Tim_and_Liz

I need flights from HKG to Siem Reap for March 2008. I would prefer to arrive in Siem Reap in the morning or early afternoon as we have limited time there (an additional 2.75 days besides arrival day).

The nonstop Bangkok Air flight would not arrive in REP until 6:45pm.

My preference would be to fly VIetnam Air through Saigon; there is a flight that departs HKG on Mondays at 8:50am, connects through SGN and arrives in REP at 12:40pm. However, the schedule is only out through October 2007. Does that mean that later flights haven't been released, or are they cancelling that route? Should I contact Eddie for help? ([email protected])

One crazy option is to depart HKG at 11:00pm on Sunday, stay at the airport hotel in BKK, and depart for REP on the first flight Monday morning. I don't think Tim will go for this option.

We need to spend all day Sunday in HKG...

What do you think? Which option? Is it too early to book?

Thanks!
Liz

rkkwan

Way to early to book, or even plan. Airlines may add non-stop flights on this route, or you may have better connections via SGN or BKK or wherever.

Bisbee

Here's a list of current available options. As you can see, there are many!

Emirates Connection Flight
00:15 (26 May) Hong Kong International Apt Flight number - EK 387
01:55 (26 May) Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt Aircraft type - 77W
Change at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt
Bangkok Airways
07:25 (26 May) Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt Flight number - PG 911
08:40 (26 May) Siem Reap Aircraft type - AT7
9hrs 25mins Total Travel Time

Thai Airways International Connection Flight
08:00 (26 May) Hong Kong International Apt Flight number - TG 603
09:40 (26 May) Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt Aircraft type - 772
Change at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt
Bangkok Airways
11:10 (26 May) Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt Flight number - PG 905
12:25 (26 May) Siem Reap Aircraft type - AT7
5hrs 25mins Total Travel Time

Orient Thai Airlines Connection Flight
08:15 (26 May) Hong Kong International Apt Flight number - OX 203
09:55 (26 May) Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt Aircraft type - 747
Change at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt
Bangkok Airways
14:50 (26 May) Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt Flight number - PG 913
16:05 (26 May) Siem Reap Aircraft type - AT7
8hrs 50mins Total Travel Time

One Two Go Airlines Connection Flight
08:15 (26 May) Hong Kong International Apt Flight number - OG 203
09:55 (26 May) Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt Aircraft type - 747
Change at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt
Bangkok Airways
14:50 (26 May) Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt Flight number - PG 913
16:05 (26 May) Siem Reap Aircraft type - AT7
8hrs 50mins Total Travel Time

Cathay Pacific Airways Connection Flight
08:50 (26 May) Hong Kong International Apt Flight number - CX 767
10:20 (26 May) Ho Chi Minh City Aircraft type - 330
Change at Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam Airlines
11:40 (26 May) Ho Chi Minh City Flight number - VN 0827
12:40 (26 May) Siem Reap Aircraft type - 320
4hrs 50mins Total Travel Time

Vietnam Airlines Connection Flight
08:50 (26 May) Hong Kong International Apt Flight number - VN 1767
10:20 (26 May) Ho Chi Minh City Aircraft type - 330
Change at Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam Airlines
11:40 (26 May) Ho Chi Minh City Flight number - VN 0827
12:40 (26 May) Siem Reap Aircraft type - 320
4hrs 50mins Total Travel Time

Cathay Pacific Airways Connection Flight
08:55 (26 May) Hong Kong International Apt Flight number - CX 713
10:35 (26 May) Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt Aircraft type - 744
Change at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt
Bangkok Airways
14:50 (26 May) Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt Flight number - PG 913
16:05 (26 May) Siem Reap Aircraft type - AT7
8hrs 10mins Total Travel Time

Vietnam Airlines Connection Flight
09:00 (26 May) Hong Kong International Apt Flight number - VN 0793
10:00 (26 May) Hanoi Aircraft type - 321
Change at Hanoi
Vietnam Airlines
15:10 (26 May) Hanoi Flight number - VN 0843
17:05 (26 May) Siem Reap Aircraft type - 320
9hrs 5mins Total Travel Time

Cathay Pacific Airways Connection Flight
09:00 (26 May) Hong Kong International Apt Flight number - CX 793
10:00 (26 May) Hanoi Aircraft type - 321
Change at Hanoi
Vietnam Airlines
15:10 (26 May) Hanoi Flight number - VN 0843
17:05 (26 May) Siem Reap Aircraft type - 320
9hrs 5mins Total Travel Time

