Poipet Border Scams
Poipet has the most scams of any Cambodia border. Watch out for:
- Fake "visa offices" before the real immigration – ignore them
- Inflated visa prices – official fee is exactly $30 USD
- Free transport offers – they take you to commission hotels
- Currency exchange – terrible rates at border, exchange in town
Poipet – Aranyaprathet
The busiest and most popular crossing. Direct buses from Bangkok's Mo Chit station.
📍 Route
Thailand: Aranyaprathet
Cambodia: Poipet → Siem Reap
🕐 Hours & Best For
Open: 6am - 10pm
Best for: Siem Reap, Battambang
📋 Crossing Process
- Take bus or train from Bangkok to Aranyaprathet (5-6 hours)
- Walk across to Cambodian immigration
- Get visa on arrival or show e-visa
- Take taxi/tuk-tuk to Poipet transport hub
- Bus or shared taxi to Siem Reap (2.5-3 hours)
💡 Tips
Direct buses (Giant Ibis, Nattakan) are easiest. Avoid touts at the border offering "free" transport.
💵 Costs
Bangkok-Siem Reap bus: $28-38. Visa: $30. Poipet-Siem Reap taxi: $30-40.
Cham Yeam – Hat Lek
Best route for Cambodia's coast. Close to Ko Chang in Thailand.
📍 Route
Thailand: Hat Lek (near Trat)
Cambodia: Cham Yeam → Koh Kong
🕐 Hours & Best For
Open: 7am - 8pm
Best for: Koh Kong, Sihanoukville, islands
📋 Crossing Process
- From Bangkok: Bus to Trat (5-6 hours), then minivan to Hat Lek
- Cross border on foot
- Visa on arrival at Cham Yeam
- Taxi to Koh Kong city (30 min)
- Bus to Sihanoukville (4-5 hours) or Phnom Penh (5-6 hours)
💡 Tips
Can combine with Ko Chang visit. Morning crossings have shorter queues.
💵 Costs
Bangkok-Hat Lek: $12-15. Visa: $30. Koh Kong-Sihanoukville: $10-12.
O'Smach – Chong Jom
Quieter alternative for Siem Reap. Less developed but hassle-free.
📍 Route
Thailand: Chong Jom (Surin)
Cambodia: O'Smach → Siem Reap
🕐 Hours & Best For
Open: 7am - 8pm
Best for: Avoiding Poipet crowds
📋 Crossing Process
- Bus from Bangkok to Surin (7 hours)
- Songthaew to Chong Jom border
- Walk across and get visa on arrival
- Shared taxi to Anlong Veng then Siem Reap
💡 Tips
Much quieter than Poipet. Good if coming from Isaan region of Thailand.
💵 Costs
Bangkok-Surin: $10. Border to Siem Reap taxi: $35-50.
Pailin – Ban Pakard
Remote crossing near gemstone town of Pailin. Adventure route.
📍 Route
Thailand: Ban Pakard (Chanthaburi)
Cambodia: Pailin → Battambang
🕐 Hours & Best For
Open: 7am - 6pm
Best for: Battambang, off-the-beaten-path
📋 Crossing Process
- Bus to Chanthaburi from Bangkok or Trat
- Songthaew to Ban Pakard border
- Cross and get visa on arrival
- Taxi or motorbike to Pailin, then bus to Battambang
💡 Tips
Very few tourists. Border infrastructure basic. Have backup plans.
💵 Costs
Limited public transport. Expect higher taxi costs.
Recommended Bus Companies
Giant Ibis 🏆
Premium service. WiFi, power outlets, snacks. Staff handles visa process. Bangkok-Siem Reap: $38. Book at giantibis.com
Nattakan
Reliable Thai company. Good value. Bangkok-Siem Reap: $28-32. Departs from Mo Chit Bus Terminal.
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