Siem Reap vs. Phnom Penh: Which New Cambodian Airport Should You Choose?
Cambodia has unveiled two major gateways for international travellers: Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport (SAI) and the forthcoming Techo International Airport (PNH) in Phnom Penh. Both are ambitious, modern projects, yet they cater to distinctly different journeys. This detailed comparison will help you determine the right point of entry for your Cambodian adventure.
1. At a Glance: Key Facts
Inside Siem Reap Airport
2. The Arrival Experience
Your first impression of Cambodia will be shaped by the airport and the subsequent journey into town.
✈️ Siem Reap – Angkor International Airport (SAI)
As the gateway to Cambodia's ancient history, SAI makes a deliberate first impression. The terminal's striking roofline is designed to echo traditional Khmer architecture, offering a cultural welcome before you even leave the airport.
The 40 km drive into Siem Reap is a gentle immersion into the Cambodian countryside. The route cuts through rice paddies and small villages, offering a peaceful transition from air travel to the serene atmosphere of the temple town.
Inside Phnom Penh Airport
✈️ Phnom Penh – Techo International Airport (PNH)
Set to replace the city's older airport, Techo International is a statement of intent. Designed as a sleek, modern aerotropolis capable of handling the world's largest aircraft, it is built for future growth and international commerce.
The journey from the airport, located about 30 km south of the city, takes you into the growing urban landscape of a bustling Southeast Asian capital. It is a direct plunge into the nation's commercial and political heart.
3. The Tale of Two Cities: Siem Reap vs. Phnom Penh
Siem Reap’s character is defined by its proximity to the Angkor Archaeological Park. However, the town also offers a vibrant nightlife on Pub Street, a burgeoning farm-to-table restaurant scene, and access to the vast Tonlé Sap Lake with its unique floating villages. Its pace is noticeably more relaxed, feeling more like a large town than a city.
Phnom Penh is the nation's energetic pulse. Beyond the shimmering Royal Palace, it holds the keys to understanding Cambodia's recent history through sites like the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. The city thrives with a modern energy, evident in its rooftop bars overlooking the Mekong, bustling markets, and a growing contemporary arts scene.
Ta Prohm
4. For the Motorbike Enthusiast: Why Siem Reap Reigns Supreme
For motorbike enthusiasts, Siem Reap is the ultimate destination. Its flat, uncrowded roads wind through breathtaking rice fields and ancient temple routes, offering unmatched freedom to explore without the chaos of Phnom Penh’s aggressive traffic. Renting a motorbike is affordable and lets you craft a personalised itinerary to remote gems like Banteay Srei near Phnom Kulen or nearby floating villages. Perfectly positioned halfway between the lush Cardamom Mountains, the cultural hub of Battambang, and the Mekong’s scenic riverside towns to the east, Siem Reap is the ideal base for two-wheeled adventures. If you’re drawn to Cambodia’s southern islands, however, Phnom Penh offers a more convenient starting point.
Phnom Penh, Royal Palace area, in the evening
5. The Long View: Future Developments
These airports are foundational to Cambodia's future. Both have ambitious, multi-phase expansion plans: SAI is projected to handle 12 million passengers annually by 2040, while Techo International (PNH) is designed to eventually serve over 30 million. Furthermore, plans for a high-speed rail link connecting Techo International to Phnom Penh's city centre are underway, promising to significantly reduce transfer times in the future.
6. Pros and Cons Summary
Siem Reap – Angkor International Airport (SAI)
Pros: Direct access to Angkor Wat, cheaper local costs, excellent for rural and motorbike exploration, and beautiful terminal architecture.
Cons: Longer and more expensive airport transfer, fewer long-haul flight options.
Phnom Penh – Techo International Airport (PNH)
Pros: Closer to the capital, a wide range of cheap transport, a hub for business and city life, built for major long-haul routes.
Cons: Higher local living costs, dense traffic unsuitable for casual riding.
7. Final Verdict
The choice of airport fundamentally dictates the nature of a visit to Cambodia. A flight into Siem Reap is an immediate immersion into the country's profound history and rural charm. It is the logical and superior choice for any traveller whose primary objective is the Angkor temple complex and a slower, more scenic exploration of the kingdom.
Conversely, Phnom Penh serves the visitor seeking the dynamism of a modern Southeast Asian capital. For business travellers, or those on a shorter trip focused on the nation's political and contemporary culture, the convenience and connectivity of the new Techo International Airport will be paramount.
