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Travel and Visa advice into Cambodia

Cambodia Visas

(Updated February 2013)

Visas can be obtained on entry to Cambodia at airports and many overland crossing points.
Tourist visas cost $20 and are valid for one month. They can be renewed once for an additional month for approximately $40 - $45.

E visas cost $25 and are available online. These can be used on most  land crossings including the popular Poipet route. They eliminate the Visa scams at that crossing and reduce queuing time at Airports.
Check the E Visa Web site for latest details.

Visas for Malaysian and Singaporean citizens are not required.

Visas from Bangkok: Getting a visa from the Cambodian Embassy in Bangkok is now inconvenient since  it moved location well out of the city centre. As with some overland entry points they ask extra fees of $5 for express service.
Sri Lankan Citizens need a letter of authorization from your  Government to enter Cambodia. You will be refused entry if you do not have this document.

Visas can be obtained on entry to Cambodia at airports and many overland crossing points.

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Flights to and from Cambodia

(Updated  February 2010)

There are an increasing number many direct flights to Cambodia from Asia; however  travelers from Europe USA and Australasia have to fly via adjoining countries.
Bangkok used to be the best regional hub; but nowadays the unstable political situation and the high cost of getting to Cambodia via Bangkok means that Malaysia  Singapore,  Vietnam and Korean airlines offer better and cheaper alternatives.

There are some good deals to Siem Reap through Air Malaysia via Kuala Lumpur International Airport KLIA.  An increasing number of guests are traveling by this route.

Flights via Singapore can be worthwhile as it only takes  2 hours flying to Phnom Penh or  Siem Reap.

Flying Via Malaysia
For international flights using Malaysian Airlines you can check in at KL Central Station which is the city transport hub. The fast KLIA Express takes less than 3Omins and cost 35MYR.  (you cannot do this if you are using budget carriers like Air Asia)
Air Asia, and Jet Star Asia are now operating from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Bangkok at discount  prices. This has significantly reduced the cost of a short break from Malaysia and Singapore! To get the best price it is best to book well in advance. 
The  Low Cost terminal KLCC for Air Asia and Jet star etc opened at the end of May 06. This is 15km by road from KLIA. There is a bus shuttle service from the main KLIA airport to KLCC:  15mins There are direct buses to KLCC from KL Sentral Station:  1h 15mins for 9 Ringits

Low cost airlines like Air Asia have lower normal baggage limits 15Kg.  you can now buy additional limit to  30KG Max on booking.   If you want to change at at the airport  they will impose bigger surcharges.

If  they cancel or delay your flight they will not be responsible for onward travel arrangements.

Flying Via Bangkok
If you need to fly direct to Siem Reap from Bangkok the only airline is  Bangkok Airways. The single and return fares are very high. You can get a better deal with Bangkok Airways if you buy a multi destination ticket within Thailand and to neighbouring countries inc Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos. Contact Bangkok Airways for details

Flying via  other countries
An increasing number of travelers a flying  via China, Korea, Vietnam; and Laos; there are too many options to list here but  EVA Air have flights from USA Via Seoul and there are  plenty of options via Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).

Arrival In Siem Reap and Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have modern airports with good facilities. Both airports have exchange booths and ATMs dispensing cash in USD.
Customs and immigration can take a while; so if you can get a visa in advance this will save time.
There are fixed price taxis from both airports; $8 is the going rate in Jan 10. Be aware that in Siem Reap, Taxis can try an persuade you away from your chosen hotel and my claim that the cannot find the location.
Its best to arrange free transport through your hotel.

The departure tax from Cambodian Airports for international and domestic flights is now included in the airfare

For children under 12 years old the departure tax in $13 international and $3 internal

Flying via Phnom Penh
It is well worth flying here either on the outward leg or on return. Prices start at around $85 - $125 each way. However there sometimes is a lower baggage limit than on International Flights. This should not be  problem off season, but on busy flights in peak season you may have to pay a baggage surcharge. We will clarify this if we obtain air tickets for you.

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Overland Routes to and from Cambodia

(Updated Feb 2013)

Bangkok to Siem Reap
Public Bus is a quick and reliable option. We recommend taking the air con public bus from Bangkok (Morchit) Northern terminal. If you catch a bus at  7am or 7:30 you can get to Aranyaprathet at 1 pm.  A short Tuk Tuk ride (5Km) takes you too the Cambodia border (cost 80 THB)
There is a new bus service operating fro m Mo Chit in Bangkok which started in 2013, There is one change of bus at the border; but ther should be less waiting or border scams

The train from Bangkok is an enjoyable option. the service is 2nd class only and non a/c; so can be uncomfortable in the heat. Trains leave at 5:55 and arrive at Aryanapathet around 12pm. There are many willing tuk tuk drivers to take you the 6kms to the border.

Traveling from Siem Rep to Bangkok is a lot easier as there are no scams to worry about. Taxi fares are cheaper; with no additional taxes so $50 is the norm.

The Poipet Border
The Poipet Border has not a very good reputation for touts and scams.  It is not a place for the  uninformed traveler; as there are a number of touts who’s primary purpose is to extract money out  of any unsuspecting  tourist who passes through.  

