodia

Railway Operator: Royal Railway.

Buy Cambodia train tickets Baolau.

Cambodia train travel articles

Cambodia railways – a guide to train travel in Cambodia.

The Japanese train in Cambodia: Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville on the KiHa train from Hokkaido

Battambang to Phnom Penh by train

Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville by train

Riding the Bamboo Railway in Battambang

The bamboo railways in Battambang: Comparing the original and new bamboo trains

Indonesia

Railway Operator: Kereta Api Indonesia
Buy Indonesia train tickets Traveloka.

Java train travel articles

Java Railways: maps and resources for Java train travel

Jakarta Airport Rail Link – Train details, and which stations are best for visitors.

Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (Whoosh): A guide to the fastest train in Southeast Asia

Bandung to Yogyakarta by train – one of the most scenic rail journeys in Southeast Asia

KA Probowangi: Train from Surabaya to Ketapang (for the Bali ferry)

Java to Bali by train, ferry, and bus

The most comprehensive online Java Indonesia travel itinerary – By dontworryjusttravel.com.

Sumatra train travel articles

Sumatra Railways: A guide to every train line in Sumatra.

Palembang to Bandar Lampung by train – Riding the coal-subsidised railway of South Sumatra.

Palembang to Lubuk Linggau by train in South Sumatra

Kualanamu Airport Rail Link: The Medan airport train.

How to get from Medan to Lake Toba by train and bus

Medan to Rantau Prapat by train (North Sumatra)

Sulawesi train travel articles

Makassar–Parepare railway: the first section of the Trans-Sulawesi railway.

Laos

Buy Laos train tickets Baolau.

Laos train travel articles

Laos Railways: a guide to train travel in Laos

Laos-China Railway travel guide – A guide to the Laos-China Railway from Vientiane to Boten, including tickets, train types, station guides, onboard amenities, and transport to stations.

How to buy tickets for the Laos-China Railway

Vientiane Khamsavath Railway Station Guide

Udon Thani to Vientiane by train

Malaysia

Malaysia railways

Kuala Lumpur to Singapore by train

Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth (Penang) with the ETS

Jungle Railway – The best train times and most scenic sections.

Gemas to JB Sentral: The last diesel Intercity service on Malaysia’s West Coast

Johor Bahru to Singapore by train: KTM Shuttle Tebrau

Kuala Lumpur Railway Station: A guide to the most beautiful station in Southeast Asia

Padang Besar Station: crossing the Malaysia-Thailand border by train

Myanmar

Railway operator: Ministry of Rail Transportation

Philippines

Railway Operator: Philippine National Railways

Singapore

Singapore train travel articles

Singapore Rail Corridor: The former railway line that’s now a walking path

How to get from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur by train

Thailand

Railway Operator: State Railway of Thailand
Buy Thailand train tickets 12go

Thailand train travel articles

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal; A guide to the main train station of Bangkok.

Train No. 275: Bangkok to Ban Klong Luk Border (train to the Thailand-Cambodia border)

Train 7 Bangkok to Chiang Mai: The day train through historic Thailand.

Train 261: Bangkok (Hua Lamphong) to Hua Hin by Ordinary Train

Bangkok to Pattaya by train

Getting the train in the troubled deep south of Thailand – A review of the train from Hat Yai to Sungai Kolok, through the provinces of Thailand which have travel advisories to not travel to.

Bangkok to Trang by train, and onward connections to the Trang Islands

Bang Sue Grand Station construction update – The future central station of Bangkok

Bangkok to Chiang Mai by train – Best train times to see some of the highlights of Thailand.

How to get from Bangkok to Vientiane by train

Kanchanaburi to Hua Hin by train (with a bonus stop at the tallest stupa in the world)

The train that will transform Nakhon Ratchasima – A report on my visit Nakhon Ratchasima, where a high-speed train will connect to Bangkok, and eventually to the Laos border.

