Thailand to Cambodia Border Crossing: Travel Guide, Preparation & Tips

Posted on by Roxanne Tamayo
Thailand to Cambodia Border Crossing and VV

Thailand to Cambodia Border Crossing Experience

Crossing the border from Thailand to Cambodia is an exciting journey for travelers, whether you’re a backpacker, digital nomad, or adventure seeker. This guide covers everything you need to know about the Thailand-Cambodia border crossing, preparation, visa requirements, and essential travel tips.

After 28 days of staying in Thailand, I have to get out of the country and do Thailand to Cambodia border crossing. I decided to celebrate my birthday in a new country but only stayed 7 days in Siem Reap.

Best Thailand to Cambodia Border Crossings

  1. Aranyaprathet (Thailand) – Poipet (Cambodia): The most popular and busiest land border crossing, often used by travelers heading to Siem Reap and Angkor Wat.
  2. Trat (Thailand) – Koh Kong (Cambodia): Best for those heading to Cambodia’s coastal areas like Sihanoukville.
  3. Chong Chom (Thailand) – O’Smach (Cambodia): Less crowded, ideal for travelers exploring northern Cambodia.
  4. Hat Lek (Thailand) – Cham Yeam (Cambodia): Another coastal route for travelers going from Koh Chang to Cambodia.

Visa Requirements & Documents

  • Cambodian Visa on Arrival: Available at most border crossings for $30-$35 USD (bring a passport-sized photo).
  • E-Visa: Apply online before traveling via Cambodia’s official e-visa website.
  • Thailand Exit Stamp: Ensure your Thai visa is valid before departure.
  • Proof of Onward Travel: Some crossings may ask for a return ticket or onward journey proof.

VISA EXEMPTIONS

ASEAN Travelers like Brunei Darussalam, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, no visa is required to enter Cambodia.

Preparation & What to Bring

  • Passport with at least 6 months validity
  • US Dollars (for visa fees & local expenses)
  • Printed accommodation booking confirmation
  • Snacks and water (border waits can be long)
  • Travel insurance covering Cambodia

How to Cross the Border from Thailand to Cambodia?

  • Bangkok to Poipet (Aranyaprathet border):
    • Train: Departs from Hua Lamphong Station (~6 hours, budget-friendly).
    • Bus: Direct buses from Mo Chit Bus Terminal (~4-5 hours).
    • Minivan: Faster but slightly pricier (~4 hours).
  • Koh Chang to Koh Kong Border: Ferries and minivans available.
  • Chiang Mai to Cambodia: Overnight buses to Bangkok or flights to Siem Reap/Phnom Penh.

You can use the bus or train to cross the land border. But for me, it was more convenient to book the bus online. All I had to do was wait for instructions on where and what time to meet. Somehow, the experience was smooth sailing.

Thailand to Cambodia Travel Guide by Bus

I took the night bus for Thailand to Cambodia border crossing worth 950 Baht. The meeting point was at Khao San Road in Bangkok and I went there two hours earlier as it would depart around 12 midnight. I was able to save one more night of my accommodation and I had to sleep on the bus. The metered-taxi from Phaya Thai station (near my hostel) to Khao San Road was at 65 baht.

It was a smooth experience as we arrived in Aranyaprethet/Poipet around six in the morning. The bus driver told us to walk to the border for my exit stamp. Upon entry at customs of Cambodia, the immigration officer asked me for 100 Baht. Philippines is part of ASEAN so no payment of visa fee to be given to the IO. Since I never wanted to make a scene, I chose to pay 100 Baht.

Check out my post about Myanmar Travel Cost in 28 Days | How Much to Spend in Myanmar?

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How many days to stay in Cambodia through a land border crossing?

As a Philippine passport holder, I got 20 days to stay in Cambodia but I never stayed that long because I was not familiar with the country. But with a limit of 7 days, I was tired from one bus ride to another so better stay the whole week in Siem Reap. It’s a 4-hour drive from the border to Siem Reap.

Arrived in the main center of Siem Reap around 11 in the morning. Good thing, the bus company provided us with free services like dropping off in our hostels and accommodations.

Cambodia to Thailand Border Crossing

I took the day bus from Cambodia to Thailand and I could say that it was an exhausting experience back to the border of Aranyaprethet/Poipet as we were waiting for our bus. Also, there were too many people in immigration as a lot of tourists crossing on day time.

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How many days to stay in Thailand through a land border crossing?

Good news! You don’t have to fly to Thailand just to have that 28 days allowed stay. Through land border crossing from Cambodia, Thailand gives you 30 days of stay (for Philippine passport holders). Both the immigration officers of Thailand and Cambodia never asked me onward tickets.

Thai Embassy just created new visa rules for border entry to Thailand.

Also, check out my bus ride experience from Tokyo to Osaka.

How many times per the calendar year you can enter Thailand through a land border crossing?

The new policy states that you are only allowed to enter Thailand by land border crossing twice per calendar year.

I stayed in Thailand for three months in total. I went to Phuket Immigration for an additional 30 days and paid 1900 Baht. I will write about this in my next blog post, so stay tuned.

So, how was your Thailand-to-Cambodia border-crossing experience? Share your experience below.

Border Crossing Tips

  • Avoid visa scams; get your visa at the official immigration office.
  • Have small USD bills for border fees.
  • If taking a bus to Siem Reap, confirm your drop-off location to avoid extra charges.
  • Be patient, as border queues can be long, especially at Poipet.

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