How to Travel Overland from Siem Reap to Koh Kong

While the general consensus is that “all roads lead to Phnom Penh,” it is actually possible to travel from Siem Reap to Koh Kong in not all that much time.

This is done by going through Battambang and Pursat, passing over the stunning Cardamom Mountains. But is it worth the trip, and how exactly do you go about it? Here’s the CLN guide to traveling overland from Siem Reap to Koh Kong.

Siem Reap to Battambang

Getting from Siem Reap to Battambang is simple and makes for a logical first leg. Buses, minivans, and shared taxis all make the run daily. Expect the journey to take between 3 and 4 hours depending on traffic and whether your driver insists on stopping for a noodle break every 20 minutes. There’s also the scenic boat option across the Tonlé Sap in wet season, although this is seasonal and not always reliable.

Along the way you’ll pass sleepy villages, open rice paddies, and the occasional roadside food stall that makes the journey far more interesting than a simple transfer. Battambang itself is worth a short stop. There’s French colonial charm, the famous Bamboo Train, and a more laid-back provincial vibe compared to the tourist circus of Siem Reap.

Driving yourself takes about 3 hours, with good roads most of the way.

Through Pursat to Osoam

From Battambang, the next leg of the trip is toward Pursat, which is about 2.5 hours away by bus or taxi. The road is paved and fine for any type of vehicle. This part of the trip is more functional than scenic, although there are a few towns along the way worth pulling over for if you need snacks or a stretch.

Pursat itself doesn’t scream “tourist attraction” but it’s a classic Cambodian riverside town with just enough charm to justify a night if you’re not in a rush. From here you cut west into the Cardamom Mountains, and that’s where things get more interesting.

Through the Cardamom Mountains

As you drive into the Cardamom Mountains, the road quality can vary, but the views are nothing short of spectacular. Dense jungle, steep hills, and winding roads create a sense of adventure as you make your way through this largely untouched wilderness. Expect around 2 hours of winding mountain roads, with occasional stretches of smooth pavement and other parts that are a bit more rugged. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, including monkeys, birds, and maybe even the odd elephant if you’re lucky.

This area is one of the last remaining wilderness zones in Southeast Asia, and the jungle vibe is thick. Stop for breaks to stretch, take photos, and enjoy the view before you move on.

To Koh Kong

After passing through the mountains, the road smooths out as you approach Koh Kong. You’ll be driving through lush, green landscapes, with mangroves starting to appear. Koh Kong is a quiet town, set at the mouth of the river, where it meets the Gulf of Thailand. It’s more laid-back than other coastal destinations in Cambodia and doesn’t attract mass tourism, but it does have a certain charm.

Once you arrive in Koh Kong, there’s not a ton to do other than explore the surrounding nature. If you’re looking for outdoor adventures like jungle treks, mangrove tours, and a quieter Cambodian experience, then this is your place. If you’re hoping for a party scene or bustling nightlife, you might want to keep looking.

Getting Out and Away

Koh Kong might feel like the end of the road, but there are still plenty of options for getting out, whether you’re heading to Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, or other places further off the beaten track.

Koh Kong to Phnom Penh

The journey to Phnom Penh takes around 5 to 6 hours. There are buses and minivans leaving daily from the central roundabout or from local guesthouses. The main operators are Giant Ibis and Virak Buntham, which are well-regarded and charge around $10 to $15 per person for a one-way trip. Expect a comfortable ride, with air-conditioning and a few rest stops along the way. If you’re in a rush, shared taxis can get you to Phnom Penh in about 4.5 hours, though this will cost more, usually around $25 per person.

Driving yourself will take you roughly 5 to 6 hours, depending on stops and road conditions.

Koh Kong to Sihanoukville

The drive to Sihanoukville takes about 4 to 5 hours, depending on the road conditions. Minivans leave from the main roundabout or local guesthouses several times a day. Giant Ibis and Mekong Express are the main bus companies operating this route, and tickets are usually around $12 to $15. It’s worth noting that the road to Sihanoukville is fairly new in parts but can be bumpy in others, so a minivan might offer a slightly more comfortable ride than a standard bus.

If you’re driving, expect about 4.5 hours for the trip, with good roads for the most part.

Koh Kong to Pursat

If you’re looking to go further north, Pursat is around 3.5 to 4 hours away. It’s a quieter route, and the road is in decent condition, though it can be a little bumpy in places. Local minibuses and taxis make this trip, though it’s not as frequent as the other routes. You’ll pay roughly $10 for a shared minivan or taxi ride. Pursat is known for its natural scenery and quiet charm and is a great stop if you’re keen to explore more of Cambodia’s rural life.

Driving there yourself will take about 3 to 4 hours, and it’s a relatively straightforward journey.

Koh Kong to Siem Reap

If you’re headed back to Siem Reap, you can actually take a direct bus now, and it’s pretty straightforward. The journey will take about 8 to 9 hours. There are daily buses from Koh Kong to Siem Reap with Giant Ibis and other operators. Tickets cost around $18 to $25, depending on the operator. The roads are mostly fine, but there are some stretches that can be bumpy or slow-going.

If you’re driving yourself, it’s about an 8-hour trip with a mix of smooth highways and slower sections, especially near Pursat. This though also makes it great Cambodian journey, if you have the time for all the stop offs.

How to Travel Overland from Siem Reap to Koh Kong

Siem Reap to Battambang

Through Pursat to Osoam

Through the Cardamom Mountains

To Koh Kong