Getting to Angkor

Filed in archive En Route on August 2, 2007

For many travelers, getting to Angkor Wat is as much fun as actually seeing the temples. Considering that Angkor is such a popular destination and is centrally located, it's no wonder that there are multiple ways to travel to the nearest city, Siem Reap.

Plane: The local airport, once a dusty strip of runway in the middle of a field, is now able to receive numerous flights daily. Planes from Cambodia's capital city, Phnom Penh, arrive frequently. There are also flights from regional airports in Thailand, Vietnam, and Korea.

A tough tail bone is required to go overland to Angkor. The roads in Cambodia have improved, but are still quite bumpy. It's possible to go overland from Bangkok (1 day, at least) and Phnom Penh (a mere 6 hours) via bus, pick-up or private car.

Perhaps the most interesting way to travel is by boat. Hydrofoils and speedboats pass quaint villages and scenic landscapes. The trip lasts about 7 hours.

Experienced motorcyclists might consider riding to Angkor from Phnom Penh. Bikes are cheap to rent, though many riders who plan to stay in country for more than several weeks simply purchase a motorcycle second hand and sell it when they leave.