In 2012, Siem Reap International Airport (airport code: REP) reached the milestone of welcoming 2 million passengers within a year. How did they celebrate? With a flash-mob, Cambodian-style, of course!
Sadly, it’s not likely that you’ll be greeted by choreographed Khmer-dancing on-masse when you touch down on the tarmac. However, this small-but-perfectly-formed airport does have real charm and is a nice introduction to Siem Reap and Cambodia in general. If you’re lucky you might be fortunate to glimpse the magnificent Angkor temple complex from the air, as the airport is situated only 3km from the temples and 8km from Siem Reap city center.

Airport arrivals – what to expect

Siem Reap International Airport consists of two terminals – one for international flights and one for domestic flights. The airport is very small and all passengers alight straight onto the runway by the main building. It is just a short distance from the plane into the airport and arrivals for both domestic and international flights walk you straight from outside into the immigration hall. It is possible to purchase a tourist or business visa on arrival, but those who already have their travel documents, can proceed straight on to immigration. A few meters after the check point is the baggage hall, where a small number of carousels make it very easy to pick luggage out from the crowds. The baggage claim is generally pretty efficient with trolleys available and not too much waiting time (there aren’t enough flights arriving at the same time for this to be problematic) There are also nearby toilets and a currency exchange if needed.
The airport is designed in a contemporary Khmer style and decorated with traditional crafts. The surroundings are nicely landscaped with trees and flowers – especially pretty in wet season when everything is green and lush. The small size and scope of the terminal building make for a relaxed, relatively stress-free process without too many people jostling for space.

Getting to town

For international flights, on leaving the airport, if you have a pick-up arranged by your accommodation in Siem Reap, the driver will be waiting with a sign by the transport desk. There is also a small café situated here – this serves food and drinks at quite reasonable prices.
To arrange your own transport to town, speak to the staff at the official transport desk just outside the arrival hall and they will arrange a tuk tuk or taxi according to your preference. Domestic arrivals exit the airport at terminal 2. If you have any problem finding your pick up or arranging a tuk tuk, just turn right around the corner and head to the services at the international arrivals area.
A tuk tuk to or from the town center will cost $9 in day-time (6am – 11pm) and can fit a maximum of four people with minimal luggage. The journey takes around 20 minutes. An air-conditioned taxi ride is $10 and takes around 10 minutes. More information about getting to your hotel or guesthouse can be found on the flight information page.

Airport departures – what to expect

Being a small airport with relatively few flights, it is not necessary to leave large amounts of time at the airport before your flight. Even for an international flight, arrival 1 hr 30 minutes before departure will give you ample time to check in, deposit bags, go through immigration and peruse the small collection of shops. The only instance, in which it can take longer to check in, is if you have the misfortune to arrive behind a large tour group. However the airport staff members are accommodating and will help you if you are short on time.

Anyone entering the airport has to go through a brief security check. In the check in area, there are a few shops and small cafes but it’s worth checking in and going through security and immigration quickly as there is more choice in the departures area. Expect and prepare for the same security procedures as at any other international airport.
For domestic departures there are only 2 gates, for international departures there are 4 gates, but none of these are very far away from one another so there is little chance of being in the wrong place or missing a flights once through security.
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