How to Cross Cambodia's Land Borders

Get your visa in advance

Apply for a Cambodia e-visa ($36) online before arriving at the border. This avoids the visa-on-arrival scam where agents charge $40–$50 and create fake "processing fees."

💡 E-visa is accepted at Poipet, Bavet, Cham Yeam, Tropaeng Kreal, and O'Smach crossings.

Choose your border crossing

Poipet–Aranyaprathet (Thailand): busiest, most scams. Bavet–Moc Bai (Vietnam): smoothest for HCMC. Cham Yeam–Hat Lek (Thailand): quiet, scenic route. Tropaeng Kreal–Nong Nok Khiene (Laos): remote, minimal traffic.

Cross the border on foot

Exit one country's immigration, walk across the border zone, and enter the next country's immigration. Keep all documents ready. Have passport photos for visa-on-arrival if needed.

💡 At Poipet, walk past ALL touts and "visa offices" before the actual immigration building.

Avoid common scams

No "health check" fee required (it's a scam). No "processing fee" beyond the official visa fee. Don't exchange money at the border — rates are terrible. Ignore anyone who approaches you before immigration.

Arrange onward transport

At Poipet: take a taxi to Sisophon then bus to Siem Reap ($5–$10 total). At Bavet: minivans to Phnom Penh ($8–$12). At Cham Yeam: taxi to Koh Kong city ($10).

💡 Pre-book a through-ticket from a reputable bus company to avoid overcharging at the border.