A assessment of the Japanese KiHa 183 collection practice that operates between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville.
In 2024 the Royal Railway of Cambodia acquired 11 KiHa 183 series practice carriages from JR Hokkaido in Japan. The trains have been transformed from 1067mm gauge to metre gauge, and a take a look at service started on the Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville route in November 2024.
This retired practice from snowy Hokkaido now has a brand new life in tropical Cambodia. I rode the service from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville in December 2024, and it turned out to be probably the most satisfying practice journeys I’ve taken in Southeast Asia. Right here is what to anticipate.
Southern Line Phnom Penh – Sihanoukville
Depart Phnom Penh: 7:00 am
Arrive Sihanoukville: 12:40 pm
Journey time: 5 h 40 m
The primary stops are:
Phnom Penh
Takeo
Kep
Kampot
Sihanoukville
The official reserving website is at https://royalrailway.easybook.com.
I take advantage of Baolau to buy Cambodia train tickets.
Tickets are additionally out there on the station.
[Phnom Penh Station ticket counter.]Phnom Penh Station
Phnom Penh Station is one among my favorite stations in Southeast Asia. The station is in an excellent location close to the town centre, which is the way it ought to be for the primary stations for capital cities.
There’s a cafe within the station (Espresso Hub Royal Railway) which is marketed as opening at 6:30.
The station constructing wasn’t open after I arrived, so passenger entry to the platforms was by way of the aspect of the constructing.
There’s a cafe and snack stand in an previous practice carriage subsequent to the aspect exit. This was the one place open within the morning. There have been additionally some meals distributors promoting pre-made meals (pork and egg with rice).
There are solely two practice companies per day from Phnom Penh, and so they each depart within the morning.
[Battambang and Sihanoukville trains at Phnom Penh.]There isn’t a assigned seating, so arrive early if you wish to decide a most popular seat. I arrived at 6:30 so I might get pictures of the practice, although I discoved there have been loads of seats out there on at the present time.
[KiHa train at Phnom Penh Station.]Onboard the KiHa practice to Sihanoukville
Financial system class seats are in 2×2 configuration.
Having particular person seats is a giant enchancment from the previous trains with bench seats. The seats are generously padded, and I’d say they’re probably the most comfy trains seats in Southeast Asia (I’d put it within the high 3 with Whoosh and the Laos-China Railway). Along with the comfy seats, there’s sufficient legroom to stretch out and never really feel responsible about absolutely reclining your seat.
The seats have backseat trays and there are energy retailers. There was no meals or drink service after I went (I purchased the espresso at Phnom Penh Station). The carriages are air-conditoned, so however not set to freezing like another railway in Southeast Asia do.
There was one other financial system part with crimson seats.
The Enterprise Class seats are organized in 2×1 configuration.
The bathrooms are what you’ll count on from a Japanese practice.
The Japanese labels are nonetheless on the bathroom directions.
There may be additionally an exterior wash basin space.
The trains can reportedly journey at as much as 110 km/h, however they’re nonetheless restricted by the tracks they run on. The Southern Line is generally a single monitor, so it nonetheless has to cease at passing loops to let different trains move. Sihanoukville is the primary delivery port of Cambodia, so container trains heading to Phnom Penh additionally use this line.
The surroundings will get extra scenic in Kampot province. For a lot of passengers, Kampot is the primary vacation spot.
Total this was a straightforward practice journey, regardless of the gradual practice velocity and stoppage to let a freight practice move. I’ve accomplished this journey earlier than on the previous trains, and having a cushty seat with ample legroom in an air-conditioned carriage makes a world of distinction.
The one draw back was there was no meals or drink service of any type. Bear in mind to carry your personal drinks and snacks.
The practice arrived at Sihanoukville at 1:36 pm (56 minutes not on time). Delays are to be anticipated on this service, so don’t e book any time-sensitive onward connections if you’re utilizing the practice.
[Kiha train at Sihanoukville.]Sihanoukville or Kampot?
There may be not a lot to do in Sihanoukville now that it has been became a casino wasteland, so this service is most helpful for onward journey to Koh Rong. The draw back to that is that the practice takes longer than a bus to Sihanoukville, so it’s a late arrival to Koh Rong.
A greater itinerary is to get off at Kampot, which provides you an extended sufficient expertise on the practice whereas being a nicer metropolis to remain in.
This practice journey assessment is a part of the Southeast Asia railways information.
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