the staff on the bus couldnt tell me.
Hi guys, do any of you have any news about the 6E and 6F night bus services from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville, in the sense are they placed in the direction of the other places or are they placed differently? Unfortunately they are the only ones left. Thanks for the info
thanks for your guess, i think, that could make sense.
thank you very much for your gorgeous and helpful blog! because of you we saved the 100-200thb bribe at the border and we decided against the 13$ night bus with virak buntham and pro 26$ night bus of giant ibis. so we felt safe on the bus ride, thank you so much! ❤️
The 11:30 p.m. bus has 30 lie-flat seats, with 14 on the bottom and 16 on the top. The only downside of this is because there are two fewer seats, there isnt always a bed for the driver who may end up sleeping next to you in the aisle. On these buses, there are eight single beds and 11 seats of double beds.
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Hi, I read somewhere that we have to be there an hour in advance to check in. Is that right? If not what is the recommended time to be there before departure time? Also, do they not offer pickup for night bus?
I have a guess about this. When they started this route it was a 6-7 hour trip because the roads were bad. Sometimes it would take as long as 8 hours. Now the roads are paved again and the trip can be done in 4 hours (if they drive fast). But when people take a night bus they dont want to arrive at 3 a.m. when its still dark. So they hold the buses for a while (assuming that the passengers are asleep anyway) so that people arrive at a more reasonable time. Thats just a guess, I dont know for sure. Also, the night bus is $15, not $26.
They more often than not arrive early, so you should be fine.
I prefer one row back, actually. Sometimes the backup driver will sleep in the aisle if the bus is full, which means youll be lying right next to him if youre on the bottom.
The 11 p.m. Giant Ibis night bus has lie-flat beds.
Very useful thankyou. We are currently in Sinahoukville & were trying to get a complete trip direct to Siem Reap, as we dont care to stop at Phnon Phem, but seems we will have to do it in two trips, both with this company. Will review it too once done, but sound like you have covered it well. 🙂
Lina, have you heard something about the bed bug situation on the night buses? Ive read some recent TA reviews about them. Have you met any?
My partner and I are thinking about taking this night bus too. I was just wondering which seat you would recommend? Our choice is between top bunks or bottom bunks at the front of the bus (and as I understood it, you had the bottom bunks at the front?). Which seats do you think would provide a better view, and which seats do you think would be more comfortable/convenient/better for sleeping etc?
There are tuk tuks waiting at the station, it costs $2-3 to go into town (maybe $1 more if your hotel is very far away).
Is it recommended to book tickets prior the trip? Is it safe online?
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We had a bottom level sleeper doube bunk just behind the driver. This was fine as bus was not full & the attendant slept in an empty bunk, not in the isle next to us, although even that would have been no problem. It was nice to be able to see the road in front, although we had a great nights sleep, so didnt do much sight seeing. Giant Ibis was the right choice for sure.
Arrives in Siem Reap at about 5:30am-ish. It was chilly in January. Did not expect that so had to open suitcase at the arrival terminal to take out jacket.
No pickup. Arrive whenever you want, but they will not wait for you if you are late. I usually arrive ten minutes early.
161 Responses to Review: Giant Ibis night bus, Phnom Penh-Siem Reap
There are two Giant Ibis night buses going each way between between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, with slightly different seat configurations. The 11 p.m. Giant Ibis night buses have 32 beds, with 15 on the bottom bunk and 17 on the top. The beds do not fully lie flat, but offer a 45 degree angle thats pretty decent, and some taller people seem to find the angled seat more comfortable than the lie-flat ones. Seat 6-F is right next to the toilet, and as such, is probably the least optimal seat on the bus. Each bed has a cubby at the bottom to keep your shoes (and feet) in.
Blanket, pillow and bottle of water are provided. Pillow is small and thin though. Other folks who may need to add toppers (like jackets, clothes,..) to elevate pillow.
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Yes, if you want a good seat Id book in advance. Its safe; I have done it many times myself!
And only flat beds bus is advisable to travel.
Hi Lina, i will be taking the night bus from PP to SR. My flight arrives at PP in the early afternoon and i was wondering if you could recommend a place for me to leave my bulky items and to wash up. ( travelling solo )
Off to dreamland on the Giant Ibis night bus beds. This is the interior of the 11 p.m. bus.
Siem Reap Phnom Penh: 11 p.m., 11:30 p.m.
There is no view because its dark out the entire time. The top bunks are cooler (more air-conditioning), so if you prefer that, go on top. I hate A/C so I choose bottom seats. Closer to the front is usually better but the seats are pretty much all the same, although I wouldnt want the very back one as its next to the toilet.
i really wonder why they sell the trip as a whole-night-trip if it would be possible to do it within 3-4 hours. (maybe because they can sell it for more money then?)
