Cambodia to Thailand Made Easy: Flights, Tours & Travel Tips

Traveling from Cambodia to Thailand is one of the most popular routes in Southeast Asia. Many travelers combine them in one trip since the distance is relatively short — about 400 to 650 kilometers by air, depending on the cities.

The fastest and most convenient way to cover this distance is by flight. A direct flight from Phnom Penh to Bangkok takes just over an hour, while Siem Reap to Bangkok is even shorter at around 1 hour. Sihanoukville to Bangkok flights take about 1 hour and 30 minutes. These routes have multiple daily departures, making it easy to fit into any itinerary.

Currently, all land border crossings between Cambodia and Thailand are closed due to political tensions. It means flying is not only the quickest option but also the only available one. This guide covers everything, from flights to overland transport, so you can plan your trip with ease.

How Far is Thailand from Cambodia? (Map & Distance)

Cambodia and Thailand share a long border stretching over 800 kilometers. The distance between major cities varies depending on your departure and arrival points. Traveling from Bangkok to Cambodia by flight is one of the most common routes. Understanding these distances helps you plan your travel route and budget.

The most popular one is Phnom Penh to Bangkok. These capital cities are approximately 550 kilometers apart by air. The flight time is about 1 hour and 15 minutes. This route offers the most flight options and competitive prices.

Siem Reap to Bangkok is another common route. The distance is about 400 kilometers by air. Flight time is roughly 1 hour. This route is perfect if you're visiting Angkor Wat before heading to Thailand for your Thailand and Cambodia tour.

Under normal circumstances, there are three main border crossings between the countries. The Poipet-Aranyaprathet crossing is the busiest and most popular with tourists. The Had Lek-Koh Kong crossing serves travelers heading to coastal areas. The Chong Jom-O'Smach crossing is less used but serves northern routes.

Here’s a quick comparison of different transport methods from Cambodia to Thailand:

This map shows the transport between main cities in Thailand and Cambodia.

Do I Need a Visa to Travel from Cambodia to Thailand?

Visa requirements depend on your nationality and passport. The rules differ for Cambodian citizens versus foreign tourists traveling between these countries. Understanding Thailand visa requirements is important when you plan a trip to Thailand to avoid problems at immigration.

For Cambodian Citizens: Cambodian citizens may enter Thailand visa-free for short stays in certain cases. If arriving by air, the stay allowed is up to 60 days under the recent policy. If entering via land, the duration is often shorter. For longer stays or business purposes, a visa is required in advance or a visa-on-arrival / special permit may apply.

For Foreign Tourists: Most Western passport holders can enter Thailand visa-free. This includes citizens from the USA, UK, EU countries, Australia, and Canada. Visa-free stays are typically 30 days when arriving by air. Some nationalities can get a visa-on-arrival at Thai airports. This costs 2,000 Thai Baht for a 15-day stay. Check with the latest Thailand visa policy or the Thai embassy in your home country for specific requirements.

Note: Tourist visas for both countries are single-entry unless specified otherwise. Multiple-entry visas cost more but offer flexibility for multi-country trips. Plan your visa strategy based on your complete itinerary.

The sample of Thailand tourist visa.

Best Way to Travel from Cambodia to Thailand: Flight is the Easiest

The Cambodia to Thailand flight is the fastest and most reliable option. Direct flights connect Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville with Bangkok and other Thai cities. The flight time is usually one to two hours, and several airlines operate daily services. The cost ranges from $80 to $150 one way, depending on the season and how early you book.

Flights are the best way if you value comfort and time. They are also the only option when overland border crossings are restricted. If you are planning a short holiday or multi-country Southeast Asia tour itinerary, flying saves energy and avoids long hours on the road.

Here’s a quick look at the main direct flight routes between Cambodia and Thailand:

Cambodia Angkor Air offers the most comprehensive schedule between the two countries. Thai Airways provides premium service with better onboard amenities. Budget airlines like AirAsia offer lower prices but fewer included services.

Flight prices vary by season, with peak rates during November-March. Book 2-4 weeks in advance for better deals. Last-minute bookings cost significantly more, especially during holiday periods.

Guests are flying to Thailand on Cambodia Airlines.

Other Ways from Cambodia to Thailand: Train, Bus, Boat

Normally, there are many overland options for travelers. However, due to the Thailand and Cambodia conflict, tourists cannot cross the border overland currently. Only flights are currently available for travel between these countries. All land border crossings remain closed to civilian traffic.

