How to get to Cambodia

There are no direct flights to Cambodia from Europe, North America, Australasia, or South Africa, so you’ll need a connecting flight through a major hub in Southeast or East Asia.

Phnom Penh has direct flights from Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Seoul, Ho Chi Minh City, Vientiane, and several cities in China. If you’re heading straight to Siem Reap, direct flights are available from Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Ho Chi Minh City.

If your trip planning guide to Cambodia includes flights, it’s worth comparing routes through major Asian hubs like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, or Singapore for the best connections and fares.

Flights from the UK and Ireland

There are no direct flights from the UK or Ireland to Cambodia. The most convenient routes are:

• Via Bangkok with Thai Airways, then a 1-hour flight to Phnom Penh.
• Via Dubai and Yangon with Emirates.
• One- or two-stop routes through Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City, or other Asian hubs.

From Ireland, you’ll need to connect through London or fly via another European or Gulf hub.

Flights from the US and Canada

From North America, flying to Cambodia usually requires two stops, often in Europe or the Gulf, then an Asian city.

• From the East Coast: Some one-stop options exist via Shanghai, Guangzhou, Taipei, or Seoul, but they aren’t always faster than two-stop routes.
• From the West Coast: It’s quicker to fly west via an Asian hub like Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Seoul, or Taipei.

Flights from the US East Coast take around 24+ hours, while those from the West Coast take about 20 hours, depending on layovers.

From Canada, one-stop flights are available from Toronto and Vancouver via Taipei, Seoul, and Shanghai.

Flights from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa

Flights from Australia and New Zealand require a stop in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, or Ho Chi Minh City before continuing to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap.

• Return fares from Australia start at around A$1,300.
• From New Zealand, expect fares from NZ$2,200.

From South Africa, travel is via an Asian hub, with fares starting at ZAR13,000 return.

Getting to Cambodia from neighbouring countries

Cambodia shares land borders with Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos, and visas are available on arrival at most crossings.

From Thailand

There are six border crossings open to foreigners, all operating daily from 7am–8pm.

The most popular route is Poipet, on the main highway between Bangkok and Siem Reap. Other useful crossings include:

• Trat/Koh Kong – Best for Sihanoukville and Phnom Penh.
• Ban Pakard/Pailin – An hour from Battambang.
• Ban Leam/Daun Lem – Remote and mainly for casino visitors.
• Chong Sa Ngam/Anlong Veng – Easier to reach than some other remote crossings.
• Surin/O’Smach – Requires multiple transport connections on both sides.

Thai visas on arrival are available for most Western travelers.

From Vietnam

There are seven border crossings between Vietnam and Cambodia, open daily from 7am–5pm.

The busiest crossing is Moc Bai/Bavet, on the main Ho Chi Minh City-Phnom Penh route. E-visas are only valid at this border.

Other notable crossings include:

• Chau Doc/K’am Samnar – A popular boat crossing on the Bassac River.
• Tinh Bien/Phnom Den – Near Takeo.
• Ha Tien/Prek Chak – East of Kep.
• Three remote crossings in eastern Cambodia: Xa Mat/Trapeang Phlong, Loc Ninh/Trapeang Sre, and Le Tanh/O Yadow.

Many Western nationalities no longer need a visa for short stays in Vietnam, so check before traveling.

From Laos

There is one border crossing at Nong Nok Khiene/Tropeang Kreal, 57km beyond Stung Treng. It operates daily from 7am-5pm and issues visas on arrival. E-visas are also accepted here.