As a country in Southeast Asia, Cambodia is recognized as a mysterious destination, rich in ancient and fascinating culture and history, blending majestic and mystical masterpieces with authentic yet luxurious landscapes, such as picturesque mountains. It is increasingly attracting tourists from around the world, so the following article will give you an overview of air travel to Cambodia. Let’s explore with Asiatica Travel the important information you need to know about flying to Cambodia!
1. Where is Cambodia?
Cambodia, officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country in mainland Southeast Asia. It borders Thailand to the northwest, Laos to the north, Vietnam to the east, and has a coastline along the Gulf of Thailand in the southwest. Cambodia has an area of 181,035 km² (69,898 square miles) and a population of about 17 million people. The capital and largest city is Phnom Penh. The Cambodian sea covers an area of 17,237 km² and includes four coastal provinces: Sihanoukville, Kampot, Koh Kong, and Kep. Cambodia has an area of 181,040 km², entirely located in the tropical zone, and follows Indochina Time (ICT).
2. Flying to Cambodia from Asia
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Cambodia has three international airports: in Phnom Penh (the capital), Siem Reap (the gateway to the mysterious temples of Angkor), and Sihanoukville. Air travel is the most popular option, especially for visitors planning short stays. Cambodia receives direct flights from several Asian cities. Airlines like Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways offer many flight options from Bangkok. Other airlines like Vietnam Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Korean Air, China Airlines, Jetstar, and China Southern Air provide at least one direct flight daily from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Seoul, Singapore, Taipei, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Kuala Lumpur, and more. If you’re considering a trip that combines Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia and are wondering about how to travel between these three countries, here are some suggestions for air routes:
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Vietnam Airlines/Cambodia Angkor Airlines: regular direct flights from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh, Danang to Siem Reap, and Ho Chi Minh City to Sihanoukville (3 times/week).
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Lao Airlines: regular flights from Phnom Penh to Vientiane, Siem Reap to Pakse, and Siem Reap to Luang Prabang.
3. Flying to Cambodia from Europe
Currently, there are no direct flights connecting European cities with Cambodia. Travelers must make at least one or two stops in major Asian cities, often in Southeast Asia like Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, Doha, or Abu Dhabi in the Arabian Peninsula.
In Europe, international flights to Cambodia mainly depart from the capitals of European countries. If you’re flying from France, Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris will be the main choice with multiple air, rail, and road connections from the provinces. Additionally, airports in Frankfurt and Amsterdam are easily accessible for those in eastern or northern France.
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One-stop flights take about 13 hours per leg, while flights with more stops can take longer, sometimes up to 30 hours for the cheapest fares. A travel time of 13 to 18 hours, including layovers, is recommended to avoid long transfers and wasted time. Here’s a list of airlines that operate flights from France, Switzerland, and Belgium to Cambodia:
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France/Paris Charles de Gaulle: Air France, Vietnam Airlines, China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Etihad Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Thai Airways.
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Belgium/Brussels Airport: Austrian Airlines, Qatar Airways.
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Switzerland/Zurich Airport: Etihad, Singapore Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, and Thai Airways.
Among these airlines, Thai Airways offers direct flights connecting several European cities to Bangkok, just an hour’s flight from Cambodia. Additionally, Vietnam Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and Cathay Pacific are also recommended for shorter flight times.
Generally, round-trip fares are around €700. Prices can rise to €1,200 during the peak season from November to March or late December. Fares vary depending on the day chosen during low or high season, whether it’s a weekday or weekend. Airlines like China Southern Airlines, Emirates, and Qatar offer promotions, allowing passengers to purchase tickets for around €500 round trip.
4. Where is the best place to enter Cambodia?
Cambodia is a relatively small Southeast Asian country but still has a total of around 17 airports. For international travelers, the two most important airports and best place to enter Cambodia are Phnom Penh International Airport (located in the capital) and Siem Reap International Airport (in Siem Reap town). Most international flights from Europe and America land at one of these two airports. From Phnom Penh, you can easily access major attractions like the Royal Palace of Cambodia and Wat Phnom. For those heading to the famous Angkor temple complex, Siem Reap International Airport is the perfect gateway. Whether you enjoy the hustle of urban culture or want to explore ancient history, these two airports are excellent starting points for your Cambodian journey.
>> Related: 8 things make Phnom Penh special
5. Popular airports in Cambodia
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Cambodia has several popular airports serving international travelers:
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Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) is the main gateway, located in the capital, offering many international and domestic flights.
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Siem Reap International Airport (REP) is the second busiest, mainly serving tourists visiting the famous Angkor Wat temples, with direct flights from many regional cities.
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Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS) serves travelers heading to southern beaches and islands like Koh Rong, making it an important entry point for coastal tourists.
6. Tips for your best Cambodia trip
Arrive early at the airport: This is a general rule for all airports if you want a smooth trip. With Cambodia’s international airports, expect higher passenger traffic. We recommend arriving at least 1 hour before your flight for check-in and baggage processing.
Flights from abroad will land at one of Cambodia's three main international airports: Phnom Penh International Airport, Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport, and Sihanoukville International Airport. Before booking your flight, carefully check the routes and destination airports to plan your trip effectively.
Check on the airline's official website if you can check in online. This will save you time before your flight. Also, make sure your personal documents are properly prepared.
When it comes to luggage, remember to pack according to each airline’s regulations regarding weight and size. This will help you avoid wasted time dealing with oversized or overweight luggage.
The services available at the airport are diverse. We recommend checking online or asking airport management if additional fees apply before using any services.
Source: Vietnam Airlines