Arriving in Siem Reap International Airport

The closest airport to Angkor Wat temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses well-known Khmer Kingdom artifacts, is Siem Reap International Airport. Due to its proximity to Angkor Wat, Siem Reap is a well-known tourist destination, making Siem Reap International Airport one of the busiest airports in Cambodia. The airport is conveniently situated on National Road 6 and is about 8 km from the Siem Reap center and 6 km from the beautiful Angkor Wat.  

Siem Reap International Airport: An Overview

After Phnom Penh International Airport, Siem Reap International Airport serves as Cambodia’s second busiest airport.

Although there aren’t many seats and the airport is very small, it’s surprisingly well-organized, for instance, when it comes to immigration. The airport is open from 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM. No overnight stays are allowed. Visitors have reported that there are retail establishments outside the duty-free store, including Hard Rock, Levi’s, Claycult, Artisans D’Angkor, Relay, Soma Souvenir, and Senteurs D’Angkor.

At the collection point for luggage, there are many trolleys available. Additionally, there is a currency exchange desk at the baggage claim that allows visitors to convert their money into either US dollars or Cambodian Riel. There are many restaurants in the international terminal that travelers can select from if they feel hungry while waiting for a flight. 

There is Taste of Asia, which offers a menu bursting with regional flavors, as well as a bar, a Starbucks, and the popular Burger King. Most restaurants are open from five in the morning till midnight on all days.

See Phnom Penh Int. Airport

How many Runways and Terminals are There at Siem Reap International Airport?

The airport is positioned at a height of 18 meters (60 feet) above mean sea level. It has one runway, designated 05/23, and its concrete surface measures 2,550 by 45 meters. The airport consists of two terminals that are near one another: domestic and international. Since they are only around 50 meters apart, getting from one to the other is a simple matter of walking.

Because of this, there is no need to set up a shuttle or transfer services between the domestic and international terminals. Tourists can swiftly and easily go from the airplane into the immigration hall that is located at a close distance. Passengers at Siem Reap Airport will undoubtedly feel relaxed and stress-free due to the terminal building’s compact size. Tourists will be immediately immersed in the tradition and culture of Cambodia as soon as they arrive at Siem Reap Airport. 

The terminal building’s steel cathedral-like construction was modeled after conventional Khmer architecture. Local artists from Artisan d’Angkor created other features like traditional statues and decorative items. All of these features help to advertise the area’s tourism to newcomers to Siem Reap. In addition, the airport’s surroundings are beautifully decorated with palm trees and vibrant flowers, creating a soothing tropical ambiance.

Walking Through Siem Reap International Airport

Here is all the information travelers may require regarding Siem Reap International Airport:

A quick drive on NR6 will take visitors to the Siem Reap International Airport. Even closer is Angkor Wat, which is easily accessible from Airport Road. When travelers arrive at Siem Reap airport, they’ll be greeted by a gorgeously decorated airport built in the ancient Khmer style, evoking Angkor Wat itself. The outside gives visitors a glimpse of Southeast Asia’s tropical atmosphere with its palm trees and lush vegetation. 

Passengers are directed from their flights to the immigration hall through two gates in the domestic terminal and four in the international terminal, respectively. Domestic travelers may roam around casually because the terminals are so close to one another. There aren’t any fancy shuttles or transfer buses at this airport, even though the international terminal is the larger of the two. After disembarking the aircraft, tourists will reach the modest arrival immigration hall. Tourists must first descend the stairs with their carry-on luggage and cross the runway in the scorching sun.

Expect to spend a lot of time waiting in lines because the immigration hall is fairly small. Advice for travelers: Try not to bring too many carry-ons. Passengers might be able to obtain an eVisa to Cambodia in advance of their flight, depending on the nation from where they are arriving. Otherwise, a lot of foreign visitors can obtain a visa-on-arrival.

However, tourists may be subjected to long waiting times, particularly during the high season. They might want to think about applying for a Cambodia e-visa. The amenities include duty-free shopping areas and various restaurants serving both Asian and Western cuisine. 

Free Wi-Fi is a good way to pass the time. Passengers in economy class can pay to visit an airport lounge with showers.

Airlines at Siem Reap International Airport

AirAsia, Air Macau, Jetstar Asia, and many other international airlines fly at the airport. Direct flights connect Siem Reap with the major travel hubs in China, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam. This list could, however, alter due to changes made to airline partners’ flight schedules.

Additional Airport Facilities

The following services are available to tourists during a layover at Siem Reap International Airport:

• Lost and Found Services
• Oversized Baggage upon arrival
• The Currency Exchange Counter
• Prepaid cards and Mobile Phone Services
• Free Wi-Fi
• Lounges
• Souvenir shops
• Parking and Transport Facilities
• Smoking Zone (at the Domestic Departure Terminal next to the Senteurs D’Angkor store, and International Departure Terminal, the smoking zone is in front of gate 9/10)
• Spa (from 8 am to 12 am, near Departure International Hall)
• Pharmacy
• Information Desk (near Check-in hall)

For passengers with reduced mobility, wheelchair-accessible restrooms are available.

At departure or arrival, dedicated personnel will be in charge of the unaccompanied minor (below 12 years of age).

When Does the Check-in Desk at the Airport Close?

At least two hours before departure, check-in desks will be open. Travelers can check in sooner for certain flights.

It’s best to pack luggage per security requirements, and tourists must never leave it unsupervised until they check-in.

Locker and luggage storage services are not available.

Some Advice for Travelers at Siem Reap International Airport

Around the airport, there are numerous ATMs and cash dispensers that accept both Cambodian Riel and US dollars. Additionally, there are booths for currency conversion for both arrivals and departures. There are no designated rest areas or luggage storage at the airport. Extended visits are not recommended and, in some situations, are not allowed because the airport closes at 1 a.m.

Tourists are advised not to linger for too long at the airport.

A New Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport is Being Built

A new Siem Reap International Airport project is being constructed on a seven-fifty-hectare site.

It will be fifty-one kilometers southeast of the city center and forty kilometers from the Angkor Archaeological Park. 

The first phase of construction is expected to be completed in March 2023, with a capacity to serve seven million passengers.

Leaving the Airport

At the arrival terminal, there is also a counter for transportation-related information. Travelers can purchase a ticket to book a ride to their desired destination.

Taxi

In Phnom Penh, it is the safest mode of transportation. Tourists will find airport taxis waiting in line just in front of the arrival terminal. Airport taxis are a part of the Tourist Transportation Association (TTA), which guarantees a uniform rate and high-quality service.

Taxis cost $6–$8 and take 8 minutes to travel from Siem Reap Airport (REP) to Angkor Wat.

Rent a Car

For travelers who prefer to drive, Europcar is located outside the terminal building. Turn right when exiting the building to find the booking counter. The parking lot is open from 5:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.

Tuk-tuks

Tuk-tuks, the three-wheeled open-air rickshaws that rule Cambodia’s streets, are even more prevalent than taxis in Siem Reap. It is simple to arrange a ride to or from the airport. Although they are not permitted to queue up at the airport, tourists might be able to find a tuk-tuk or Remorque close to the taxi stand. The trip to the city center shouldn’t cost more than $10, but using a taxi will cost the same. On the other hand, taxis are regarded to be safer and will provide more legroom anyway.

Conclusion

After reading this information, it will be easy for passengers to get the most out of their trip to Siem Reap International Airport. Travelers only need to follow the signage around the airport to find the services they need. It will point them toward the particular service they require.