New service between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. It offers a scenic river route, but at $49 one-way, is it worth the backpacker budget?
Last updated: 16th January, 2026 - This article has been updated to reflect timings and changes to the service.
The original article in December on Kiri Post confirmed a new express Phnom Penh-Siem Reap boat service has started up again. It comes after a 6 year break in service. There are many options for road travel to Siem Reap from Phnom Penh with many overnight services. Compared to air travel it is much cheaper to take a bus, there are also river boats you can take but these can take around 7-8 hours so it's more of a day trip rather than a method of getting A to B. The new express service is $49 one way and offers a scenic trip up.
BudgetBro is confirming the details of the service and will update soon. Whilst it is not cheap it quick option for those travelling North in Cambodia and similarly the South and onwards to Vietnam.
One month on, Cambodia River Express announced an update on Facebook confirming a revised service launching from 16th January. The new service removes the need to transfer to a bus mid-journey, making it a fully direct river connection of about 6/7 hours.
Full timings of the service will be announced after a few trips. You can book tickets on the website >
It will run on Saturday's and Tuesday's 8.30am from Phnom Penh and Siem Reap Wednesday's and Sunday's.
The Facebook account has speculated they may have to suspend the route at the end of February due to water levels and would then look to re-start in July/August.
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The express ferry from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
