How do I cross borders into Cambodia?
Main crossings: Poipet (Thailand, busy/scammy), Bavet (Vietnam, easy bus route), Stung Treng (Laos). E-visa ($36) 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)
Busiest crossing. Bangkok–Siem Reap route. Notorious for scams. Use official counters only.
Tips:
- Ignore anyone approaching before immigration
- Visa costs $30 USD — no more
- Get stamped at official booth only
- Walk across or take casino bus
Cham Yeam – Hat Lek
Koh Kong (15 min) ↔ Trat (30 min)
Coastal route. Good for Koh Chang → Sihanoukville. Less chaotic than Poipet.
Tips:
- Quieter alternative to Poipet
- Good for island hopping route
- Mini-buses available on both sides
O'Smach – Chong Chom
Siem Reap (3h) ↔ Surin (2h)
Remote crossing. Used by locals. Few tourists. VOA available but no e-visa.
Tips:
- Limited transport on both sides
- Not recommended for first-timers
- Bring USD cash
🇻🇳 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)
Main crossing for PP–HCMC route. Well-organized. Bus companies handle paperwork.
Tips:
- Book bus ticket PP–HCMC (includes crossing)
- Vietnam visa required in advance
- Bus companies assist with formalities
Kaam Samnor – Vinh Xuong
Phnom Penh (3h by river) ↔ Chau Doc (1h)
Mekong River crossing! Scenic boat journey from Phnom Penh to Chau Doc.
Tips:
- Book through travel agent for boat journey
- Stunning river scenery
- Vietnam visa required
- Consider one-way boat, return by bus
Phnom Den – Tinh Bien
Takeo (1h) ↔ Chau Doc (1h)
Remote but scenic. Phnom Den hilltop temple worth visiting. Few tourists.
Tips:
- Visit Phnom Den temple before crossing
- Limited transport — arrange in advance
- Vietnam visa required
🇱🇦 Laos Border Crossing
Dong Kralor – Veun Kham
Stung Treng (1h) ↔ 4000 Islands (30 min)
Only crossing to Laos. Gateway to 4000 Islands. Laos VOA available at border.
Tips:
- Laos visa on arrival available ($30–42)
- Cambodia e-visa works here
- Minivan to 4000 Islands from border
- Bring passport photos for Laos VOA
💡 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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