Maeklong market train

Vietnam

Railway Operator: Vietnam Railways
Buy Vietnam train tickets Baolau.

Travel Guide: Rail Vietnam is an independent guide to train travel in Vietnam. (This is my Vietnam train travel site.)

Vietnam train travel articles

Vietnam Railways – A guide to every line, tickets, and FAQs.

Hanoi to Nanning by train

Train SE22 from Saigon to Danang

Da Nang to Hue by train via the Hai Van Pass

Hue-Da Nang “Connecting Central Heritage” train (on my other site, Rail Vietnam)

Da Lat – Trai Mat Railway – A restored heritage railway in Vietnam

Hanoi Train Street Guide: Where to visit the open sections.

Hanoi to Haiphong by train

Nha Trang to Saigon by train

Saigon to Phan Thiet by train – the easy way to get to Mui Ne

Special Train to the Gia Lam Train Factory (Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2023)

Southeast Asia train travel resources

Any questions related to travel by train in Southeast Asia please visit the Southeast Asia Railways Facebook group.

Get a monthly summary of Southeast Asia rail travel news at southeastasiarailways.com.

Southeast Asia train travel FAQs

Is there a Southeast Asia Train Pass?

Southeast Asia is a long way from being developed enough to offer a railway pass that would be similar to the Eurail Pass in Europe. The railway network of Southeast Asia is not extensive enough to warrant such a ticket, and there are very few international connections.

Can I travel from India to Myanmar by train?

Even though the two countries are neighbours there is no rail link yet. There are plans to build a line from Impal in India to Tamu in Myanmar. This would provide an eventual connection from Delhi to Yangon.

Are there any international train services in Southeast Asia?

There are currently three international services:

Bangkok (thailand) – Padang Besar (Malaysia)
Nong Khai (Thailand) – Thanaleng (Laos)
Johor Bahru (Malaysia – Woodlands (Singapore)

Read more here: International train services in Southeast Asia.

Future Southeast Asia railways

One of my projects at Nomadic Notes has been to map the proposed railways of Southeast Asia. To illustrate what is planned for the region I’ve created a map of current and proposed railways in Southeast Asia.

[Click here for larger downloadable image.]

The black lines on the map represent railways that are currently operating, while the red lines are proposed lines.

This map is based on my previous project which depicted Southeast Asia railways as a subway-style map.

[Click here for larger image.]

This map has details of all the proposed railways which are listed here:
Future Southeast Asia – A map of proposed railways in Southeast Asia.

I also write about future railways of Southeast Asia at futuresoutheastasia.com.

[nomadicnotes.com is an affiliate with Tiket, Baolau, and 12Go Asia.]

Phnom Penh is a fascinating city that should be included in any trip to Cambodia. That sounds logical to include the capital and biggest city in Cambodia in your itinerary, but I’m surprised by how many people I meet who just go to Siem Reap and skip Phnom Penh.

This Where To Stay guide is especially for first-time visitors to the city which will help make the most of your time. It’s useful for repeat visitors as well as I have picked out the best hotels in Phnom Penh for this list.

Having been to Phnom Penh numerous times I’ve found that these are the best areas to stay, depending on your travels.

Search for more Hotels in Phnom Penh.

Phnom Penh hotel map

[Map of Phnom Penh hotels.]

Daun Penh District

Daun Penh District includes the historic centre along the riverside. This is where the royal palace, government buildings, and most notable colonial architecture can be found. Daun Penh is bounded by the Tonle Sap River, and the closer you can stay to the river the better.

If you are visiting for a short time then confine your search to the area between the river and Preah Monivong Blvd. If you are staying west of Preah Monivong Blvd it gets too far to walk to the main areas. Within this area stay within Wat Phnom to the north and Preah Sihanouk Blvd to the south. Below Preah Sihanouk Blvd is the BKK1 area which is suitable for longer stays.