Vietnam Airlines Connection Flight
09:00 (26 May) Hong Kong International Apt Flight number - VN 0793
10:00 (26 May) Hanoi Aircraft type - 321
Change at Hanoi
PMT air
16:00 (26 May) Hanoi Flight number - U4 232
18:00 (26 May) Siem Reap Aircraft type - 732
10hrs Total Travel Time

Cathay Pacific Airways Connection Flight
09:00 (26 May) Hong Kong International Apt Flight number - CX 793
10:00 (26 May) Hanoi Aircraft type - 321
Change at Hanoi
PMT air
16:00 (26 May) Hanoi Flight number - U4 232
18:00 (26 May) Siem Reap Aircraft type - 732
10hrs Total Travel Time

Dragonair Connection Flight
09:15 (26 May) Hong Kong International Apt Flight number - KA 206
10:55 (26 May) Phnom Penh Aircraft type - 320
Change at Phnom Penh
Siem Reap Airways International
18:00 (26 May) Phnom Penh Flight number - FT 996
18:55 (26 May) Siem Reap Aircraft type - AT7
10hrs 40mins Total Travel Time

Thai Airways International Connection Flight
11:20 (26 May) Hong Kong International Apt Flight number - TG 631
13:00 (26 May) Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt Aircraft type - 333
Change at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt
Bangkok Airways
14:50 (26 May) Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt Flight number - PG 913
16:05 (26 May) Siem Reap Aircraft type - AT7
5hrs 45mins Total Travel Time

China Airlines Connection Flight
11:50 (26 May) Hong Kong International Apt Flight number - CI 641
13:35 (26 May) Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt Aircraft type - 333
Change at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt
Bangkok Airways
18:25 (26 May) Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt Flight number - PG 909
19:25 (26 May) Siem Reap Aircraft type - 319
8hrs 35mins Total Travel Time

Thai Airways International Connection Flight
12:45 (26 May) Hong Kong International Apt Flight number - TG 601
14:25 (26 May) Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt Aircraft type - 346
Change at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt
Bangkok Airways
18:25 (26 May) Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt Flight number - PG 909
19:25 (26 May) Siem Reap Aircraft type - 319
7hrs 40mins Total Travel Time

Thai Airways International Connection Flight
14:10 (26 May) Hong Kong International Apt Flight number - TG 629
15:50 (26 May) Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt Aircraft type - 333
Change at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt
Bangkok Airways
18:25 (26 May) Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt Flight number - PG 909
19:25 (26 May) Siem Reap Aircraft type - 319
6hrs 15mins Total Travel Time

Cathay Pacific Airways Connection Flight
14:15 (26 May) Hong Kong International Apt Flight number - CX 751
15:55 (26 May) Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt Aircraft type - 773
Change at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt
Bangkok Airways
18:25 (26 May) Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt Flight number - PG 909
19:25 (26 May) Siem Reap Aircraft type - 319
6hrs 10mins Total Travel Time

Vietnam Airlines Connection Flight
14:45 (26 May) Hong Kong International Apt Flight number - VN 0763
16:15 (26 May) Ho Chi Minh City Aircraft type - 321
Change at Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam Airlines
18:35 (26 May) Ho Chi Minh City Flight number - VN 0849
19:35 (26 May) Siem Reap Aircraft type - 320
5hrs 50mins Total Travel Time

Cathay Pacific Airways Connection Flight
14:45 (26 May) Hong Kong International Apt Flight number - CX 1763
16:15 (26 May) Ho Chi Minh City Aircraft type - 320
Change at Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam Airlines
18:35 (26 May) Ho Chi Minh City Flight number - VN 0849
19:35 (26 May) Siem Reap Aircraft type - 320
5hrs 50mins Total Travel Time

Vietnam Airlines Connection Flight
14:55 (26 May) Hong Kong International Apt Flight number - VN 0791
15:55 (26 May) Hanoi Aircraft type - 321
Change at Hanoi
Vietnam Airlines
16:55 (26 May) Hanoi Flight number - VN 0845
18:50 (26 May) Siem Reap Aircraft type - 320
4hrs 55mins Total Travel Time

Cathay Pacific Airways Connection Flight
14:55 (26 May) Hong Kong International Apt Flight number - CX 791
15:55 (26 May) Hanoi Aircraft type - 321
Change at Hanoi
Vietnam Airlines
16:55 (26 May) Hanoi Flight number - VN 0845
18:50 (26 May) Siem Reap Aircraft type - 320
4hrs 55mins Total Travel Time

Gulf Air Connection Flight
15:30 (26 May) Hong Kong International Apt Flight number - GF 151
17:25 (26 May) Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt Aircraft type - 343
Change at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt
Bangkok Airways
08:00 (27 May) Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt Flight number - PG 903
09:00 (27 May) Siem Reap Aircraft type - 320
18hrs 30mins Total Travel Time

