The New Gateway to Angkor Wat

By: Cindy Medina

Photo by Paul Szewczyk on Unsplash

If you have ever dreamt of visiting Angkor Wat, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, then it might just be the right time to go. Cambodia has recently opened its newest and largest airport, located in the province of Siem Reap. The new airport is named Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SIA) and is approximately 30 miles away from Angkor Wat. When planning a trip make sure not to confuse it with its older counterpart, Siem Reap International Airport (REP), which closed in October of this year.

The new airport was funded by China at a cost of $1.1 billion. Its 3,600 meter-long runway allows for larger commercial planes to be accomodated. Via Siem Reap, Cambodia will be able to welcome 7 million passengers a year. According to Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism, 2.6 million tourists visit Angkor Wat annually.

It seems like some travelers are not pleased that the old airport shut down, given it had a closer proximity to the UNESCO site and the city center. However, having access to an airport that accommodates larger airplanes and additional airlines could lead to more affordable airfare prices in the future.

(Pictures Courtesy of the Cambodia Tourism Board)