Port information & tips for Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is the fascinating capital of Cambodia and is picturesquely situated at the confluence of the Mekong and the Tonle Sap. Once known as the "Pearl of Asia", the metropolis impresses with a unique blend of French colonial architecture, magnificent pagodas, and bustling Southeast Asian life. Cultural highlights include the majestic Royal Palace with the glittering Silver Pagoda as well as the historic Wat Phnom temple, both of which can be reached in a short time. Cruise ships dock at the centrally located Passenger and Tourist Terminal TS1 of the Phnom Penh Autonomous Port. Thanks to its prime location directly on Sisowath Quay, numerous restaurants, markets, and the city center's most important sights are within comfortable walking distance.
The cruise port of Phnom Penh, a major hub for Mekong River cruises, is primarily accessible to travelers from the DACH region by air. Since ships usually dock centrally along the Mekong riverfront, such as Sisowath Quay, there is excellent access to the city's infrastructure. Due to the long travel times, an overnight stay in Cambodia's vibrant capital is highly recommended.
Airplane
Arrival is via the new Techo International Airport (KTI), which replaced the former PNH airport in September 2025 and now serves as the international gateway to the capital. It is located approximately 20 to 24 kilometers south of Phnom Penh city center. Direct flights from the DACH region are rare, so connecting flights via major Asian hubs such as Bangkok, Singapore, or Kuala Lumpur are usually necessary.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Techo International Airport (KTI), you can easily reach the city center by taxi or via ride-hailing apps such as Grab and PassApp. The journey takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs around 10 to 20 US dollars. Alternatively, the Airport Express Bus (AEB) provides a cost-effective connection to the city center, for example to the Canadia Garden stop near the train station, for about 1,500 KHR (approx. 0.37 USD) with a travel time of around 1 hour 15 minutes. Many cruise lines also organize transfers from the airport to the ship or a pre-cruise hotel.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
An overnight stay in a pre-cruise hotel in Phnom Penh is particularly advisable to relax after the long flight and explore the fascinating city before your embarkation. Numerous hotels in the city center or along Sisowath Quay offer not only comfort but often organized airport transfers and exciting city tours to ensure a smooth start to your river cruise experience.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually include a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
