There are many modes of transport available for travellers making their way around Cambodia, including boats, buses, motorbikes, rickshaws and planes, and they are all an experience in their own right. Using the local transport is a great way to achieve a more authentic travel experience and it also has the added benefit of being a very cost effective way of getting around, while domestics flights, although more expensive, offer a quick way of getting around the country for travellers on a tight schedule.
Boats
Cambodia has an extensive network of navigable waterways, however due to the developing road networks taking most of the business, there are now only two regular ferry services operating in Cambodia, from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and from Siem Reap to Battambang. Both trips can take the good part of a day to reach the destination, especially if the river levels are low. The boat journeys can be a unique experience however delays are common and seats are not guaranteed inside the boats... so many people sit on the roof! This is a great opportunity to take photos, but it's definitely a good idea to carry plenty of water, something to shelter your from the sun or rain, plenty of sunscreen and perhaps something soft to sit on.
The trip from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap across Tonle Sap Lake is worth doing once, but most of the trip is across the middle of the lake with no scenery, and it's quite a bit more expensive than the bus. The trip from Siem Reap to Battambang has spectacular scenery, but the quality of the boats does vary, and similar overcrowding problems arise with both services. If the weather is particularly stormy or windy the waterways can get very choppy, so it's probably a good idea in these situations to exercise caution and consider taking the bus.
Buses
With boat transport being a bit unpredictable, internal flights being quite expensive, and with the quality of the roads and road network improving greatly in recent years, air-conditioned buses are an excellent option for getting around Cambodia. There are now a number of private bus companies operating out of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, offering access to multiple destinations around the country for reasonable prices. It's a good idea to compare prices between the bus companies, and check out their buses if you can. Sometimes the difference of a few dollars can make a big difference to the comfort level. The cheaper buses are often overcrowded, with people and luggage crammed into the aisles, and they usually can make multiple stops along the way making the overall journey a lot longer. For the more expensive buses (but only by a few dollars), there are usually only as many passengers as there are seats, you can receive a bottle of water and a snack, and the bus stops only once along the way. The choice can often come down to your budget for your trip. It's also a good idea to carry a sweater, as often the air-conditioning tends to be turned up high on the tourist buses.
Taxis, motos and tuk tuks
Taxis are a quick and convenient way to get around the major centres in Cambodia. The prices can be quite reasonable, but they are not fixed and they don't run the meters, so it's important to haggle with the driver for the total price, and be sure to do it before you get in the taxi! It's a good idea to speak with the staff at your hotel to get an idea of the going rates.
When you don't have any luggage to worry about, motos (motorcycle taxis) and tuk tuks (auto rickshaws) are a great option. From your rickshaw seat or from the back of a motorbike you'll be able to experience the city up close and personal, with all the sights, sounds and smells of the bustling cities surrounding you as you make your way to your destination. These short journeys usually only cost a couple of dollars, depending on your haggling skills!
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