Cambodia & Vietnam

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Cambodia & Vietnam


 International Border Crossings

At the current time there are seven international overland border crossings between Thailand and Myanmar, they are: Aranyaprathet-Poipet the best access to reach Siam Reap; Hat Lek-Cham Yeam, the best access to Sihanoukville; Un Mah-An She, the only access to reach the Preah Vihear Temple from Thailand in Ubon Rachthani Province; Chong Jom-O'Smach a convenient border to reach Siam Reap from Surin Province; Ban Pakard-Phsa Prum, Chong Sa Ngam-Anlong Veng and Ban Laem-Daung Lem, three border crossings less utilised in Chanthaburi and Surin provinces.

 Dinamic Map


Aranyaprathet - Poipet is the land border crossing between Thailand and Cambodia most used by western tourists, and the nearest to Bangkok. It is the best for those wishing to visit the north Cambodia where are Siem Reap and Battambang, but also for those continuing the journey until Phnom Penh or Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. To reach Aranyaprathet from Bangkok you can choose among a comfortable train journey, a 4-hour bus trip offered by several private companies or also reaching the border with a private or rental car, which however you'll have to leave in the car parks available near the Thai checkpoint because you can not enter in Cambodia with a Thai car. The Eastern Line of State Railway of Thailand, SRT, connects Bangkok with Aranyaprathet, a railway stretch 255 Km long that takes about 6 hours. The trains are only 3rd class and leave from Hua Lamphong Station at 05:55 and 11:35, reaching Aranyaprathet at 11:35 and 13:05. The railway station is only 6 km from the Thai border, 10 minutes trip with a tuk-tuk for about 80-100 THB. There are several options available for tourists to reach Aranyaprathet by bus from Bangkok or other cities in northeast Thailand, even because Poipet in Cambodia has several casinos, which are banned in Thailand and so it is a favorite destination for many Thais lovers of gambling. From Bangkok the buses depart frequently from the Mo Chit and Ekkamai bus stations, some buses depart from the Airport Public Transport Center at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Some companies also offer the bus trip up to Siem Reap. Minibuses and buses also depart from Pattaya. The main bus station in Aranyaprathet is about 6 KM from the border; some buses stop at Rongkluea Market Bus Terminal, about 2 Km away from the border, 5 minutes trip with a tuk-tuk for about 50 THB. Many buses will drop you off right next to the area of Thai checkpoint.

 Cross the border

At border both Immigration Offices are open daily from 07:00 to 20:00. Visa for Cambodia is issued on arrival, presenting a valid passport, a copy, one or two photographs, the completed form, and paying US$ 40 of fee for thirty days stay. Passport must valid for at least 6 months. Path Bangkok - Aranyaprathet: from capital follow the Highway 7 eastbound towards Chonburi, after 67 km turn left on Highway 314 toward Chachoengsao. Reached the city turn on Highway 304 and follow it eastbound for 60 km, then turn right on Highway 359 toward Sa Kaeo for other 75 km until it converges into Highway 33, which continues eastward to the Aranyaprathet-Poipet border, other 43 km. Total distance from Bangkok is 250 km, about 4.30 hours drive.


 Tips: Once at border in Aranyaprathet do not be fooled by strange characters who pretend to help you to get Visa or for organize your next step of trip. They are just petty fraudsters, they ask your money for something that you can do yourself. The formality for Visa on Arrival, if you have photos and photocopies of your passport, you can easily make alone at the Cambodia Immigration Office. The best thing to avoid these annoying people is to go straight to the Immigration Office delivering the passport only in hands of customs officials. For onward journey you behave in the same way. Negotiate directly with the Cambodians on the other side of the border, the petty fraudsters will ask a higher price, even suggesting to prepay the return ticket by taxi from Siam Reap, which probably will not be able to claim.


