Cambodia

Cambodia is a Southeast Asian country known for the ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat, one of the world's most significant archaeological sites. The country has three international airports serving different regions: Phnom Penh for the capital and business travel, Siem Reap as the gateway to Angkor Wat, and Sihanoukville for coastal destinations.

Aviation in Cambodia is growing, with direct connections from major Asian hubs including Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City, and several Chinese cities. The country is positioned between Thailand and Vietnam, making it a popular addition to Southeast Asia itineraries.

The US Dollar is widely accepted throughout Cambodia alongside the local Riel, making currency exchange straightforward for international visitors.

International Airports

Airport	City	Role	Major Airlines
PNH	Phnom Penh	Capital gateway, main hub	Cambodia Angkor Air, Thai Airways, Vietnam Airlines
REP	Siem Reap	Angkor Wat gateway	Cambodia Angkor Air, AirAsia, Bangkok Airways
SHV	Sihanoukville	Coastal resort gateway	Cambodia Angkor Air, Lanmei Airlines

Airport Details

Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) — The main international gateway and largest airport in Cambodia. Located 10 km from the city center. Serves as the hub for Cambodia Angkor Air. Direct flights connect to Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City, Seoul, and multiple Chinese cities. The airport has one terminal with domestic and international facilities.

Siem Reap International Airport (REP) — Located 8 km from Siem Reap city and the Angkor Wat temples. The busiest airport for tourism. A new international airport (Siem Reap Angkor International Airport - SAI) has been constructed approximately 50 km from the city to accommodate growing demand.

Sihanoukville International Airport (SHV) — Serves the coastal resort town and nearby islands. Primarily receives flights from domestic routes and Chinese cities. Located 18 km from the town center.

Cambodian Airlines

• Cambodia Angkor Air (K6) — National carrier, jointly owned with Vietnam Airlines. Operates domestic routes and regional international flights to Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, and China. Based at PNH with a secondary hub at REP.

• JC International Airlines (QD) — Private Cambodian carrier based in Phnom Penh. Operates domestic and regional routes.

• Lanmei Airlines (LQ) — Cambodian carrier focused on routes to China and domestic services. Based at Phnom Penh.

International Airlines Serving Cambodia

Major foreign carriers with regular service:

• Bangkok Airways — Boutique carrier connecting REP and PNH to Bangkok
• Thai Airways — Full-service flights from Bangkok
• Vietnam Airlines — Multiple daily flights from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi
• AirAsia — Low-cost flights from Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and other ASEAN cities
• Singapore Airlines / Scoot — Services from Singapore
• Malaysia Airlines — Flights from Kuala Lumpur
• Korean Air, Asiana — Connections from Seoul

Visa on Arrival

Most nationalities can obtain a Tourist Visa (T) on arrival at international airports:

• Cost: $30 USD (cash required, exact change recommended)
• Duration: 30 days, extendable once for 30 more days
• Requirements: Passport valid for 6+ months, one passport photo, completed application form

E-Visa

Apply online before travel through the official e-Visa portal:

• Cost: $36 USD (visa fee + processing fee)
• Processing: 3 business days
• Valid for: Single entry, 30 days
• Entry points: Available at PNH, REP, and SHV airports, plus some land borders

Visa-Exempt Countries

Citizens of ASEAN countries can enter visa-free:

• Brunei, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam (varies from 14-30 days depending on nationality)

Passport Requirements

• Valid for at least 6 months from entry date
• At least one blank page required
• Must have passport photo for visa on arrival (4x6 cm)

Official visa information: evisa.gov.kh

Domestic Flights

Cambodia Angkor Air operates the primary domestic routes:

Route	Frequency	Duration
PNH ↔ REP	Multiple daily	45 min
PNH ↔ SHV	Daily	45 min

Domestic flights are convenient given limited road infrastructure. Book through Cambodia Angkor Air.

Buses

Long-distance buses are the most common transport between cities:

• Phnom Penh ↔ Siem Reap: 6-7 hours, multiple operators
• Phnom Penh ↔ Sihanoukville: 4-5 hours
• Siem Reap ↔ Sihanoukville: No direct service (route through Phnom Penh)

Major operators: Giant Ibis, Mekong Express (air-conditioned, WiFi, comfortable seats)

Taxis and Tuk-Tuks

• Tuk-tuks: Three-wheeled motorized rickshaws, standard local transport
• Ride apps: Grab and PassApp operate in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap
• Private taxis: Available through hotels and airports

Car Rental

Self-drive car rental is not recommended due to:

• Challenging road conditions
• Chaotic traffic patterns
• Unfamiliar driving customs

Alternative: Hire a car with driver through hotels or travel agencies ($60-100/day including driver).