Hostels

Phnom Penh used to have a backpacker area at Boeng Kak Lake. The lake has since been filled in and is being redeveloped. There are a few streets that have a burgeoning hostel scene, though nothing on the scale of Khao San Road in Bangkok or Pham Ngu Lao in Saigon. 172 Street between 13 Street and Preah Norodom Blvd is one of the main backpacker streets. You could just turn up here and look around, but these days it’s better to book in advance.

Onederz Phnom Penh is a popular choice for backpackers with its convenient location and good services and amenities.

One Stop Hostel Phnom Penh is situated on Sisowath Quay, in front of the river.

Panorama Mekong Hostel is located on the riverfront and it indeed offers a panoramic view of the Mekong where it converges with the Tonle Sap.

Mad Monkey is a famous party hostel brand in Cambodia, so Mad Monkey Phnom Penh is where to go to meet fellow backpackers.

Guesthouses and budget hotels

I’ve stayed in a number of guesthouses in Phnom Penh over the years, and the quality varies greatly. I’ve found that the cheapest ones are terrible compared to what you get in Vietnam or Thailand for the same price. By spending a few dollars more your accommodation experience will improve dramatically.

258 Street had a small guesthouse scene, but it has more mid-range hotels now. Okay Guesthouse is one of the remaining guesthouses.

Phnom Penh Le Vincent Hotel is a 2-star hotel that is well-rated by budget travellers.

Mid-range Hotels

Blue Lime Hotel is a 3-star hotel tucked away in a little alley, not far from the Royal Palace, and it has a swimming pool.

Zing is a 3-star hotel near the historic central market. It has a bright minimalist feel. I stayed here as it was convenient to the train station.

[Read my review of th Zing Hotel.]

Le Grand Palais Boutique Hotel is a mid-range hotel that looks like a classic apartment block in Paris.

[Le Grand Palais Boutique Hotel.]

Himawari Hotel Apartments is situated on Sisowath Quay with views of the Tonle Sap River.

[Himawari Hotel Apartments.]

Hotel Cambodiana is a luxury hotel on the banks of the Mekong River. The hotel was built in the era of ‘New Khmer Architecture’ that flourished in the 1960s. The hotel was finished in 1969 but was closed shortly thereafter due to the war. It was restored and reopened in the 1990s, but now it is under threat of demolition to make way for the new tower. If you are looking for something uniquely Cambodian, then stay here before everything has been turned into a chain hotel experience.

[Hotel Cambodiana.]

The Pavilion Hotel is located in the heart of the historical centre of Phnom Penh, near the Royal Palace and Wat Botum. The architecture is a combination of Khmer and French colonial styles. It features unique heritage villas, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and private plunge pools, in a lush tropical compound.

Aquarius Hotel & Urban Resort is a modern hotel with a rooftop swimming pool.

TRIBE is a midscale lifestyle brand by Accor and joint venture partner Ennismore. Tribe Phnom Penh Post Office Square was the first TRIBE Hotel in Asia (opened 2022). The brand bills itself as a combination of a hotel and a social hub. The New York Times listed it as one of 10 new standout hotels in Asia.

Penh House Hotel is near the Royal Palace and is ideally situated if you want to be near the old town and within walking distance of the BKK1 area. The hotel also has a rooftop swimming pool.

Hôtel KVL opened in 2022 and it has brought a fresh face to the selection of riverfront hotels. This stylish 4-star hotel stands out as a homegrown brand, showcasing modern Camdoodian style and design.

Luxury 5-Star Hotels

The big-name hotel brands are still finding their way to Phnom Penh, so there are some unique hotel experiences to choose from in addition to a selection of familiar brands.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal is a 5-star luxury hotel in a leafy area of old Phnom Penh. It’s next to Daun Penh Ave, which faces Wat Phnom and is on the same street as the embassy of the United States of America.

The hotel was originally named ‘Le Royal‘ when it opened in 1929. Over the years it hosted a who’s who of celebrities, as well as journalists covering the civil war in the 1970s. It is now fully restored and operated by Raffles Hotels & Resorts.

