Plan your overland journey from Bangkok to Siem Reap with ease! This guide offers essential tips and updated information for navigating the infamous Aranyaprathet Poipet border crossing in 2024.
Choosing the Best Transport Options from Bangkok to the Border
When traveling from Bangkok to the Aranyaprathet Poipet border, it is important to choose the best transport option that suits your needs. While some guides may recommend taking the train and then catching a bus, or taking two separate buses, it is not practical. Booking a bus that takes you directly from Bangkok to Siem Reap is the most convenient and time-efficient option.
You could in theory save $10 by doing it your own way but you will be hours later since you will have to wait for your next bus. You more than likely will cave and spend more money once you are in Poipet for a Tuk Tuk ride because you won’t want to sit for hours with all your luggage in the 100+ degree heat. It just does not make sense to not book a through booking, unless of course Poipet was your destination.
To save time and ensure a smooth journey, it is recommended to book a through booking that takes you directly from Bangkok to Siem Reap, unless you were going to hit up the Poipet Casino’s.
Get Stamped out of Thailand, Ignore All Touts and go DIRECTLY to the OFFICIAL Cambodian Immigration Area
THIS IS CRUCIAL YOU FOLLOW THIS INFORMATION DIRECTLY TO AVOID LOSING MONEY. After getting stamped out of Thailand, make sure to go up the stairs on the right-hand side into the official immigration area where you will OFFICIALLY get stamped into Cambodia.
If you already have a visa, THIS IS WHERE YOU GO. If you are getting a Visa on Arrival THIS IS WHERE YOU GO. You literally do NOT go anywhere else regardless of what anyone tells you. DO NOT go anywhere despite what ANYONE at the crossing tells you.
Have more than $30 for your Visa on Arrival
When applying for a visa at Poipet, it is important to be prepared to ensure a smooth process. The official fee for the visa is $30, but it is advisable to have $33 ready, as that is what they are asking for. Only USD is officially accepted, but they are known to take Thai Baht as well. I was asked which currency I would like to pay in, I chose USD.
Tons of guides online will tell you to stand your ground and demand to pay the official $30 price. The people who write these guides lack any bit of situational awareness, nor understand the consequences of what arguing with a FEDERAL official can result in. DO NOT ARGUE ABOUT THIS $3, while the ignorant bloggers write about how you should stand your grand and not pay a “bribe”, they fail to see the bigger picture. Did you save up your money to go across the world to go explore the beautiful Angkor Wat or did you save up your money to spend hours in a 100 degree room arguing with immigration who very well could deny you entry? Pay the $3 and go enjoy Cambodia.
What to Expect After Crossing into Cambodia
Once you have successfully crossed the Poipet border into Cambodia, it is important to know what to expect. Cambodia is not Thailand, something that you will immediately realize the second you walk out of that immigration room. When you first officially step foot in Poipet: take it as reflection moment to understand how being born on one side of an imaginary line can result in being from a either a wonderful middle class society like Thailand, or from a still developing nation with a saddening past. Cambodia is a wonderful country, but you will have some adjusting to get used to regarding the culture and standard of living for a lot of the Cambodian people. Go into it with open arms and you will find that you want to return again. After you enjoy Siem Reap, head down to Phnom Penh and then Koh Rong!
