Cambodia Practical guide: crossing the border between Aranyaprathet (Thailand) and Poipet (Cambodia) poipet, Travel to Cambodia, Travel to Thailand 4.4 (8)Crossing a border may seem trivial if you are used to it. If this is your first time, and especially crossing a land border, there are a few tips that are not too much to ensure that it goes smoothly, especially since the border between Thailand and Cambodia between the town of Aranyaprathet and Poipet is a bit chaotic. Summary hide Getting to the border from Bangkok Visit Aranyaphrathet Border Market Exit Thailand Return to Cambodia Getting to your next stop in Cambodia Getting to the border from BangkokFrom Bangkok, you will have minivans making the trip to the border (around 400 ฿). You also have buses specialized on cross-border trips, with for example Giant Ibis who makes a journey Bangkok - Siem Reap, which will usually be the next destination after Poipet.Some vans or buses leave very early in the morning around 1:30-2:00 in order to arrive among the first at the border. This may be preferable because it can get very busy from noon onwards, with waits of more than 2 hours sometimes.Powered by 12Go systemIf ever, it is also possible to take the train, but the timetables are limited (two per day).TrainBangkokaranyaprathetService27505:5511:35Ordinary27913:0517:35OrdinaryWhatever your transport (bus, taxi or train), they normally stop very close to the exit point from Thailand, Khlong Luek Border Checkpoint. Border crossing is normally possible between 8:00 a.m. and 20:00 p.m.Visit Aranyaphrathet Border MarketBefore leaving Thailand, and if you have the time and curiosity, I invite you to pay a little visit to the local market. As often to borders, the cities are animated by cross-border trade. The opportunity to see a bit of Cambodia, without being there yet. They sell a bit of everything, from food to clothes.The welcome was generally warm because few foreigners come here to see what is happening, most are content to just cross the border.Exit ThailandOften, right out of your bus or taxi, upon arriving in the area, you will be approached by "guides" or people presenting themselves as officials with badges, who are there to guide you through the different steps that I describe here. Basically, they will want to accompany you to make your Cambodian visa, and offer services at inflated prices to make the necessary photocopies, identity photos, etc. Unless you rush to the border unprepared, These are not essential so move on and continue to the border post. Go to the Thai immigration building to get it done. Similar to the airport if already tested, you queue up to go past the immigration officer and get your exit stamp with the date. Don't forget to check that you have your paper " departure card » (T.M.6) before this step and that it is well filled.As soon as you exit this hall from the back, you will cross the "no mad's land", where technically you are no longer in Thailand, nor yet really in Cambodia whose official demarcation is made by the small stream that you will cross by a bridge, leading you to the Cambodian border post. There too, you will still be approached by people offering to assist you in the process.The border between Aranyaprathet (Thailand) and Poipet (Cambodia). It can be confusing if you are faced with it for the first time. To summarize – DON'T LISTEN TO ANYONE – and follow your path across the small bridge. If there could be sincere people in the lot (because some are real helpers), most will confuse you by adding unnecessary steps and above all, ask for more than the 30$ of the basic visa. They take advantage of the ignorance and fear of novice tourists to go past officials.Return to CambodiaThe process remains easy enough to do as simply as possible, by yourself. Once you cross the small bridge, you will find yourself in front of the new building (a change from the kind of tents that were there 10 years ago). Enter the Cambodian immigration building and ask for the form to fill out. Once completed, give the 30$ (change before, it's better, because if you pay in Baht or other, you will lose on the exchange) and an ID photo.To avoid confusion and simplify the process even more, you can apply for a visa for Cambodia online in advance to obtain the precious sesame in the form of an eVisa on the official website: eVisa CambodiaFor a few years now (I experienced it in 2016), there has been an assumed corruption where, for no reason, you are asked for an additional 100 Baht (€2,5) to obtain the stamp for your visa (since Covid, they can mention a pseudo medical certificate to obtain as is the case between the border between the 4 islands in Laos and Cambodia, also very prone to scams).As I was with my parents, I didn't bother and stupidly paid... However, and let's be clear, this is notis not official therefore NOT MANDATORY! The law is formal, a visa is 30$ point. Be aware that if you are patient, they will typically put through first those who are willing to pay without thinking, then eventually, discreet at a time when there are fewer people, you will eventually be allowed to pass if you don't pay this extra, but it's not even guaranteed...With your visa in your pocket, all that remains is to have it inspected by the agents a few meters further on as you exit the immigration building. You pass the series of casinos, attracting Thais because it is illegal in their country. After that, it is the turn of the Cambodian tourist agents to approach you, to ask you where you are going and to offer their transport service.Getting to your next stop in CambodiaBasically, you are made to take a shuttle (Free) to the bus terminal. So far, we say everything is going well... Yes, except that this terminal is a real scam. Officially, you buy the ticket and you are told that the bus will leave when it is sufficiently full...That is to say, practically never… Or at least, can be downright time-consuming. And that's when "nice" taxi drivers will come and offer you their service to finish your journey until You Reap, if this is your destination).At the completely empty bus terminal in Poipet… you can smell the scam coming…Another bus option, but you will also have to be patient, is via a local company Vireak Buntham. The advantage is that their counter is located directly next to the Kbal Spean roundabout, which is just after the border. The disadvantage is that there are buses only in the evening…According to the latest information, there is one at 21pm and 22pm, and they arrive at 23:50pm and 00:55am respectively. Both cost $11. However, I understand that if you are there during the day, they may offer vans for a similar price, so we'll see...If you are going to Phnom Penh, there are several bus companies, including Vireak or Cambolink 21 Express which seems to have a better reputation. Whatever you choose, it is around 600-700 baht for a duration of about 8h to 9h.Powered by 12Go systemWe have been hearing about the renovation of the railway and the Poipet station for several years, accessible on foot from the border since it is 400 m after the roundabout, precisely crossed by the tracks that pass there in the middle of this square. If there was a limited service for a time, I can't find any information to date about regular trains crossing the country from Poipet...Did you like the article? share on Pinterest! Did you like the article? Vote on the article Note globale 4.4 / 5. Number of votes: 8 No votes yet. Be the first to rate this article! Did you like the article? Follow me on social media Practical advice Administrative procedures 0 8 Roman 22/06/2019