Cathay Pacific Airways Connection Flight
15:50 (26 May) Hong Kong International Apt Flight number - CX 701
17:30 (26 May) Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt Aircraft type - 773
Change at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt
Bangkok Airways
08:00 (27 May) Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt Flight number - PG 903
09:00 (27 May) Siem Reap Aircraft type - 320
18hrs 10mins Total Travel Time

Cathay Pacific Airways Connection Flight
16:20 (26 May) Hong Kong International Apt Flight number - CX 765
17:50 (26 May) Ho Chi Minh City Aircraft type - 333
Change at Ho Chi Minh City
Royal Khmer Airlines
19:35 (26 May) Ho Chi Minh City Flight number - RK 684
21:30 (26 May) Siem Reap Aircraft type - 732
6hrs 10mins Total Travel Time

Vietnam Airlines Connection Flight
16:20 (26 May) Hong Kong International Apt Flight number - VN 1765
17:50 (26 May) Ho Chi Minh City Aircraft type - 333
Change at Ho Chi Minh City
Royal Khmer Airlines
19:35 (26 May) Ho Chi Minh City Flight number - RK 684
21:30 (26 May) Siem Reap Aircraft type - 732
6hrs 10mins Total Travel Time

Air India Connection Flight
16:30 (26 May) Hong Kong International Apt Flight number - AI 359
18:30 (26 May) Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt Aircraft type - 310
Change at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt
Bangkok Airways
08:00 (27 May) Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt Flight number - PG 903
09:00 (27 May) Siem Reap Aircraft type - 320
17hrs 30mins Total Travel Time

Cathay Pacific Airways Connection Flight
18:35 (26 May) Hong Kong International Apt Flight number - CX 703
20:15 (26 May) Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt Aircraft type - 777
Change at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt
Bangkok Airways
08:00 (27 May) Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt Flight number - PG 903
09:00 (27 May) Siem Reap Aircraft type - 320
15hrs 25mins Total Travel Time

United Airlines Connection Flight
20:05 (26 May) Hong Kong International Apt Flight number - UA 869
21:35 (26 May) Ho Chi Minh City Aircraft type - 744
Change at Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam Airlines
11:40 (27 May) Ho Chi Minh City Flight number - VN 0827
12:40 (27 May) Siem Reap Aircraft type - 320
17hrs 35mins Total Travel Time

Thai Airways International Connection Flight
20:45 (26 May) Hong Kong International Apt Flight number - TG 607
22:25 (26 May) Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt Aircraft type - 772
Change at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt
Bangkok Airways
08:00 (27 May) Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt Flight number - PG 903
09:00 (27 May) Siem Reap Aircraft type - 320
13hrs 15mins Total Travel Time

Ethiopian Airlines Connection Flight
21:30 (26 May) Hong Kong International Apt Flight number - ET 609
23:30 (26 May) Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt Aircraft type - 763
Change at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt
Bangkok Airways
08:00 (27 May) Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt Flight number - PG 903
09:00 (27 May) Siem Reap Aircraft type - 320
12hrs 30mins Total Travel Time

Cathay Pacific Airways Connection Flight
22:10 (26 May) Hong Kong International Apt Flight number - CX 709
23:55 (26 May) Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt Aircraft type - 773
Change at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt
Bangkok Airways
08:00 (27 May) Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt Flight number - PG 903
09:00 (27 May) Siem Reap Aircraft type - 320
11hrs 50mins Total Travel Time

Emirates Connection Flight
22:25 (26 May) Hong Kong International Apt Flight number - EK 385
00:05 (27 May) Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt Aircraft type - 773
Change at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt
Bangkok Airways
08:00 (27 May) Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt Flight number - PG 903
09:00 (27 May) Siem Reap Aircraft type - 320
11hrs 35mins Total Travel Time

SriLankan Airlines Connection Flight
23:40 (26 May) Hong Kong International Apt Flight number - UL 423
01:40 (27 May) Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt Aircraft type - 332
Change at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt
Bangkok Airways
08:00 (27 May) Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Apt Flight number - PG 903
09:00 (27 May) Siem Reap Aircraft type - 320

jgg

We are considering doing the same thing. Bisbee - thanks for the detailed information.

MSheinberg

Bisbee, how did you come up with all this info? I am planning trip in Feb and don't know where to start looking for schedules.

pbomb28

Siem Reap Airways flies between HKG and Siem Reap a few times a week. One way is direct (2.5 hours), the other has a brief stop (without plane transfer) in Phnom Penh. I can't recall which way is the direct flight, unfortunately. Either way, it is much shorter than the multiple connection routes listed above. Their website isn't super though.

