How to get from Siem Reap to Koh Chang

Most people would fly back to Bangkok then land travel to Koh Chang. But it’s also possible to get there by BUS from Siem Reap.

Cost:      $12 for non-airconditioned big bus.

Trip:      2 ½ hours to Poipet Border

           30 minutes to an hour at Border for processing, etc.

           4-5 hours to Laem Ngob (Ferry Pier)

           1 hour Laem Ngob Pier to Dan Kao Pier, Koh Chang  

           Total:  7-9 hours

Koh Chang by land from Siem Reap:

-  We got our tickets at an agency in Siem Reap the day before. We then met the other passengers at 8:00 AM at a hotel about 5 minutes from ours and the bus picked us all up from there. Keep your ticket with you at all times. 

-   We were then to go to the border to exit Cambodia. You may have a stop-over at a roadside restaurant on the way. Unnecessary really, but the bus company probably gets a commission from sales. The toilet is clean though so use it for the long ride ahead.

-    At Poipet border, and as you go through the departure (Cambodia) and arrival (Thai Immigration Office) procedures, the bus will wait on the other side (Thailand side). Don’t worry, just follow the group and you’ll know where to go. Non-Asians should again prepare $20 for the Thai visa. 

*Asians, would be wise to check for visa exemption regarding your country.

-   After getting our Thai visas, we walked outside to a waiting area where all the other passengers were. It’s wise to stick to your bus group as you may get lost and not know where to find your bus.

-  Once everyone is on board, the bus will leave for the next destination: Laem Ngop, the Ferry Port. There will be another stop-over probably for refueling and toilet breaks. The bus may also stop at other destinations like Chanthamburi and others to drop off passengers.

-   In our case we had to change to a minivan at Chantamburi. I was unsure why and was too tired to ask or complain so I just went along. We got to the pier about 2 ½ hours later. I was already worried we might not make the ferry but we did. It was already 4:30 PM by then.

-   We got on the 5PM ferry and arrive at Dan Kao Pier in the east of Koh Chang island sometime after 6 PM.  Ferry ticket cost: THB 80  (~$3).

There are two piers at Laem Ngop and both will take you to Dan Kao Pier in Koh Chang. More information on the ways to get to Lang Ngob, the Ferry Schedule, and Fares HERE.

- It took us a while to find a place to stay as we didn’t have any reservations but we did and it was at a nice hotel about 25 minutes on foot from the Pier. There are plenty of places to stay ranging from budget to expensive. Standard hotel price: $15/night for 2 pax. Best to make reservations especially during the peak seasons.