siem reap new airport

The new Siem Reap airport, opened on October 16th 2023,  is the gateway to the famous  Angkor archaeological park, home of hundreds of ancient temples,  which has been on the UNESCO heritage list since 1992. The Sunrise at Angkor Wat temple draws hundreds of visitors each day who wake up early to witness the sun rising behind the lotus-shaped towers of the famous temple. It is important to note you need an Angkor Wat ticket to visit the numerous temples within the park.

 

 

Routes First Departure Next Departure Last Departure
Siem Reap – Airport 06:30 08:30, 10:30, 12:30, 14:30, 15:30, 16:30 17:30
Airport – Siem Reap 09:30 10:45, 11:45, 13:45, 16:45 20:00

 Siem Reap Airport Bus Timetable

Siem Reap Airport Transfer | How to Get to Siem Reap Airport (SAI)?

Traveling from Siem Reap to SAI Airport doesn’t have to be difficult with the right planning. While the journey typically takes between 1 and 1.5 hours, knowing the options can help you choose the Siem Reap airport transfer that best suits your needs.

For international flights, it is recommended to depart from the city center of Siem Reap between 3 and 3.5 hours prior to your scheduled flight departure time.

The journey from Siem Reap city to Siem Reap International Airport (SAI Airport) covers a distance of 45 kilometers and involves two primary routes: National Road 6 and the recently constructed Airport Expressway spanning 24.5 kilometers. While National Road 6 is prone to traffic congestion, particularly during rush hours and holidays, the subsequent leg on the expressway allows for a faster transit. The following are the available transportation options for your transfer to Siem Reap International Airport:

Airport Shuttle Services: These shared buses and vans offer a budget-friendly way to travel between the city and airport. They operate daily, making them a convenient option for solo travelers or couples.

Private Taxis: For a more personalized experience, book a private taxi. This option provides door-to-door service and flexibility to adjust your itinerary if needed. While more expensive than shuttle services, taxis offer comfort and convenience, especially for groups or families.

Future Option: Light Rail Trail: while still in the planning stages, discussions about a light-rail trail connecting Siem Reap and SAI Airport are ongoing. If implemented, this eco-friendly option would offer a comfortable and scenic travel experience.

 

SIEM REAP AIRPORT SHUTTLE

The Cambodia Post office in Siem Reap offers a siem reap  airport shuttle service with 8 daily round trips between their location in city center, 850 meters north of Pub Street, and SAI airport.

siem reap shuttle airport

City center location

USD 9 (36,000 KHR) one-way

➡️ LOCATION OF SIEM REAP POST OFFICE ⬅️

 

Siem Reap Airport to City

 

 Siem Reap city to Airport

 

 

SIEM REAP AIRPORT TAXI

 

A taxi transfer service to SAI airport  typically costs between  $30 to 40 USD depending on the car. Taxi fares can vary significantly depending on which hotel you book through, as some offer premium VIP transfers for much higher rates compared to standard taxis e.g USD 70 and up. Taxis offer more convenience and flexibility than shuttles with fixed schedules. They also provide more privacy, as you only share the taxi with your travel companions rather than a larger group of strangers. However, you may end up riding with similar-minded travelers if you happen to hail a taxi already occupied by other passengers headed to the airport.

➡️ BOOK YOUR TAXI TRANSFER TO SIEM REAP AIRPORT (USD 35) ⬅️

taxi siem reap airport

 

 

Siem Reap Airport  News (updated November 2024)

✈️ AirAsia Cambodia operated its first daily flight (KT 320) between Siem Reap and Changi airport Singapore  on November 9th 2024.

✈️ IndiGo Airlines, known for their low fares, has been given the green light to launch direct flights between Siem Reap and New Delhi. Opening have been postponed to February 2025.

✈️ Thai Airsasia  started operating three flights a week between Siem Reap and Phuket on October 29th 2024.