Still, it helps to know the alternatives for the future, as these routes may reopen. Other alternatives include: Train, Bus, Boat.

The Cambodia to Thailand train is slow but budget-friendly. There is no direct train from Cambodia to Thailand. From Phnom Penh, you can reach the border, then connect to Thai trains heading to Bangkok. It takes 8 to 12 hours in total, making it more of an adventure than a time-saver. Many travelers consider this option when planning a Cambodia tour that continues into Thailand.

Buses are another common choice. The best way to get from Thailand to Cambodia by land is often through direct bus services between Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Bangkok. The trip takes 8 to 10 hours and costs around $15 to $25. It’s affordable but can be tiring.

Some travelers take the boat from Cambodia to Thailand, especially through the Koh Kong area. This involves a ferry ride combined with a bus transfer, offering scenic views but requiring more time and planning. This route appeals to those seeking a slower, scenic journey as part of their Thailand tour experience.

Driving or hiring a private car is also possible. This gives you flexibility and comfort but comes with a higher price tag. Expect to pay $120 to $200 for a private transfer covering the Cambodia to Thailand distance.

Our guests traveled by train in Thailand.

Suggested Cambodia to Thailand Tour Itineraries for First-timers

Organized tours provide hassle-free travel between Cambodia and Thailand. Professional tour operators handle logistics, accommodation, and transportation. This removes stress from planning multi-country trips. Here are two recommended Cambodia to Thailand tour itineraries for first-timers.

11 Days Cambodia and Thailand Highlights Tour
This 11-day Cambodia and Thailand highlights tour includes all the prime attractions of both countries. Begin with 4 days of discovery in Siem Reap, exploring Angkor Wat complex. Follow this up with 2 days in Phnom Penh, covering the Royal Palace and Genocide Museum. Fly to Bangkok for temple tours and market visits for 3 days. Finish up with 2 days in Ayutthaya, visiting ancient ruins.

The trip features cultural shows, cooking classes, and local markets. Expert English-speaking guides give background information at major attractions. All internal flights, accommodation, and guided tours are covered. From $1,200 USD per person.

11 Days Cambodia and Thailand Highlights Tour Package

Siem Reap – Bangkok – Chiang Mai - Phuket

17 Days Best Cambodia and Northern Thailand Tour
This longer 17-day best of Cambodia and Northern Thailand tour ventures further than the capital cities. Spend 6 days in Cambodia visiting Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and rural villages. Experience rural Khmer life and traditional Khmer culture.

Proceed with 8 days in northern Thailand, visiting Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. See hill tribes, elephant refuges, and mountain temples. Finish with 3 days in Bangkok to shop and have your final cultural experiences.

The tours feature local flights, decent accommodation, and professional guides. Cultural immersion activities and responsible tourism practices are emphasized. Prices start from $2,400 USD per person, including most meals.

17 Days Best Cambodia and Northern Thailand Tour

Phnom Penh – Siem Reap – Bangkok – Ayutthaya – Sukhothai – Chiang Rai – Golden Triangle – Chiang Mai

Useful Travel Tips When Traveling from Cambodia to Thailand

When booking your holiday, timing is everything. The best time to visit Thailand and Cambodia is between November and April. It is dry season with nice weather, ideal for sightseeing and beach vacations. May to October is the rainy season, but it means reduced prices and smaller crowds.

Money is another important factor. For Cambodian currency, you’ll often use US dollars alongside the local riel. The Thai currency is the baht. It’s easy to exchange money at airports, banks, and ATMs. Carry some small bills for local markets and transport.

Safety and health tips should not be overlooked. Both countries are safe for tourists, but watch your belongings in crowded areas. Drink bottled water, use sunscreen, and pack insect repellent to avoid mosquito bites. Travel insurance is highly recommended, especially when crossing borders.

December is one of the best times to visit Angkor Wat.

Conclusion

From weekend vacations to long trips, traveling between Cambodia and Thailand offers quite a number of cultural attractions. But careful planning makes Thailand and Cambodia tours a memorable experience.

At Indochina Tour, we provide personalized travel solutions that make it easy to travel across borders. We assist with route planning, ticket reservations, and local know-how so you can concentrate on having fun. So contact us today and start organizing your tour with Indochina Tour to travel easily!