Travel into Cambodia depends on your budget and your appetite for rough roads. Most travelers prefer the speed and comfort of air travel, but others prefer entering through the border crossings from Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand.
For information on how to get around once you're inside, refer to this article: Transportation in Cambodia.
Entering Cambodia by Air
International visitors to Cambodia usually arrive by air, at either Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. Since the Cambodian government implemented its open skies policy, more and more airlines are flying into Cambodia. A complete list of international and domestic flights in Cambodia can be found at the official Tourism Cambodia website.
Most international air travelers enter Cambodia through Phnom Penh International Airport (IATA: PNH, ICAO: VDPP), which services the capital Phnom Penh. PNH services direct international flights to and from the following cities:
- Bangkok
- Guangzhou
- Ho Chi Minh
- Hong Kong
- Kuala Lumpur
- Nanning
- Seoul-Incheon
- Shanghai
- Singapore
- Taipei
- Vientiane
PNH is located six miles west of Phnom Penh, on National Road No. 4. Upon arrival, you can hire taxis or motorcycle taxis outside the lobby. Taxis charge a flat rate of $7 to ride into the city center. Motorcycle taxis cost $2, but are slower and less comfortable.
For PNH flight timetables, visa information, and other details, visit the Phnom Penh International Airport Official Site.
Cambodia's other international airport is Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (IATA: REP, ICAO: VDSR), servicing the Siem Reap Province and its capital (also named Siem Reap). REP services direct international flights to and from the following cities:
- Da Nang
- Guangzhou
- Hanoi
- Ho Chi Minh
- Kuala Lumpur
- Kunming
- Luang Prabang
- Nanning Pakse
- Seoul-Incheon
- Singapore
- Vientiane
REP is located about five miles from Siem Reap. Upon arrival, proceed to the ticket booth to catch a registered taxi to town, for a flat rate of $5. Motorcycle taxis charge $1.
For REP flight timetables, visa information, and other details, visit the Siem Reap International Airport Official Site.
Cambodia Airport Tax
Tourists departing from either international airport must pay a hefty departure tax before boarding the plane. There are two tiers of departure tax: one for international travelers, and one for domestic travelers.
- International Departure Tax - $25 per traveler
- Domestic Departure Tax - $6 per traveler
Entering Cambodia by Land - Border Crossings
Overland travel to Cambodia can be made through border crossings from Thailand, Laos or Vietnam.
From Thailand: The Aranyaprathet crossing into Poi Pet opens from 6am to 6pm. This is the closest border crossing to Battambang, Siem Reap, and Phnom Penh. You cannot get a visa from this point, so you have to get one at a Cambodian Embassy in advance.
The Koh Kong crossing to Had Lek in Cambodia's southwest is close to Sihanoukville, about three hours away by fast boat.
From Vietnam: The Moc Bai crossing into Bayet serves the shortest way between Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh. The Ka-Om Samnor crossing also links Vietnam with Cambodia. Visitors traveling either way may get a visa at the crossing, although added charges may be levied for the privilege.
From Laos: The Voeun Kham crossing is located 50km north of Stung Treng in Cambodia, but provides no public transport to or from the crossing. Visitors planning to make this crossing must get an entry visa in advance. A word of warning - this crossing is often closed at short notice.
