Sihanouk International Airport

Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS) sits on Cambodia’s southern coast, about 12 kilometres east of Sihanoukville town centre. It opened in 2011 to replace the older airstrip at the city’s port, and today handles a mix of domestic and international flights from carriers such as Cambodia Angkor Air, AirAsia, and Bangkok Airways. The terminal is compact—two floors, one runway—and feels more like a regional bus station than a major gateway. That’s not a criticism: it keeps walking distances short and makes the experience manageable even during the busiest times. The airport’s role has grown steadily as tourism to the nearby islands and beaches has increased, but it remains a secondary entry point compared to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap.

Getting There

The airport lies along National Road 4, the main highway between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville. From the city centre (the area around Ochheuteal Beach and Serendipity Beach), the drive takes about 20 to 30 minutes in normal traffic. Tuk-tuks are the most common and affordable option—expect to pay $8–12 for the trip. Taxis are also available and cost around $15–20; they can be pre-booked through hotels or ride-hailing apps like PassApp and Grab. If you’re coming from further away, such as Phnom Penh (230 km north), the journey by road takes 3 to 4 hours, though many travellers prefer to fly directly. A handful of minibus services connect the airport to nearby towns like Kampot and Kep, but these are less reliable and often require advance booking. The airport itself has no direct public bus link; most people rely on private transport. If you’re driving yourself, there is a paid car park (wheelchair-accessible) with spaces for around 100 vehicles, but rental cars are rare at the airport itself.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal is a single building with two levels. Arrivals are on the ground floor; departures are upstairs. On entering, you’ll find a modest check-in hall with about a dozen counters. Security screening is straightforward—shoes and belts stay on, laptops out of bags—and the queue rarely takes more than ten minutes at average times. The departure lounge, after security, has a handful of seats, a duty-free shop selling perfumes, liquor, and local products, and a small café serving Cambodian coffee and packaged snacks. There is no restaurant or bar. The gate area occupies the entire upper floor, with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out across the tarmac and the surrounding countryside. Toilets are available, including a wheelchair-accessible toilet with grab bars. There is also a baby changing table in the accessible toilet. Baggage storage is offered at a desk near the arrivals area—rates are posted but it’s worth asking for up-to-date pricing as they can change. The airport is not open 24 hours; it closes after the last flight arrives, typically around 9–10 pm. Wheelchair-accessible entrances, parking, and toilets are all confirmed, and staff are generally helpful if you need assistance. One thing to note: air conditioning can be uneven—the check-in hall is often warm, while the departure lounge is cooler. The overall atmosphere is calm, without the crowding of larger hubs, but it can feel surprisingly busy on Monday afternoons (the peak time) when departure flights cluster around 1 pm.

Sihanoukville International Airport and Preah Sihanouk

Preah Sihanouk province centres on its coastal capital, Sihanoukville, a city that has transformed dramatically over the past decade. Once a quiet beach town frequented by backpackers, it experienced a boom in the 2010s driven by Chinese investment and casino construction, followed by a sharp downturn during the pandemic. Today it is in a state of recalibration: many high-rise buildings stand half-completed, but the beaches—especially Otres, Ochheuteal, and Independence—are still worth visiting for their soft sand and calm waters. Beyond the city, the real draws are the offshore islands. Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem are reachable by ferry from Sihanoukville pier, offering white-sand beaches, snorkelling, and a laid-back vibe. Koh Ta Kiev is quieter still, favoured by those who want to camp or stay in rustic bungalows. The province also contains parts of the Cardamom Mountains, with Ream National Park providing mangroves, waterfalls, and wildlife including dolphins and macaques. The area’s culture is a mix of Khmer traditions and modern tourism influences; you’ll find Buddhist temples like Wat Leu, with its hilltop views over the coast, alongside bustling night markets and seafood grills. Vietnamese and Chinese cuisines are common, reflecting large immigrant communities. Sihanoukville’s history as a deep-water port gives it a gritty, working-side character that contrasts with its resort aspirations. The airport’s direct flights from Bangkok, Siem Reap, and Kuala Lumpur make it a practical entry point for travellers headed to the islands or the southern coast. Most tourists stay three to seven days, combining beach time with island hopping. The province is also a transit hub for those continuing to Kampot and Kep further east, or to Phnom Penh by bus. While Sihanoukville itself can feel chaotic with construction and traffic, the surrounding natural attractions—especially the islands—remain the main draw. Understanding that contrast helps visitors plan: the airport is the threshold to a region where the best experiences lie just beyond the urban sprawl.

Practical Information

Sihanoukville International Airport is not open 24 hours. It typically opens around 5am and closes after the last arrival, usually between 9pm and 10pm. Check your flight’s schedule carefully if you have a very early or late departure—you may need to wait outside. The airport code is KOS. The official website is https://kos.cambodia-airports.aero/, where you can find flight timetables and contact details. Phone: +855 12 333 524. For passengers with reduced mobility, the airport offers wheelchair access, accessible parking, and accessible toilets. Baggage storage is available for a fee. The busiest times are Monday and Wednesday afternoons around 1pm, and Tuesday and Thursday mornings around 11am—try to avoid these if you prefer quieter queues. A concrete piece of advice: bring cash for transport from the airport. Tuk-tuk drivers rarely accept cards, and the closest ATM is a 15-minute drive away in the city. Have small US dollar bills (the currency widely used in Cambodia) ready for a smoother exit.