Siem Reap-Angkor Layover Guide (REP)

What are you looking for in REP?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Siem Reap–Angkor Airport (REP) is an international airport located in Siem Reap Province, Cambodia. It’s situated about 7 km (4.3 miles) from downtown Siem Reap. The airport officially opened in 2023. Siem Reap is the gateway to the Angkor Wat temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is known for its vibrant culture, historical significance, and a wide range of leisure and tourism activities.

Can you leave Siem Reap-Angkor Airport (REP) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Passengers on a layover at Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport may leave to explore Cambodia if their visa arrangements permit. Most nationalities must obtain a Cambodian visa—prearrival e-Visa or visa on arrival. Ensure sufficient layover time, carry a valid passport, and comply with immigration regulations safely. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Angkor Wat Marvel at the world’s largest religious monument, admiring intricate bas-reliefs and grand towers reflecting in moat waters, for an unforgettable glimpse into Khmer timeless architectural mastery. (Time required: 2–3 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi or tuk-tuk ~20 minutes.)
• Angkor Thom & Bayon Explore the ancient walled city of Angkor Thom, wandering through its massive gates, then marvel at Bayon’s dozens of serene stone faces adorning towers glowing in early soft gentle morning light. (Time required: 1.5–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi or tuk-tuk ~20 minutes.)
• Ta Prohm Step into the enchanting jungle-entwined ruins of Ta Prohm, where colossal tree roots choke sandstone structures, creating a surreal atmosphere that captivate every curious traveler seeking mystery and photography opportunities. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi or tuk-tuk ~25 minutes.)
• Banteay Srei Discover the pink-hued carvings of Banteay Srei, famed for its intricate sandstone reliefs depicting Hindu mythology, nestled amid tranquil countryside far from crowded main temple complexes, offering serene cultural immersion. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~45 minutes.)
• Angkor National Museum Browse exceptional exhibits at Angkor National Museum, showcasing statues, relics and multimedia displays that illuminate Khmer Empire history, providing essential context and enriching appreciation for temple ruins, showcasing ancient architectural marvels. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi or tuk-tuk ~15 minutes.)
• Tonle Sap Lake Cruise Embark on a floating village tour at Tonle Sap Lake, witnessing stilted homes, local fisheries and vibrant picturesque wetlands teeming with wildlife while cruising serene waters under the midday sun. (Time required: 1.5–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~25 minutes.)
• Pub Street & Old Market Experience lively Pub Street’s neon-lit bars, street food stalls and traditional Khmer eateries, then wander Old Market’s labyrinth of handicrafts, spices and souvenirs for a taste of vibrant local culture. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Tuk-tuk ~20 minutes.)
• Phare Cambodian Circus Delight in Phare’s dynamic performance blending acrobatics, theater and live music, telling Cambodian stories with astonishing artistry and emotion in an intimate open-air canvas under shimmering lights. Captivating vibrant visuals. (Time required: 1.5–2 hours. / Airport to here: Tuk-tuk ~25 minutes.)

Things to Do in Siem Reap-Angkor Airport (REP)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Angkor Lounge (06:00–21:00 daily) sits airside in Concourse 1, offering spacious seating zones, air conditioning, barista coffee, hot/cold buffet, soft drinks, house wine and beer. Flight information screens, newspapers, magazines, power outlets and an outdoor deck complete the setup. Showers and private VIP rooms (reservation only) are available for a fee. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Within 3 km of REP, options range from budget guesthouses to five-star resorts. Popular choices include Hotel De La Renaissance, Royal Angkor Resort & Spa, Angkor Miracle Resort, Anantara Angkor and Lotus Blanc Resort. Most offer free airport shuttle, early/late check-in, spa facilities and on-site dining, with rates from ≈$30 to $300 USD per night. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Seats with built-in chargers and free Wi-Fi fill the departure hall. Quiet zones near Gates 4–6 feature reclinable chairs and natural light. No dedicated sleep pods or cabins; weary travelers often use lounge seating or carpeted pillars. Angkor Lounge showers (fee applies) provide refresh options before an overnight layover.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Connect to SAI AIRPORT FREE WIFI in both terminals. Registration is automatic: select the network and accept terms. Speeds suffice for browsing, messaging and streaming. Coverage is strongest in the departure hall and lounges. No public Ethernet ports are provided.

SIM/eSIM Card: SIM counters in Arrivals sell Metfone, Smart Axiata and Cellcard tourist SIMs at city-rate prices. Smart’s 15-day, 30 GB tourist pack costs $5 USD. eSIM packages purchasable via operator apps. Activation is instant; 4G covers all terminal areas, with 5G expected by 2026. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official taxis queue outside Arrivals. Metered fares run ≈€23 (≈KHR 96 000) or $35 USD to city centre (45–60 min). Drivers accept riel or USD. Fixed-rate pre-bookings start at $20 USD online. Available 24/7, with longer waits during off-peak hours.

Train: There is no rail connection at Siem Reap–Angkor Airport. Cambodia’s railway network serves Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville only, with the nearest station in Phnom Penh (≈350 km away). No airport express train is forecast.

Bus: Shuttle buses depart Arrivals every 1–2 hours from 09:30 to 22:00, stopping at Makro, the CDF Duty-Free Store and Angkor Market. One-way tickets cost €7.70 (KHR 32 100) or $8 USD; return €14.40. Journey time ≈60 minutes, varying with traffic. Cash only at the airport booth.

Shuttle: Airport-run minibuses operate 08:00–19:00 at 30-min intervals to downtown hotels. Tickets are $8 USD one-way, sold at the transportation desk in Arrivals; return options available. Vehicles are air-conditioned with luggage racks. Advance booking at the desk or via hotel concierge is recommended.

Car rentals: Desks for Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and local agencies line the Arrivals hall. You’ll need an international driver’s licence and a credit-card deposit. Economy cars start at ≈$44 USD/day; SUVs and premium models run $100+. On-site pick-up/drop-off is 24/7. Free cancellation policies are common on comparison sites. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Outdoor parking for cars, minibuses and motorbikes is available at the terminal entrance. Vehicles ≤7 seats park free for up to 15 minutes; larger vehicles get 30 minutes free. After that, hourly rates apply. No covered parking exists. Payment via booth kiosks accepts cash or card.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

REP does not offer public luggage lockers. Free luggage carts circulate airside. Seal & Go provides paid baggage wrapping and weighing. For longer-term storage, off-site services in Siem Reap city must be used. Lost-and-found is handled at the baggage service counter. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Siem Reap-Angkor Airport (REP) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks