⚠️ Important: Land Border Closure (Updated June 2026)
All seven land border crossings between Thailand and Cambodia have been closed since June 2025 due to a military conflict over disputed border territory. As of June 2026, all crossings remain shut with no reopening date announced. Flying is currently the only way to travel between Bangkok and Phnom Penh.
Phnom Penh is Cambodia\’s capital — a city of contrasts, with a complex history, a fast-growing food and café scene, and important sites including the Royal Palace and the Killing Fields memorial. Before the border closure, it was a popular overland stop on the Southeast Asia circuit. Flying is now the only option from Bangkok, but fares remain reasonable.
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Flying Bangkok to Phnom Penh
Direct flights from Bangkok to Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) take approximately 1 hour 10 minutes. Multiple airlines cover this route with competitive pricing — unlike the Siem Reap route, there\’s no monopoly here.
| Airline | From | Price from | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirAsia | DMK | ~$50 USD | Budget, KLIA2-style terminal |
| Thai AirAsia | DMK | ~$55 USD | Most frequent |
| Cambodia Angkor Air | BKK | ~$80 USD | Full service |
| Thai Airways | BKK | ~$100 USD | Full service, Suvarnabhumi |
Booking Tips
- AirAsia from DMK is consistently the cheapest option — book 3–4 weeks ahead
- Avoid January (Cambodian New Year) and late December — prices spike
- February and September are typically the cheapest months to fly
Cambodia Visa
- Cambodia e-Visa: Apply at evisa.gov.kh, $30 USD + $6 processing fee, approved in 3 business days. Valid 30 days, single entry. Easiest option — apply before you fly.
- Visa on Arrival: Available at Phnom Penh Airport, $30 USD. Bring a passport photo and USD cash.
- ASEAN citizens: Visa-free for 14–30 days depending on nationality.
Arriving at Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH)
PNH is 10 km west of central Phnom Penh. Getting to the city:
- Grab: Best value, ~$5–8 USD to riverside/BKK1 area. Use the app and walk to the pickup zone outside arrivals.
- Official taxi: Fixed rate counter in arrivals, ~$9–12 USD to city center.
- Tuk-tuk: Negotiate outside arrivals, ~$7–10 USD. Slower but more local experience.
Where to Stay in Phnom Penh
- Riverside (Sisowath Quay): Most atmospheric area, close to Royal Palace and National Museum. Best for first-timers.
- BKK1 (Boeung Keng Kang 1): Expat hub, excellent cafes and restaurants, popular with longer-stay visitors.
- Toul Tompoung (Russian Market area): Local feel, good street food, popular with budget travelers.
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What to See in Phnom Penh
- Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda: The king\’s official residence, open to visitors. Allow 2 hours.
- Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21): Former Khmer Rouge prison — essential for understanding Cambodia\’s history. Not suitable for young children.
- Choeung Ek (Killing Fields): 15 km from city center, accessible by tuk-tuk (~$15 return). Deeply affecting memorial site.
- National Museum: Excellent collection of Khmer sculpture and artifacts, walkable from the Royal Palace.
- Central Market (Phsar Thmei): Art Deco market building, good for handicrafts and local food.
Onward from Phnom Penh
- Phnom Penh → Siem Reap: Bus (~6 hours, ~$10 USD) or fly (~45 min). The bus via National Road 6 is comfortable and scenic.
- Phnom Penh → Ho Chi Minh City: Bus (~6 hours, ~$15 USD via Mekong Express or Giant Ibis) or fly (~1 hour). This land border with Vietnam remains open.
- Phnom Penh → Sihanoukville: Bus (~4 hours) for beaches — though Sihanoukville\’s character has changed significantly in recent years.
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