After our first full day in Phnom Penh, we had to say goodbye to it for the time being, and get to Siem Reap, the site of our next volunteer position. But we had time at least to spend the morning enjoying the sights and sounds around the riverfront, and even getting in some yoga at our hostel.

Then we caught a van that left from the hostel and took us on the 3-hour journey through some of Cambodia’s rural provinces. This van was a convenient shuttle from Onederz hostel in Phnom Penh, where we’d spent the previous night, and Onederz hostel in Siem Reap, where we’d be spending the next night.

Wat Ounalom Monastery

It was a rather full van by the time it picked up all of its passengers, about 15 in all. Among them were two other Americans, one from Seattle and one from New York. The latter was a rather talkative fellow, and he mentioned that he’d once spent 25 years working for a certain shady billionaire who’d later go into politics and become a convicted felon. (He didn’t say whether he ever got paid for all of his services.)

There was one pit stop on the ride, in a bustling and colorful town of riverside shanties where we parked beside two restaurants, so we could go to the bathroom and have lunch. We’d brought along our own food for lunch, and we were able to eat it sitting in one of the restaurants, which was open air.

It was mid-afternoon when we arrived at the Onederz hostel in Siem Reap, and it was only after the van had pulled away that we realized we’d left an umbrella in it. Oh well. This hostel was even nicer that the one in Phnom Penh, with a larger and better equipped lobby/ cafe/ restaurant/ bar. And here as well there was a swimming pool on the rooftop terrace.

Having pretty much exhausted our supplies on the trip, we had to go out scouting groceries again so we would have something for dinner. Fortunately, it wasn’t hard to find some suitable stores, as this town really catered to western tourists. It gets a great many visitors because it’s the home of the Angkor temple complex, including the iconic Angkor Wat. So many foreigners pour into town constantly, and the town is ready for them, with a plethora of restaurants, shops, cafes, massage parlors, and of course bars. In fact there’s a whole section of one street designated as Pub Street.

After meandering around town and stocking up, we headed back to the hostel, where, even though we had no access to kitchen facilities as such, there was a helpful cafe staff willing to heat up some things for us. So it was a decent dinner.

In order to use the Internet signal, we had to sit down in the lobby, not far from a group of tourists who were really a bit boisterous. One guy in particular, apparently American, talked as loudly and raucously as if his companions were on the next block. Why do some people feel the need to do this? This is one of our biggest concerns about staying at a hostel.

Fortunately, our room was upstairs, and the walls were pretty well insulated against sound, so we weren’t bothered that night by the noise from the twenty-something revelers downstairs. A comfy night’s sleep, and we would be all set to tackle the first day on the job at our new volunteer gig.

Transportation Options Between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap

There are several ways to travel between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular options:

Flights:

The fastest way to travel between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap is by plane. The flight time is only about 30 minutes, making it a great option for travelers who are short on time. Several airlines offer flights between the two cities, including Cambodia Angkor Air, Lanmei Airlines, and JC International Airlines.

Buses:

Buses are a more affordable option than flights. The journey takes between 5 and 6 hours, and there are a variety of bus companies to choose from, including Giant Ibis, Mekong Express, Virak Buntham Express, and Cambodia Post VIP Van. These companies offer a range of amenities, from basic air conditioning to reclining seats and on-board entertainment.

Vans and Taxis:

Vans and taxis are another option for travelers looking for a more personalized experience. Vans typically hold between 10 and 15 passengers, and taxis can be hired privately. The journey time is similar to buses, but vans and taxis can be more expensive. You can find companies offering these services online or at your hotel.

Boats:

While not as common as other options due to seasonal water levels, boats offer a scenic journey along the Mekong River and Tonle Sap Lake. The trip can take anywhere from 6 to 8 hours, depending on the water conditions and the specific route taken. Several companies offer ferry services, including Tara Boat, Mekong Explorer, and Compagnie Fluviale du Mekong. Be sure to check the seasonality of the route before booking, as services may be suspended during dry periods.

The best option for you will depend on your budget, your time constraints, and your preferences.