 

Flights  to Siem Reap Airport (SAI)

  • AirAsia Cambodia
  • AirAsia Malaysia
  • Bangkok Airways
  • Cambodia Angkor Air
  • China Eastern Airlines
  • Lao Airlines
  • Singapore Airlines
  • Thai Airways
  • Vietjet 
  • Vietnam Airlines

 

Note: Thai Smile is now Thai Airways

Flights to Siem Reap Airport | Departures

 

siem reap airport departures

Around 20 departures are scheduled daily from Siem Reap (SAI/VDSA). Key destinations included Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, Luang Prabang, and Kunming, China. Airbus A320 family jets and ATR 72/76 turboprops operated the short hops within Cambodia and the region. Longer routes saw Boeing 737s and Airbus A321 narrowbodies, complemented by a Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300ER flight to Singapore. Domestic connections focused on Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville and occasionally Pakse. The only international routes with multiple daily departures from Siem Reap were Bangkok and major Vietnamese cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

 

➡️ Click here to see the departure flights from SAI (Source: FlightRadar24) ⬅️

 

 

 

brahma sculpture siem reap airport

Four-faced Brahma statue at SAI departures hall

➡️ BOOK YOUR TRANSFER TO SIEM REAP AIRPORT (USD 9) ⬅️

siem reap airport shuttle

Flights to Siem Reap Airport | Arrivals

 

siem reap airport departures

 

About 20 flights arrive daily at Siem Reap’s airport (SAI/VDSA). Key destinations included Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, Luang Prabang, and Kunming, China. Airbus A320 family aircraft and ATR 72/76 turboprops were common on short hops within Cambodia and the region. Longer flights saw Boeing 737s and Airbus A321 narrowbodies, along with a Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300ER service from Singapore. Domestic routes were limited to Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville and occasionally Pakse. The only international destinations served by multiple daily flights from Siem Reap were Bangkok and major cities in Vietnam like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

 

➡️ Click here to see the arrival flights at SAI (Source: FlightRadar24) ⬅️

 

How to fly to Siem Reap Airport?

 

Currently, the options for direct international flights to Siem Reap remain quite limited. Unless you are living in Southeast Asia, you will likely need to fly through a major aviation hub before proceeding to your final destination of Siem Reap.

Flying from Europe to Siem Reap

 

Flying to Bangkok (BKK) is likely to be the cheapest and the fastest option for you. Other options include Kuala Lumpur (KUL), Singapore (SIN), Hanoi (HAN) and Ho Chi Minh (SGN). All these hubs have  daily  flights to Siem Reap Angkor International Airport. 

 

 

Flying from the United States to Siem Reap

 

Singapore (SIN) is an excellent destination choice. For travelers originating from the United States, major airport hubs like Seoul (ICN) or Hong Kong (HKG) are commonly utilized connection points. However, it’s important to note that Phnom Penh (PHN) is the sole destination that offers direct flights from both ICN (Seoul) and HKG (Hong Kong).

 

siem reap hotel package

 

AirAsia Cambodia | New domestic flights

 

On May  2024, the new company Airasia Cambodia has begun operating daily flights between Siem Reap (SAI), Phnom Penh (PHN) and Sihanoukville (KOS).

 

Route Flight No. Departure Arrival
Phnom Penh -Siem Reap KT 102 07:40 08:30
Siem Reap – Phnom Penh KT 103 12:35 13:30
Phnom Penh – Siem Reap KT 104 15:50 16:40
Siem Reap – Phnom Penh KT 105 20:35 21:35
Siem Reap – Sihanoukville KT 212 09:15 10:15
Sihanoukville – Siem Reap KT 213 10:50 11:50
Siem Reap – Sihanoukville KT 214 17:15 18:15
Sihanoukville – Siem Reap KT 215 18:50 19:50

 

Siem Reap Airport (SAI) quick presentation

 

➡️ BOOK YOUR TRANSFER TO SIEM REAP AIRPORT (USD 9) ⬅️

siem reap airport shuttle

 

siem reap international airport

 

The new Siem Reap Angkor International airport is a 4E airport category, boasting a runway measuring 3,600 meters in length and 45 meters in width. An aerodrome with a reference code 4E can accommodate aircraft with a “Reference Field Length” of 1800m and above and a wingspan up to 65m.

The new Siem Reap Airport is able to  accommodate larger aircrafts, including models like A340-300, A350-900, B777-200, B777-300ER, B747-300, and B747-400. Moreover, the airport will feature a total of 48 gates to facilitate smoother passenger operations. International arrivals and departures are in the same building and domestic departures in another building nearby. While Siem Reap Airport has basic amenities, opportunities exist to expand its services. The airport currently offers free Wi-Fi and SIM card sales immediately outside the arrival area. However, food and duty free options are still limited within the departures and arrivals terminals. Expanding the dining and shopping selection could enhance the passenger experience.