[Raffles Hotel Le Royal.]

Palace Gate Hotel & Resort is situated between the Royal Palace and the river, making it ideal for sightseeing. This hotel with its pool and greenery will help you escape from the city chaos.

Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh arrived in the capital at the end of 2021, making it the first Hyatt Regency Hotel in Cambodia.

BKK1

BKK1 stands for Boeung Keng Kang 1, and not an outpost of Bangkok (as my mind tries to tell me). If you are searching on hotel booking sites BKK1 is within Chamkar Morn District.

If you’re considering an extended stay or you’re looking for a digital nomad base in Phnom Penh then I would pick this area. It’s still close to the immediate centre while being less touristy. It’s a popular area with expat/NGO residents, and there are lots of cafes and bars. The roads also feel slightly less chaotic (slightly).

Accommodation options tend to be mid-range and upmarket boutique hotels. This would also be a good area to look for Airbnb rentals while looking for a longer-term place.

Hostels

Feliz Hostel Cafe & Bar has dorm and private rooms available.

Mid-range

Rambutan Resort – Phnom Penh is a small luxury mid-range hotel with a pool.

Anise Hotel

Mansion 51 Hotel & Apartment is a 5-star luxury serviced apartment so a good option if you prefer to self cater.

Tonle Bassac

Tonle Bassac is south of Daun Penh and east of BKK1. Much of this area is still being developed, so not everything is open yet. This area includes the Diamond Island project, which is an island that has a fake Paris.

The area includes apartment towers, shopping malls, and high-end hotels. The National Assembly and other government bodies have offices here, and there are also some embassies, including the Embassy of Australia. It’s not an area I would stay in as a first-time visitor, but I place it here in case you are wondering what all those tall towers are that can be seen from the riverfront. The second-tallest tower in Phnom Penh is The Peak Shangri-la, which will be the first Shangri-la in Cambodia.

ibis budget Phnom Penh Riverside is near the bridge to Diamond Island.

NagaWorld Hotel & Entertainment Complex is the gigantic casino that you will see glowing in the distance at night. While staying at a casino is not for everyone, if it is your thing then it’s worth checking for deals. Like in Las Vegas or Macau, you can occasionally find a 5-star hotel room for $50.

[>NagaWorld Hotel & Entertainment Complex.]

Cambodia train travel articles at Nomadic Notes.

Cambodia has two railway lines that operate from Phnom Penh. There is a line from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville (Southern Line), and Phnom Penh to Poipet via Battambang (Northern Line).

The railways of Cambodia were established during the French colonial era. The lines fell into disrepair during and after the Khmer Rouge era, and they have since been restored for passenger and freight use. The trains are still slow and don’t run regularly, but they are more comfortable than taking a minivan or bus, and a more memorable travel experience.

Cambodia train websites and tickets

Ticket agent: Baolau

Cambodia railway lines

These are the main railway lines in Cambodia.

Southern Line

The Southern Line operates from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville. This is a good way to get to Cambodia’s city-by-the-sea (now known for its casinos). From Sihanoukville, you can get a boat to Koh Rong.

This line also has a stop at Kampot, which is a small riverside city that has become popular with expats. There is one train in each direction, but it is best to check the Facebook site for updated times.

My review of the current train service: The Japanese train in Cambodia: Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville on the KiHa train from Hokkaido

My review of the old train service: Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville by train.

Buy Phnom-Penh – Sihanoukville train tickets.

Northern Line

[Battambang Station]

The Northern Line is a daily service that operates from Phnom Penh to Battambang.

The Northern Line terminates at Poipet on the Cambodia-Thailand border. The line has now been connected to Thailand, so it’s now a matter of waiting for the government to approve international train services.

Review: Battambang to Phnom Penh by train.

