Thailand and Cambodia to Resume Bus Services Linking Bangkok with Phnom Penh and Siem Reap

Thailand and Cambodia have restarted bus services linking Bangkok with Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, marking the return of these popular travel routes after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The services, which will begin on Friday, have been eagerly awaited by travelers and are expected to boost tourism in both countries as they enter the high season.

An official agreement was signed on Tuesday between Atthawit Rakchamroon, Acting Managing Director of Transport Co, and Suo Vireak, Chairman and CEO of Vireak Buntham Express Co., to resume the operation of two key bus routes. The first will connect the capitals of Thailand and Cambodia—Bangkok and Phnom Penh—while the second will link Bangkok with the popular tourist destination of Siem Reap, both routes passing through the Aranyaprathet checkpoint in Sa Kaeo province.

These bus services were suspended in 2020 as part of the international travel restrictions imposed during the pandemic. However, with the lifting of travel bans and the reopening of borders, the services are now resuming, bringing an affordable and convenient option for travelers wishing to explore both Thailand and Cambodia.

Atthawit Rakchamroon expressed his optimism about the resumption of these services, noting that the renewed bus routes would help drive tourism in both countries, particularly as they enter their peak travel season. With the restored services, visitors will once again be able to travel seamlessly between two of Southeast Asia's most iconic destinations, Bangkok and Siem Reap, making it easier for both tourists and locals to enjoy the region's cultural and historical treasures.

The Bangkok-Phnom Penh and Bangkok-Siem Reap bus services are expected to offer a reliable and comfortable mode of transportation for those seeking to visit Cambodia's famed Angkor Wat temples, explore Phnom Penh's vibrant city life, or simply journey through the scenic landscapes of the region.

As Thailand and Cambodia continue to rebuild their tourism industries post-pandemic, this development highlights the growing efforts to reestablish regional travel links. With international travel steadily recovering, the resumption of bus services is a significant step toward revitalizing tourism and regional connectivity in Southeast Asia.

For those planning to visit, these bus routes provide a convenient and affordable option for exploring two culturally rich countries, enhancing the overall travel experience between Thailand and Cambodia.