 

 

🛂 Siem Reap Airport Visa on Arrival (VOA)

 

Visitors arriving at the Siem Reap airport in Cambodia have two options for entry visas depending on the length of their stay. They can obtain either a tourist visa on arrival, valid for up to 30 days of leisure travel, or a business visa on arrival, valid for up to 30 days of business activities. To save time, travelers also have the option to apply online beforehand for an Cambodia eVisa for an additional fee of $6. The eVisa allows visitors to skip the line upon airport arrival.

eVisa Type Valid For Visa Fee Extendable
Tourist (T) Leisure travel up to 30 days $30 Yes. One time for USD 50
Business, Ordinary (E) Business trips up to 30 days $35 Yes, one year maximum

 

 

 Cambodia Sim Card for Tourists

 

Once you exit the  international arrivals building, you will find, on the right hand side, three small booths of  the main mobile companies in Cambodia (Cellcard, Metfone, Smart).  Metfone proposes a 45GB data package for  USD 5  valid 7 days.

 

🛂 E-arrival Card Cambodia

 

Cambodia launched a trial “e-Arrival Card” system on January 1st, 2024, for all travelers entering the country. This electronic card replaces the various paper forms previously required upon arrival to simplify the entry process. During this test period from January 1st until June 30th, 2024, passengers can choose to fill out either the e-Arrival Card or paper immigration, customs, and health forms like before. The official website to fill-in your e-arrival card is https://arrival.gov.kh/. The website is available in English and 6 other asian  languages. Please note that travelers must complete the online Cambodia e-Arrival Card within 7 days prior to arrival in the country.

tips: the e-arrival card can be filled using the official app which is available for download on Android and iOS devices.

➡️ BOOK YOUR TAXI TRANSFER TO SIEM REAP AIRPORT (USD 35) ⬅️

taxi siem reap airport

Siem Reap International Airport Map

 

The new Siem Reap airport is located about 45 km east of Siem Reap town and about 40 km from Angkor Wat temple.  It is being developed in three phases on a 700-hectare site in Sotr Nikum district’s Ta Yek commune.

 

 

 

Siem Reap International Airport | Parking rates

 

Siem Reap airport parking area has a total of 1,029 parking spaces spread across 4 locations. The main public parking lot in front of the terminal has 32 large spaces, 150 medium spaces, and 300 small spaces. The second public lot before domestic departures has 133 medium spaces and 414 small spaces. On the east side, there is a VIP lot with 50 medium spaces and a merchant pickup area with 10 medium spaces.

Note that it is not possible for  to park your motorbike at the SAI airport.

Vehicle Type Initial 30 min fee Additional 30 min fee
Type A (normal cars up to 7 seats, trucks under 2 tons) 4000 riels ($1) 2000 riels ($0.50)
Type B (buses 8-19 seats, trucks 2-5 tons) 5000 riels ($1.25) 3000 riels ($0.75)
Type C (buses 20-56 seats, trucks over 5 tons) 8000 riels ($2) 4000 riels ($1)

 

 

 Siem Reap Airport Food

 

 

 

As of September 2024, the choice of food dining at Siem Reap airport is  still quite limited.  Most of food outlets can be found at the  departures terminal building. You will find two water dispensers, one with warm water the other with cold water but no cups.

Food and drinks available at departures:

  • The Coffee Club
  • Dim Sum Emperors
  • Burger King
  • Crushly

There is also a souvenir shop called “Amazing Cambodia” and a small Relay vendor selling snacks and drinks close to the gates.

Food and drinks available at arrivals:

  • Apron Cafe

 

SIEM REAP AIRPORT PHOTO GALLERY

 

siem reap angkor international airport

 

roundabout siem reap airport

 

 

 

baggage claim siem reap airport

Siem Reap Airport Roadmap

The new Siem Reap Airport is since 2023,  the largest airport in Cambodia with an initial capacity to serve 7 million passengers annually. By 2030, the passenger capacity is projected to increase to 10 million and further grow to 20 million by 2050. The airport’s cargo handling capabilities are also expected to expand sixfold over the next 30 years, going from an initial 10,000 tons to 60,000 tons. The new Siem Reap-Angkor international airport is being developed by Angkor International Airport Investment (Cambodia) Co Ltd (AIAI) with a total capital investment of $ 1.1 billion. Part of AIAI is own by  YACA (Yunnan Air Investment Cambodia Airport Management). Yunnan Provincial Overseas Investment Co., Ltd.  (YOCI), is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Yunnan Construction and Investment Holding Group Co., Ltd. YOIC actively works into “the Belt and Road”  development strategy and has several other projects ongoing in Laos and Myanmar.

