Which option to choose?
| Option | Duration | Indicative price | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct flight from Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok Airways) | about 1 h 20 | €€ | most travellers; international connections |
| Direct flight from Don Mueang (Thai AirAsia) | about 1 h | € to €€ | tight budgets, cabin bag only |
| Direct bus via Aranyaprathet–Poipet | 7 to 8 h in the past | € (about $28 before the closure) | unavailable while the border is closed |
| Bus or train to Aranyaprathet, then crossing on foot | 10 to 12 h in the past | € | unavailable while the border is closed |
Durations are indicative, from airlines and guides; prices are shown as levels (€ budget, €€ mid-range), to compare on the day you book. The Bangkok–Aranyaprathet train does not go to Siem Reap: it stops at the border.
In Siem Reap, the Angkor Wat sunrise tour by tuk-tuk with breakfast can be booked ahead.
By air: the two airports
Direct flights are run mainly by Bangkok Airways (from Suvarnabhumi, several flights a day according to the aggregators we checked) and Thai AirAsia (from Don Mueang). Other airlines sometimes announce new routes: check the airline's website.
- Suvarnabhumi: handy if you arrive on a long-haul flight or want a checked bag included. See our Bangkok airports guide for getting to and from the city.
- Don Mueang: the low-cost airlines are based here. Allow for the SRT Red Line or the A1 bus into town, covered in the same guide.
- Luggage: low fares often exclude a checked bag; add it when you book, it costs less than at the airport.
- Arriving in Siem Reap: the airport is about ten kilometres from town; arrange your hotel and taxi in advance. To sleep: hotels in Siem Reap on Booking.com.
Arrive at the Bangkok airport two to three hours before an international flight.
By road: where does the border stand?
The Aranyaprathet–Poipet crossing and the other land crossings have been closed since the 2025 tensions. The latest official statements we found (24 May and 1 June 2026) say no reopening is planned, and Canada and the United Kingdom advise against, or note the suspension of, crossings. There have been one-off openings (a few hours in June 2025) that did not apply to tourists.
If the border reopens, the classic route would be: a direct bus from Mo Chit bus station (three morning departures, about 7 to 8 h, around $28 before the closure), or a bus or minivan to Aranyaprathet, crossing the border on foot (formerly open 7 am to 8 pm), then a taxi or minivan to Siem Reap (about 3 h). This paragraph is a basis for comparison, not an offer: do not book anything overland without recent confirmation. Beware of agencies at the border selling an overpriced fake "visa" (see scams to avoid in Bangkok).
Cambodian visa
Many nationalities need a tourist visa. The e-visa is requested on the Cambodian government's official site (evisa.gov.kh): $30 since 1 January 2025 according to the sources we consulted, valid for 3 months for a 30-day stay. Some 2026 guides still quote $36 or a visa on arrival at $30: check the amount on the official site and never use a site that imitates the service. Passport valid for at least six months, digital photo, onward ticket. The rules depend on your nationality: check with the Cambodian embassy.
Coming back to Thailand
When you fly back to Bangkok you are again subject to Thai entry rules: a 30-day exemption for many nationalities since 15 September 2026, and the free digital arrival card (TDAC) to complete before arrival. Land entries are limited to two per calendar year; flying is not counted. Details in our guide to visas and entry to Thailand.
Budget and payment in Cambodia
Cambodia uses the riel, but the US dollar circulates everywhere for tourists. Keep small notes in good condition. See also money, payment and tipping in Bangkok to prepare your cash in Bangkok. The Angkor temples ticket is bought on the park's official site, to be checked before you leave (we did not find a price we could quote here).
How long in Siem Reap?
Two nights let you see Angkor Wat at sunrise, the Bayon and Ta Prohm; three nights give you room to breathe. A day trip from Bangkok is possible by plane but leaves only a few hours on site: prefer at least one night. We did not find a precise, well-rated GetYourGuide offer to recommend here, so none is quoted.
Frequently asked questions
Can you go from Bangkok to Siem Reap by bus? Not in October 2026 according to the official sources we found: the land crossings are closed. Check before booking.
What is the shortest flight? The direct flight takes about 1 h (Thai AirAsia from Don Mueang) to 1 h 20 (Bangkok Airways from Suvarnabhumi).
Do you need a visa for Cambodia? For most nationalities, yes: the official e-visa ($30 according to the sources consulted) or a visa on arrival. Check with the embassy.
Can I come back to Thailand without trouble? Yes by air, with the same 30-day exemption and the TDAC; see the visa guide.
Does the train go to Siem Reap? No. The Bangkok–Aranyaprathet train stops at the border, which is currently closed.