Bamboo Railway

I reviewed the Bamboo Railway in Battambang in 2016 before the line was rehabilitated. The bamboo railway is still operating, but there is also a tourist train that was supposed to replace it. Here is my comparison of the original and new bamboo trains.

Disclaimers

– Check the official railway site for updated train service information.

– Nomadic Notes is an affiliate of Baolau.

This is part of the Nomadic Notes train travel series.

Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh is 240 km apart by road, and getting the bus is the cheapest way to travel between the two cities. Despite the relatively close distance and flat terrain, the roads are congested and not built for highway cruising. Google Maps says the trip can be done in 5 hours and 30 minutes, and bus companies advertise the trip as 6-7 hours. In reality, the trip takes about 7-8 hours, depending on the time of day and other unscheduled stops.

This guide shows how to go from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh by bus (and vice-versa).

Ho Chi Minh City – Phnom Penh bus map

Map of Ho Chi Minh City – Phnom Penh bus stations and landmarks along the route.

[View Ho Chi Minh City – Phnom Penh bus map.]

Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh by bus

Getting the bus from Ho Chi Minh City is easy because the bus stops are in the Pham Ngu Lau backpacker area in District 1. There are more bus services in other districts, but for visitors to Saigon, this is the most convenient spot.

There are numerous travel agents on Pham Lgu Lau Street as well as the official offices for the bus companies. I walked along Pham Ngu Lau to compare prices and bus types. Some of the buses are sleeper buses with bed chairs. I find those uncomfortable as a tall person, so I looked around for other options. Some buses have seat configurations of 2×2, but Phuong Heng Bus has 2×1 seat configuration. This is the ideal seat configuration for bus travel, as one less seat in the row means wider seats.

The ticket from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh cost 530,000 VND ($22.60). Compare more bus tickets here.

There was good legroom and the seat was comfortable. The bus has wifi but it wasn’t connecting on the day of my travel. The bus is air-conditioned without being set to near freezing (as so many bus services do in this part of the world).

[2×1 seat configuration on Phuong Heng Bus.]

The journey time was quoted as about 7 hours, but after seeing the road conditions, 7 hours would be the best-case scenario. My trip took 7 hours 30 min going to Phnom Penh, and 8 hours coming back.

I recorded the time to see where all the hours went for such a short trip. Here is the breakdown:

8:30 – Depart Pham Ngu Lau, Ho Chi Minh City
10:10 – 10 min rest in Cu Chi District (still in Ho Chi Minh City)
10:30 – Crossed into Tay Ninh Province (2 hours to get out of Ho Chi Minh City!)
11:07 – Moc Bai border gate, passport stamped out of Vietnam
11:25 – Cross border to Bavet (Cambodia)
11:35 – Depart Bavet border and stop at a restaurant near the border (wait for passport processing)

[Rest stop in Bavet, Cambodia.]

12:05 – Depart Bavet rest break
13:45 – Rest stop (Prey Veng Province)
13:58 Depart rest stop
14:17 Cross the Tsubasa Bridge over the Mekong River
15:20 Cross Kandal Province/Phnom Penh boundary
16:05 Arrive in Phnom Penh

The Phuong Heng bus stop is at 279 Pheah Sihanouk Blvd, and it is next to most of the other bus companies that go to Ho Chi Minh City. This is not as convenient a location as the Pham Ngu Lau stops in Ho Chi Minh City.

Grab is available in Cambodia, so I used the wifi in the bus office to order a tuk-tuk to my hotel. The Grab trip cost 5,700 Cambodian Riel ($1.40 USD) to go to my hotel near the riverfront.

Vietnam-Cambodia border crossing procedure

On the Phuong Heng bus service, the ticket collector also collected our passports before we arrived at the border. He checked that we had a Cambodia visa, which you should print out. He also wanted a printout of my Vietnam visa, even though the passport stamp indicates how long I can stay in Vietnam. Luckily I had that with me.