 

 

 

 

 

➡️ BOOK YOUR TAXI TRANSFER TO SIEM REAP AIRPORT (USD 35) ⬅️

taxi siem reap airport

SIEM REAP AIRPORT: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When did Siem Reap Angkor International opened ?

SAI airport opened on October 16, 2023. On its opening day, SAI airport had 17 flights that landed on its runway. The first plane to touch down was a Bangkok Airways flight  from Bangkok.

Can I go to Siem Reap airport by tuk-tuk?

For those feeling nostalgic for the old tuk tuk ride to the previous Siem Reap airport (REP), the commute to the new SAI airport will be much more difficult. The commute can take between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours and will  not the safest way of transportation to the airport. The fare will be around USD 16 so twice more expensive than the bus shuttle and twice cheaper than a private car transfer.

What is the estimated driving time from Pub Street to the new Siem Reap airport?

The estimated travel time by taxi or bus is between 60 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic conditions so plan your trip accordingly.

Are shuttle buses and minivans provided for transfers between the airport and Siem Reap?

Yes a number of buses and minivans are serving the airport and it is recommended to check the timetable before your trip to or from the airport

What is the name of the new Siem Reap airport?

The new siem Reap Airport is called Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport.  

What is the new airport code?

Siem Reap airport is identified by its  IATA code  SAI and its ICAO code VDSA. The old  Siem Reap airport  IATA code was REP

What will be the main traffic to Siem Reap Angkor International Airport

Siem Reap airport was originally designed with Chinese tourists in mind, anticipating a high volume of over 300 weekly flights from various Chinese cities. However, one year after its launch, the airport’s performance has fallen significantly short of these projections. Currently, it only serves a single route to China, operating just three flights per week to Kunming (MU753).

Who built the new Siem Reap airport?

The new Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport was built by a Chinese company, Yunnan Investment Holdings Limited, and was financed by Angkor International Airport (Cambodia) Co., Ltd., an affiliate of China’s Yunnan Investment Holdings. SAI airport was constructed under a 55-year build-operate-transfer (BOT) scheme. These schemes are often used for large infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, airports, and power plants.

What are the earlier flights landing at SAI airport?

In October 2024, AirAsia Cambodia flight  KT102 from Phnom Penh and Bangkok Airways flight PG903 from Bangkok  are the first flights to land at SAI at 8.30 am and 9.00 am respectively.

Who is managing Siem Reap airport?

 Siem Reap Angkor International Airport is managed by Yunnan Airport  Group (YAG), a subsidiary of Yunnan Investment Holdings involved in the development, operation, and maintenance of airports and flying fields. YAG mainly operates 15  airports in the Yunnan province such as Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG)  

Can you get a SIM card in Siem Reap Airport?

Yes, the main 3 telco providers (Cellcard, Metfone, Smart)  have a booth outside just after the arrival door at the international terminal.

How big is Siem Reap Angkor airport?

SAI airport spreads on 700 hectares which is more than 4 times the size of Angkor Wat temple complex.

Is the old Siem Reap Airport (REP) closed?

From October 15th 2023, air traffic stopped at the old siem reap airport. In 2024, the airport runway was used a couple of times for a supercar and motorbike event.

How far is Siem Reap Angkor airport?

The newly constructed Angkor airport is located approximately 45 km away from Siem Reap city center and 40 km from Angkor Wat temple

What is the daily number of passenger arrivals at Siem Reap International Airport?

It varies of course with the month of the year. In 2023, the number varies  between 1000 and 3000 passengers a day.  

How many airlines are operating from Siem Reap International Airport?

In december 2023, 10 airlines were  operating from Siem Reap Airport

Does the new Siem Reap International Airport have a designated smoking areas?

Yes, the new Siem Reap International Airport has two designated smoking areas. They are located after passport control and security in the international departures section, near the departure gates.

How much is taxi from new siem reap airport to city?

A taxi from Siem Reap new airport to city is about USD 35. You can book your taxi transfer here
Laurent Dambies
Latest posts by Laurent Dambies (see all)