OVERLAND TO/FROM THAILAND

Most overland travelers between Thailand and Siem Reap cross at the Aranyaprathet/Poipet border crossing, but train (on the Thai side) and taxi travel is also available. Cambodian visas are available at the border. Going the other direction, 15-day Thai transit visas are available free of charge. Other types of Thai visas are not available.

You will likely be confronted by a couple of annoyances at the border. Touts and drivers on the Thai side of the border will tell you that you should or even must get a Cambodian visa from a ' local consulate ' on your way to the border crossing. DO NOT USE THEIR SERVICES. DO NOT GET YOUR VISA AT THE 'LOCAL CONSULATE. The visa is valid but is overpriced. Do not get your Cambodian visa until you have stamped out of Thailand, crossed the border into Cambodia and arrived at Cambodian ''Visa-on-Arrival'' station. Also, the touts will tell you that you need to exchange foreign currency for Cambodian riel. THERE IS NO REQUIREMENT TO CHANGE MONEY AT THE BORDER. It is a scam to get you to change money at a rip-off exchange rate.

Aranyaprathet, Thailand/Poipet, Cambodia Border Crossing: Route from Bangkok to Siem Reap

It's a 465km, 6-9 hour trip from Bangkok to Siem Reap. The usual route begins with a 4-5 hour bus or a train ride from Bangkok to the border crossing at Aranyaprathet, cross the border into Cambodia and then 3 more hours on to Siem Reap, though direct, non-stop buses have recently been added.

 

Direct Bus 

There are now direct buses between Siem Reap and Bankok. One ticket, one price, no bus change at the border.

The bus makes 2-3 rest stops and snack is served, but you may want to pack some extra food for the trip. total trip: 7-9 hours. Price: $25-$30 (750B), not inclusive of visa fees. Buses leave early, 7AM-9AM in both directions. At the border crossing make sure to get you visa at the Cambodia ''Visa-on-arrival'' immigration station, not 'local consulate'.

In Bangkok tickets are sold and buses depart from Morochit station. In Siem Reap purchase ticketss through the Nattakan office on the Sivutha Blvd or at a travel/tour agent. In Siem Reap the ticket usually includes free pick up form your hotel.