By:
• Sao Phal Niseiy

• 13, August 2024 , 5:15 PM

PHNOM PENH — A new era of land connectivity is dawning for Cambodia and Laos as the two nations prepare to launch their first commercial bus services in the coming months. 

VET Air Bus Express, in partnership with its Laotian counterpart, Sengchlern Transport Co. Ltd, will pioneer this cross-border route.

According to Yoy Vibol, General Manager of VET Air Bus Express, the buses will traverse between Champassak Province and both Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, marking a significant milestone in regional transportation.

“So far, our plan has been in testing mode as we have been working hard with our Lao side to figure out challenges and ways to ensure smooth operation,” Vibol said, adding details regarding the official launch will be announced later.  

Though a specific date remains to be determined, Vibol said the operation will likely commence before the Pchum Ben Festival, which is scheduled in early October. 

According to Vibol, the bus lines between the two countries will be the first of their kind and are expected to offer more comfortable and less costly travel options for local people and tourists alike. 

“We have heard about tourists’ complaints regarding lacking transportation choices between Laos and Cambodia,” he said, “Therefore, this will respond to the shortage, just like what we do in providing bus services between Cambodia and Vietnam and Cambodia and Thailand.”

In recent years, Cambodia and Laos have actively worked to strengthen their relationship, focusing primarily on economic growth and people-to-people connections. Both countries prioritize boosting mutual tourism. However, limited transportation options continue to hinder tourist flow.

The general manager of VET Air Bus Express explained that he believes that by providing more travel options, especially easier ones, many foreign tourists will travel between the two countries, which will, of course, help foster more cross-border travel. 

“Our Cambodian people also wish to visit Laos, where there are many beautiful tourist attractions,” he added.

The planned land-linked bus service between Cambodia and Laos comes just months after Laos Airways discontinued its direct flight between Vientiane and Phnom Penh due to low passenger numbers. The airline had resumed the route in March of this year after suspending it during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The article has been modified to correct the name of the Laotian company.