How to Cross Overland from Cambodia to Thailand
Cross at Poipet-Aranyaprathet, the main border crossing 3 hours from Siem Reap. Get your Cambodia exit stamp, walk 500 meters across no-man's land, then get your Thailand entry stamp. Have $35 cash for Cambodia visa on arrival if needed, and ensure your passport has 6+ months validity.
- Choose your border crossing. Poipet-Aranyaprathet is the main crossing, open 7am-8pm daily. It's 3 hours by bus from Siem Reap, 4 hours from Phnom Penh. Avoid other crossings unless you're experienced—they're slower and less reliable.
- Get to the Cambodian side. Take a tourist bus or taxi to Poipet. Tourist buses cost $12-15 from Siem Reap and drop you at the border. Local buses cost $6 but may stop frequently. Arrive before 6pm to avoid rushing.
- Complete Cambodia exit procedures. Present your passport at the Cambodian immigration counter. Officers will check your entry stamp and cancel your visa. This takes 5-10 minutes unless there's a queue.
- Walk through no-man's land. Exit the Cambodian building and walk straight for about 500 meters. You'll see duty-free shops and money changers. Don't buy anything here—prices are inflated. Keep walking until you reach the Thai immigration building.
- Enter Thailand. Present your passport to Thai immigration. Most nationalities get 30 days visa-free. Officers may ask about your onward travel plans—have a bus ticket or flight confirmation ready. The process takes 2-5 minutes.
- Get to your destination in Thailand. From Aranyaprathet, take a songthaew (shared taxi) to the bus station for 20 baht. Buses to Bangkok leave hourly and cost 230 baht for a 4-hour journey. Buy tickets at the counter, not from touts.
- Can I cross at other border points?
- Yes, but Poipet-Aranyaprathet is the most reliable. Other crossings like Cham Yeam-Hat Lek work but have fewer transport connections and may close unexpectedly.
- What if I don't have a Cambodia visa?
- Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival at the Cambodia side for $35. You'll need a passport photo and exact change in US dollars. Processing takes 10-15 minutes.
- Are there scams at this border?
- Yes. Common scams include fake visa fees, overpriced transport, and fake officials. Only pay fees at official counters with receipts. Ignore anyone offering to 'help' for money.
- Can I bring my rental motorbike across?
- No. Rental motorbikes cannot cross international borders. You'll need to return it and arrange new transport in Thailand.