Arrival & Transport
By Plane
There are no direct flights from Germany to Cambodia. You will fly with a stopover, usually via Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City, or Dubai.
International Airports
Phnom Penh (PNH) — Capital
The largest airport in the country, 10 km west of downtown. Connections to Bangkok (1h), Ho Chi Minh City (45 min), Singapore (2h), Kuala Lumpur (2h), Seoul, Beijing. Airlines: AirAsia, Thai Airways, Vietnam Airlines, Cambodia Angkor Air, Malaysia Airlines.
Transfer: Official taxi to the city (12 USD, 30 min). Tuk-tuk to Riverside (7–9 USD). No public bus. Grab app (Southeast Asia's Uber) works at the airport: 4–6 USD.
Siem Reap (REP) — Angkor
The new Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI, opened October 2023) is located 51 km east of the city — much further than the old airport. Connections to Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Hanoi. Many low-cost carriers (AirAsia, VietJet, Scoot).
Transfer: Official shuttle bus (7 USD, 45 min), taxi (35–40 USD), tuk-tuk not available for this distance. Hotels offer pickup (15–25 USD).
Sihanoukville (KOS) — South Coast
Small airport, mainly domestic flights and connections to China. For the islands: Flight to Phnom Penh + bus to Sihanoukville is often cheaper.
Flight Prices (Reference from Germany)
| Period | Price (Round Trip) |
|---|---|
| Off-Season (May–Oct) | 450–650 EUR |
| Shoulder Season (Mar–Apr, Nov) | 550–750 EUR |
| High Season (Dec–Feb) | 650–1,000 EUR |
Tipp
The cheapest route: Flight to Bangkok (from 350 EUR return), then low-cost flight Bangkok → Siem Reap (from 30 EUR with AirAsia). Total costs often 200–300 EUR less than a direct flight. Plus, you have Bangkok as a bonus destination.
Tuk-Tuk & Taxi
Tuk-Tuk — The National Means of Transport
The Cambodian tuk-tuk is not a three-wheeled vehicle like in India or Thailand, but a motorcycle with an attached passenger carriage (2–4 seats, covered). It is the most important means of transport for tourists in Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and all major cities.
Prices (Reference 2025/2026)
| Route | Price |
|---|---|
| Short ride in the city | 1–3 USD |
| Angkor Small Circuit (full day) | 15–18 USD |
| Angkor Grand Circuit (full day) | 20–25 USD |
| Angkor Sunrise + Day | 18–22 USD |
| Banteay Srei (half day) | 25–30 USD |
| Airport Transfer Phnom Penh | 7–9 USD |
Grab App
Grab (Southeast Asia's Uber) works in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Prices are 30–50% cheaper than negotiated tuk-tuk prices and transparent. Payment by cash or card. Grab-Bike (motorcycle taxi) is the cheapest: 0.50–1 USD for short distances.
Private Drivers
For Angkor tours and overland trips, a private driver with a car or minivan is worthwhile. Air-conditioned and much more comfortable than a tuk-tuk. Prices: 30–50 USD/day for a driver with an air-conditioned car. Hotels and guesthouses are happy to arrange — or via PassApp.
Achtung
ALWAYS negotiate prices beforehand! Tuk-tuk drivers do not have meters. In Siem Reap, you will be approached by dozens of drivers — this is normal. Agree on a price and exact route before the ride. It's best to book the same driver for several days (cheaper and the driver knows the temples).
Buses, Boats & Domestic Flights
Overland Buses
The bus network connects all major cities in Cambodia. The roads have significantly improved in recent years — the main routes (Phnom Penh → Siem Reap, Phnom Penh → Sihanoukville) are paved and easily passable.
| Route | Duration | Price | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phnom Penh → Siem Reap | 5–6h | 8–15 USD | Giant Ibis, Mekong Express |
| Phnom Penh → Sihanoukville | 4–5h | 8–14 USD | Giant Ibis, BookMeBus |
| Phnom Penh → Kampot | 3–3.5h | 6–10 USD | Giant Ibis, Kampot Express |
| Siem Reap → Battambang | 3–4h | 5–8 USD | Capitol Tours |
| Phnom Penh → Kratie | 6h | 7–10 USD | Sorya, Rith Mony |
| Phnom Penh → Sen Monorom | 6–7h | 8–12 USD | Kim Seng, Rith Mony |
| Phnom Penh → Ban Lung | 9–10h | 12–15 USD | Rith Mony (night bus) |
Giant Ibis is the best bus provider: air-conditioned, comfortable seats, Wi-Fi, USB charging stations, snacks included. Booking online possible. Mekong Express is the second-best option.
Boats
- Ferry Sihanoukville → Koh Rong: 45 min, 12–15 USD (Speed Ferry Company, Buva Sea). 3–5 departures daily.
- Ferry Sihanoukville → Koh Rong Samloem: 45–60 min, 12–15 USD.
- Boat Battambang → Siem Reap: Across Tonle Sap Lake (rainy season: 6–8h, dry season often not possible due to low water levels). 20 USD. Scenic but long and uncomfortable.
- Boat Phnom Penh → Siem Reap: Across Tonle Sap (6h, 35 USD). More expensive than bus, but a unique experience.
Domestic Flights
Cambodia Angkor Air and Lanmei Airlines connect Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville. Prices: 40–80 USD per route. The route Phnom Penh → Siem Reap takes only 45 min (vs. 6h bus) — often worth the extra 30–50 USD compared to the bus.
Moped/Motorcycle Rental
In Siem Reap, riding a moped is prohibited for tourists within the Angkor Park! In all other cities, you can rent Honda mopeds (125cc) for 5–10 USD/day. An international driver's license is recommended (rarely checked, but relevant for insurance in case of accidents). Helmet mandatory — but rarely enforced.
Tipp
Book Giant Ibis for all major bus routes — the few extra dollars are worth it. The buses have free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and a clean toilet on board. Online booking at giantibis.com (night trains to Siem Reap also available).
Achtung
Some minivan providers squeeze 15 passengers into 12-seater vans and drive recklessly. Avoid the cheapest providers and book with Giant Ibis or Mekong Express. The issue of traffic safety in Cambodia is unfortunately no joke — the country has one of the highest accident rates in Asia.
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