Cambodians seeking affordable, high-quality medical care abroad will soon benefit from a new direct flight route between Siem Reap and Kolkata, India, launching on 13 November 2025.

 

Operated by IndiGo Airlines, the service will run three times a week—on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays—connecting Cambodia to one of Eastern India’s major commercial and medical hubs. The move is expected to significantly ease access to advanced healthcare for Cambodian patients, offering a streamlined option for short-term medical travel.

 

The flights will allow individuals to travel for consultations, treatment or check-ups, spend a few days in Kolkata, and return home without lengthy layovers or complex transit arrangements. This marks a notable shift in regional connectivity, particularly for those exploring international options for specialised care.

 

India has long been recognised for its medical expertise and cost-effective treatment, attracting patients from across Asia and beyond. The new route positions Cambodia to tap into this growing trend of cross-border medical travel, with Kolkata emerging as a key gateway.

 

The announcement coincides with the International Business Chamber Wellness Expo 2025, held at AEON Mall 3 Mean Chey on 1–2 November, where Indian healthcare providers will present their services to Cambodian audiences.

 

While the flights are expected to benefit medical travellers most directly, they also signal broader opportunities for tourism, trade and cultural exchange between the two nations. For Cambodia, the development reflects a growing openness to regional integration and improved mobility for its citizens.

 

As demand for international healthcare rises, direct air links like this one could play a vital role in expanding options for patients, especially in countries where certain treatments remain limited or costly. The Siem Reap–Kolkata route may well become a model for future medical corridors in Southeast Asia.

 

 

-2025-10-31

On 10/31/2025 at 4:50 PM, geovalin said:

Cambodians seeking affordable, high-quality medical care

 

Not just Kolkata in India, but now adverts here in Cambodia for high-quality medical care (by air) in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Patients, like myself, are boycotting Thai hospitals because of the land borders that remain closed by Thailand. No medical tourism to Thailand from Cambodia at the moment unless one drives into Laos and crosses from Pakse to Thai hospitals in Ubon Ratchathani. 

 

On 11/1/2025 at 5:37 PM, Burma Bill said:

 

Not just Kolkata in India, but now adverts here in Cambodia for high-quality medical care (by air) in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Patients, like myself, are boycotting Thai hospitals because of the land borders that remain closed by Thailand. No medical tourism to Thailand from Cambodia at the moment unless one drives into Laos and crosses from Pakse to Thai hospitals in Ubon Ratchathani. 

 

Just that Singapore comes at a price. Nothing "affordable" there.

On 11/1/2025 at 5:37 PM, Burma Bill said:

 

Not just Kolkata in India, but now adverts here in Cambodia for high-quality medical care (by air) in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Patients, like myself, are boycotting Thai hospitals because of the land borders that remain closed by Thailand. No medical tourism to Thailand from Cambodia at the moment unless one drives into Laos and crosses from Pakse to Thai hospitals in Ubon Ratchathani. 

 

why don't you just fly to Thailand? although i would try India as it will be much cheaper, question is how good the experience is

8 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

why don't you just fly to Thailand? although i would try India as it will be much cheaper, question is how good the experience is

 

I did back in August to attend an appointment at a private hospital in Khon Kaen. I was granted a Medical Tourism TDAC. No problem entering Thailand, but leaving at DMK for home in Siem Reap was extreme hassle, so much so I vowed never to return to Thailand. At check-in, my passport (with both old Thai and Cambodian annual retirement visas and current Cambodian retirement visa) was taken from me to an adjacent office. I was left sat in a wheelchair for some considerable time with my attendant sat on the floor! The check-in desk was temporarily closed whilst my passport was being scrutinised elsewhere, causing check-in delays for other passengers. After several  follow-up questions I was eventually told I had been cleared to leave Thailand. When I asked by whom (the military or Immigration) there was silence. I shall be cancelling my Thai check-up appointment for February 2026.

 

Some of you may ask why go all the way from Siem Reap to a hospital in Khon Kaen. I lived in Khon Kaen Province for several years and this particular excellent private hospital, the Ratchapruek, was where I was registered as a patient. Driving to Khon Kaen was no problem and quicker than flying, until the land borders were closed.  

17 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

why don't you just fly to Thailand? although i would try India as it will be much cheaper, question is how good the experience is

We  spent 2 yrs in India. I would not have much confidence. Hygiene, cleaniliness was no priority. People don't change because hospital is modern.

6 hours ago, Letseng said:

We  spent 2 yrs in India. I would not have much confidence. Hygiene, cleaniliness was no priority. People don't change because hospital is modern.

I think we all know India's hygiene and cleanliness is questionable but how about the hospitals?

5 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

I think we all know India's hygiene and cleanliness is questionable but how about the hospitals?

We went to a newly opened hospital with a few US trained docs. Lots of modern equipment but the place hadn't been cleaned after it had been opened. Still bits of builders stuff inside rooms, plaster bits on the windows & mayhem inside just like Indian street life. This was some years. May be better in Delhi or Mumbai where they deal with more foreigners. Yet we lived in a big city.