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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.