We are thinking about returning to Phnom Phen from Siem Reap by way of Battambang. Do you think the boat trip from Siem Reap to Battambang during dry season (April 1) is worth it or would we do better to spend an extra day in Siem Reap and take the bus directly back to Phnom Phen?
Boat to Battambang
If you want a rather different experience and can afford the time to overnight in Battambang, then here%26#39;s the plan....
Check on water levels in the canals as to whether the boats are still running.If so, your hotel will advise you where to book and how to get to the departure ';docks';.
Take a sunhat,sun umbrella and sunscreen,and plenty to drink if you want to sit on the roof.
If choose the smaller boats(often the larger is full of tourists)sit towards the front away from the engine noise.Ear plugs help.
Then you%26#39;re off on the most fun, and interesting day of the tour.Long and tiring on those wooden seats.But very worthwhile.
At Battambang the most expensive hotel in town will be around $30US for room.Don%26#39;t worry about finding it,...there%26#39;s so many touts at the dock who%26#39;ll grab you and ensure you get there.
Then take the Bamboo Express and rural motorcycle tour.The hotel will arrange that.Or chat to the motorcycle guys outside.
This day trip will take you to schools and orphanages, fruit farm lunch, and then onto the Bamboo Express for return to B/bang.
I hope it%26#39;s still running .Great fun.
Glad we never missed it.
Boat to Battambang
I met a guy in battambang that had come down to battambang by boat from seim reap in nov 08 and he was raving about it - said it was definite hilight of his trip - I decided to take the bus to SR as I wasnt feeling 100% and couldnt get a straight answer from anyone as to time it would take
If I get there again, Ill be going by boat !
Don%26#39;t blame you for that.It is a long hot trip.But wouldn%26#39;t have missed it for the world.Highlight especially as it allowed us to stopover at Battambang and do the motorbike/Bamboo Express tour next day.
Should take 4-41/2 hours but that will depend on the water levels...and how much time is spent getting unstuck!
OOPS, wife just told me it was 8 hours!Gee time flies when you%26#39;re having fun.
Take a cushion!
The boat costs $16 and takes 6-8 hours while the bus costs $4 and takes 5 hours. From Battambang to Phnom Penh the water levels are too low for the larger boats, and even some smaller boats have to take care (meaning loss of time) navigating the river during that season. That trip would be 5-6 hours or possibly more. I%26#39;d personally opt to take the bus back to Phnom Penh (6 hours, $8 or so) from Siem Reap, but if the aforementioned conditions won%26#39;t bother you and you have no time constraints, then go for it...
I did the trip in the beginning of the rainy season last year, when the water level was still quite low, so it took almost 9 hours and I was completely shattered when we finally arrived. I would only recommend doing the trip if it%26#39;s less than 5 hours. And imho Battambang isn%26#39;t worth the trouble :)
I just took the boat from Siem Reap to Battambang about 3 weeks ago. It is dry season and the water is low so the trip took 9.25 epic hours and I would do it again in a heartbeat. I treasured every single second and made memories that will last my lifetime. It is a must do once in a lifetime trip.
The boat had a bathroom in it but no one used it. If you sip your water bottles slowly throughout the day rather than guzzle them, you will not need to go to bathroom. We stopped about halfway at a ';floating restaurant'; (a hut with hot fresh stir fry veggies/noodles to order) for lunch, but almost everyone had brought their own non-perishables: bananas, bread baguettes, bottled water. Bring camera, hat, sunscreen, water. Long lightweight sleeves and pant legs are best to avoid sunburn. I just talked to my friend in Siem Reap a few minutes ago and he says it is very hot now.
Good luck, have fun!
its a great trip and the memory will stay with you expect about 10 hours at this time and by mid march you will not be able to do this trip as the water level is going down fast.wait till july now than go for it,,if you do want to see part of this great river than do the day trip from siem reap to prek toal and beyond
The boat to Battembang may seem an attractive option but it has a bed reputation for both comfort and safety. There is no consideration for the passengers who pay over inflated prices.
Some boats have WCs but not all and delayed mean journeys of up to 10 hours or more. In the Rainy season form late April to November afternoon storms make the journey across the lake potentially dangerous in the semi open boats which are often used.
The trip can be an exiting one for those who have a very adventurous spirit and have an appreciation of the risks.
For more mature people or those with children I strongly advise against the journey. The road trip is much better now . by car it would take less than 4 hours as opposed to 9+ for the boat. Buses take a little longer and are the cheapest way of getting there
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