Cambodia visa and getting to Angkor Thom
Most visitors fly into Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI), which opened for commercial flights on 16 October 2023. It replaced the old airport near the town. The airport is roughly 50 km east of Siem Reap and 40 km east of Angkor Wat. Angkor Thom lies about 2 km from Angkor Wat to the South Gate, depending on where you measure.
German passports need a visa. The tourist e-Visa costs $30 in 2026, and a free e-Arrival declaration is required in addition if you arrive by air. Once you land, the ride to the park is short, and our Angkor Thom tours cover transfers and guided days. Passports of other countries have their own rules, so check yours.
Our pick: a tuk-tuk from your hotel
A private tuk-tuk with pickup at your hotel in Siem Reap, which takes care of the way out to Angkor.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Transfers and tours to Angkor Thom
Guided days from Siem Reap, tuk-tuk trips and transfers to Angkor Thom, with live prices and availability. Check each listing for pickup and whether the Angkor Pass is included.
Cambodia visa 2026
Three steps: visa, e-Arrival and a passport with enough validity.
| Option | Cost | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist e-Visa | $30 | Single entry, use within 3 months of issue, stay of 1 month, processing 3 working days |
| Visa on arrival | Paid in USD at the airport | Needs a passport photo. Ask for the current amount before you travel |
| e-Arrival | Free | Complete within 7 days before arrival by air. It does not replace a visa |
For the e-Visa you need a passport with more than 6 months of validity, a digital passport photo and a card. Apply early. The German Foreign Office suggests at least 2 weeks before departure, the UK advice at least 4 days, and processing takes 3 working days. These are separate figures, so allow the longer lead time. Guest houses and hotels register foreign guests, which is a separate step from your visa.
Siem Reap airport (SAI) and the old code REP
Use the right code when you book.
The airport code for flights is SAI. The old code REP belonged to the previous city airport, which the new one replaced. If a guide or booking site lists REP, treat that as outdated information. SAI is the airport for Angkor.
The land crossings between Thailand and Cambodia are closed (as of October 2026). Do not plan to arrive overland through Poipet. Fly to SAI and check the current situation before you travel.
Taxi and transfer from Siem Reap Angkor Airport (SAI)
The airport bus, a taxi or a transfer your hotel arranges.
Airport shuttle bus
The bus costs $8 one way between SAI and the city station. After you leave the arrivals area, turn left to the airport bus desk. The city station is at 7 Makara Road.
Timetable from SAI to the city
09:30, 11:00, 12:30, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00, 17:30, 19:00, 20:00 and 22:00. Check the current timetable before you go.
Timetable from the city to SAI
05:30, 07:00, 08:00, 10:00, 12:00, 13:30, 15:00, 16:00, 17:30 and 19:00.
Hotel pickup and drop-off
The bus offers hotel pickup for $2 and free drop-off from the city station to hotels within 2 km. Ask at the bus desk what applies to you before you rely on it.
Taxi
A taxi is the other option. Agree the fare before you get in, or ask your hotel to arrange a pickup. Since 1 August 2026, passengers on eligible domestic flights get 50 percent off the airport bus and $10 off a taxi with named partners. Show your boarding pass of the day.
Car hire and tuk-tuk to Angkor Thom
From Siem Reap to the park.
Siem Reap has car hire, tuk-tuks and drivers. A tuk-tuk is the usual way to reach the temples, and a day with a driver lets you build the route. Agree the fare, the route and the waiting time before you set off. Rental and tuk-tuk prices vary, so do not rely on a single quoted figure. See Angkor Thom tours for guided and driver options.
For Siem Reap as a base, see the Siem Reap guide and where to stay. Pick the season on best time to visit.
Border areas and travel advice
Check your own government's advice before you book.
Germany
The Foreign Office warns against travel within 20 km of the Thai border and says all border crossings remain closed.
United States
The advisory of 15 September 2026 puts Cambodia at Level 2 overall and border areas within 50 km at Level 4. It asks for extra care in Siem Reap province because of unexploded ordnance, especially in remote areas.
United Kingdom
The advice, updated on 19 March 2026, advises against non-essential travel within 20 km of the land border.
At the temples
Stay on marked paths. The German Foreign Office asks visitors not to leave them at the temple sites.
Getting to Angkor Thom: frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Cambodia?
German passports need one. The tourist e-Visa costs $30, is valid for a single entry and allows a stay of 1 month. Other nationalities should check their own rules.
What is e-Arrival?
A free electronic declaration for arrivals by air, to complete within 7 days before arrival. It does not replace a visa.
How far is the airport from Angkor Thom?
SAI is roughly 50 km east of Siem Reap and 40 km east of Angkor Wat. Angkor Thom is about 2 km further on, measured from Angkor Wat to the South Gate. Plan time for the ride after you land.
What does the airport shuttle cost?
The airport bus costs $8 one way between SAI and the city station. Check the current timetable before you go.
Can I arrive from Thailand by land?
Not at present. The land crossings between Thailand and Cambodia are closed. Fly to SAI.
What is the difference between SAI and REP?
SAI is the new Siem Reap Angkor International Airport. REP was the old airport near the town. Use SAI when you book.