Bangkok to Siem Reap
Gateway to Angkor Wat — one-hour flight from Bangkok, worlds away in atmosphere
9 min readUpdated 2026-07
600 km
1 h direct flight
Cambodia
Bangkok to Siem Reap — the complete guide
Siem Reap is the small Cambodian town that serves as the base for visiting Angkor Wat and the wider Angkor Archaeological Park — the largest religious monument on the planet and, for most travellers, the single most memorable stop in mainland Southeast Asia. It sits roughly 600 kilometres east of Bangkok as the crow flies, so despite being in a different country the practical distance is shorter than Bangkok to Phuket. Direct flights were suspended for several years post-2020 but have been restored on Bangkok Airways, AirAsia and Cambodia Angkor Air, so Siem Reap International Airport (REP) — now relocated 40 km further east from the town — is once again reachable in a scheduled hour of flying, plus a 45-minute taxi at the far end.
The two realistic routes are night-and-day different. A direct flight from BKK or DMK costs 2,500 to 7,000 THB return, takes an hour, and lands you at your hotel by lunchtime. The overland route via the Poipet border crossing is a 12-to-14-hour marathon — an early minivan or coach out of Mo Chit or Khao San to Aranyaprathet, an exit stamp from Thailand, a walk across the border, a Cambodian visa-on-arrival (roughly USD 30 plus a passport photo), then a second bus or shared taxi 150 km east to Siem Reap. The overland option costs 700 to 1,200 THB all-in and is a rite of passage for backpackers, but the border is infamous for scam operators — fake 'visa offices', shuttle-bus swaps at inflated prices, drivers who claim your hotel has closed. Read our /safety-tips guide before choosing this route, or pay a small premium for a reputable tourist-bus company (Giant Ibis, Nattakan) that handles the whole run door-to-door.
Three days is the minimum for a proper Angkor experience and five is better. A typical rhythm: day one, arrive around midday, ride bicycles or a tuk-tuk around the compact temples of Angkor Thom (Bayon, Baphuon, the Terrace of the Elephants); day two, up at 04:30 for Angkor Wat sunrise, then Ta Prohm (the tree-strangled temple made famous by Tomb Raider), lunch in town, and Banteay Kdei in the afternoon; day three, drive out to Banteay Srei (the delicate pink-sandstone 'jewel box' 40 km north-east) and the Roluos group. Evenings belong to Pub Street, the boisterous night-market strip in the town centre — good for kh'tieu noodles, fish amok curry, and a US$1 draft Angkor beer. Angkor pass prices are set by the Apsara Authority: 1-day US$37, 3-day US$62, 7-day US$72; passes must be bought in person and photographed on the spot. Cross-link to /embassies and /visa for current border and stamp requirements.
Transport options
Direct flight BKK/DMK → REP
2,500–7,000 THB return
1 h flight + 45 min taxi
Bangkok Airways, AirAsia, and Cambodia Angkor Air run daily direct services. New Siem Reap International Airport is 40 km east of the town; a fixed-price taxi runs USD 15–20. Cambodian visa-on-arrival is straightforward at the terminal — USD 30 in cash plus one passport photo.
Best for: Fastest option, families, time-limited trips
Giant Ibis / Nattakan tourist coach
800–1,200 THB
12–13 h door-to-door
Reputable operators running Bangkok–Siem Reap with cross-border assistance included. Wi-Fi, reclining seats, one lunch stop. The company staff shepherd you through Poipet formalities — the main reason to pay a premium over the DIY minivan route. Book online 24–48 h ahead.
Best for: Overland budget travellers wanting a safer border experience
Khao San / Mo Chit minivan combo
700–900 THB
13–14 h with border wait
The classic DIY route: minivan or bus to Aranyaprathet (5 h), walk across the border, arrange a shared taxi or bus to Siem Reap (3 h). Cheap but this is where the notorious Poipet scams happen — inflated 'visa office' fees, forced shuttle transfers. Do not accept any 'help' from touts on either side of the border.
Best for: Backpackers on strict budgets who can navigate the border alertly
Private car with driver
9,000–14,000 THB one-way
10–12 h with border
A driver from Bangkok will take you to the border, wait while you cross on foot, and a partner Cambodian car meets you on the far side. Comfortable but expensive; only makes sense for groups of four or families with lots of luggage.
Best for: Groups of 4 with lots of luggage
Suggested 3-day Angkor itinerary
Day 1 · 07:00
Fly BKK → REP. Arrive around 09:00.
Day 1 · 10:00
Airport taxi to hotel in Siem Reap town (~45 min, USD 15–20).
Day 1 · 12:30
Lunch in town; buy Angkor Pass at the official ticket office (photo required).
Day 1 · 15:00
Angkor Thom: Bayon (200+ carved faces), Baphuon, Terrace of the Elephants.
Day 1 · 19:00
Dinner at a Pub Street restaurant; try fish amok (Cambodian coconut curry).
Day 2 · 04:30
Tuk-tuk to Angkor Wat for sunrise (arrive by 05:15 for east reflecting pool).
Day 2 · 07:30
Explore Angkor Wat's inner galleries; return to town for breakfast.
Day 2 · 10:30
Ta Prohm (the tree-strangled 'Tomb Raider' temple).
Day 2 · 15:00
Banteay Kdei and Sras Srang reservoir.
Day 3 · 08:00
Drive 40 km north-east to Banteay Srei ('citadel of women', pink sandstone).
Day 3 · 14:00
Roluos group of temples (Bakong, Preah Ko, Lolei) — early Angkor style.
Day 3 · 18:00
Cambodian Circus (Phare Ponleu Selpak) show, then evening flight back to Bangkok.
Best time to go
November to February is peak Angkor season — cool, dry, and clear light for photography, but very crowded at sunrise. March to May is punishingly hot (35–40 °C at midday) but the temples empty out from 11:00. June to October is Cambodia's rainy season, when the moats fill, the jungle turns lurid green, and hotel rates drop 30–40%. Avoid Chinese New Year and Khmer New Year (mid-April) if you dislike crowds.
Where to stay
Budget guesthouses cluster around Wat Bo and Pub Street from USD 15–30/night. Mid-range hotels with pool run USD 40–80 (FCC Angkor, Central Boutique). Luxury options include Belmond La Résidence d'Angkor and Amansara, both USD 400+. Stay in town rather than near the airport — the transport savings and evening buzz are worth it.
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Sources & official references
- Bangkok Airways — Direct Bangkok–Siem Reap flight schedule and booking for the restored 2023 route.
- Cambodia Angkor Air — The Cambodian national carrier's Bangkok schedule and codeshare details.
- Cambodia e-visa — Official e-visa portal — USD 36, arrives by email in 3 business days.
- Apsara Authority tickets — Official Angkor Pass sales, entry rules, and current temple opening times.
Bangkok Knowledge Editorial
Verified teamA team of long-term Bangkok residents and travel writers — expats, journalists, and local Thai contributors — who fact-check every guide against on-the-ground experience and official sources.
Last updated: 2026-07