Boasting an abundance of beaches, jungles, mountains, lakes and temples galore, Cambodia is a country just waiting to be explored
Whether it is the remote islands or the depths of the jungle, improved roads and transport link make discovering Cambodia easier than ever before. Travel is cheap and all major destinations are accessible by bus from Phnom Penh, with private and shared taxis also favorable options.
The temple town of Siem Reap is top on everyone's list. Buses leave Phnom Penh hourly between 6:30am and 2.30pm, with some afternoon services. Giant Ibis and Mekong Express are popular choices, offering wifi, and A/C. The journey takes between 5 and 8 hours and tickets start at about $10. A taxi take five hours and costs upward of $60. Night buses to Siem Reap with Giant Ibis depart at 11:00pm and takes about 6.5 hours.
Beach lovers should head south to Sihanoukvilele, especially the popular Otres beach and smattering of idyllic islands off the coast. Buses with faster minivans available, depart hourly and take between 3 and 6 hours. Tickets start at $5. Taxis cost about $50.
Nearby Kep and Kampot are sleepy neighboring towns offering a slice of tranquility. Kampot boasts a relaxing riverside setting while the even smaller town of Kep, which is 30 minutes away by bus, is a quiet seaside resort. Both are accessible by bus from Phnom Penh, which depart regularly between 7am and 2:45pm and take between 3 and 5 hours. Tickets start at $5. Taxis cost about $40.
The city of Battambang in the North West is also worth visiting. Buses depart hourly from Phnom Penh throughout the morning and take between 5 and 7 hours. Tickets cost upward of $10 and taxis cost about $70.
The jungle and mountains of Mondulkiri in the North East are starting to feature on tourists' radar and thanks to new roads, are accessible within a 6 to 7 hours bus journey or 5 hours taxi ride. Minibuses depart from Phnom Penh in the morning and cost $10. A taxi will cost about $80.
Most guesthouses can arrange transport, which includes shared taxis. This can mean a hair-raising journey with up to 4 people crammed in the back seat and 2 in the front. Taxi prices increase and availability decreases during public holidays.
Source: PocketGuideCambodia
