How to get to Siem Reap from Laos or Thailand

Well here is an interesting post for those interested in heading slightly off the beaten track, Xplore-Asia, through its Laos office has been looking for alternative ways to travel from Laos to Cambodia and we have found an extemely easy way to travel via Chong Sa Ngam. This border crossing is not new but not used very often.

It lies about 40 minutes from Sisaket in Thailand and the road is completely sealed on both the Thai and Cambodia sides. From the border it takes only one and a half hours to reach Siem Reap the distance is about 120km!!!

What does this all mean well certainly if you are travelling from towns in Isaan such as Ubon, Surin or Sisaket you would be looking at only about 3 hours drive to Siem Reap isn't this great!!. If you are coming from Pakse which the Xplore-Asia Laos office did the trip took about 6 hours. How did they travel well to start it is about 44km from Pakse to the Thai border at Chong Mek taking about 1 hour with Visa Proceeding (Thai Visas are free and on arrival). Then it would take about 3 hours or 200km hours to get to Chong Sa Ngam you would need to go through Ubon just directly south via town called Det Udon. After a couple of stops and toilet break and crossing the border it is only another 120 km to Siem Reap passing Banteay Srei temple on route. A new route and completely sealed all the way. Xplore-Asia (Laos) is now offering transport from Pakse - Siem Reap on this route as an alternative to traveling the route via Kampong Cham which take over 15 hours!

This poses well if traveller's are looking for alternatives to the flight from Pakse to Siem Reap. Or for those who would like to include a little of Isan in there tour program! Isan Northeastern Thailand is stunning and the people are great, eco-resorts like Kong Jiam are a perfect hideaway, and there are also some great temples to visit as an introduction to the Khmer Empire.

On another note the actual route the Khmer's travelled from Wat Phu Champasak in Laos to Siem Reap is actually only 240km and plans are underway to complete this road so in a few years the route from Pakse to Siem Reap may only take about 3 hours watch this space!!!

For more information Contact Xplore-Asia

Cambodia's Best Kept Secret - Sihanoukville

Welcome to this weeks blog

Cambodia is well known for its Angkor Temples, The Mekong Delta and its turbulent history however, not so much is known about its 'Jewel by the Coast' Sihanoukville, a beautiful beach resort, fast becoming a world class beach destination.

Sihanoukville is located on Cambodia's west Coast near to the border with Eastern Thailand and very accessible both from Siem Riep home to the Angkor Wat complex and the capital city Phnom Pehn. This makes for a very interesting range of combinations and touring programs throughout the region.

One of the most popular itineraries to consider begins in Bangkok (Thailand), then flying to Siem Riep to visit the Angkor Wat complex, travel from Siem Riep to Phnom Pehn either by air, road or by boat along the river into the Capital City and then finally by road to spend a relaxing few days at the beach in Sihanoukville. For more adventurous travelers options available include cycling through Cambodia and combining with Eastern Thailand and crossing the border to get to Sihanoukville.














The resort itself, began life as a port town, established back in the 1950's. Since then the area developed and has started creating a world class beach destination.
Today there is a variety of accommodation to choose from including five star hotels on Sokha beach to mid range in town and beach hotels, and budget guesthouses, particularly on Weather Station Hill.


The main attractions in Sihanoukville are the beach and its relaxed pace of life, the beaches are very beautiful indeed, bright sands and clear waters waiting for you to sunbathe on and swim in.Watersports including snorkeling and scuba diving are widely availble with boat trips to nearby islands and interesting activity to consider whilst here.

Like every beach resort, choices for dining are vast and Sihanoukville offers a large variety of choice, with fresh seafood, caught daily a particular specialty including crab, prawns and ocean fish.
With the influx of foreign tourism, more westernised eateries have arrived offering familiar cuisine including Australian, German, British , Indian and Italian restaurants, making the resort a good choice for anyone.















Sihanoukville at night, offers plenty to see and do, good choice of restaurants and plenty of bars with many smaller bars staying open until the early hours, especially in the Weather Station Hill area, downtown Sihanoukville . Some of the most popular are the beach bars on Ochheuteal, ‘Serendipity’ and Victory Beaches.

Sihanoukville has remained Cambodia's best kept secret, it is still a very relaxing, traditional style beach destination, not spoiled by over commercialisation, meaning that it retains its unique Cambodian Charm and hospitality.

Next time you choose to visit South East Asia and Indochina, consider booking a combination itinerary with Sihanoukville as your beach destination or take a tour which incorporates the area, Xplore-Asia are able to tailor-make this for you, so extending your beach stay is always an option with us!