Learn which flights cut travel time in half with the Best Direct Flights to Siem Reap
Airlines now rush to connect you to Cambodia’s ancient temples with zero stops
Getting to Cambodia’s temple city just got much easier. New direct flights to Siem Reap have changed how people travel there in 2025. The city’s brand new airport helps more planes land there without stops.
I checked out the latest flight info so you don’t have to waste time searching. Big news! Airlines like Emirates, Turkish Airlines, AirAsia Cambodia, and IndiGo now fly straight to Siem Reap. This cuts travel time by up to 8 hours for many people.
The fresh Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport opened in 2023. Now it handles 50 round-trips each day to 15 cities in 8 countries. About 2 million people will use this airport in 2025 – that’s way more than last year’s 1.4 million.
Let’s look at the best direct flights to Siem Reap right now:
Top Direct Routes to Siem Reap in 2025
1. Emirates: Dubai to Siem Reap
Emirates started flying to Siem Reap three times weekly on June 3, 2025. They stop briefly in Bangkok but you stay on the same plane. Their Boeing 777-300ER planes offer both fancy and basic seats.
This route helps people from Europe and the Middle East visit Cambodia more easily. No more long waits in airports or changing planes at midnight!
2. Turkish Airlines: Istanbul to Phnom Penh
Starting December 10, 2025, Turkish Airlines will fly from Istanbul to Phnom Penh three times weekly. They make a quick stop in Bangkok. From Phnom Penh, you can take a short local flight to Siem Reap.
This new route makes Cambodia more connected to Europe. Turkish Airlines’ good service makes the long trip more pleasant.
3. AirAsia Cambodia: Singapore to Siem Reap
Since November 2024, AirAsia Cambodia has offered daily flights between Singapore and Siem Reap. This route works well for tourists and business travelers in Southeast Asia.
Prices often start quite low. The flight takes less than two hours, so you spend more time seeing temples and less time in transit.
4. IndiGo: Kolkata to Siem Reap
IndiGo’s new route from India marks the first direct link between these two countries. Their flights from Kolkata to Siem Reap take only two and a half hours.
This option will start in early June 2025. It will help Indian tourists visit Cambodia without long detours through other countries.
5. Thai Airways: Bangkok to Siem Reap
Thai Airways runs daily flights from Bangkok to Siem Reap with good prices. Economy tickets start at about $196, while business class costs around $541.
They give you 30kg of free luggage and meals on the plane. Bangkok’s big airport connects with flights from all over the world, making this a handy option for many travelers.
6. Air Cambodia: Bangkok and Phu Quoc Routes
Air Cambodia launched new routes in early 2025. They fly daily from Phnom Penh to Bangkok (from $79 one-way) and three times weekly to Phu Quoc Island.
Their Airbus A320 planes offer both regular and premium seats. They give Cambodian travelers extra perks like free checked bags and free date changes.
Facts About the New Siem Reap Airport
The Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI) cost $1.1 billion to build. It opened in October 2023 about 50 kilometers from the city center.
Some key points:
- The runway is 3,600 meters long, so big planes can land
- It can handle 7 million people per year now (12 million by 2040)
- Has 38 parking spots for planes
- Taxis to town cost about $30 to $40
Tourist visits to Siem Reap jumped 35% in early 2025 thanks to this new airport. About 4,000 people buy Angkor temple tickets each day after arriving by air.
What to Know Before You Book
When to Travel
High seasons for Siem Reap include New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year. Book 4-6 months ahead for these busy times. For other periods, 2-3 months ahead works fine.
Weekday flights often cost less than weekend ones. Being flexible with your travel dates can save you money.
Getting from the Airport
Remember that the new airport sits 40-50 kilometers from Siem Reap city – much farther than the old one. Plan about an hour for this trip.
Many hotels offer pickup services. This might cost less than the standard $30 taxi fare. Ask your hotel when you book your room.