Tim_and_Liz

pbomb28-

The one-way flight from HKG-REP is $500 on Siem Reap airways right now... do you know if it will likely drop?

Liz

pbomb28

Wow, that IS pretty steep! When I saw that the REP-HKG flight was 490 USD in February 2008 (the dates I was looking into for myself), I assumed that it was just because it was for the weekend following Chinese New Year. I didn't realize that this was a "normal" fare for them... if it is, then their REP-HKG route is only good for people who are short on time (which I will be, if this trip actually materializes for me). Unfortunately, the flight is also right in the middle of the day. Of course, you could go via BKK or HCM City/Hanoi (late evening flight from REP, overnight at airport, the early morning flight to HKG) - might not end up saving you much money, but the flights don't eat up the middle of the day that way.
I do not know if fares are likely to fall on this route - I am only in the early stages of planning my own trip. Once I have a bit more of an idea, I am sure I will need advice from all of you.
-Anthony

Tim_and_Liz

Thanks, Anthony. We are not traveling until March 08... We are flying from HKG to REP, when the nonstop flight is at 5:05pm, not too bad. I am hoping there will be a better option on a Vietnam carrier (with a stopover probably) so we can go early in the day, but I don't know when that schedule will come out!

MSheinberg

Again, Bisbee. How did you get all of the info regarding plane schedules?

KimJapan

You can get this kind of information using expedia, travelocity, itn or any of the flight booking sites.

Bisbee

I use this site.

http://timetables.oag.com/

Tim_and_Liz

Ok I have some options now for our March trip.

First of all, do these prices for one-way flights seem really high???

$537pp on Vietnam Airlines, one stop, departs HKG at 8:50am and arrives in REP at 12:40pm

$501pp on Bangkok Airways, nonstop, departs HKG at 5:05pm and arrives in REP at 6:45pm

We're leaning toward the first flight as it gets us into REP so much earlier...

Tim_and_Liz

Sorry I posted too soon.

If I do a "multi stop" option than I can book the above Vietnam Airlines option AND our continuing non-stop Bangkok Airways flight REP-BKK three days later for $614pp. That seems better?

rkkwan

Yes, all very high. Right now, if I use a flexible date search on zuji.com, I can find one-way fare as low as HK$1,300 (<US$200) one-way. It's an October date, but I don't see why it should be particularly expensive in March.

My parents went from Hong Kong to Cambodia 2 months ago with a guided tour. They paid about US$650 per person (plus ~US$120 tips and excursions), but have HKG-PNH, PNH-REP, REP-PNH, PNH-HKG airfare + 2 nights at the Phnom Penh InterContinental + 2 nights at a 5* resort hotel at Siem Riep + tours + all meals.

Just for comparison.

Tim_and_Liz

Thanks, Ray. Patience is obviously not my strong point. I will wait! Your experience has been very helpful in my planning process. Thanks again.

susiesan

rkkwan:
What tour company did your parents use? Did they make arrangements in Hong Kong or book from the US? This might be the easiest way to do this trip.

rkkwan

susiesan - They used Hong Tai, one of the largest tour company in Hong Kong. Everything in Cantonese.

susiesan

If we went to Hong Tai when we arrived in Hong Kong could we buy this tour on the spot? Is there any way to plan it ahead of time if I don't speak Cnatonese? Does HOng Tai have an English web site?

rkkwan

susiesan - You have to be extremely careful when using a tour company like Hong Tai for a guided tour if you don't speak Cantonese.

First, the business ethics of all Hong Kong tour companies range from very poor to criminal. Many of them compete for the same customers looking for bottom prices. When you go to any office, they'll promise the world that the tour will go out as planned. But unless it's during major holidays, chances are many will not go, and they'll beg you to change to another date or another tour - anything they'll do except give your deposit back. Not to mention you won't have a tour to go to in the first place.

Second, the tour leader and guides seldom will make extra accommodations to use English to help you, even if their own English level is passable. Often not. Well, unless you give them a big tip in advance.

Really, it's like buying electronics on Nathan Road. You have to assume that you'll be scammed before you walk into the store or office. We are from Hong Kong, so we can detect the games they're trying to play, and we know how to deal with them. A foreign visitor seldom can.

Now, if you're trying to just have a travel agent book plane tickets and hotels for you, that's a different matter. Most are reliable, as they can make some honest money in that business. It'll cost more than the escorted tour however.