I have done this trip before with another bus company, and they tried to charge a $5 admin fee for passport processing. There was no extra service shakedown here. Also on the last trip, the Vietnam border agent tried to charge me a $1 health screening fee (where the scanner checks your temperature). That scam shakedown procedure seems to have been dropped as well.

An unusual feature of this service was that immigration on the Cambodian side was done while we had already crossed the border. The bus drove us to a nearby restaurant for our lunch break. We were there for about 40 minutes, and then the bus assistant returned with our passports. They must have an arrangement where we are allowed to cross without our passports. This system is probably dome to save some time, as we had our lunch break while waiting for our passports to be stamped.

Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City bus

[Bus stop at Preah Sihanouk Blvd.]

I was planning on getting another bus company for comparison, but I was happy with my single-seat option, so I booked the return ticket with Phuong Heng. The ticket from Cambodia cost $23 USD. If you book from a travel agent in the city, they usually arrange a pickup service from your hotel to the bus stop. Check when you book.

Compare Phnom Penh – Ho Chi Minh City bus tickets here.

The trip from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City took 8 hours. We lost time driving through Phnom Penh in the morning peak traffic and afternoon peak traffic in HCMC. I wanted a 6:30 bus but there were none available. An earlier bus would have avoided peak traffic in both cities.

This was the time breakdown for the PP-HCMC trip:

8:34 – Depart Phnom Penh
9:04 – Bassac River Bridge (Google Maps says it takes 15m to travel 4.5km. It took 30m)
10:32 – Tsubasa Bridge

[Tsubasa Bridge over the Mekong River.]

10:47 Rest stop (Prey Veng Province)

[Rest stop – Prey Veng Province.]

11:00 – Depart rest stop
12:35 – Lunch break in Bavet (near border crossing)
12:55 – Depart lunch break
13:00 – Arrive Cambodia border crossing
13:50 – Depart Vietnam border crossing in Moc Bai
14:30 – Cross Tay Ninh Province/HCMC boundary
16:49 – Arrive Pham Ngu Lau, Ho Chi Minh City

This trip also had the same passport arrangement where our passports were processed while we had our lunch break in Bavet.

Questions about travel between Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh

Is there an expressway between Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh?

There is no expressway (highway/freeway) between Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh, which accounts for why this trip takes so long. The roads on both sides of the border are congested with two or four-lane roads. Most of the trip within Vietnam is in the boundary of Ho Chi Minh City and it is now almost completely urbanised to the border.

There is a plan to build an expressway by both governments, which will help to reduce the travel time between the two cities.

Is there a train between Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh?

There is no train between Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh. There have been numerous announcements over the years to build a railway between the two cities, but that would be years away if it even happens. Read more about the proposed railway from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh.

Are there flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh?

There are flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh, and that takes under 1 hour. There are not many flights though, so the prices are more expensive compared to other international flights in the region.

VietJet Air tried this route briefly but it was later withdrawn.

Kep is a province in Southern Cambodia, facing the Gulf of Thailand and surrounded by Kampot Province. It was actually part of Kampot Province up until 2008 when this little corner of Kampot was carved out to become the smallest province in Cambodia.

[Kep Province, shown within Kampot and Cambodia (map via Wikimedia.)]

I’ve not found an explanation why a new province this small was required, but Kep has a different vibe to Kampot so I have made a separate article from my Kampot trip report.

I did a day trip to Kep from where I was staying in Kampot. I know of some expats who live in Kep and prefer the laidback vibes of Kep (which is even more laidback than Kampot). The main drawback of Kep is that it is not walkable, so for that reason, I have never stayed there.

Kep map

Map of Kep, with places mentioned in this article marked.

[Map of Kep, Cambodia.]

New Kep beach project

Like Kampot, Kep is going through some big changes. I rode a scooter to Kep, and on the way there I passed countless trucks hauling dirt. One of the road lanes was blocked off for exclusive use of these trucks.

