Getting to Siem Reap, SAI Airport Transfers and Hiring a Tuk-Tuk

Siem Reap sits in north-western Cambodia, connected by direct short-haul flights to Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, and by overland highway to Phnom Penh. Knowing the location of the new international airport and how temple transport works makes arrival effortless.

From Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) to the town centre

In late 2023, all commercial flights moved from the old close-in airfield to the brand-new Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI), located 45 kilometres east of Siem Reap in Soutr Nikom district. Because the drive along the dedicated airport expressway takes 45 to 55 minutes, do not confuse its distance with the old airport:

• Official Airport Shuttle Bus: air-conditioned coaches depart outside the SAI arrivals hall on a regular schedule linked to incoming flights, terminating near the CDF Duty Free complex and central Siem Reap.
• Fixed-rate Airport Taxis, minivans and hotel transfers: official transport counters inside the arrivals hall sell fixed-rate vouchers for private sedans and family minivans right to your hotel door, or you can pre-book a driver through your guesthouse or travel app.

Hiring a Cambodian remork tuk-tuk vs car for the Angkor circuits

For exploring the Small and Grand Circuits of Angkor, the quintessential vehicle is the Cambodian remork: a cushioned, canopied four-seat carriage pulled behind a motorbike, open on the sides so a warm breeze cools you between shaded forest avenues and you can step straight out at every temple gate:

• Full-day remork hire with driver: rather than hailing random rides at each ruin (mobile reception inside the forest can be patchy), hire one English-speaking remork driver for the entire day through your hotel or by recommendation. Your driver will stop at the official Road 60 ticket centre if you still need your Angkor Pass, wait in the shaded parking area at each temple (or move to the opposite gate when you walk straight through temples like Bayon, Ta Prohm or Preah Khan), and keep cold drinking water in an icebox.
• When to switch to an air-conditioned car or e-bike: for outlying temples such as Banteay Srei (37 km north) or Beng Mealea, an air-conditioned car is faster and far less dusty, while pedal-assist electric bicycles booked in town can be ridden along the shaded park cycle paths. For short evening hops around town, use Grab or PassApp.