Located 8 km west of the city, Phnom Penh International airport is a charming airport that welcomes roughly 1.2 million travelers every year. Passenger numbers have over doubled in the last 5 years with Cambodia’s growing tourism segment and the introduction of regional airlines.
Formerly known as Pochentong International airport, it's a two-story structure with a warm appearance and lots of decorative local artifacts accenting the area. The airport receives flights from international carriers like Emirates Airlines, Lufthansa and British Airways.
Arrivals
When you arrive in Phnom Penh, go to the luggage claim and immigration areas. In case you want to get a visa on arrival, submit your application form at the counter with one passport photo and US$20 and wait about 15 minutes to get your visa. If you have an e-visa, go straight to the passport counters. Through this, continue to the luggage claim then to customs. If there's a customs officer present give him your declaration form and proceed out into the arrivals hall.
In the arrivals hall you will notice some mobile phone desks where it's the lowest to buy temporary SIM cards for your phone. There’s also a money changer and ATMs.
Departures
Up the stairways, passport control is equipped with fingerprint machines and digital cameras; you will be recorded as you leave the country. Tickets issued after January 2011, have the tax included in the price.
Transpiration Options
You can take a public bus connecting to the airport or take a taxi to get to your hotel. Using public taxi is easy and reasonable everywhere in the downtown area. Tuk-tuks cost US$7.00 and cars cost US$9.00. Motorbike taxis are another option but they are not allowed pick up tourists at the airport however you hail one of you wish outside the airport area. These motorbike taxis should cost no more than US$5.00.
Eating and Drinking
Retailer SajiBumi which runs bars and cafes, restaurants in airports in Malaysia and Singapore have established variety of new food and beverage retailers in the airport. The new outlets include international brands like PHO24 and The Pizza Company and some local brands.
Entertainment
For a fee of US$8, passengers travelling on all airlines in any passenger category can relish the Le Salon lounge. Facilities include food and beverage services, Wi-Fi and built-in tabletop PCs, international newspapers, magazines and television, music and comfortable seating. Le Salon Lounge is found on the first floor of the departures hall. A massage Salon give you a wonderful relax before your flight with seated and foot massage. They also sell oils for comfort, upbeat and aromatherapy tools. There are also the free internet corners of the departure halls. BBG services are provided so that you can to make oversea calls from the post office. Prayer rooms and smoking rooms are also available for use. There’s an info desk where you can get further info regarding airport services.
Shopping and duty free
Phnom Penh International Airport houses variety outlets including 2 general Duty Free shops run by Dufry Cambodia and an Attwood Duty Free shop where you can find the standard tax-free goods. Interesting souvenirs from silks to weaves, lacquer-ware to stone ornaments can be bought at Artisans d’Angkor. Soma Flower allows you to buy a number of the exotic tropical blossoms of Kingdom of Cambodia and Monument Books has an excellent books about Cambodia.
If you're looking for some fashion head to EZI Wear Travel for modern beachwear and nightclothes or Ambre boutique for a good choice of clothing.