Traveling by bus in CAMBODIA

We travel from Thailand to Cambodia and continue to various cities within the country by coach buses. So far, we have had more or less good experiences with this mode of transportation. Although there have been some uncomfortable situations.

When crossing the border from Thailand to Cambodia, Battambang, everything went smoothly. Except that we had a challenging local (Cambodian) who believed he needed to enlighten us about his country at the border. As if we hadn't already learned about the circumstances or how to withdraw money. Consequently, the bus to Battambang had already left without us on the other side. At first, we were somewhat annoyed and lost because we didn't know how to get there and had already paid for the trip. We walked back to the border station and found our self-proclaimed troublesome tour guide. However, we were not sure if we would still find him. Fortunately, we found him, and with some initial concerns, the company paid for a taxi ride to Battambang. So, everything turned out fine in the end.

The journey was longer than expected because the road is under construction, and there was quite a bit of traffic. Overtaking is also common here. The overtaking maneuver is usually closer than what we are used to, but the honk alerts other vehicles.

We are not the only ones who overtake repeatedly. One incident remains vivid in our memory. When overtaking another car across from us, it does not behave entirely according to the rules (although we cannot speak of the same rules as in our country, but it was pretty close). Our driver becomes quite angry and chases after the other car like a maniac, with the high beam on and honking. We are not very comfortable in the back of the car anymore as this goes on for what feels like an eternity. Eventually, we arrive safely in Battambang.

From Battambang to Siem Reap, we book our trip with Mekong Express. This company seems good to us. At least at first glance. Until, without any warning, we stop by the roadside after an hour of driving. The driver does not speak English well and does not tell us what is happening. He tinkers with the electrical system in the front. After some time, the passengers in the front explain to us that not only does the motor refuse to start, but the door also does not open anymore. You might think that it can be opened manually. We thought so too, but we were proven wrong. Slowly, everyone gets soaked, restless due to the circumstances, and Justin wants to get off this bus. He is not the only one. The driver gets out of his driver's window to get tools and help. However, it is so narrow that anyone overweight cannot fit through. Eventually, Justin reaches his limit and joins another passenger at the window, where they squeeze out first. Luckily, the window can be removed. This is done, and everyone stands outside, much cooler than in the bus, waiting for information. Half of the passengers get impatient after a few minutes of fresh air and order a taxi. We continue to wait and finally, after 1.5 hours, we are told that we will soon continue. This is true, but the door still does not open. Therefore, everyone has to climb back in through the driver's window. In the end, we arrive in Siem Reap without any further incidents. There, the only exit is the driver's window. We get off relieved. Because we also realized that there were no hammers to break the windows. Since then, Justin checks every bus for a hammer and windows before boarding.

The journey to Phnom Penh goes smoothly, and so does the entry into Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, and traveling within Vietnam.