Once known as the “Pearl of Asia”, Cambodia’s exotic capital has managed to preserve much of its old charm. Phnom Penh was built by the French in what was then Indochina. Today, it continues to demonstrate the exuberance of Khmer art and civilisation.

Check the price of flights to Phnom Penh further below and book Economy or Premium Class flights to Phnom Penh for a dazzling array of Cambodian colour and culture.

Passengers flying from Ho Chi Minh City with Qatar Airways will depart from Vietnam’s largest airport, Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport. This modern airport is situated close to the heart of the city, and provides an excellent departure points and links to international destinations around the world. 

The airport staff are incredibly friendly and helpful, treating all passengers with absolute courtesy and respect from the moment they step through the doors. Ho Chi Minh City is a memorable starting point for any journey.

Transportation and parking

If you are driving from Ho Chi Minh City head northwest along Nam Ky Khoi Nghia road, bearing right on to Truong Son. This will take you directly to the airport entrance. Buses are usually very crowded and somewhat sporadic, and be aware that you may be charged extra for luggage, so it is probably easier and more cost-effective to take one of the many taxis that commute between the city and the airport. 

These can be booked by your hotel concierge, who will be able to inform your driver of your destination (most drivers only speak Vietnamese). Beware of unofficial taxis and ‘touts’. Parking at the airport is limited but both long and short-term parking areas are conveniently positioned opposite the main terminal. 

Arriving in Ho Chi Minh City

Passengers flying from Ho Chi Minh City with Qatar Airways depart from terminal 2. Check-in can be a little chaotic at times, so allow extra time before your flight is due to board. Security can be extremely tight, so again be prepared to wait to clear security and customs checks.

Facilities and amenities

Internet connectivity is only available in the Business lounge and in a couple of cafés after the security check-in area. There are public telephones dotted around the terminal, but they are very busy and it can be difficult to place a call here. ATMs are located in the terminal, and there are plenty of food stalls, cafés and restaurants in public areas serving Vietnamese and international food and drink. 

Once you have passed through security the choices become somewhat limited. Retail outlets include Duty Free and souvenir stalls, as well as luxury goods stores.

For many years known as the ‘Paris of the East’, today Phnom Penh is regaining its stature on the world stage as a capital city that welcomes and enchants visitors from all over the planet.

A complex and quirky city full of unexpected sites and filled with warm, welcoming people, Phnom Penh is now also turning into a commercial powerhouse that is embracing international commerce with open arms.

Book a flight to Phnom Penh and discover a city full of juxtapositions between ultra-modern developments and traditional culture, with a distinctly French Colonial undertone that can still be seen in its architecture.

Tourist attractions

The Royal Palace has to be on every visitor’s itinerary, with not one but two stunning pagodas within its grounds; the Silver Pagoda and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

These were in fact built in the 19th century using French technology and traditional Cambodian designs, making them an interesting mix of two very distinctive cultures. Note that no photography is allowed inside the Silver Pagoda, and visitors are expected to dress respectfully.

The National Museum of Cambodia gives visitors a fascinating insight into the culture and history of the country, from ancient times through to more recent events.

Its main attraction is a rather fine statue of the 12th century ruler King Jayavarman VII, as well as a host of artefacts and magnificent art from the country’s ‘golden age’.

Just outside the city is Wat Phnom, a tranquil open space with an ancient temple at its heart. The park is home to a troop of monkeys, who can be quite cheeky and steal visitors’ drinks if they leave them unattended.

Travel Considerations

Flights to Phnom Penh with Qatar Airways land at Phnom Penh International Airport. Visa restrictions for entry into the country will depend on your country of origin, length of stay and whether your trip is for business or pleasure.

Before you fly to Phnom Penh please check the visa and passport requirements.