How to travel from Hanoi to Siem Reap? You have a few options to choose such as direct flight, buses, and a combination of train and bus. To determine the best method for your travel preferences, budget, and timeframe, take a look at our infographic below. It provides an overview of the various transportation options available, along with the time and route taken for each one.
Hanoi to Siem Reap by flight
How long is the flight to Siem Reap?
If you’re planning a trip from Hanoi to Siem Reap, flying is the most convenient and fastest way to get there. Several airlines, including Vietnam Airlines, Cambodia Angkor Air, and Vietjet Air, operate flights between the two cities. The flight duration is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, making it the quickest way to reach Siem Reap.
Visa Requirements
Before you travel, make sure to check the visa requirements for Cambodia. There are different ways to obtain a Cambodia visa, including an online service and a visa on arrival. In my experience, you should apply online in advance of your trip instead of waiting until you arrive in Cambodia.
If you have forgotten to apply for a visa beforehand, you may have the option to join the visa on arrival queue at border control. You must then fill out the necessary paperwork and get a Cambodian visa on arrival.
Visa on arrival services are available at Siem Reap International Airport (REP), Land border crossings between Cambodia and Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. Depending on your nationality, you may be eligible for a visa on arrival or need to apply for one in advance. Here is the list of Nationalities are eligible to apply for a Cambodia VOA.
To avoid delays at the port of entry, citizens of many countries can apply for a visa for Cambodia in advance. The Cambodia eVisa system is a simple online alternative to the visa on arrival.
Arrival at Siem Reap International Airport
Once you land at Siem Reap International Airport, follow the signs for immigration. Present your passport and completed arrival forms to the immigration officers for entry into Cambodia. Afterward, collect your luggage from the designated baggage claim area and proceed through the customs checkpoint.
Airport to the city center
After clearing customs, you’ll have various options for ground transportation to reach your final destination in Siem Reap. You can choose between taxis, tuk-tuks, or private transfers. Make sure to negotiate the fare or use metered taxis to ensure a fair price.
Can you travel from Hanoi to Siem Reap by train?
Currently, there is no direct bus route from Hanoi to Siem Reap, but you can combine train and bus travel to reach Siem Reap from Hanoi. Here’s a suggested route:
Take a train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City: You’ll need to take a train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, which takes around 30-35 hours.
Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap: Then, you can transfer to a bus to continue your journey to Siem Reap. Several bus operators offer services from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap, and the journey takes around 21 hours, depending on traffic and border crossing procedures. If you board the bus from Ho Chi Minh City Center at 11 pm, it will take you to the border crossing at Moc Bai in Vietnam. At 6 am, the bus will depart to Phnom Penh, which takes approximately 4 hours. After arriving in Phnom Penh, the bus will stop at a station where you can eat, drink and complete the transfer procedures to a seater bus. The bus will transfer within one and a half to 2 hours and then continue towards Siem Reap.
Is there a bus from Hanoi to Siem Reap?
Keep in mind that the bus journey from Hanoi to Siem Reap would require multiple transfers and can take around 45-48 hours, depending on the route and any stops along the way. Consider whether you’re comfortable with long hours of travel and plan accordingly. It’s important to note that the availability and schedules of bus services can change over time. Here is a general guide on how to travel from Hanoi to Siem Reap with bus transfers:
- Hanoi to Pakse: Start by boarding a bus at Nuoc Ngam Bus Station. The journey will take approximately 28 hours with a stop in Savannaket. Once you arrive at Savannaket, you can take a bus to Pakse. Note that there are only two buses daily.
- Pakse to Siem Reap: To continue your journey from Pakse to Siem Reap, take a taxi to SRL Pakse which is around a 10-minute ride. SRL Transport is a bus company in Cambodia. From there, hop on a bus to reach Siem Reap which takes about 14 hours. Note that there is only one bus daily.
Bus station to city centre
From the bus stations you can take a taxi or tuk tuk to access the city centre. Taxis are generally available at the bus station. Tuk-tuks are a convenient and common way to get around in Siem Reap. You can find tuk-tuks near the bus station. Negotiate the price or insist on using the meter before starting your journey.
FAQ
Key stops
Here are some of the highlight attractions you must visit. If you are looking for different experiences with useful tips to stay away from tourist crowds, you can find more in this blog about stuffs to do in Siem Reap.
Angkor Wat: This is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most famous and significant archaeological wonders in the world. Exploring Angkor Wat allows you to admire intricate stone carvings, stunning architecture, and learn about the rich history of the Khmer Empire. It’s advisable to allocate ample time to avoid the tourist crowd and fully explore the temple complex and witness the breathtaking sunrise or sunset views.
Tonle Sap Lake: Visiting the lake provides an opportunity to witness the unique floating villages and learn about the traditional lifestyle of the locals. You can take a boat tour to explore the floating communities, observe the local fishing activities, and appreciate the natural beauty of the lake.
Pub Street: Located in the heart of Siem Reap, Pub Street is a vibrant and bustling area known for its lively nightlife, restaurants, bars, and street food. It’s a popular spot for tourists to unwind after a day of temple exploration.This street offers a mix of local and international cuisines, live music, dance performances, and a bustling atmosphere.
Outdoor activities
Quad Biking: Experience the thrill of off-road adventure by renting a quad bike. Guided quad biking tours allow you to explore the scenic countryside, visit local villages, and discover hidden gems off the beaten path. It would be a highlight if you travel with your kids.
Kayaking: Explore the waterways and floating villages of Siem Reap by kayaking. You can rent kayaks or join guided tours that take you through the canals, offering a unique perspective of the local lifestyle and natural surroundings.
Suggested Itinerary
If you are planning to take a trip with kids and want to find more about itinerary ideas, here are some of our best seller tours. For more recommendations, take a look at our list of Vietnam and Cambodia Family tours to have an overview from transportation, accomodations, prices and detail itinerary.
Splendors Of Vietnam & Cambodia 17 Days
Overview: This tour enables you to experience the most stunning locations in Vietnam from north to south as well as the top temples in Cambodia, at an appropriate pace.
Route: Hanoi – Halong – Hue – Hoi An – HCMC – Mekong – Phnom Penh – Siem Reap
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Discover the Real Vietnam & Cambodia in 2 Weeks
Overview: This tour will take you to the most popular attractions as well as give you a chance to explore the culture and local life.
Route: Hanoi – Halong – Sapa – Hanoi – Hue – Hoi An — Siem Reap
>>> View trip
I believe you may find an overview of traveling from Hanoi to Siem Reap that matches your budget and timing for your upcoming journey. Indochina Voyages is an exceptional Southeast Asia Tour Company that not offers transfer service but if you have any questions or need help organizing a tour, please feel free to contact us by filling out the form below. We’re excited to accompany with you to explore the new side of Vietnam and Cambodia.
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