Plenty of car taxis still ply the road everyday from Phnom Penh but more and more people are opting for the buses nowadays. Buses are about the same as a taxi and the buses are comfortable, regularly scheduled and perhaps even a  bit safer. Now that the Thai/Cambodian border crossing at Koh Kong is open, the daily ferries to and from Koh Kong are bringing a lot more travelers to Sihanoukville.

 
To and From Sihanoukville

The time-honored taxi used to be the most popular form of transportation to Sihanoukville (from Phnom Penh). But in 1996, Route No. 4 (the road to Sihanoukville) was reconstructed and resurfaced. This led not only to faster taxi rides, but also to the introduction of inexpensive, full-size, air-con buses that ply the road every day. There are even two daily boats to and from Koh Kong. Of Course, travel agents in Phnom Penh can help you make all the arrangements. It has become easier than ever to get to the beach.

Phnom Penh - Sihanoukville

The Road Trip: It is a 245 km, 3-4 hour trip between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville on National Route 4. Coming from Phnom Penh, the first 30km through northern Kampong Speu province is the most heavily development section. Many factories producing goods such as garments and noodles have sprung up along this stretch since the government of Cambodia introduced free market economy back in 1993.

Near the halfway point the landscape becomes hilly as the road approaches the Elephant Mountains. The road crosses at the Pich Nil pass where the buses and taxis make a brief rest stop at a roadside stand. Cold drinks, fruit and a few hot snacks are available. There is a basic toilet but the facilities are minimal.

As the bus pulls into Sihanoukville it may stop 2 or 3 times. Wait for the last stop at the station to get off, this put you in the center of town.

Bus: Two private companies have buses leaving several times per day in both directions. Tickets are R8,000 to R10,000 one way and can be purchased at the station and some guesthouses.

G.S.T. Ltd.: Phnom Penh station: Just southwest of the Central Market. on the corner of 142 St. and Charles de Gaulle Blvd., behind the Shell station. Office: Corner of streets 63 & 174. Tel: (023)725 054/017 814 628. Sihanoukville station : On Ekareach St. near the intersection of Sopheakmongkol W St., about 100m from the Angkor Arms. Tel: 015 916 772

SCHEDULE : PP to SHV: 7:15, 8:15, 1:00

SHV to PP : 7:15, 8:15, 12:30

Ho Wah Genting: Phnom Penh station: On Charles de Gaulle, next to the central Market. Look for the white buses. Phnom Penh station: On Charles de Gaulle, next to the central Market. Look for the white buses. Phnom Penh station: On Charles de Gaulle, next to the central Market. Look for the white buses.

Tel: (23) 210 359, Sihanoukville station: On Ekareach St. near the Angkor Arms. Tel:(34) 933 888

SCHEDULE : PP to SHV: 7:30, 8:45, 12:15, 1:30

SHV to PP : 7:00, 8: 00, 12: 15, 2:00

Taxis: Travel between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville everyday. Most leave before 9:00am. The price is R10,000 per person and there may be 8 or more people in a compact car. You can hire a whole taxi for about $20. Bring some friends and split the cost.

Phnom Penh Stand: At the southwest corner of Psah Thmei (Central Market).

Sihanoukville Stand : Opposite the market. The drivers will solicit your business soon as you arrive.

Air travel: There are no regular flights to Sihanoukville. Planes can be chartered. Flights arrive at Kang Keng Airport about 16km north of town.

Royal Air Cambodge: Phnom Penh main reservations office: 206A Norodom Blvd. Tel: 023 428 891-4 Phnom Penh main reservations office: 206A Norodom  

Koh Kong -- Sihanoukville

The only way between Sihanoukville and Koh Kong is by boat. Ferries leave Sihanoikville for Koh Kong every day at 12:30pm and Koh Kong for Sihanoukville at 8:00am everyday. The fare is 50,000 Riels or its equivalent in USD (currently $14). The trip takes about 3½ or 4 hours. The ferry office in Sihanoukville is on a small pier near the Port. Take the Hun Sen Beach Drive about 700m pass the Port. Look for the Port of Passenger Ship on the left side of the road.

Kampot -- Sihanoukville

Taxi is the primary means of transportation to and from Kampot. Taxis can be found at the stands across from the markets in both Sihanoukville and Kampot. The fare is about 8000 Riels per Person and the trip takes 1½ to 2 hours. To get there from Sihanoukville, travel north on Rout 4 to the junction at Veal Renh (43km). Turn east and follow this unpaved but picturesque road along the best of the Elephant Mountains to Kampot. The road sometimes washes out in rainy season.