Asia Van Transfer

Asia Van Transfer is based in Siem Reap and connects the city known as the gateway to Angkor Wat with destinations across Cambodia and Laos. The operator uses minivans with a capacity of 12 passengers on all the routes.

Siem Reap–Don Det

The main route offered by Asia Van Transfer is between Siem Reap and Don Det, part of the 4,000 Islands region of Laos. The operator uses a fairly newly-established route that is claimed to save around 10 hours on this trip! There is one departure each day from Siem Reap at 08.00 which takes around eight hours, so it is scheduled to arrive for 16.00.

There is also one service per day heading in the opposite direction, also leaving at 08.00. Buses from Don Det to Siem Reap tend to take a fair while longer than those leaving Siem Reap, with journey times of around 10-11 hours common. Ticket prices cost the same in either direction at USD25.

Siem Reap–Pakse

There is also one departure each day from Siem Reap to Pakse in Laos, also leaving at 08.00 and scheduled to arrive at around 17.30. The return journey departs Pakse at 08.00 as well and due to arrive at 18.45. Regardless of the direction of travel, the journey lasts around 10 hours and tickets are priced at USD30.

Siem Reap–Destinations in Cambodia

Asia Van Transfer offers services from Siem Reap to popular destinations dotted across Cambodia. There is one departure to Stung Treng each day, leaving Siem Reap at 08.00 with the five-hour trip meaning that you will arrive in Stung Treng at 13.15. The return trip from Stung Treng back to Siem Reap departs at 14.00 and arrives at 18.30, with tickets costing at USD20.

A shorter journey to Preah Vihear City departs Siem Reap every morning at 08.00 (arriving at 11.15) with the return trip departing at 16.00. The journey lasts around three hours, costing USD12.

Destinations such as Banloung and Kratie are also serviced by Asia Van Transfer, with departures from Siem Reap at 08.00 to each town. Return trips from both Banloung and Kratie depart for Siem Reap at 07.30, with both routes lasting around nine or ten hours and costing USD24.

The improved condition of the road between Siem Reap and Don Det has saved travellers a significant amount of time, cutting the journey in half! This was a previously very isolated destination that was out of reach for the majority of visitors so this has been a hugely welcome improvement.

The condition of the buses on many of these routes is often not to a particularly high standard and can be lower than services operated by other operators. This will not be ideal news for passengers as the trips can be pretty long so comfort is an issue, especially as Asia Van Transfer offers minivans on all routes, rather than the larger vehicles you might expect on trips of these distances. Delays are also pretty common, although, in truth this tends to be a problem with all bus companies across Cambodia and Laos.

Crossing the border between Cambodia and Laos is usually a fairly confusing and long-winded process which can take longer than you expect. Of course, it is much easier to fly but this may not be within the budgets of many travellers.

Children under five are not required to purchase a full-priced ticket. It is also worth noting that these services will usually terminate on the outskirts of town, so you will be required to head to your hotel in a tuk-tuk, which will add to the cost of the journey.

The company operates exclusively vans – and most reviews of Asia Van Transfer tend to focus on the standard and comfort of the buses on these routes. Keep in mind that the quality is likely to be considerably different to western standards. Whilst this is less of an issue on the shorter routes, if you are travelling for over 10 hours you will want the trip to be as comfortable as possible. Before booking your ticket do check the length of the trip and decide for yourself whether you are ready to go. If you ask us, we do travel by minibuses around Asia, and while obviously you have less legroom compared to a big bus, you win in transit time.

Passengers sometimes complain about the lack of flexibility in the schedules on routes operated by Asia Van Transfer. There is only one departure each day on these routes and this can often be at an inconvenient time which may not suit your schedule. For example, the only departures to Siem Reap from Stung Treng and Preah Vihear City are at 14.00 and 16.00 respectively which can cause issues for those looking to travel to Siem Reap to catch a flight or another bus to destinations in Cambodia such as Phnom Penh or Sihanoukville.