Private Taxi Between Phnom Penh – Siem Reap Stop Sightseeing

Exploring Cambodia with a Private Taxi from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: A Sightseeing Journey You Won’t Forget

Traveling between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap doesn’t have to be just a transfer—this private taxi tour offers an enriching way to break up the drive with memorable stops along the way. With a carefully curated itinerary, you’ll visit intriguing sites like the Skun Spider Village, the ancient ruins of Sambor Pre Kuk, the historic Kampong Dkei Bridge, and the floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake. The experience is designed for those who want a flexible, personalized journey that combines transportation with authentic local sights.

One of the standout features of this tour is the customized sightseeing stops. These aren’t just quick photo ops—they’re genuine opportunities to learn about Cambodia’s culture and history firsthand. Plus, the small group setting with a knowledgeable driver ensures a comfortable, engaging ride. That said, the price of $107 per person is quite reasonable when you consider the level of personalization and the number of attractions covered. However, travelers should keep in mind that entrance fees and boat rides are extra, which can add to the overall cost.

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers who enjoy spontaneous exploration, appreciate local culture, and prefer private transport over crowded buses. If you’re after a straightforward transfer with no stops, this might not be the right fit. But if you’re curious about Cambodia’s lesser-known sites and want a more meaningful journey, this experience will likely exceed expectations.

Key Points

• Customized stops offer a deeper look into Cambodia’s culture and history.
• Private transportation ensures comfort, flexibility, and a personalized experience.
• Multiple attractions make the journey educational and memorable.
• Additional costs include temple entrance fees and boat rides, which are optional but enhance the experience.
• Knowledgeable drivers with good English skills help bring the sights to life.
• Booking in advance (46 days on average) shows strong interest and reliability.

A Deep Dive into the Journey: What You Can Expect

This private taxi tour is not just about getting from point A to B; it’s about making that journey special. Starting in the heart of Phnom Penh, your driver will pick you up from your hotel and set out on a flexible itinerary that’s tailored to your interests. The first stop on the way is the Skun Spider Village—a quirky yet fascinating spot where locals sell and eat insects like spiders, crickets, and more. It’s a photo-worthy moment and a chance to see a side of local cuisine that’s both bold and authentic. Reviewers mention this as a “refreshing” stop where you can snap photos and take in some local life before continuing onwards.

Next, you’ll visit the Sambor Pre Kuk ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 6th or 7th century—an impressive example of pre-Angkorian architecture. As one reviewer noted, these ruins offer a glimpse into Cambodia’s early civilizations, with large, well-preserved temple complexes set amidst lush greenery. The site is relatively less crowded than Angkor, providing a more intimate experience.

Continuing on, the Kampong Dkei Bridge—also known as Spean Praptos—adds a historic touch. This ancient stone bridge, built during the 12th century under King Jayavarman VII, was once the longest corbelled stone-arch bridge in the world. Walking across or viewing this marvel, you’ll appreciate Cambodia’s engineering prowess from centuries past. It’s a striking reminder of the country’s historical significance and resilience.

The last major stop before reaching Siem Reap is the Tonle Sap Lake in Kampong Kleang. Here, you’ll explore floating villages on stilts—some houses are 10-13 meters above the water—offering a rare glimpse into Cambodia’s traditional fishing communities. Many travelers are unaware of this remote area, making it feel like an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience. A boat ride through these floating homes provides a peaceful, almost surreal view of life on the water, with the added bonus that fewer travelers venture here, allowing for a more genuine encounter.

How the Stops Add Value

Each stop is carefully chosen to give a layered understanding of Cambodia’s cultural, historical, and everyday life. The insect market at Skun offers a local flavor, while Sambor Pre Kuk and Kampong Dkei showcase the country’s ancient architectural achievements. The Tonle Sap floating village reveals contemporary rural life that’s both strikingly different and deeply rooted in tradition.

Guide and Transportation Quality

While the tour doesn’t specify the exact guide’s identity, the driver’s English language skills are highlighted as a notable benefit. Many reviews mention “knowledgeable guides,” which means your driver likely offers insights beyond just driving, sharing stories and context about each site. The vehicle itself is private, with gasoline, tolls, and parking covered, ensuring no surprises during your journey.

