Pakse to Siem Reap

Pakse to Siem Reap

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Pakse to Siem Reap Schedule

Pakse to Siem Reap Schedule
Transport NameRoute TimePrice
Asia Van Transfer Regional 14pax 09:00 - 19:00LAK 818,975
Lao Airlines Economy #QV51310:50 - 11:50LAK 2,901,809

How to get from Pakse to Siem Reap

Siem Reap is the most popular tourist destination in Cambodia due to its proximity to the temples of Angkor, so is relatively easy to get to from Pakse in Laos. It is 300km away but overland the trip will take at least 9 hours if travelling through Stung Treng, but passing via Kratie and Kampong Cham make the journey even longer, but the flight is only one hour long.

Since Pakse is the transportation hub of Southern Laos, it has many options to get to Cambodia, and Siem Reap is specifically well connected, costing around USD30. You can take a bus or minivan which run regularly by many companies every day as well as direct and indirect flights each day.

From Pakse to Siem Reap by bus

If travelling from Pakse to Siem Reap via Stung Treng, the road distance is about 530km and will take at least 9 hours if everything runs smoothly.

There are many operators that offer bus services from Pakse to the border or to Kampong Cham and then get you to change to a different bus going to Siem Reap or Phnom Penh in Cambodia.

It is better if you can ensure the same bus for the entire trip as sometimes they do not coordinate the timing or the amount of passengers very well for the transfers and you may end up waiting or not having a seat.

Buses are large and run daily leaving early in the morning to make the long trip. The buses in Laos are relatively comfortable offering water, air conditioning and a toilet on board. They will also make stops for food along the way. They also help with the visa process if you do not have your Cambodian visa yet by offering forms ahead of time. Normally, visa scams the travel from Thailand to Cambodia is famous for, are not so common on Lao–Cambodia route.

Note It is good to know that all buses arriving in Siem Reap go to the bus terminal 7km from town, which is a short tuk-tuk ride.

From Pakse to Siem Reap by van

Minivans are generally faster than buses because they are smaller and easier to handle, get through traffic and have less people to keep track of. They usually fit about 12 people plus luggage in the back or around the passengers depending on the space available. There is usually more legroom than in buses; also expect a free bottle of water and air conditioning.

Vans for Siem Reap leave early in the morning to cross the border at midday and arrive in Siem Reap the same evening.

In many cases, minivans from Pakse will drive you to the border, then often switch to a Cambodian minivan for the remainder of the trip, stopping in Stung Treng for lunch. Vans run daily but their number is limited so booking a few weeks in advance is encouraged.

Minivan companies between Pakse and Siem Reap

Asia Van Transfer (AVT) have a van leaving at 8am; it takes up to 10½ hours to reach Siem Reap for USD30

Flights from Pakse to Siem Reap

Lao Airlines offer direct flights to Siem Reap five times a week. Other days there are connecting flights by Lao or other regional airlines, but since Pakse is not a major airport hub, layovers and be long in Phnom Penh, Saigon, Vientiane or Luang Prabang and often take just as long as the bus.

The flight takes about an hour and costs USD100 and up per trip.

Visa Formalities

It is best to get a visa in advance if possible to avoid any hassles or price hikes at the border. It may take a few days to process if you do it prior so if that is not available, it is very easy to do it on arrival at the border. Tourist visas are processed on site for a fee, that may vary depending on random factors but should be around USD35 or more if you do not have a passport photo. Also remember to carry cash in USD as there probably will not be any ATMs or card machines in the middle of the jungle border crossing.

Cambodia uses USD to it is advantageous to change money in advance or there will be ATMs once you stop in Stung Treng or Siem Reap.

Why go to Siem Reap

Angkor Wat is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world now and is the largest religious temple in the world. It has become famous after being the set for the Tomb Raider movies but is only one of hundreds of Angkorian era temple ruins in Siem Reap’s proximity. People come to see the grand historical architecture of the 11th century but Siem Reap now has many other tourist sights ranging from outdoor activities to shopping, museums, local crafts and humanitarian endeavours available, along with international and local food and nightlife options.

Popular day trips from Siem Reap are to visit the floating villages on the Tonle Sap lake, mostly landless Vietnamese immigrants that use the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia as their home and livelihood, never going ashore. You can also bike through the mostly flat countryside touring ruined temples, local culture and tropical markets and handicrafts for the day. Mount Kulen is another natural attraction that is well worth a visit, as a waterfall on the most sacred mountain and pilgrimage site of Cambodia.

Onward travel from Siem Reap

Siem Reap is well connected overland or by air or boat to other destinations. Every year more direct flights are connecting Siem Reap with the region, becoming the hub of Cambodia.

Within Cambodia, you can get flights to Sihanoukville or Phnom Penh, and go overland to just about anywhere, including Bangkok in Thailand via Poipet.

Since Siem Reap is located in the northwest of Cambodia, most other tourist towns are accessible by bus going through Phnom Penh which is now only 4 hours away because of the newly paved road.

Kampot, Sihanoukville and Mondulkiri can all be reached from Siem Reap via Phnom Penh by bus, minivan, or taxi. A boat service is also offered down the Tonle Sap Lake and River to Phnom Penh or Battambang, taking around 6 hours and avoiding the traffic.

Transportation from Pakse to Siem Reap

Facts about the transport from Pakse to Siem Reap

Cheapest Transport$14
Fastest Transport1h
Earliest Departure8:00 오전
Latest Departure10:50 오전
Departures per day1
Distance523 kilometers
Transport CompaniesAsia Van Transfer, Lao Airlines, Soutchai Travel

Pakse to Siem Reap Destination Reviews

NA
Helpful staff. Not too many stops. Easy process. We received emails from AVT to check where we wanted to be picked up and they were very responsive.
Van Regional 14pax, Asia Van Transfer (AVT), Feb 3, 2023
4.4
23 customer reviews
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