Cambodian law permits airports to operate designated smoking areas, and both of the country’s modern gateways have them. Cambodia’s two main airports have both shifted to brand-new facilities in the last couple of years: Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI) opened in October 2023, and Phnom Penh’s commercial flights moved to the new Techo International Airport when it opened in September 2025. Both provide designated smoking areas.
The one hard rule to remember: vapes and e-cigarettes are completely illegal in Cambodia. Cigarettes are legal and widely sold; any vaping device you bring into the country risks confiscation at customs.
How Cambodian Airport Smoking Works
Cambodian tobacco law permits airports to provide designated smoking areas, and both major airports use that allowance. The pattern is:
- Designated smoking areas at both Phnom Penh (PNH/Techo) and Siem Reap (REP)
- Siem Reap’s airside area is outdoors, in international departures next to Gate 7 — free and open to all passengers
- Phnom Penh’s airside area is indoors inside the Plaza Premium First Lounge, so it needs lounge access
- Both airports also have open-air smoking on the landside forecourt, before security
- Signage is often minimal — ask staff if you can’t find the area
The Major Airports
Phnom Penh (PNH). Cambodia’s capital is now served by the new Techo International Airport (KTI), a Foster + Partners-designed terminal that opened for commercial flights on 9 September 2025, about 19 km south of the city. The airside smoking area is inside the Plaza Premium First Lounge on Level 3 of the departures mezzanine (paid lounge entry, a lounge-membership card or an eligible card); the rest of the air-conditioned concourse is smoke-free. Landside, smoke on the forecourt and kerbside outside the terminal entrances. The old Phnom Penh International Airport now handles only military, domestic and private-jet movements.
Siem Reap-Angkor (REP). The gateway to the Angkor Wat temples is now Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI), which opened on 16 October 2023 to replace the old in-city airport. It has an open-air smoking area in international departures next to Gate 7, after security, and marked outdoor spots on the departures forecourt landside; the Angkor Lounge’s open-air terrace adds a third option for lounge users. Signage is sparse — there’s a sign on the door to the airside area, and few directional signs elsewhere.
The Vape Ban
This needs to be flagged clearly: vapes and e-cigarettes are illegal in Cambodia. The import, sale, and use of e-cigarettes have been banned since 2014, reinforced in 2021, and tightened by an October 2025 decree that extended the prohibition to possession, distribution, advertising, production, and storage. There is no exemption for personal use — customs can confiscate any vaping device, pod, cartridge, or spare battery on entry. Do not bring vaping gear into Cambodia, even unused or in carry-on. Cigarettes themselves remain legal.
Tips for Smokers at Cambodian Airports
- Both Phnom Penh (PNH/Techo) and Siem Reap (REP) have designated smoking areas
- Siem Reap’s outdoor area is airside, next to Gate 7 in international departures — free and reachable on a layover
- Phnom Penh’s airside smoking area is inside the Plaza Premium First Lounge, so budget for lounge entry or smoke landside first
- Signage is minimal at both airports — ask airline ground staff or the information desk
- Both airports are brand-new (Siem Reap 2023, Phnom Penh Techo 2025) — locations may shift, so check signage on arrival
- Vapes and e-cigarettes are ILLEGAL — do not bring them into Cambodia
- Cigarettes are legal; duty-free stocks international and local brands
Cambodia Airports Compared: Indoor, Outdoor & After Security
| Airport | After security | Indoor room | Outdoor area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phnom Penh Airport (PNH) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (REP) | Yes | – | Yes |