Hi Lina, Thanks for your review as i am really undecided whether to take the sleeper bus or the VIP MiniVan. But I have decided that I will take the Sleeper Bus is it will only be 6-6.5 travel time. But I am wondering if I can avail the ticket pass in Angkor in the morning if I am arriving at 5 AM in Siem Reap? I heard that the ticket office are no longer selling tickets early in the morning.As I want to witness sunrise. Or which one you recommend, Sunrise or Sunset? Thank a million 🙂
Do the night busses generally run on time I have a tour pick up in PP at 0800 and was wondering if I should plan to travel the day before or of the night bus from Siem Reap will actually arrive at 0630 giving me enough time to get to the pick up location?
Hi there. If I am catching the night bus and want to be in Angkor Temples for sunrise. Is there anywhere to leave your luggage safely near where the bus drops you of?
youre right, sorry. the 26$ was the price for the whole tour to sihanoukville via pnom penh!
Dear Lina,I want to travel from siem reap to PP with giant ibis night bus,my flight in PP is on 9.40am, if there is any refresh rooms or any possibilities there in ibis bus station. Can I get any transportation possibilities to reach PP airport.I plan to travel in ,March 16th night. My flight in PP is 17th march 9.40 am.Your sight is very help full, thanks Lina.Thanke in advancce.
The Giant Ibis night bus looks great in the morning, too.
Hi, Thank you so much this has been really helpful and stopped us booking with another awful company.
I have not seen any. I talked to Giant Ibis and they said that they took those buses out of circulation and have removed all mattresses and bedding and replacing them with all new materials, so it sounds like they dealt with it quickly and thoroughly. Unfortunately this can happen at even the best hotels, because if someone stays on Koh Rong, where bedbugs are everywhere, its very easy for them to introduce them everywhere that they sleep after that. I think Giant Ibis should be fine now and I havent heard any more recent reports.
Hi, wondering if you would know if its better to get the seats at the front rows, right behind the driver? Were a couple travelling. Thanks
Review: Giant Ibis night bus, Phnom Penh-Siem Reap
Hi Lina.. you mean there are tuk tuks waiting at 6am already?
Where do they pick us up? Is it available at the airport?
Why not stop in Kampot on the way? Heres our guide to getting to Phu Quoc:
Night buses in Cambodia are notoriously unsafe. Giant Ibis, on the other hand, makes safety a priority. Their buses go slowly, with a maximum speed of 60km (37 miles) per hour. They enforce this by transmitting the speed via GPS to the Giant Ibis office so that management knows if a driver breaks the rules and go faster. Going slowly is not only safer, but allows for a better nights sleep, because even at at these speeds the bus usually arrives in six or seven hours. Another safety precaution Giant Ibis takes is to always havetwo drivers on each bus, and they switch half-way through the journey. If one driver feels fatigued he can switch out and take a nap.
5:30am is too late to attempt a sunrise watch at Angkor Wat. Tuktuk drivers advised not enough time to get temple permit, travel to Angkor wat, and brace the traffic/crowd.
Phnom Penh Siem Reap: 11 p.m., 11:30 p.m.
I read on CultureTrip app and others how GiantIbis best.
In addition to offering a safe ride,each seat is equipped with a power socketthat accept standard American, Euro, and UK plugs, and most of them usually work. The bus has WiFi (password: giantibis) that is provided by 3G. This means the connection works as long as theres 3G coverage, which is for true for about 60% of the journey. Be aware that they do turn out the lights soon after the journey begins, so if you do want to read you will need to bring your own lighting.
It only takes two hours to the Thailand border, so if you take a night bus you end up parked at the border for 5 hours waiting for the border to open. So dont take a night bus.
The 11 p.m. Giant Ibis night bus seating chart.
I would like to know if the night bus goes from Siem Reap to Bangkok? If so what row or sleeper bunks would you suggest for my husband and myself. Not near the washrooms if possible Also is it best to book online or when leaving your last hotel? Thank You.
In Phnom Penh, the buses boards on time at the Giant Ibis office on Street 106 across from Phnom Penhs night market. For the daily night bus to Siem Reap they do not offer hotel pick up, but the office is centrally located and walking distance from the riverside. Once you arrive in Siem Reap the bus drops off at the more centrally located Giant Ibis ticket office near Old Market (rather than the Giant Ibis bus station).
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Would you have a suggestion on how to get from PP to Phu Quoc? I would like to book my ticket in advance any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
The night buses leave from the office near old Market. My partner just took one last night.
Super blog and post! Thank hoy very much for all the useful information you share.
The night bus buses are not new, but they are fully refurbished. As on all buses, the toilets are not the nicest in the world (if you are a larger person youll have a hard time squeezing in) but at least these ones are usually clean.The road between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap is still bumpy although better than a year ago and if you arent a sound sleeper, it can be a challenge to get a good nights sleep. Luckily, that challenge is usually alleviated for me by bringing an eye mask, ear plugs, and a sleeping pill.
