Can I do a same-day visa run?

Technically possible but risky. Thai immigration may refuse entry if they suspect you're not a genuine tourist. Stay overnight to show you actually visited Cambodia.

What if I don't have USD cash?

ATMs at Poipet border charge high fees. Exchange Thai baht for USD at Aranyaprathet (worse rate but convenient) or bring USD from Bangkok for better rates.

How often can I do visa runs?

No official limit, but after 2-3 runs Thai immigration may question your intentions. If you need to stay longer term, get a proper visa or consider entering by air instead.

Is the Poipet crossing safe?

Yes, but watch for scams. Ignore touts offering visa services - go directly to official immigration counters. The crossing can be chaotic but is generally safe during daylight hours.

How to do a visa run from Thailand to Cambodia

Cross at Poipet-Aranyaprathet border, stay one night in Siem Reap or Battambang, then return the next day. Costs around $65-80 total including visa, transport, and accommodation. Bring cash USD for Cambodia visa and have proof of onward travel ready.

Get to Aranyaprathet border. Take a bus from Bangkok's Mo Chit terminal (3.5 hours, 230 baht) or minivan from Victory Monument (3 hours, 180 baht). Buses run every hour 5am-6pm. Get off at Aranyaprathet bus station, then take a tuk-tuk to the border (40 baht).
Exit Thailand. Present your passport at Thai immigration. Get your exit stamp. No fees required. Keep your departure card if you still have the paper version.
Enter Cambodia. Walk 200 meters to Cambodia immigration. Apply for tourist visa on arrival - bring $30 USD cash, one passport photo, and completed application form. Processing takes 15-30 minutes. Avoid touts offering 'express service' for inflated prices.
Stay overnight in Cambodia. Take a shared taxi to Siem Reap (1.5 hours, $10) or bus to Battambang (2 hours, $5). Book any guesthouse - even a $8 bed proves you stayed overnight. Keep your accommodation receipt.
Return to Thailand. Come back to Poipet border the next day. Exit Cambodia (no fee), walk across, and re-enter Thailand. You'll get a new 30-day tourist stamp or 15-day visa exemption depending on your nationality.

Can I do a same-day visa run?: Technically possible but risky. Thai immigration may refuse entry if they suspect you're not a genuine tourist. Stay overnight to show you actually visited Cambodia.
What if I don't have USD cash?: ATMs at Poipet border charge high fees. Exchange Thai baht for USD at Aranyaprathet (worse rate but convenient) or bring USD from Bangkok for better rates.
How often can I do visa runs?: No official limit, but after 2-3 runs Thai immigration may question your intentions. If you need to stay longer term, get a proper visa or consider entering by air instead.
Is the Poipet crossing safe?: Yes, but watch for scams. Ignore touts offering visa services - go directly to official immigration counters. The crossing can be chaotic but is generally safe during daylight hours.