Photo by ofer agiv

Siem Reap is more than just a lakeside resort city. It is also the gateway to Cambodia’s ancient world, and home of the famous Angkor Wat temple ruins. While the commerce capital city of Cambodia is indeed Phnom Penh, the capital of ancient Khmer culture is seated in Siem Reap. Cambodians take pride in their inheritance of Angkor Wat, and branded the great temple onto their national flag.

It’s no surprise that the landmark, and mysterious lesser-known temples surrounding it, are irresistibly alluring to many visitors. In this article, we will show you a couple of ways you can get from Phnom Penh airport to Siem Reap.

Getting from Phnom Penh airport to Siem Reap

The fastest way to get to Siem Reap is by domestic flight from Phnom Penh airport. Flights typically take 45 minutes with the commonly used ATR72 aircraft. This type of aircraft flies at lower altitudes compared with commercial jets, allowing you to see a beautiful bird’s eye view of the meandering Tonlé Sap river, riverside villages, and of course, the great Tonlé Sap Lake itself.

The three best companies to fly with are Cambodia Angkor Air, Lanmei Airlines, and JC International Airlines. Be sure to check their websites directly for special offers and flight schedules.

Upon arrival at Siem Reap airport, you may need to go to Siem Reap city center to drop off your belongings at your accommodation. It is very easy to get a taxi or a tuk-tuk from the airport – $10 taxis are available at an organized queue (or you may rent a car or taxi after pr-ebooking). A tuk-tuk ride to the city center costs you around $6, a perfect deal for fans of the local vehicle.

From Phnom Penh to Siem Reap the slow and easy way

Going on a cruise through Tonlé Sap river is another interesting alternative, especially if you’d like to see life along the river on a more personal level. The fascinating look at riverside villages, uninhabited floodplains, exotic wildlife and temple ruins can be found along your journey.

When you’re not sunbathing on the deck and looking for wild creatures with your binoculars, you can have hearty fresh meals, massages, and other on-board services. We recommend Mekong Dawn, a sleeper cruise that offers you a private ensuite bedroom for your cruise.

The ferry cruise offers not just transport in luxury, but also experiences on the river. You can learn about Khmer culture by talking to the crew members; you can have your route customized to take certain detours, stopping at interesting places that are easily missed – floating villages, ancient pottery hubs, and more.

Mekong River Luxury Resort

Phnom Penh is where Tonlé Sap and Mekong rivers meet. If you follow Tonlé Sap river, you’ll discover a wonderful world; likewise, if you follow Mekong river, amazing surprises await. Begin your journey by staying at a resort by the Mekong river. The Balé Phnom Penh has everything you need to rejuvenate and refresh before continuing on your Cambodian river exploration.