Cambodia has entered a new chapter in its aviation history with the opening of Techo International Airport, the country’s largest and most modern airport to date. Strategically located about 26 kilometers south of Phnom Penh, this mega-project is expected to transform not only Cambodia’s travel landscape but also its role as a regional hub for tourism, trade, and investment. Designed to accommodate millions of passengers annually, Techo International Airport represents the Kingdom’s ambition to position itself alongside global aviation leaders, offering travelers modern facilities, smoother connectivity, and a memorable travel experience. Whether you are a local traveler heading abroad, a businessperson arriving for opportunities, or a tourist exploring the wonders of Angkor Wat and Cambodia’s cultural treasures, Techo International Airport provides a first impression that blends sophistication with Cambodian identity. Below, we take you through everything you need to know about this new international gateway from its facilities and services to practical travel tips like parking fees and road access.
The Symbolic Buddha Statue
One of the most remarkable features that sets Techo International Airport apart from others in the region is the installation of a large Buddha statue placed right at the center of the airport’s main concourse. This sacred statue is more than just an ornament; it is a cultural symbol that greets travelers with Cambodia’s spiritual essence. Tourists and local passengers alike are often seen pausing for photographs in front of the statue, making it a popular landmark within the terminal. It offers not only an aesthetic appeal but also a sense of calmness, reminding passengers that they are entering a country where Buddhism plays a significant role in daily life and traditions. This integration of culture into modern infrastructure makes Techo International Airport uniquely Cambodian, offering a warm welcome that blends tradition with modernity.
Food and Drink Options
A journey is never complete without food, and Techo International Airport ensures passengers do not go hungry while waiting for their flights. The airport has made sure that both Asian and Western culinary preferences are available. Travelers can grab a quick coffee at international brands like Starbucks or enjoy a local cup at Brown Coffee, Cambodia’s beloved café chain. For those looking for a meal, Asian and Western cuisine outlets are located in the waiting areas, ensuring that passengers can enjoy noodles, rice dishes, sandwiches, or fast food before departure.
This blend of local and global flavors highlights Cambodia’s growing international character while preserving its local identity. Whether you are rushing for a flight and need a quick bite or have time to enjoy a leisurely meal, the dining facilities at Techo International Airport offer comfort and convenience.
Comfortable Waiting Seats
Air travel often involves waiting sometimes hours before departure or in between layovers. To ease this experience, Techo International Airport is equipped with new, modern, and comfortable waiting seats strategically placed across different lounges and terminals. Unlike older airports where seating could feel cramped or outdated, this facility offers ergonomically designed seats that allow passengers to relax, work on their laptops, or scroll through their phones while waiting. For families traveling with children, the waiting space provides enough room to settle in without feeling overly crowded. This investment in passenger comfort reflects the airport’s focus on quality service and aligns with international standards for customer satisfaction.
Clean and Inclusive Restrooms
Restroom quality is often a make-or-break factor in the passenger experience, and Techo International Airport has taken hygiene seriously. The restrooms are not only clean and well-maintained but are also designed with user-friendliness in mind. Modern fittings, proper sanitation measures, and attentive cleaning staff ensure that passengers feel comfortable and safe when using these facilities. Importantly, the airport also includes Muslim restrooms, a thoughtful addition that caters to the needs of international travelers from Muslim-majority countries. This inclusivity demonstrates Cambodia’s openness to diverse cultures and its commitment to serving the needs of global passengers. For many visitors, such details reflect the airport’s dedication to international hospitality.
Parking Lots and Fees
One of the practical aspects travelers must consider when using the airport is parking. After an initial free-parking period during the first week of opening, Techo International Airport introduced structured fees effective from September 16, 2025. Parking is divided into categories drop-off lane, regular parking, premium parking, and motorbike or bicycle parking with charges adjusted based on vehicle type and duration.
For the drop-off lane, trailers, TukTuks, SUVs, and MPVs can stop for 10 minutes free of charge, while buses or trucks are allowed 20 minutes free. After this grace period, fees are charged every five minutes.
