Getting Around Cambodia: Transport Guide

Making your way around Cambodia isn’t particularly easy- or comfortable. There are internal flights between major cities like Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Battambang, Kompong Som, Koh Kong and Stung Treng. So far as train travel goes, the railways, which have been badly damaged during the civil war have still not recovered and anyway, are not allowed to carry foreigners. Roads, too, are not in good a condition, in parts they are downright bad, so the only viable option for long-distance travel are the extensive waterways of the country. There are around 1900 km of rivers and canals in Cambodia. The capital Phnom Penh can also be reached by sea-going vessels.

Within cities, motorbikes and cycles can be hired, and you’ll find a fairly decent bus network serving the capital’s suburbs. Cyclos are used in some cities and provide a good and cheap form of transport. On the whole, you should be prepared to rough it out a bit. If you’re keen on hiring a car, you should contact the Directorate General of Tourism- they’ll arrange for a government car (with a chauffeur) for you.