Those who try the “easy way” and get a through ticket from Bangkok are most likely to be scammed for excessive visa fees, money exchange scams and excessive travel delays.  A “cheap ticket bought in Bangkok is likely to cost a lot on both time and money.  It happens every time regardless of that the agency says.

The couriers and touts  are  professional con men;  make fortunes at the expense of the visitors and severely damage the reputation of Cambodia for all the budget tourists that  pass their way.   The bus companies  use delaying tactics and often well rehearsed breakdowns to increase the length of the journey so the passengers arrive late at a commission paying guest house.

The GH owners involved in these scams are  not usually very cooperative (even to those who have booked accommodation elsewhere).  The GH owner pays thousands of dollars in advance for the companies to bring guests to their door.  there are no refunds if the guest goes anywhere else ; so the owner can put a lot of pressure on people to stay.

The more informed independent traveler who follows the advice below and has transport organized through us in advance  will have an easier time and considerably less cost.

To avoid any problems with touts and scams please follow these instructions
When you arrive at Aranyaprathet the Thai Border town, take a tuk tuk from Bus or Train station to the Border 6kms; approx 90THB per tuk tuk. The Tuk tuk will stop 50 metres from the new covered border post and Thai immigration.
Ignore the advice of Tuk Tuk drivers and touts who offer to take you to get the Cambodian Visa.

If anyone approaches you with offers of assistance do not take any notice.
You buy the visa on the Cambodian Side of the border; not the Thai side!

You will find boys with trolleys to assist with baggage. If you really have to use them; keep one of your party with the trolley and do not let your baggage out of sight. Only pay $1 once you on the Cambodian side of the border.
On exit from Thai immigration walk through the no mans land with the Casinos 500 metres to the Cambodia immigration.

The official Visa charge is $20. but you will probably be asked to pay a $5 'express service' fee.

If anyone tells you to change cash for reils don’t do it; as USD is accepted almost everywhere. You will get a poor rate of Exchange on the street.
On exit from immigration you will find a shuttle bus to take you to the taxi stand; where our driver will be waiting if you have requested it.
Taxi fares to Siem Reap are approx $50
If you have any difficulties or cannot find our driver; please phone our reception 855 (0)63760475.
We have a car service to take you from Poipet to Siem Rep  with no hassles; just let us know 2 - 3 days in advance.

The fixed taxi fare has risen to for tourist cars to Siem Reap. This has been enforced by the authorities by putting up the fee that drivers have to pay per journey $20 for cars with foreigners)  Prices  are $50  or more depending on demand.

The  cost of the bus service to Siem Reap is  $15 per person. The bus is ending its journey at the new Bus Station East of town. We understand that there can be delays waiting for the bus to fill up; but the bus drives direct to Siem Reap  Bus Station with a short stop and is taking 3 to 4 hours +stops for refreshments. .
The new  main Bus station is a Borei Sangam 3 KMs east of town. Its a much better facility with covered bus stands and better organization. 
The long awaited improvements to National Road No.6   completed in 2009  . it is now taking around 2 hours all the way from Poipet to Siem Reap

The route from Phnom Penh is now much improved; 314 kms of tarmac road; buses take 6 hours; cars  5 hours. If you are travelling by bus, we will pick you up at the bus station.

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Overland Travel within Cambodia

(Updated March 2013)

Now that the roads are improving; travel by bus on main routes are now  more reliable and faster. Off the main roads there is little or no public transport. Only a few percent  of Cambodian roads are paved. Travel to most places in the Dry Season is possible; but in the rainy season come routes become difficult or impassable

Buses from Siem Rep to Phnom Penh take around 6 hours and cost between $5and $12. There is usually a 1/2 hour stop in Kompong Thom or Skun (depending on bus Co)

The new  main Bus station is a Borei Sangam 3 KMs east of town. Its a much better facility with covered bus stands and better organization.

Mekong Express and the New Giant Ibis Bus Co are the best on the route. Giant Ibis has new 2012 buses with seat belts, large screen movies and in bus internet access. 
Please let us know which Company you are using to assist us in your pick up

Taxis cost  $60  for the journey which takes 4-5 Hours

It is also possible to go by road or take a boat to Battambang and continue to Phnom Penh by bus; allow  2 days to do this.

Fast ferries do the PP SR run in around 6 hours from October to March . They are not currently running in the Dry Season (as of March 2013)

Warning about the Boats:
The boat companies operating the Phnom Penh Ferries have little regard for the comfort or safety of passengers. We are getting reports that no proper gangplank is provided or assistance with luggage at Siem Reap. Passengers may have to jump down to the causeway or will have to cross a precarious plank with no handrail.

Taxi: Departure flexible; 4.5 hrs journey time  $50-60  
Up to 4 passengers. An English Speaking driver will cost $10 more

Minivan: Good choice for small groups; $130+
We can arrange a van for groups costs depends on vehicle used.

Please note that there are seasonal variations and bus discounts; especially from Phnom Penh so don't be surprised to find cheaper fares at times

On this Page...

Cambodia Visas

Travel by Air

Travel by Bus

Travel by Boat

Overland from Bangkok

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Links to other up to date resources
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Canby Publications

Tales of Asia

Andy Brouwers Cambodia Forum

Cambodia eVisa

Travelfish

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