The only practical way from Bangkok to Siem Reap right now is to fly. All land border crossings between Thailand and Cambodia, including Aranyaprathet–Poipet, have been closed to tourists since mid-2025 because of the border conflict, and the Bangkok–Siem Reap buses are suspended. Direct flights take about an hour and leave from both Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK), with one-way fares often starting around $85–110. Allow 3–4 hours door to door, including the transfer from Siem Reap’s new airport, which is about 40–50 km from town.
Bangkok to Siem Reap: quick facts
| Best option | Direct flight, about 1 hour |
| Airlines | Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Thai Airways, Air Cambodia |
| Departure airports | Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) |
| Arrival airport | Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) |
| Typical one-way fare | Often from about $85–110 when booked ahead |
| Land border | Closed to tourists since mid-2025; buses suspended |
| Entry | Cambodia visa (eVisa or on arrival) plus the free e-Arrival card |
Is the Thailand–Cambodia border open?
No. Thailand closed its land crossings with Cambodia in June 2025 as the border dispute escalated into armed clashes, and as of October 2026 they remained closed to tourists. This includes Aranyaprathet–Poipet, the usual route from Bangkok to Siem Reap, as well as Hat Lek–Cham Yeam on the coast and the smaller northern crossings. No reopening date has been announced, and governments advise avoiding the border areas. Ignore old guides and booking pages that still describe buses or the train to Aranyaprathet; those services are suspended.
For background on the conflict and which parts of Cambodia to avoid, see our guide to whether Cambodia is safe.
Bangkok to Siem Reap by plane
Flights run many times a day, and the route has been busy since the border closed. The flight time is about an hour.
- Thai AirAsia is usually the cheapest and mostly flies from Don Mueang (DMK). Check baggage allowances, because hold luggage costs extra.
- Bangkok Airways and Thai Airways fly from Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and usually include checked baggage; they are the better choice if you are connecting from a long-haul flight into BKK.
- Air Cambodia also serves the route.
One-way fares often start around $85–110 when booked a few weeks ahead and rise quickly at short notice and in peak season (December–January and around Chinese New Year). If you are arriving in Bangkok on an international flight, leave plenty of time if you need to switch from BKK to DMK; the transfer between the two airports can take more than an hour.
Getting from Siem Reap airport to town
Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) is about 40–50 km from the town centre, roughly 50–75 minutes by road. Shuttle buses cost about $8–9 per person, official private cars about $35 per vehicle, and pre-booked taxis or ride-hailing apps about $25–35. Many hotels arrange pickups.
Alternatives to flying direct
- Fly to Phnom Penh, then take the bus. Flights from Bangkok to Phnom Penh’s Techo International Airport also take about an hour, and sometimes cost less. From Phnom Penh it is 5½–7 hours by bus to Siem Reap; see our Phnom Penh to Siem Reap guide. This works well if you want to see both cities.
- Overland via Laos or Vietnam. The land borders between Cambodia and Laos and between Cambodia and Vietnam remain open, so you can travel overland from Thailand through Laos, or fly to Ho Chi Minh City and take the bus to Phnom Penh. Expect at least two or three extra days.
Visa and entry requirements for Cambodia
Most nationalities need a visa for Cambodia. You can apply online for an eVisa before you travel or, for many nationalities, get a visa on arrival at Siem Reap airport for about $30. Cambodia also requires a free e-Arrival card, completed online within seven days before arrival; it is separate from the visa. Your passport should be valid for at least six months. Rules change, so check the official Cambodian government websites before you fly, and only use official sites rather than look-alike agencies that charge extra.
How long does it take to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap?
About an hour in the air, or 3–4 hours door to door including check-in, immigration and the airport transfer in Siem Reap. Before the border closed, the bus via Poipet took around 8–10 hours.
What is the cheapest way from Bangkok to Siem Reap?
With the land border closed, the cheapest option is usually a budget flight from Don Mueang booked well in advance, with carry-on luggage only. Compare it with a flight to Phnom Penh plus a $10–20 bus to Siem Reap, which can work out cheaper if Siem Reap fares are high on your dates.
Is it safe to travel from Bangkok to Siem Reap?
Yes, by air. Siem Reap and the Angkor temples are outside the border warning zones, and flights have operated normally throughout the conflict. Do not try to reach the border overland or use informal crossings, and stay away from the areas near the Thai border inside Cambodia.
What to do once you arrive
Plan at least three days in Siem Reap. Read our guides to Angkor Wat tickets, the best things to do in Siem Reap and the best time to visit Cambodia, and check our Cambodia currency guide, because US dollars are used for most payments.
Compare hotels in Siem Reap on Booking.com
FAQ
Can I take a bus from Bangkok to Siem Reap?
Not at the moment. Cross-border buses are suspended while the land border is closed.
How far is Siem Reap from Bangkok?
About 400 km by road via Poipet, or roughly 360 km in a straight line.