Theres a Cambodian man who subscribes to the Move to Cambodia blog feed and every time I release a new blog post /i/web/status/10119
Hey, thanks for the blog. Just wondering if you ever had any issues with theft from your luggage being stored underneath or where you put it?
The buses are air-conditioned and have a toilet on board. Overly cautious types such as myself bring a sweater for the former and tissues for the latter. Passengers are all given a bottle of water, and each bed comes with a pillow and blanket. When you board the bus youll be given a bag to keep your shoes in, so as not to get the beds dirty.
Hello. May I ask how does one get to town from Giant Ibis bus terminal (in Phnom Penh)? I will be taking the overnight bus and arrive at 6am. Do you have any advise? Thank you.
Over the years, Ive taken more Giant Ibis night bus journeys than I care to admit. When I first moved to Cambodia,I vowed I would never take a night bus in Cambodia. Since then, Ive made an exception for Giant Ibis because of their safety record and precautions. Im now a regular on theGiant Ibis night busfrom Siem Reap to Phnom Penh. In this post, Ill share some details about the company and the trip from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap (and vice-versa).
I have not, but I would always recommend keeping your valuables (laptop, phone, etc) inside the bus with you.
if i wouldnt have had my bed right in front of the (broken) toilet door, im sure i wouldve slept all night.
Gracias Lina! This information is so useful for us!! ?
You can leave your baggage at the Giant Ibis office. Up to you where you want to go Ive gone to the Empire and had dinner/watched a movie while waiting for the night bus.
I thinking of going by bus on Giant Ibis from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam to Phnom Penh on Jan 17th. Happy to hear of any suggestions. Thanks!
Tickets on the Giant Ibis Phnom Penh to Siem Reap route cost $15, and prices are the same for locals and foreigners. You canbuy tickets onlineand choose your seats in advance.
The seating plan for the 11:30 p.m. Giant Ibis night bus.
due to a broken flush the smell of the urine of all pessengers softly waved into my face, which is why i couldnt sleep at all.
Thanks for this blog. Because of this, it made me decide to take the 10:30pm bus from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. It was a breeze. Slept all the way. Took the bottom bunk 2nd row from the driver. Sharing info that may help other travelers:
Our guide to what to do on Koh Rong got to be so long that weve had to split it up into sections. Enjoy! Want to explore remote beaches, visit local villages and nearby islands, snorkel over coral reefs, and Continue reading
We arrived withba GiantvIbis buscfrom Sinahoukville in Phon Phen wherw we waitedvatbtheor office before boarding the night bus to Siem Reap. This office wad in town sobiI assumevall their busesbgo their. When arriving in Siem Reap though, you take a tuktuk to town as bus stops a few km oit of the main town
we finally arrived in pnom penh around 5am.
Giant Ibis night bus at a glance
Hi there we are a family of 4 and Im wondering if Giant Ibis do a night bus from Phnom Penh to Can Tho in Vietnam please? I wasnt going to include a night bus having heard the stories but it looks like this company might be good for us (teen boys). Many thanks Eva
In night service bus from Phnom Penhvto Siem Reap, the toilet in the last is useless, no one can easily use.
The buses do not have two levels, rather, the seats are designed like bunk beds with one on the top and one on the bottom. All of the Giant Ibis night buses are arranged with one row of two beds next to each other, and a row of single bunks with an aisle in the middle. If you are traveling alone,try to get one of the single beds. I have traveled alone on the Giant Ibis night bus many times and have never felt unsafe as a solo woman, but again, be sure to get a solo bed (if youbuy a ticket online, you can make an advance seat reservation).
In Siem Reap, the night bus leaves from the Giant Ibis ticket office near the Old Market. If youre arriving in Phnom Penh, the bus drops off at the Giant Ibis office on Street 106 in Phnom Penh. You can find maps for both stations at the end of this post.
Hi, I want to confirm with you about the night bus departure from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh. You mentioned above that the bus depart from Giant Ibis ticket office near Old Market, but the Giant Ibis website said that the departure is from their Main Terminal. Is the website is outdated? Little bit confusing for me, this will be my first time trip to Cambodia. Thanks.
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that is why i noticed that the bus stood next to the street again and again, engine going, for 1,5 hours after driving 2 hours out if siem reap. later, we stood again for 45mins, then twice for about 20mins.
This is so incredibly helpful, thank you for taking the time to write this out! I know what bus Ill be taking tomorrow night 🙂
I travel between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap regularly, and the trip can be excruciatingly long. Because I save so much time by sleeping through the journey,Ive become a regular on the Giant Ibis night bus. Despite being pretty highly strung about road safety in Cambodia, overall, I think the Giant Ibis night bus is a safe way to get across the country (here are theother options for this route).