How to Get From Siem Reap to Battambang and Vice Versa
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To get from Siem Reap to Battambang and vice versa, you can choose from either a three to four-hour drive or a six to eight-hour boat ride. Unless you’re looking to kill time, I recommend going with the faster option and taking either a minibus/van or taxi. It’s much easier and more comfortable than taking the boat.
Here’s some more details about each option and how you can book them.
Minibus/van
Travel time: 3 – 4 hours
Cost: $10 – 12 USD
How to book: 12Go.Asia, Camboticket, Checkmybus, or Bookmebus.
Minibuses and vans run multiple times each day between Siem Reap and Battambang. They typically seat 16 people, with just enough room for everyone’s luggage. While they’re comfortable enough, leg space can be tight depending on how tall you are. Most of the time, the minibuses/vans are full, so expect to be sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with locals and other travelers.
Note that you’ll need to show up at the operator’s office for departure, and you’ll be dropped off at their office. You’ll have to find your own way to and from your accommodation, but hailing a tuk tuk is easy.
When I traveled from Siem Reap to Battambang, I rode with Go Ho Travel. It was a smooth experience. We left on time, stopped for a short bathroom break, and the driver drove safely (for Cambodian standards).
Taxi or private car/van
Travel time: 3 – 3.5 hours
Cost: $60+ USD
How to book: 12Go.Asia, Camboticket, Bookmebus, Bookaway, or ask your accommodation.
The biggest advantage of taking a taxi over a minibus/van is flexibility and comfort. You can set your departure time, get dropped off in front of your accommodation, make as many stops as you want along the way, and have more space.
For a taxi or private car, prices range from $60 to $80 USD. For a private van that holds seven to 10 people, prices start at $100 USD. Depending on how many people you have, the price per person is just a few dollars more compared to taking a minibus/van.
Boat
Travel time: 6 – 8 hours
Cost: $30 USD
How to book: Angkor Express website.
I only recommend traveling by boat if you have time and a strong sense of adventure, you’re alright with things going wrong, and you don’t mind roughing it. That’s because taking the boat along the Tonle Sap River is a long and hot journey that might be subject to delays.
Angkor Express Boat runs one local, slow boat at 7:30 AM each day.
If you take the boat though, you’ll see floating villages and life along the river – something that most tourists don’t experience. Take plenty of sunscreen, be ready to embrace the good and the bad, and it could be a story-worthy adventure.
Once you’ve booked your transportation, it’s time to figure out what you want to do in Siem Reap and Battambang. Both cities offer an authentic look into Cambodian culture and history. Check out my list of 22 things to do in Siem Reap (including the famous Angkor Wat) and 16 best things to do in Battambang.
