Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport

Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) opened in November 2023, replacing the old Siem Reap International Airport that could no longer handle growing passenger numbers. The new facility sits 40 kilometres east of Siem Reap city centre, near the town of Svay Dangkum, within easy reach of the Angkor Archaeological Park. Despite its official name, the airport is not located in Paoy Smach – that busy border town lies roughly 150 kilometres west, near the Thai frontier. SAI is a modern, purpose-built gateway designed to handle up to 7 million passengers annually, with a single terminal that processes both domestic and international flights.

Getting There

From Siem Reap city, SAI is a straight drive along National Road 6. Taxis and private cars take about 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic. The airport does not have a direct public bus service, but some hotels and tour operators offer shuttle transfers. A standard taxi fare from the city centre to the airport is around $20 to $25 USD. For those travelling from Paoy Smach, the journey is considerably longer – approximately three hours by car via National Road 5 and then National Road 6. Several car rental agencies operate at the airport and in Siem Reap. The airport's paid parking lot is located directly in front of the terminal, with short-term and long-term options. Rates are posted at the entry gate; expect to pay about $1 per hour or $10 per day.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at SAI is spacious, clean, and modern. On departure, the check-in hall is on the ground floor, with airline counters arranged in a straight line. Security screening is efficient, with multiple lanes to handle peak times. The busiest periods are Monday and Wednesday afternoons (around 5 pm) and Tuesday and Thursday afternoons (around 4 pm), when several international flights depart simultaneously. After security, the departure lounge occupies the upper level, with seating areas, duty-free shops, and a few food outlets. The terminal is fully wheelchair accessible: there is a wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible toilets, and an accessible car park. Baggage storage is available near the arrivals area – useful for travellers who want to explore Angkor without luggage. The airport also has changing tables in the restrooms, making it family-friendly. On arrival, passengers go through immigration and baggage claim on the ground floor. The process is generally smooth, though queues can be long during the busiest hours. Currency exchange counters and ATMs are near the exit. The entire terminal is air-conditioned, a welcome relief in Cambodia's tropical heat.

Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) and Paoy Smach

Siem Reap Angkor International Airport is often described as a gateway to the ancient temples of Angkor, but the region itself offers far more than ruins. Siem Reap province is home to the Tonle Sap lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, where floating villages and bird sanctuaries draw travellers seeking a different pace. The city of Siem Reap thrives on tourism, with hundreds of hotels, restaurants, and markets catering to every budget. Pub Street and the Old Market are the social epicentres. But what of Paoy Smach? That town, officially called Krong Doun Kaev, sits on the border with Thailand and is known primarily for its casinos and duty-free shopping. Many visitors cross from Thailand for a day trip, but Paoy Smach is not a typical destination for international leisure travellers flying into SAI. The airport's name does not reflect its true location – it serves Siem Reap city and the Angkor zone, not Paoy Smach. The confusion likely arises from the fact that the airport's site falls within Siem Reap province's boundaries, but Paoy Smach is a separate district far to the west. For passengers, understanding this geography matters: if you book a flight to SAI, arrange transport to Siem Reap city, not to Paoy Smach. Beyond the temples, the region offers rural cycling routes, cooking classes, and the Angkor National Museum. For those with a layover or a free day, the Cambodian Landmine Museum and the Artisans Angkor workshop provide cultural context without the crowds.

Practical Information

The terminal at Siem Reap Angkor International Airport is not open 24 hours. It opens approximately two hours before the first scheduled flight and closes after the last arrival. Confirm flight times with your airline. The airport's official website is english.sai-airport.com, and the general inquiry phone number is +855 63 962 400. The paid parking lot accepts cash and credit cards. Baggage storage costs about $2 per bag per day. Wheelchair assistance is available – request it from your airline when booking. One practical tip: if you are visiting Angkor Wat, arrange a private driver or tour in advance to meet you at arrivals. The airport lacks a dedicated ride-hailing pickup area, and taxis waiting outside may charge higher rates. Booking through your hotel or a reputable agency ensures a fixed price and saves time.