Best Direct Flights to Siem Reap: Comparison Table [March 2025]
| Airline | Route | Frequency | Starting Price | Flight Time | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emirates | Dubai-Bangkok-Siem Reap | 3x weekly | Varies | ~10-12 hours | Same-plane service, full amenities |
| Turkish Airlines | Istanbul-Bangkok-Phnom Penh | 3x weekly (from Dec 10) | Varies | ~12-14 hours | Premium service, connects Europe |
| AirAsia Cambodia | Singapore-Siem Reap | Daily | Budget fares | ~2 hours | Low-cost option, good for regional travel |
| IndiGo | Kolkata-Siem Reap | Regular | Varies | ~2.5 hours | First direct India-Cambodia route |
| Thai Airways | Bangkok-Siem Reap | Daily | From $196 | ~1 hour | 30kg baggage, meals included |
| Air Cambodia | Phnom Penh-Bangkok | Daily | From $79 | ~1 hour | Special perks for Cambodian nationals |
| Sky Angkor Airlines | Seoul-Siem Reap | Regular | Varies | ~5-6 hours | Direct link to South Korean market |
| Asiana Airlines | Seoul-Siem Reap | Regular | Varies | ~5-6 hours | Full-service Korean carrier |
Airport Information
- Name: Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI)
- Distance from city: 40-50 kilometers
- Transport to city: $30 taxi (approx. 50-60 minutes)
- Annual capacity: 7 million passengers (expandable to 12 million)
- Opened: October 2023
Booking Tips
- Book 4-6 months ahead for peak seasons (New Year, Chinese New Year)
- Consider midweek flights for better rates
- Arrange hotel transfers when possible
- Allow extra time for the longer airport-city transfer
- Compare baggage allowances when comparing fares
Best Tours to Do While in Siem Reap
Now that you know how to get to Siem Reap, let’s talk about what to do when you arrive!
1. See the Sunrise at Angkor Wat
The Angkor Wat Highlights and Sunrise Guided Tour gives you a perfect first day in Siem Reap. You’ll watch the sun come up behind the world’s largest religious monument.
A guide will tell you all about the temple’s history as you walk through it. This tour also visits other famous temples like Bayon and Ta Prohm (the “Tomb Raider” temple).
2. Take a Boat Trip on Tonle Sap Lake
The Tonle Sap Fishing Village Flooded Forest tour shows you how local people live on the water. You’ll ride a boat past floating houses, schools, and shops.
The lake changes size with the seasons – it grows up to five times bigger during rainy months! It’s a totally different way of life that most visitors find amazing.
3. Visit Banteay Srei Temple
The Banteay Srei and Grand Circuit Heritage Tour takes you to this beautiful pink sandstone temple. People call it the “Citadel of Women” because of its detailed carvings.
This tour also stops at less crowded temples on the Grand Circuit. You’ll see amazing sights without big crowds pushing around you.
4. Watch the Sunset Over Angkor
The Angkor Wat Sunset Tour shows you the temples in golden evening light. Most tourists leave by late afternoon, so you’ll have more space to enjoy the views.
Your guide knows the best spots for sunset photos. The stone temples glow orange and red as the sun goes down – perfect for amazing pictures!
5. See Modern Siem Reap City
The Siem Reap City Tour shows you there’s more to this place than just old temples. You’ll visit local markets, workshops where artists make traditional crafts, and modern cafes.
This tour helps you understand how people in Cambodia live today. You can try local foods and buy unique souvenirs to take home.
Getting Around Siem Reap
Once your direct flight to Siem Reap lands, you’ll need to get around. Journey Cambodia offers airport transfers that meet you right at the terminal.
Their drivers speak English and know the way to all hotels. This saves you from haggling with taxi drivers when you’re tired from your flight.
If you want to visit Phnom Penh too, the Private Journey between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh takes care of this trip. It’s much more fun than a basic bus ticket.
The drive stops at interesting places along the way, turning a simple transfer into part of your vacation. You’ll see rural Cambodia that most tourists miss.
Final Thoughts
The new direct flights to Siem Reap have changed travel to Cambodia for the better. You now have more options from more cities, making the journey easier than ever.
Remember that the new airport sits farther from town than the old one. Plan for this when booking your airport transfer.
Siem Reap offers much more than just Angkor Wat. Take time to see the floating villages, pink temples, and modern city life too. Journey Cambodia’s tour packages make this easy with expert guides who know the best times and places to visit.
Want to know more about planning your trip? Contact Journey Cambodia for help with transfers, tours, and hotels. The team knows all the tricks to make your Cambodia trip amazing!
