Thailand to Cambodia: Border Crossings and Routes

The primary Thailand Cambodia border crossings are Poipet, Aranyaprathet-Poipet, and Cham Yeam-Koh Kong, each facilitating different travel needs.

Poipet is the busiest crossing for tourists heading to Siem Reap, located about 6 km from the border on the Cambodian side. The Aranyaprathet-Poipet crossing is approximately 250 km east of Bangkok, accessible via a 4-5 hour bus ride. For southern travelers, the Cham Yeam (Thailand) to Koh Kong (Cambodia) crossing serves those moving towards Cambodia's coastal areas, lying about 150 km from Trat town.

At Poipet, crossing involves immigration checks on both sides with visa on arrival options available at around 30 USD for most nationalities.

The crossing process typically takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on queues. Travelers can take direct buses from Bangkok to Poipet costing approximately 10-15 USD, with onward connections to Siem Reap about 50 km away. Visa fees at the border are around 30 USD, though e-visa options can expedite entry. Poipet’s immigration office operates from 6:00 AM to midnight daily.

Alternatives include the Ban Pakard/Ta Khmau crossing near Trat and the Chong Chom/O Smach crossing near Surin, each suitable for specific travel routes.

The Ban Pakard to Ta Khmau crossing is 45 km from Trat and leads toward Koh Kong province. This crossing is less crowded and ideal for travelers heading to southern Cambodia. The Chong Chom to O Smach crossing in Surin province is about 400 km northeast of Bangkok, often used by those traveling to northern Cambodia provinces like Ratanakiri. Fees vary but basic visa costs remain around 30 USD.

Options include shuttle buses, taxis, and motorbikes, with shuttle fares ranging from 6 to 15 USD depending on the destination.

From Poipet, shuttle buses to Siem Reap take approximately 1.5 hours and cost about 6-8 USD. Taxis offer faster travel at approximately 25-35 USD. At Koh Kong, travelers can hire taxis or motorbikes to reach coastal destinations like Sihanoukville, roughly 150 km away, with taxi fares around 30-40 USD. Booking transport in advance is recommended during peak seasons.

Arrive early, have the correct visa paperwork ready, and carry small denominations of US dollars for visa fees and transportation.

Border offices typically open around 6:00 AM and close at midnight. Avoid crossing late at night to reduce waiting times. Ensure passports have at least six months validity. Currency exchange kiosks are available but rates are better in major towns. Travelers heading to Siem Reap can benefit from booking combined bus and shuttle tickets from Bangkok for convenience.

Bangkok to Siem Reap via Poipet is approximately 400 km, taking 6 to 7 hours including border crossing time.

From Trat to Koh Kong crossing is about 150 km, with a travel time of 3 to 4 hours. The Chong Chom to O Smach crossing connects Surin to northern Cambodia cities like Kratie, approximately 300 km away, with a total journey time of 6 to 7 hours. These distances and times can vary depending on traffic and border queues.

Most travelers require a visa, obtainable either in advance or on arrival at border checkpoints for around 30 USD.

Visa on arrival is available at Poipet and other main crossings, but applying for an e-visa online before travel can speed up the process. The e-visa fee is typically 36 USD, including processing. Entry requires a valid passport with at least six months remaining validity. Some nationalities may have exemptions or different requirements, so checking current regulations before travel is advised.