How to Get Around Cambodia on a Backpacker Budget
In a lot of countries tourists can rent a car to drive around. This is not possible in Cambodia. Here, you have to use public transportation to travel around the country. But this is not a problem, since buses run from every major city multiple times a day.
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Bus
Traveling by bus is the easiest way to get around Cambodia. You can buy the ticket online or go down to the bus station. Not all connections are listed online, so booking the ticket directly at the station may work out in your favour. There are multiple bus companies that each have their own station around town so make sure you go to the right one. We always used Mey Hong Transport. The buses were relatively new, have air conditioning and fit around 20 people. We were positively surprised that the buses were always on time and very reliable.
TukTuk
In every major city you’ll see thousands of TukTuk’s driving around. This is your best option to get around town. But get ready to bargaining, since the drivers always demand high prices. I highly recomment to download an app called “Grab”. It’s like Uber but for Asian countries. You can book taxis and TukTuks through the app or even order food and get the cheaptest prices. I’ve saved so much money on transportation by using Grab (not sponsored). But the app only works in the bigger cities like Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Battambang.
Boat
During the wet season (and a little bit after) it is possible to travel from Siem Reap to Battambamg by boat. I booked this journey through a travel agency in Siem Reap two days before. But you can also book it directly online. The journey takes about 6 hours during the wet season (way longer during dry season) and it was one of the most unique experiences I’ve ever had. It takes longer than the bus and is also more expensive but totally worth it.
Roller
You can rent rollers in some cities but I wouldn’t recommend to travel long distance with a roller. Roads are often made of dirt and lead through remote areas. I also wouldn’t recommend to rent a roller in Phnom Penh since it’s a really busy city and and traffic can quickly become confusing and chaotic. The only city I can really recommend to rent a roller in is Siem Reap to explore Angkor Wat. I rented an electric roller for one day to explore Angkor Wat on my own and it was a really fun experience. Once you leave the city there is barely any traffic and you can enjoy the old temples and nature in peace. I even saw some monkeys on the side of the road. To rent a roller in Siem Reap you can just walk around town and you will see multiple places which rent out rollers. Choose the one you like most.
Airplane
Except for the capital, there is an airport in Siem Reap as well. This is where you need to go to visit Angkor Wat. But there are no direct flights between those two cities, you need to touch down in Ho Chi Minh City or Bangkok. Taking the plane only makes sense if you fly in from another country. Depending on the time you want to take the flight, it can cost up to 300 Dollars, so it’s quite expensive as well.
FAQ: Getting Around Cambodia
Can you rent a car in Cambodia?
No, self-drive car rentals aren’t really available for tourists in Cambodia. You’ll need to rely on public transportation like buses, tuktuks, or hire a private driver instead.
What’s the best way to get around Cambodia on a budget?
Buses are the cheapest and most reliable way to travel between cities, while tuktuks (booked through the Grab app) are your best bet for getting around within a city without overpaying.
Is it safe to travel by bus in Cambodia?
Yes, reputable bus companies like Mey Hong Transport run modern, air-conditioned buses that are generally punctual and safe for tourists.
How do you get from Siem Reap to Battambang?
You can travel by bus (fastest and cheapest) or, during the wet season, take the scenic boat ride, which takes longer and costs more but offers a unique experience through Cambodia’s floating villages.
Do I need a visa or special permit to travel around Cambodia?
Check Cambodia’s official visa requirements separately, as they depend on your nationality and length of stay.
Can you rent a motorbike in Cambodia?
Yes, motorbikes (rollers) are available to rent in most cities, but they’re best suited for short exploration trips (like visiting Angkor Wat in Siem Reap) rather than long-distance travel, since roads can be unpaved and remote.
My name is Cory and my two favourite things in the world are traveling and scuba diving. You will either find me under the water or on top of a mountain. I have the PADI Advanced Certification and want to see as many marine animals as possible.
