For 14 long years travellers from Cambodia’s capital to the popular coastal resort of Sihanoukville have had to suffer a somewhat perilous white knuckle drive of 265kms, but now there is an alternative. After a highly successful trial period, a new train service is operating on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and it provides a wonderful and safer way to experience this remarkable country.
The refurbished 1960’s ‘retro style’ train carriages really do hark back to another era, but the trains are air conditioned, surprisingly comfortable and actually quite reliable. Food and drinks are available throughout the journey, which has two stops along the way, at Takeo and Kampot (pausing for around 10 minutes at each).
,p>The train departs Phnom Penh at 3pm on Friday, arriving at Sihanoukville at about 10.30pm. On Saturday and Sunday it departs at 7am, arriving at 2.30pm. Return journeys leave Sihanoukville on Saturday and Sunday at 7am, with a second service leaving on Sunday at 4pm.
Sihanoukville
This increasingly popular and lively port city, offers a broad range of beaches, cafe’s, restaurants and bars. It really has become a fantastic place to chill out. The beaches are some of the most unspoiled in all of South East Asia, and the city serves as a gateway to a range of beautiful islands, such as Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samleon.
Great value for money
The price for a one way ticket is US$7.oo, and motorbikes and/or bicycles can also be transported for an additional US$5.00 Tickets are available from the train station (open from 8am until 4.30pm week days, or from 6am until midday on week-ends), alternatively they can be bought online at a ticketing agent such as www.baolau.vn
Now it would be remiss for us not to mention that you can also fly between the two cities (for a much higher price) but unless you’re in a hurry (and very few of our clients are), its hard to imagine a better way of truly ‘experiencing’ Cambodia.
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