Travel Guide: Taking the Scenic Route to Siem Reap from Phnom Penh

No Cambodia trip is ever complete without dropping by its capital city – Phnom Penh. This city is the very proof of the country’s “last frontier” attitude – raw and untamed. Just like the rest of Cambodia, in the city, anything goes. Its own brand of excitement and adventure are two of the things that will put you in a trance. And with the number of beautiful boutique hotels in Phnom Penh, you’ll always be wanting to come back for more.

REASONS TO VISIT PHNOM PENH

You’ll find many reasons to visit Phnom Penh over and over. Some of the top things to convince you to keep coming back to this mesmerizing city are listed below.

• • Competitive accommodation prices

There are a number of hostels and other less pricey accommodation options. But if you’re looking to travel in style, you’ll want to stay in one of the most in-demand boutique hotels in Phnom Penh that offer competitive rates, like YK Art House.

Besides offering reasonable hotel room prices, this quaint three-star international hotel has apartments and rooms that are designed and decorated to make every guest feel at home.

• • Food comes cheap

Food is generally cheap throughout Phnom Penh. Street foods can be bought from $2 USD per meal, which is really great for those traveling on a tight budget.

Food bought from restaurants are usually reasonable, too. You can have scrumptious meals for as low as $3 USD at some of the restaurants near the hotels in Phnom Penh. You can also stay in an apartment that has a kitchen so you can cook your own meals and save money. Imagine spending only $10-15 USD per week on food if you prepare your own meals.

• • Getting around doesn’t drill a hole in your pocket

Tuk-tuks, or auto rickshaws with three wheels, are the most common and cheapest way to get around Phnom Penh and the rest of Cambodia. It will only cost you $2-5.50 USD to get around the city. You need to pay extra, though, if you want to check out tourist destinations, like the Killing Fields, the Royal Palace, and the National Museum of Cambodia, to name a few.

You can also book a rental to take you around Phnom Penh. This can cost you around $32 USD per day. To visit neighboring cities, like Siem Reap, there are buses that can take you there. These will cost you around $14 USD.

GOING TO SIEM REAP TO PHNOM PENH

Aside from the many wonderful things that await you in Phnom Penh, the city is also the perfect point of origin if you’re planning to check out other tourist destinations in Cambodia, particularly Siem Reap where you will find the famed Angkor Wat.

If you’re staying in one of the hotels in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap is located 245 km in the northwestern part of the country. It’s renowned as the resort town and the gateway to the Angkor region.

Here’s are some tips on how you can get from one of the boutique hotels in Phnom Penh to Siem Reap.

• • Take a taxi.

Want a bit of comfort during your trip? Book a private taxi that can take you to Siem Reap. The travel will take approximately five hours from Phnom Penh and cost you around $75 USD. Aside from toilet breaks, taxis can take you on a side trip on your way to your destination.

Be sure to book your taxi in advance to get the best deal.

• • Ride a bus.

There are several bus companies around Phnom Penh. These include Mekong Express, Bayon VIP, Seila Angkor, Cambodia Post VIP, and Larryta Express.

Expect to travel with a crowd, around 15 persons, if you are to take a bus to Siem Reap from one of the boutique hotels in Phnom Penh. Choose one of the premier bus services since they are less crowded and have few stopovers. A one-way ticket to Siem Reap will be between $9-12 USD.

• • Book a flight.

Cambodia Angkor Air, JC International Airlines, and Lanmei Airlines are some of the domestic airlines that fly direct between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. A return ticket can cost you about $160 USD. Watch out for promos and sales if you want to save some cash on airfare.

• • Make reservations with your hotel.

Many boutique hotels in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, like Baby Elephant Boutique Hotel, offer tour services. They make the necessary transport arrangements so you can travel conveniently in and around Cambodia.

MAKING YOUR STAY IN SIEM REAP A PLEASANT ONE

Enjoy a most unforgettable holiday in Siem Reap by staying with Baby Elephant Boutique Hotel. We have been voted Number 9 Bargain Hotel in the World by TripAdvisor in 2018.

You’ll definitely love your experience in our ethical and charming hotel. We have 25 cozy rooms that offer a dynamic and nourishing setting for every guest. Book a room in advance to score excellent rates today!