I think it is incredible in this day and age that the journey to one of the most desired destinations in Asia is so difficult. There is much talk of through buses starting within a year; I won't hold my breath. It is simply not the way things happen out here. The Thai and Cambodian governments barely talk to each other. Whoever is benefitting from the air travel monopoly won't let go that easy and the same situation will just carry on. It is only recently that the road to Siem Reap has been sealed. In many ways the easiest way to travel between these two cities could well be to fly to Phnom Penh this takes 1 and a half hours and will cost about US$275. Then get the Mekhong Express bus for about US$12 for a comfortable 5 hour journey onwards. This of course gives you the option of a couple of days in Cambodia's capital c
Keith Hancock is a musician and freelance writer from Manchester England, currently living in Bangkok. He has travelled extensively through North America, Europe, Australasia and Asia.
He has written commissioned work for the BBC, writes on a broad range of subjects and currently travels throughout Asia constantly.
His daily blog, Land Of Smiles can be found at