I drove to the first place where I could see the sea, and found out why there were so many trucks; the seafront was being filled in with landfill.

I parked my scooter next to the Kep Sailing Club, which used to be a seafront property (a logical place for a sailing club). The sailing club has now lost its seafront front view and is now at least 100 metres inland.

Seafront resorts such as the Knai Bang Chatt are now inland.

All the seafront villas here have lost their seafront views.

The landfilling is part of a plan to turn a 2.7 km stretch of the seafront from the Kep Market to the Mangrove Protected Forest into a new park.

Considering the huge cost of filling in the sea, (not to mention the environmental cost of moving earth from the mountains to the sea), I thought that there must be a developer building a new city here. How else would they recoup the cost of such a massive undertaking?

People have just been assuming that it must be a Chinese mega project or something like what is happing nearby Phu Quoc in Vietnam. The landfill is going to be a new park and beach.

[Map of the beach expansion project.]

Here are some more details on the Kep beach expansion and other projects.

Kep Crab Market

Kep is well-known for its crab market, where you can get crabs served with the world-renowned Kampot pepper from one of the crab shacks overlooking the gulf.

It’s also just a great place to wander around for the sensory experience of a Southeast Asia food market in full flight.

It is at the crab market where the landfilling project starts. The seafront market is now an inland market.

At the time of my visit (in January 2022), there were trucks and earth-moving equipment extending the land out to sea.

All the seafront crab shacks are no longer seafront. Will they be moved to the new seafront?

Kep Beach

Kep is no stranger to artificial beaches. Kep Beach is an artificial beach, and true beach aficionados would be able to spot that is not a proper beach. It’s nice enough, and if you live here it is great, but you wouldn’t go out of your way to have a beach break here when you have better beaches in Sihanoukville and Koh Rong.

I was interested in the design of this elevated sandbox, which I have seen on fake beaches in Albania. In the future when sea levels rise, this is what beaches will look like. There will be fortified walls along the coast with these boxes of sand to recreate what we used to have.

Villas of Kep

The other thing that Kep is famous for are the abandoned villas and mansions.

Kep was a happening place in the the 1950s and ‘60s, with royalty and well-to-do populating the upmarket villas of Kep Sur Mer (Kep-on-Sea).

[Queen’s Villa.]

That all ended with the rise of the Khmer Rouge, and Kep was almost completely deserted. Here are some good trip reports here and here about the villas.

As much as I love walking around, you need a bicycle/scooter to see all the villas here as it is too spread out.

The thing that intrigues me about Kep is its street grid.

It has gridded-out streets like Kampot, yet somehow Kep is unwalkable. Part of it is that the blocks are so big with nothing on the land.

Kep has good bone structure, so a proper city could be built here without needing to build more infrastructure. I wondered what these empty blocks would look like if they were filled with shops and houses like in Kampot. Many of the streets still have big trees, making for a more pleasant environment.

The thing with Kep is that it feels ghostly. I know some of my friends are ghost sensitive in this part of the world. I like to think that I am not (though you will never catch me camping overnight in a cemetery!), but I feel something in Kep. It might just be sadness of seeing ruined villas and knowing the history of the city and country.

These empty blocks surrounded by big trees suggests that there was something substantial here before.

It is within this grid area where you can see the Kep Independence Monument (similar to the monument in Phnom Penh).

Near the Independence Monument is the Cambodia-Vietnam Monument, which was inaugurated in 2018.

There are some random hotels in this gridded section, so maybe in 20 years’ time this area will start filling in.

[Sangkahak Mith Kouy Hotel.]

The coolest cafe in Kep

I didn’t have anywhere marked out to visit, so I figured I would just ride around and see what happens. I saw a sign for a cafe pointing down a side street, which lead me to Kep Coffee.

I’ve added this to my list of favourite cafes in Cambodia.

After Kep and Kampot I went back to Phnom Phnom, which was the end of my Cambodia trip. My next stop was to go back to Thailand.