Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s lively capital, offers a fascinating mix of culture, history, and adventure for travelers. As the gateway to the country’s royal past and thriving present, it’s a destination filled with temples, bustling markets, riverside views, and rich cuisine. For those wanting to explore Phnom Penh without spending a fortune on flights, there are plenty of travel tips and hacks to help you secure the best deals. In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about finding low-cost flights to Phnom Penh, from booking tricks and timing advice to using online tools and maximizing airline rewards.
1. Start with Flexible Travel Dates
One of the most effective strategies for finding affordable flights to Phnom Penh is to keep your travel dates flexible. Airfares fluctuate based on demand, with weekends, holidays, and peak tourist seasons often coming with higher price tags. By adjusting your travel dates to mid-week flights or the off-peak travel months (like late summer or early fall), you’re more likely to find lower rates.
Tools to Help with Flexibility
Airline and travel sites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak let you search with flexible dates. Their “date grid” or “price graph” features allow you to compare fares across days, making it easy to spot the cheapest travel dates. Simply enter Phnom Penh as your destination, and these platforms will show a range of prices to help you find the best deals.
2. Book in Advance—but Not Too Early!
While booking early can sometimes help you snag better fares, you also don’t want to book so early that prices haven’t had a chance to drop. Most experts recommend booking international flights around 3-6 months in advance for the best savings. This timing window allows you to capitalize on sales, avoid last-minute price hikes, and still get the best selection of seats.
Consider Alerts for Price Drops
Set up fare alerts with sites like Hopper, Momondo, or Google Flights. These alerts will notify you of any price drops for flights to Phnom Penh, so you can take advantage of a sale as soon as it’s available. With this tool, you can track multiple dates and airlines without constantly having to re-check flight prices yourself.
3. Be Open to Alternate Airports
While Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) is the primary gateway to Cambodia’s capital, you may find more affordable options by flying into nearby airports and taking a budget-friendly domestic flight, train, or bus to Phnom Penh. For example, Siem Reap (the city closest to Angkor Wat) and Sihanoukville often have international connections that could offer savings.
Check Regional Routes and Budget Airlines
For travelers coming from nearby Southeast Asian countries, budget carriers like AirAsia, VietJet, and Scoot often offer affordable regional flights to Cambodia. Once you reach a nearby hub, domestic flights to Phnom Penh can be very economical, giving you a chance to save more while still reaching your destination conveniently.
4. Master the Art of Layovers
Sometimes, non-direct flights with a layover can be much cheaper than direct flights to Phnom Penh. Although layovers may extend your travel time, they can save you a significant amount of money—especially if you book a “self-transfer” itinerary where you manage separate bookings.
Using Layovers to Your Advantage
When searching on booking sites, try toggling the layover filters to see if longer layover times bring prices down. Some sites, like Kiwi.com, even specialize in self-transfer flights, letting you piece together separate itineraries to create a more affordable journey. As a bonus, you might get to spend a few hours exploring a new city on your way to Phnom Penh!
5. Leverage Airline Rewards and Points
If you’re a frequent traveler, chances are you have accumulated points or miles with an airline loyalty program. Booking your flight to Phnom Penh with points can be a great way to save on costs, and in some cases, you might only need to pay taxes and fees.
Maximizing Rewards Points
To make the most of your rewards points, consider signing up for a frequent flyer program with airlines that serve Southeast Asia, such as Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, or Thai Airways. Credit cards with travel rewards or airline partnerships can also help you earn points faster, making it easier to afford flights in the future. Additionally, some rewards programs allow points transfers between partner airlines, which may help you access more affordable options for your flight to Cambodia.
6. Consider Flying on Budget Airlines
Phnom Penh is served by several budget carriers that frequently offer lower fares than full-service airlines. While budget airlines may come with added fees for luggage, seat selection, or meals, they still offer substantial savings for travelers who can pack light and travel without additional frills.
Popular Budget Airlines Flying to Phnom Penh
Budget airlines such as AirAsia, Jetstar, and Cebu Pacific operate flights to Phnom Penh from major hubs in Asia. These carriers often run seasonal promotions or flash sales with significant discounts on flights. Keep an eye on their websites and sign up for their newsletters to be among the first to hear about any special fares.
7. Take Advantage of Seasonal Promotions and Sales
Many airlines run seasonal sales, such as Black Friday, New Year’s, and holiday-specific promotions that can offer huge savings on international flights. During these sales, you can often find substantial discounts on flights to Phnom Penh.
Signing Up for Deal Alerts
Airline websites, travel blogs, and deal alert services like Scott’s Cheap Flights and Secret Flying send regular updates on flash sales and limited-time deals. Signing up for these notifications can help you quickly book flights during a promotion period, often resulting in significant savings for your trip to Cambodia.
8. Use Multiple Comparison Tools
Each booking website has its own algorithm, which means that prices can vary from one platform to another. To find the absolute best deal on flights to Phnom Penh, check multiple comparison tools like Skyscanner, Kayak, and Momondo. Don’t be afraid to cross-check prices on individual airline sites as well—some airlines offer lower fares when you book directly through them.
Going Incognito
Flight prices often rise with repeated searches due to cookies stored on your device. Using incognito mode on your browser prevents sites from tracking your search history and may help you find lower rates.
9. Consider One-Way Tickets and Mix-and-Match Airlines
Booking a round-trip ticket isn’t always the cheapest option. Sometimes, booking separate one-way flights with different airlines can bring the total cost down. For instance, you could fly to Phnom Penh with one airline and return with another, or you might even find a cheaper outbound flight from a neighboring city.
Tools for Mix-and-Match Flights
Skyscanner and Kayak both have features that allow you to search for one-way tickets separately and combine them to create a customized itinerary. This mix-and-match approach can be particularly helpful when booking flights to destinations like Phnom Penh, where fewer direct options are available.
10. Book in Local Currency
Booking your flight in the local currency of the airline can sometimes lead to cheaper prices due to exchange rate fluctuations. When you’re looking at flights to Phnom Penh, check the airline’s Cambodian or Southeast Asian website, if available, to see if prices differ when displayed in the local currency.
Understanding Exchange Rates
Using a currency converter can help you assess whether booking in a different currency would lead to savings. Many online booking platforms automatically offer this option if your payment method allows it, so be sure to check for this potentially money-saving tip before finalizing your ticket purchase.
Final Thoughts: Planning Your Low-Cost Trip to Phnom Penh
Traveling to Phnom Penh doesn’t have to break the bank. By following these airfare hacks, you can save money on flights and direct those savings toward experiences in Cambodia, from exploring the Royal Palace to savoring Khmer cuisine and visiting historic sites. Whether you’re a backpacker on a budget or a digital nomad seeking affordable travel options, there are plenty of strategies to help you find the best deals on flights.
By implementing flexible travel dates, exploring alternate airports, using comparison tools, and taking advantage of rewards programs, you can unlock affordable airfare and embark on an unforgettable adventure in Phnom Penh. Remember to stay vigilant for promotions, consider layover options, and always double-check prices across platforms. With a bit of planning and a few savvy strategies, you’ll be well on your way to discovering Cambodia’s enchanting capital—without overspending.