As of August 1st 2024, the Siem Reap Battambang boat services have resumed for the high water level season. The ferries that carry people between these two popular tourist destinations had previously been suspended due to low water levels. Water levels fluctuate in Cambodia’s lake and river system and the high water levels traditionally last from August until March.
If you’re looking for an alternative way to travel through Cambodia, the Siem Reap Battambang boat service is a fantastic option for you! This unique experience allows you to travel between the two cities in a much more interesting way and gives you the opportunity to experience the beautiful Cambodian countryside and all of the wildlife it has to offer.
Battambang Province is located in the North West of Cambodia and has the Sangkae River (or Stung Sangké) flowing right the way through from Battambang City to the Tonle Sap Lake, providing an access route to Siem Reap City and allowing boat ferries to be able to transport passengers and goods between the two cities.
Battambang City itself is Cambodia’s third largest city and the province is largely based on agricultural work and farming, being Cambodia’s biggest rice producing province. A beautiful and peaceful place to visit, this city is home to several tourist attractions such as the Bat Caves at Phnom Sampov and the Bamboo Train, a favourite among travellers.
The Siem Reap Battambang boat services originated in the 1990’s with ferry boats which were used to transport people between the two provinces when the main road between them was damaged. Now, it is a great way for travellers to get between the two places in a much more interesting and fun way. If you’re in Battambang and planning to visit any of the great temples in the Angkor Wat complex of Krong Siem Reap, consider this adventurous way to get there!
The Journey from Siem Reap to Battambang (or the other way round!) generally takes up to 6 hours, though this time can be shortened to as little as 4 hours during high water levels (usually starting around October) as this makes traversing the waterways much easier for the boat drivers. The journey itself is roughly 100km and the best time to enjoy the Siem Reap Battambang boat services is usually considered as December to February, not only because of higher water levels but because of increased chances of spotting the rare birds and wildlife that live in the area, and lower chance of rains.
This great experience will definitely be a much more interesting story to tell your friends and family back home instead of getting a bus or taxi! Battambang Provincial Tourism Department has recently endorsed the service via their official Facebook page which you can find by CLICKING HERE.
The biggest advantage of using the Siem Reap Battambang boat ferry is that you’ll get to fully take in the picturesque Cambodian countryside, something you’ll remember forever. Along the way you’ll get to see some of Cambodia’s floating villages and flooded forests, as well as plenty of local fisherman going about their daily work. The wildlife in this part of Cambodia and the Tonle Sap lake is incredibly diverse, and if you’re lucky you’ll be able to see plenty of native animals that live in the area while taking in the views!
Ferry boat drivers who operate this route have wanted to reassure tourists that the Siem Reap Battambang boat service is a perfectly safe and enjoyable way to travel between the two cities and that they are very familiar with the twisting waterways and skilled at navigating their boats. The boats also have safety equipment such as life vests in the unlikely event of any emergencies.
The drivers who operate their boats on the Siem Reap Battambang boat services have said that their boats are yet to fill up with as many customers as they’d hoped, and they are currently suffering from a lack of work. A lot of them have also noted that the journey from Siem Reap to Battambang has been more popular than the reverse route (Perhaps due to people travelling South to Phnom Penh after visiting Battambang) and that they often find themselves waiting in Battambang for enough customers to make the return journey.
The smaller boats generally take up to around 18 passengers, with larger boats being able to take upwards of 30, though these haven’t resumed services just yet due to a lack of customers. The smaller boats are basic and traditional Cambodian style longboats so may not be suitable for everyone, but if you’re looking for an adventure we definitely recommend using the Siem Reap Battambang boats instead of getting a bus or taxi.
The smaller boats do not have toilets, but usually offer a stop midway into the journey at a floating restaurant where you can use the toilets or purchase a meal or drinks. We highly recommend bringing snacks though so you can munch on those whilst taking in the scenery on the journey. You may also encounter bugs or mosquitos (you’re in the countryside afterall!) so bug spray might be a good addition to your backpack!
The cost for the ferry boat service operated by Angkor Express or Chann Na for international travellers is usually around $30 per person (one way), but you’ll also need to factor in a few dollars to pay for tuktuks to get to and from the pick up points, so make sure you’ve got some small change! Unless you get a booking through a travel agent or your hotel that offers collection from the pickup points. It is recommended to book this service 1-2 days in advance. Whilst it’s more expensive to use the Siem Reap Battambang boat service than it is to take other methods of travel, we think it’s worth it!
Once your journey is underway, we highly recommend heading up to the top deck on the roof and relaxing under the sun to watch the world go by for a bit! The boats can be loud, and the top deck will offer you a quieter environment, though it can get hot so make sure you have sun protection and take breaks in the shade downstairs from the heat. Don’t forget to pack some waters and stay hydrated on your journey!
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