Boats

• Tonle Sap Lake: Ferries between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap (seasonal, 5-6 hours)
• Mekong River: Tourist boats from Phnom Penh to Vietnam

Dry Season (November-April)

Best overall time to visit. Cool and dry conditions ideal for temple exploration.

• Nov-Feb: Coolest months (20-30°C), peak tourist season
• Mar-Apr: Hot and dry (35°C+), fewer crowds

Rainy Season (May-October)

Afternoon storms but usually clear mornings. Fewer tourists, lower prices.

• May-Jun: Rains begin, landscapes green
• Jul-Oct: Heaviest rainfall, some flooding possible
• Advantage: Angkor moats filled, dramatic skies for photography

Seasonal Considerations

Period	Weather	Crowds	Prices
Nov-Feb	Cool, dry	Peak	Highest
Mar-Apr	Hot, dry	Moderate	Moderate
May-Jun	Warm, rainy	Low	Lower
Jul-Oct	Rainy	Lowest	Lowest

Flight prices: Book early for November-February travel, especially around Christmas and Chinese New Year.

Cities and Regions

Destination	Airport	Known For
Siem Reap	REP	Angkor Wat, temple complex, old market
Phnom Penh	PNH	Royal Palace, history museums, riverside
Sihanoukville	SHV	Beaches, island access, nightlife
Koh Rong	SHV (then boat)	Island beaches, snorkeling
Kampot	PNH (2.5hr drive)	French colonial architecture, pepper farms
Battambang	PNH (5hr drive) or REP (3hr)	French architecture, bamboo train

Temple Sites

Most visitors come specifically for the Angkor archaeological area:

• Angkor Wat — Largest religious monument in the world, iconic sunrise spot
• Angkor Thom — Ancient Khmer capital with Bayon temple
• Ta Prohm — Temple overgrown with trees ("Tomb Raider temple")
• Banteay Srei — Intricate pink sandstone carvings

Temple pass required: 1-day ($37), 3-day ($62), or 7-day ($72) available at official ticket office or online at angkorenterprise.gov.kh.

Money

• Currency: Cambodian Riel (KHR), but US Dollars widely accepted
• Exchange rate: Approximately 4,000 KHR = $1 USD
• Cash: Preferred payment method. ATMs dispense USD in cities
• Small bills: Bring small USD denominations ($1, $5, $10)
• Riel usage: Used for amounts under $1 and as change
• Cards: Accepted at upscale hotels and restaurants only

Electrical

• Voltage: 230V, 50Hz
• Plug types: A, C, and G (mixed—bring universal adapter)
• Power: Generally reliable in cities, occasional outages in rural areas

Connectivity

• Mobile: Major carriers include Cellcard, Smart, Metfone
• SIM cards: Available at airports and shops ($2-5, bring passport)
• eSIM: Supported by some carriers
• WiFi: Free at most hotels, cafes, and restaurants in tourist areas

Safety

Cambodia is generally safe for tourists. Precautions:

• Beware of bag snatching on streets (especially from motorbikes)
• Use hotel safes for valuables and passports
• Avoid walking alone late at night in poorly lit areas
• Be cautious of scams targeting tourists at temples
• Emergency number: 117 (police), 119 (ambulance)

Health

• Vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Typhoid recommended; consult doctor for Malaria prophylaxis if visiting remote areas
• Water: Drink bottled water only
• Food safety: Eat at busy establishments, avoid raw/undercooked food
• Sun protection: Essential—strong tropical sun year-round

Cultural Notes

• Temples: Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) at Angkor and other temples
• Photography: Ask permission before photographing people
• Monks: Women should not touch monks or hand items directly to them
• Feet: Remove shoes when entering homes and temples; don't point feet at Buddha images
• Head: The head is considered sacred; avoid touching others' heads

• Tourism: Tourism Cambodia
• E-Visa: Official e-Visa Portal
• Temple Passes: Angkor Enterprise
• National Airline: Cambodia Angkor Air
• Travel Advisories: Check your country's foreign affairs department