So, you’re planning an adventure from Australia to Cambodia! One of the first questions I always get as a travel consultant is: 'Henry, how do I actually get there?' Since there are no direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, or Perth, you will need a brief stopover. But don't worry, this can actually be a bonus. Let me break down the most convenient flight paths, the new digital entry cards you need to know about, and how to arrive in Cambodia fresh and ready to explore.
Are There Direct Flights from Australia to Cambodia?
No. There are currently no regular direct (non-stop) flights from Australia to Cambodia. If you’re travelling from major Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne or Perth to Cambodian destinations such as Siem Reap, Angkor International Airport (SAI) or Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH), you will need at least one layover, typical stopover hubs are cities like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok.
What to Expect with Connecting Flights
Popular airlines serving these routes include Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, AirAsia and Thai Airways.
Flight durations (including layovers) typically range from 9 to 15 hours, depending on connection city and waiting time.
Because there’s no nonstop flight, it pays to check multiple layover options, sometimes a slightly longer connection yields better schedules or prices.
If you’re planning a trip from Australia to Cambodia, treat it as a one-stop journey via Southeast Asia. Booking through a reliable hub like Singapore or Kuala Lumpur tends to be the most straightforward and time-efficient option. Also, factor in potential delays during connections and aim for at least 2–3 hours between flights if booking separate tickets.
Best Connecting Cities for Cambodia Flights
Since you cannot fly direct, choosing where to change planes is the most important decision you will make. Over the years, I’ve found that each hub offers a completely different experience.
Here is our honest breakdown of the major transit hubs for Australians:
Singapore (SIN)
Best for: Comfort seekers and families.
Pros: Changi Airport is world-class (free movies, butterfly gardens, shower facilities). The connection to Cambodia is seamless with Singapore Airlines or Jetstar.
Cons: Flights can be pricier than other routes.
Verdict: If you can afford the premium, this is the stress-free option.
Bangkok, Thailand (BKK)
Best for: Travellers wanting a "two-in-one" holiday.
Pros: Pros: Incredible frequency of daily flights to both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. It’s perfect if you want to break up the journey with a few days of shopping or street food in Bangkok..
Cons: Suvarnabhumi Airport is massive and can be chaotic during peak times. Immigration lines can be long if you exit the airport.
Verdict: The most flexible option for schedules.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (SGN)
Best for: Geography and efficiency.
Pros: Pros: It is logically on the way. The flight from SGN to Cambodia is a mere 45-minute "hop." Vietnam Airlines often offers very competitive fares from Sydney and Melbourne.
Cons: The international terminal can feel crowded.
Verdict: The smart choice for combining Vietnam and Cambodia in one trip.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (KUL)
Best for: Budget-conscious travellers.
Pros: The home of AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines. You can often find excellent deals from Perth and the Gold Coast.
Cons: You may need to switch terminals (KLIA1 to KLIA2) depending on your airline mix, which takes time.
Verdict: Great value if you don't mind a no-frills experience.
Travel Tips for Australians Visiting Cambodia
Now that you know how to get here, let’s make sure your arrival is as smooth as your flight. As an Australian traveller, there are a few specific logistics you need to tick off before you pack your bags.
Here are our essential practical tips:
Visa Requirements for Australians You absolutely need a visa to enter the Kingdom of the Cambodia. While you can still get a "Cambodia Visa on Arrival" at the airport, I strongly recommend applying for an E-Visa online beforehand to skip the queues.
How long can I stay? A standard Tourist Visa grants you a stay of 30 days.
Can I extend it? Yes. If you fall in love with the country (which is highly likely!), you can extend your tourist visa once for an additional 30 days at the immigration office in Phnom Penh.
Don't Forget the E-Arrival Card This is a new requirement that catches many people out. Before you fly, you must complete the Cambodia e-Arrival Card (a digital immigration and health form). You should do this within 7 days of your arrival.
Timing Your Trip Cambodia is hot, but there is "hot" and then there is "scorching."
Best Time to Fly: The dry season runs from November to April. This is generally considered the best time to visit Cambodia as the weather is cooler and perfect for temple trekking.
Green Season: If you don't mind a daily downpour, travelling between May and October offers lush green landscapes and fewer crowds.
Planning Your Cambodia Itinerary Many Australians make the mistake of flying in, seeing Angkor Wat, and flying out. But there is so much more to see!
Check out our comprehensive Cambodia travel guide to understand the lay of the land.
Beyond the temples, consider the floating villages or the southern islands. For a full breakdown of must-see spots, read our article on the best places to visit in Cambodia.
Looking for activities? From cooking classes to jungle trekking, here is a list of the top things to do in Cambodia.
Let Us Handle the Logistics If coordinating flights, transfers, and visas sounds like a headache, we can handle it for you.
Browse our pre-designed Cambodia tour packages to see itineraries that are popular with our Australian clients.
Want something unique? We can build a customized tour specifically for your budget and interests.
Still have questions about flight routes or the new airports? Feel free to contact us directly, I’d be happy to chat through your options.
Ready for Your Cambodian Adventure?
While the lack of direct flights to Cambodia from Australia might seem like a hurdle at first, it is actually just the beginning of the adventure. Whether you choose the world-class comfort of a stopover in Singapore, the efficiency of Vietnam, or the flexibility of Bangkok, getting to the Kingdom of Wonder is easier than you think, especially when you know the 2026 routes.
Remember, the logistics are just one small part of the journey. Once you land, whether it's at the new SAI airport in Siem Reap or the bustling capital, you are steps away from ancient temples, vibrant markets, and some of the friendliest people on earth.
Don’t let the route planning stress you out. If you are still unsure which connection is best for your budget, or if you want to combine Cambodia with a Vietnam or Thailand stopover, I am here to help.
Need a custom plan? Contact us today for a free consultation.
Want to see what’s possible? Browse our most popular Cambodia vacation packages for Australians.
Safe travels, and I look forward to welcoming you to Cambodia soon!