Khmer New Year

Hi,

I have just found out that it is Khmer New Year ( 13th- 16th April)whilst I am in Cambodia, I am planning to be traveling around during this time, Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh then Phnom Penh to HCMC, does anyone know if transport will operate normally during the New Year?

Many Thanks

Martin

They operate at maximum speed, but fares skyrocket.Bus companies, vans taxis exploit the situation that half the nation is on the move.

I happen to be near a travel agent and checked.
All travel prices will rise about $3 - $4, on a $10 fare
But more importantly, accommodation prices will go up drastically, and some places will be fully booked.
So maybe you will have to book online to pay the normal prices.
Online booking has many risks, but check the accommodation out carefully online, including prices, and make your choices.

Buses/vans could be fully booked so make sure you book as far in advance as possible

Wrong, I have just checked. They cannot be booked in advance.

they most certainly can at other times of the year and I would be very surprised if they can not be booked over the new year - indeed I have seen many book travel on the bus at this time of year even to be picked up mid-route- true might be too early to book now but no way is the only way to turn up and go

I did some limited travel around New Year in 2015. Bus companies reduce their services and for days service only major routes like PP-SHV, PP-SR, and PP- Battambang. Reservations for at least up to one week (and probably also more) were available. I found out when I asked about a ticket and was told that between Monday and Friday I had no chance but could purchase the ticket for after that date. Purchase as doing it in person at the ticket counter.
Also, the steep increase in prices lasted a few days longer than the holiday.

having said that even a 50-100% increase should not stop you from your trip.

In sum, the SHV-PP ticket will be doable if you're flexible.

An alternative might be the van from SHV to the Vietnamese border near Kep. Cross there and take a look at the deep south on your way to HCMC.

If you can avoid it, dont travel during those 7-10 days.

Hi Guys,
Thanks for the responses, I have managed to book some seats on Giant Ibis bus $11

You are welcome and pleased to see that it is indeed possible to book this far in advance

Good for you, but you paid top price, and probably the price most companies will increase their price to because it is Khmer new year, plus you paid a $1 credit card fee, right?

some humble pie might be in order

Just for clarification: 11 USD fare for which route?

Considering you have been on my case finding fault ever since I joined this forum I don't see why.
Five days ago I tried to book buses in advance and could not. That is what I reported.

I was addressing the OP who bought a ticket but I did not indicate the routing. He was interested in several different connections. More detailed info will be for the benefit of all readers.
I suggest you remove your nonsense post.

Is that supposed to be for me mike_asia.
My post was not in regards to your post, but the one before yours.
In fact you can see it on my post "In response to #10" See it?
Sorry for any confusion.

apologies

Hi Guts,

Just to clarify, i booked Sihanoukville to pp, it was $11 plus the c/c fee, having never traveled Cambodia i thought thought this was reasonable. When making the booking with Giant Ibis it initially did not offer dates that far out but i entered the latest available date which was in April, if you then go into the date box again it displayed all the dates in April so i could pick dates over the new year. Hope this helps someone in the future.
Thanks again for your help with this.

what you said was that buses can not be booked in advance which as others have said is wrong - luckily others knew better and were able to help Martin and he was able to secure a booking

I am only on your case or anyone elses when they provide wrong info and would potentially in this case have led to the risk of Martin being stranded or having to get an expensive taxi

BTW if I were Martin I would double check the booking when he is in Sihanoukville at the bus office when he arrives - personally I have never had a problem but always book the bus with the office

Martin, I think you paid the regular fare aside from the cc fees etc. It was certainly a good decision as even the less than nice bus companies charged something like 8.50 USD last year. Now you have a nicer ride and planning security.
I do not know when you plan to go to HCMC. There are pretty good vans running from SHV to Kep and on to the border. I was on such a van 3 months ago as it dropped me off at Kampot. No complains about the service other than it was a van and not a bus.
You might consider this route as an alternative to SHV-PP-HCMC. Depending on what you like to see in Vietnam this might be an interesting option especially as the PP-HCMC ride has nothing interesting to offer.

Thanks Mike, i am hoping to do PP - Chau Doc by river then Chau Doc - HCMC by bus, i have seen one on Capital Tours but not sure about their reputation.

I have used that company in late December for HCMC and posted here. I know boycott them for treating their staff like badly.
The details on the trip itself and pricing should be still current.

Martin one further thought - I do not know from where and how you are going to Sihanoukville but it may be an idea to consider booking for that trip as well because the buses can get full in the run up to the new year

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