Price and Value

At $107 per person, this tour offers great value—considering the personalized service, multiple stops, and private transportation. When you factor in the cost of entrance fees ($10 per temple) and boat rides (about $20-25 USD per person), the overall expense remains reasonable for a full day of sightseeing. The trip’s length (8 to 12 hours) makes it a full-day adventure, ideal for those wanting a comprehensive experience without rushing.

Practical Details and Tips

Meeting Point: The tour begins in Krong Siem Reap, where the driver will pick you up from your hotel. This convenience means no need to worry about transportation to the start point.

Duration: Expect around 8 to 12 hours, depending on stops and your pace. This flexibility is a bonus, allowing you to linger longer at sites that interest you most.

What’s Included: Gasoline, tolls, parking, passenger insurance, and bottled water keep the experience comfortable. The driver is also your guide, providing explanations along the way.

Extras to Budget For: Entrance fees ($10 each for temple sites) and boat rides (approx. $20-25 USD for groups of 3-8). It’s worth budgeting extra if you want to fully explore each attraction.

Children and Baby Seats: If traveling with small children, additional baby seats are available for $20, ensuring safe and comfortable transportation.

Booking in Advance: Most travelers book about 46 days ahead, which shows the tour’s popularity and reliability.

Authenticity and Real Traveler Insights

One reviewer, Lori, praised the service as “an excellent example of how to tour while moving end locations,” emphasizing the ease of logistics and the opportunity to see Prei Kuk—a site not as heavily trafficked as Angkor but just as fascinating. She appreciated the flexibility the private tour offers, allowing her to customize her day.

Another traveler appreciated the knowledgeable driver and the local stops as highlights, emphasizing that these stops felt genuine rather than tourist traps. The remote Tonle Sap village especially stood out as a “fewer travelers go here,” which many find a significant bonus for an authentic experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This private sightseeing trip is perfect for independent travelers or families who want to explore at their own pace. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate history and culture, and want to avoid the crowded, commercialized stops. If you’re eager to see local life, ancient ruins, and lesser-known sites without the hassle of self-driving or multiple bookings, this tour delivers.

Travelers looking for a luxurious, all-inclusive experience might find the additional costs for entrance fees and boat rides worth it for the authentic, off-the-beaten-path encounters. It’s also ideal for those who value local insights—a knowledgeable driver makes all the difference in understanding Cambodia’s layered history.

The Sum Up

This private taxi tour from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap offers a well-balanced mix of cultural exploration, historical insights, and remote village visits, all with the comfort and flexibility of private transport. The stops like Skun Spider Village, Sambor Pre Kuk, and Tonle Sap Lake aren’t just tourist attractions—they’re windows into authentic Cambodian life and history.

The value lies in the personalized experience, the knowledgeable guide, and the chance to customize your day. It’s suited for curious travelers who want to go beyond the typical tourist trail and dive into local stories and hidden gems. The price is competitive, especially considering the inclusions, and the reviews consistently praise the professionalism and friendliness of the driver.

If you’re after a meaningful journey that enriches your understanding of Cambodia’s past and present, this tour provides a thoughtful, engaging way to travel between the two iconic cities.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for families with children?
Yes, it is suitable, and baby seats are available for an extra $20, ensuring safety and comfort for young children.

How long is the trip?
The journey lasts approximately 8 to 12 hours, depending on how long you choose to linger at each stop.

What’s included in the price?
Gasoline, tolls, parking, passenger insurance, and bottled water are included. Entrance fees and boat rides are extra.

Will I be traveling alone with my group?
Yes, this is a private tour, so only your group will participate, offering flexibility and personalized attention.

Are there opportunities to customize the stops?
While the itinerary is outlined, the private nature of the tour allows some flexibility, and your driver can accommodate your interests.

What should I budget extra for?
Entrance fees for temples (about $10 each) and boat rides (around $20-25 USD per person) are not included and should be budgeted separately.

Is the driver also a guide?
The driver is English-speaking and knowledgeable, providing insights about each site, which enhances the overall experience.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Last-minute cancellations are not refundable.

In all, this private Phnom Penh to Siem Reap sightseeing trip is a fantastic choice for travelers seeking a flexible, culturally-rich experience that showcases Cambodia’s diverse heritage beyond the usual.