Angkor Wat Travel Forum

Anyone have information about the boat trip from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh? How long does it take? How much does it usually cost?

River Ferry
Daily ferries ply the Tonle Sap river and lake between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. The end of the trip is marked by a hill, Phnom Krom, near the ferry dock at Chong Khneas 12 km south of Siem Reap. During the dry season when the water is low, the ferry stops short of the dock and passengers transfer to smaller boats to traverse the final few hundred meters.

Ferries depart for Siem Reap from the Phnom Penh Port (on Sisowath Quay near Street 104) at 7:00AM daily. Ferries depart Siem Reap for Phnom Penh from the dock at Chong Khneas (15km south of Siem Reap town) at 7:00AM daily. Passage is $22-$25 and should be purchased a day in advance (251km, 4-6 hours). Tickets can be purchased through your hotel, guesthouse or travel agent. The ferries are ‘local transport’ and are of variable quality and comfort, often noisy, crowded and over-air conditioned. Though generally safe, these ferries have experienced breakdowns, groundings and other difficulties. These ferries in no way meet international safety standards. Travel is best during the wet season (June-November) when the water is high. Dry season low water levels can mean smaller, less comfortable boats and occasional groundings.

I enjoyed that boat trip. My ticket for the Royal Express boat cost $25 and the journey took nearly 8 hours. When the water level is higher it can take less than 6 hours.

You can see my photos of the trip here:

http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/7d287/63e/9/

and here:

http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/tt/63297/#TL

There are many ways to cross the 250km from phnom Penh to Siem Reap. We had cross the Tonle sap lake in 7 days, the boat is a wonderfull way to discover the incredible cambodian populations the lake who live on the water. I loved the floating village of kompong Luong and Phat Sanday, the forest of Chenla Poy and the traditional handicraft village of Kompong Chnang, the carving in Pursat, the water-jacynth in Prek Toal. I booked my boat trip by www.travels-cambodia.com and I would love to return on the tonle sap quickly.

I just back from Cambodia in mid of Feb. Originally I planned to take ferry to Siem Reap, but the price increase to USD35!!!!! So I finally choose bus which only from USD7-12