Getting to Cambodia from Europe requires planning: there are no direct flights from Paris. But once you choose a smart layover, the journey is smooth. And on the ground, transportation options are varied, affordable, and increasingly digitalized.
Airports in Cambodia
Cambodia has three international airports, each serving a key region of the country.
Phnom Penh (PNH) — main gateway
Pochentong International Airport is the main hub of Cambodia. Modernized, it welcomes flights from major regional platforms in Asia. The terminal is compact — arrival, visa on arrival, baggage, and exit can be done in less than an hour if the immigration queue is reasonable.
The city is 10 km away. A taxi from the airport costs $9 to $12, a tuk-tuk $5 to $7. Prefer PassApp for a pre-displayed fare.
Siem Reap International (SAI) — new since 2023
The new Siem Reap International Airport, inaugurated in November 2023, replaces the old REP airport located in the city. It is larger, more modern, and located 51 km from the city center — expect a travel time of 45 to 60 minutes. The official taxi costs about $25 to $35. Private shuttles are also available from the city.
The distance from the new SAI airport to Siem Reap is much greater than before. Book your transfer in advance, especially if you arrive late at night.
Sihanoukville (KOS)
Mainly served by flights from China and a few Asian cities. Useful if you want to reach the coast or islands directly without passing through Phnom Penh. Flights from Europe are rare.
Flights from France
There are no direct flights from Paris to Cambodia. All flights have one or more layovers in Asia or the Middle East. The main layover hubs are:
- Bangkok (BKK/DMK): hub for Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways — the most frequent connection to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap
- Kuala Lumpur (KUL): hub for Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia — good value for money from Paris CDG
- Singapore (SIN): hub for Singapore Airlines and Scoot — impeccable connections, pleasant layover
- Doha (DOH): hub for Qatar Airways — direct flights from Paris to Doha then Doha to Phnom Penh with a single connection
- Hong Kong (HKG): via Cathay Pacific, a good option for Siem Reap
Indicative total duration from Paris CDG
- Via Bangkok: 13 to 16 hours (depending on layover)
- Via Kuala Lumpur: 14 to 17 hours
- Via Singapore: 14 to 16 hours
- Via Doha (Qatar Airways): 12 to 14 hours — often the fastest option
Prices range from €500 to €900 round trip in economy class depending on the season. It is best to book 2 to 3 months in advance. Avoid the French school holidays at the end of the year (December/January) and in July-August — prices rise sharply.
Compare rates on WayAway and Kiwi: all airlines, all layovers, with price alerts to find the best booking window.
Recommended airlines
Here are the most commonly used airlines to connect Europe to Cambodia:
- Qatar Airways: best comfort/value/time ratio from Paris, via Doha (direct long-haul flight + short layover)
- Thai Airways: natural connection via Bangkok, good service quality, hub to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap
- Malaysia Airlines: competitive rates via Kuala Lumpur, reliable and comfortable
- Singapore Airlines: premium, perfect if you want to enjoy a layover in Singapore
- AirAsia: low-cost, excellent if you have little luggage and want to minimize flight budget
Intercity buses in Cambodia
The express bus network is the most popular way to travel between major Cambodian cities. Comfortable, punctual, and very affordable.
Phnom Penh ↔ Siem Reap
This is the most traveled intercity route by travelers. Expect 6 hours of road time for about $12 to $15 depending on the company. National Road 6 is in good condition.
Recommended companies
Giant Ibis is the company we recommend first: the buses are modern, air-conditioned, with wifi and USB ports. Early morning departures (6-7 AM) allow you to arrive in Siem Reap by early afternoon. Online booking is recommended, especially in high season.
12Go centralizes the booking of Giant Ibis buses and other companies in Cambodia. Secure payment, electronic ticket sent by email, no queue at the ticket office.
Other possible bus routes
- Phnom Penh ↔ Kampot: 3 hours, ~ $5-8
- Phnom Penh ↔ Sihanoukville: 4 hours, ~ $8-12
- Siem Reap ↔ Bangkok (Thailand): direct bus, 8-10 hours, ~ $20-30
- Phnom Penh ↔ Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam): direct bus, 6-7 hours, ~ $15-20
Tuk-tuks and taxis in the city
Getting around Phnom Penh and Siem Reap has never been easier. Two apps dominate the market:
PassApp — the essential app
PassApp is the number one mobility app in Cambodia. It works like Uber: you enter your destination, choose tuk-tuk, car, or moto-taxi, and the fare is displayed before confirming. Available in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Payment can be made in cash or by card. Download it before you leave — it sometimes requires validating a local number.
- PassApp: tuk-tuk, car, moto-taxi — the recommended local option
- inDrive: also available, fares often negotiable
- Street tuk-tuks: still possible, negotiate the price before getting in. Expect $2 to $4 for a city ride, $5 to $10 for a day tour
Always negotiate the price before getting into a non-connected tuk-tuk (without an app). In Siem Reap, some drivers offer day rates including Angkor Wat — this is often interesting if you plan to visit several temples.
Moto-taxi (moto-dop)
Moto-dops are motorcyclists who offer quick rides in the city. This is the most local and cheapest option ($1 to $2 per ride), but also the least safe for those not used to Cambodian traffic. For travelers, PassApp (moto-taxi) is preferable.
Scooter and car rental
Renting a scooter
Scooter rental is very accessible in Cambodia: expect $7 to $10 per day for an automatic 110-125cc scooter. Ideal for exploring Kampot, Kep, or the surroundings of Siem Reap at your own pace.
An international license including category A is technically required. In practice, few agencies ask for it — but your travel insurance may refuse to cover your medical expenses in case of an accident if you drive without the required documents. Check your insurance contract before renting.
Traffic in Phnom Penh can be chaotic for newcomers. If it's your first experience riding a motorcycle in Asia, start in calmer towns like Kampot or the roads around Kep.
Renting a car with a driver
Renting a car with a driver is a popular option for excursions from Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. Expect $50 to $80 per day for a driver + air-conditioned vehicle. This is often the best option for exploring remote temples or destinations like Mondulkiri.
River transport
Cambodia is traversed by the Mekong and Tonlé Sap, the largest lake in Southeast Asia. It is possible to travel by boat between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
Phnom Penh ↔ Siem Reap by boat
The express boat trip goes up the Tonlé Sap from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. Duration: 5 to 6 hours depending on water level. Price: about $35 to $45. It’s not faster or cheaper than the bus — but it’s an experience in itself, offering beautiful river landscapes. Available mainly in the rainy season (May-November) when the lake level is high enough.
The boat is not recommended as a practical means of transport — prefer the Giant Ibis bus if you want to go fast. But if you have time and want to see the floating villages and Cambodian countryside from the water, it’s a memorable option.