⚠ Thailand crossings are closed — and the border area is dangerous
How do I cross borders into Cambodia?
Main crossings: Poipet (Thailand, busy/scammy), Bavet (Vietnam, easy bus route), Stung Treng (Laos). E-visa ($30) or VOA ($30) available. Watch for scams at Poipet. Bus companies handle formalities on main routes.
- Poipet–Thailand: Busiest, scam-prone, $30 VOA
- Bavet–Vietnam: Easy, use bus companies
- Stung Treng–Laos: Gateway to 4000 Islands
- Always use official immigration counters
Cambodia Border Crossings Guide
Cambodia shares land borders with Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos. While most crossings are straightforward, some (particularly Poipet) are notorious for scams. This guide covers every major crossing with step-by-step advice.
⚠️ Golden Rule: Only use OFFICIAL immigration counters. Ignore anyone who approaches you before the border — they are scammers.
🇹🇭 Thailand Border Crossings
Poipet – Aranyaprathet
Bangkok (~4h) ↔ Siem Reap (~3h)
Normally the busiest Cambodia–Thailand crossing on the Bangkok–Siem Reap route, and long notorious for scams. Currently closed.
Tips:
- Ignore anyone offering "visa services" before the official immigration booth
- The tourist visa is $30 USD — nothing more
- Get stamped only at the official counter
- Avoid touts promising "free" transport to commission hotels
Cham Yeam – Hat Lek
Koh Kong (~15 min) ↔ Trat (~30 min)
The southern coastal crossing linking Ko Chang/Trat to Koh Kong and the Cambodian coast. Quieter than Poipet — currently closed.
Tips:
- Quieter and less scam-prone than Poipet
- Good for combining Ko Chang with Cambodia's coast
- Morning crossings have the shortest queues
O'Smach – Chong Chom
Siem Reap (~3h) ↔ Surin (~2h)
A quiet crossing from Surin (Isaan) to O'Smach, a low-traffic alternative toward Siem Reap. Currently closed.
Tips:
- e-Visa is NOT accepted here — bring USD cash for Visa on Arrival
- Very quiet; not ideal for first-time overland travellers
- Useful if arriving from the Isaan region of Thailand
🇻🇳 Vietnam Border Crossings
Vietnam requires a visa arranged in advance (e-visa or embassy). You cannot get a Vietnam visa at the land border.
Bavet – Moc Bai
Phnom Penh (~2h) ↔ Ho Chi Minh City (~2h)
The main, well-organised crossing on the Phnom Penh–Ho Chi Minh City route. Open and busy.
Tips:
- Sort your Vietnam visa/e-visa in advance — buses will not wait long
- Keep small USD for any incidental fees
- The conductor holding passports at the border is normal practice
Kaam Samnor – Vinh Xuong
Phnom Penh (~3h by river) ↔ Chau Doc (~1h)
A scenic Mekong River crossing — the classic Phnom Penh–Chau Doc boat journey. Open.
Tips:
- Book through a reputable travel agent for the boat leg
- Stunning river and delta scenery
- Vietnam visa required in advance
Phnom Den – Tinh Bien
Takeo (~1h) ↔ Chau Doc (~1h)
A quiet southern crossing near Takeo toward Chau Doc, with a hilltop temple nearby. Open.
Tips:
- Visit the Phnom Den temple before crossing
- Arrange transport ahead — services are sparse
- Vietnam visa required in advance
🇱🇦 Laos Border Crossing
Dong Kralor – Veun Kham (Trapeang Kriel)
Stung Treng (~1h) ↔ 4000 Islands (~30 min)
Cambodia's only Laos crossing and the gateway to the 4000 Islands (Si Phan Don). Open.
Tips:
- Laos Visa on Arrival costs about $30–42 depending on nationality
- Bring a passport photo and small USD notes
- Watch for inflated "stamp fees" — ask for a receipt
- The Cambodia e-Visa is accepted at this crossing
💡 General Border Crossing Tips
- Bring USD cash: Visa fees and "processing" are paid in USD. Bring exact change.
- Have passport photos: 1–2 passport photos for VOA applications.
- E-visa when possible: Saves time at busy crossings like Poipet.
- Book bus tickets: Giant Ibis, Mekong Express handle border formalities.
- Arrive early: Border processing slows in afternoon. Morning crossings are faster.
- Check hours: Most borders close at 5–10 PM. Don't arrive late.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
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