For regular parking, the rate for SUVs and MPVs is 4,000 riel for the first 30 minutes, while buses or trucks pay 5,000 riel. Afterward, SUVs and MPVs are charged an additional 2,000 riel for every 30 minutes, and buses or trucks 3,000 riel.
Premium parking is available for those who prioritize convenience. SUVs and MPVs pay 12,000 riel for 30 minutes, with an additional 6,000 riel for every 30 minutes thereafter.
For motorbikes and bicycles, parking is set at 2,000 riel for less than 12 hours, with an additional 1,000 riel charged for every extra hour beyond that timeframe.
This structured system ensures that travelers have flexible options, whether they are dropping off, picking up, or leaving their vehicles for a longer stay. It also reflects the airport’s attempt to maintain order, reduce congestion, and provide revenue for ongoing maintenance of parking facilities.
Road Access to the Airport
Getting to Techo International Airport is fairly straightforward thanks to the new infrastructure connecting Phnom Penh’s city center to the airport. The most common route is via Samdech Techo Hun Sen Boulevard, also known as the “60-meter road” due to its impressive width. This modern roadway was specifically designed to handle heavy traffic and improve accessibility to the airport. The distance from central Phnom Penh to the airport is about 26 kilometers, which usually takes around 45 minutes to one hour depending on traffic conditions.
However, travelers must plan accordingly, as Phnom Penh is known for its unpredictable traffic jams, particularly during peak hours. While the new boulevard helps alleviate congestion, delays can still occur closer to the city center. Using taxis or ride-hailing services is recommended for convenience, especially if you are carrying heavy luggage or traveling with family. The new road conditions are excellent, but timing your journey to avoid rush-hour traffic can make a significant difference in ensuring you arrive at the airport stress-free and on time.
Distance and Time Considerations
It is important for travelers to factor in both distance and time when planning their journey to Techo International Airport. Although 26 kilometers may not sound too far, Phnom Penh’s traffic can easily extend travel times. On a smooth day, reaching the airport in under 45 minutes is possible, but during rush hours or rainy weather, the trip can extend closer to 1.5 hours. For international flights, passengers are advised to leave the city center at least three hours before departure to account for both road delays and standard airport check-in and security procedures. This preparation helps avoid unnecessary stress and ensures a smoother travel experience.
Why Techo International Airport Matters for Cambodia?
Beyond its physical features, Techo International Airport carries significant economic and symbolic importance for Cambodia. It is projected to handle up to 13 million passengers annually in its first phase and even more as expansions continue. The airport not only addresses the growing demand for air travel but also positions Cambodia as a serious contender for hosting international airlines and long-haul flights. This will have a direct impact on tourism, business opportunities, and even cargo transport, strengthening Cambodia’s role in regional trade.
For tourists, the airport provides a better gateway to Cambodia’s heritage sites, from the ancient temples of Angkor to the natural beauty of coastal provinces. For investors, it signals Cambodia’s readiness to handle larger volumes of business travelers and goods, providing confidence in the country’s long-term growth. For locals, it offers improved travel convenience, reducing reliance on neighboring countries’ airports for international flights.
Final Thoughts
Techo International Airport is more than just an aviation facility; it is a symbol of Cambodia’s aspirations and progress. From the grand Buddha statue to the clean restrooms and modern seating, every detail reflects an effort to meet international standards while preserving Cambodian identity. The availability of diverse food and drink options, structured parking fees, and improved road access further enhance the travel experience. For passengers, this means not only smoother journeys but also a more welcoming introduction to Cambodia. For the country, it marks an important step in economic development, international connectivity, and cultural representation.
Whether you are planning your next flight out of Phnom Penh or preparing to visit Cambodia for the first time, knowing what Techo International Airport offers can help you travel more confidently. It is a facility that symbolizes both growth and tradition, promising a brighter future for Cambodia’s aviation industry.