 Poipet Tourism International Passenger Terminal

Once crossed the Cambodian checkpoint in Poipet you have to walk on foot through the area where are the casino, after this duty-free zone you can easily find public transport to continue your journey until Siem Reap. There is a shuttle service that leads to Poipet Tourism International Passenger Terminal, a ten minute bus trip. From the terminal depart buses, minivans and taxis to Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Battambang. The prices are posted outside the ticket office and they are non-negotiable. A taxi to Siem Reap costs US$ 12 for a seat or $ 48 for the whole car; a bus ticket costs $ 9, the same price for a place in a shared minivan. If you plan to use a taxi avoid going to Terminal, where you will be forced to accept these prices.


Along the way little further the border there are many private taxis, most of them are not properly licensed but the prices are even lower if you are good at haggling, $ 6 for a seat or $ 30 for the whole car till Siem Reap or Battambang, 15 and $ 50 US$ until Phnom Penh. The road 160 Km long that leads to Siem Reap is finally almost all paved, just over two hours drive to reach the famous Angkor Archaeological Park heritage of UNESCO. Please note that some taxi drivers try to leave customers just outside the city with the excuse that they can not enter the city, not believe them this fact is absolutely false. The bus will drop you at Siem Reap's bus terminal located a few kilometres outside the town along the National Road 6, bargain the price of the tuk-tuk with the first drivers that will approach you, the correct price is between 2 and $ 3 depending on your final detination in the town. Be clear and firm in your request if you have already booked a hotel. Often the drivers of tuk-tuk and taxis try to bring you at different hotel where they receive a commission for your overnight. Try to be smart in Cambodia, if you are naive you are easy prey to petty fraudsters.

 Siem Reap to Phnom Penh

From Siem Reap you can get to Phnom Penh by bus or boat. Several private companies operate the bus service along the 314 km strech of road which divide Siem Reap from the Cambodian capital. Buses are fairly new and reliable, some have seats on two levels and all equipped with air conditioning and toilets. The ticket prices range between 9 and $ 12 depending on the company, a six-hour bus trip.

The journey till Phnom Penh by speedboats is more expensive, about $ 35 for a five-hour trip, but definitely more exciting. Observe rural life along the river from a boat with an unbelievable acceleration is a unique experience, one of those emotions that will remain forever in your memories. The speedboats depart from the pier in Chong Khneas, a floating village on Tonle Sap Lake about 11 km south Siem Reap. Reached Phnom Penh the boats moor along the river in the northern area of Sisowath Quay subdistrict, in the center of the capital. There is only one boat ride per day, one boat departs from Siem Reap at 06:30 and another boat leaves Phnom Penh at same time for the return trip. Tickets can be bought at any travel agencies in Siem Reap or even in the hotel receptions.


 Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City

The distance between Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City is 240 km, six-hour trip by bus. The road linking Phnom Penh to the former Saigon is in fair condition; on the way there is a river crossing on Mekong in Neak Loung. There are several private companies that offer the bus service to and from Saigon, each one with equivalent services and similar prices, about $ 14. Tickets can be bought at travel agencies or at hotel receptions. There are several departures a day, but concentrated in the mornings or early afternoon. From Phnom Penh buses leave from the private terminal of the various companies, to reach them just ask the taxi drivers. Some companies also offer the free transfer from your hotel. The border checkpoint is located between Bavet in Cambodia and Moc Bai in Vietnam. In Ho Chi Minh City the majority of buses arrive at station in Pham Ngu Lao Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, HCM City. Some travel agencies offer a package trip which includes a part of the journey by bus and a shorter by boat. If you have more time available for your journey it's possible to enjoy a three-day cruise along Mekong River till Ho Chi Minh City. For information and booking see the website:www.mekongeyes.com


  Train Schedules from Hua Lamphong Raylway Station Bangkok

TrainHua LamphongAranyaprathetFare 3rd Class SeatDistance
Ord. 27505:5511:3550 Bath255
Ord. 27913:0517:3550 Bath255
TrainAranyaprathetHua LamphongFare 3rd Class SeatDistance
Ord. 28006:4012:0550 Bath255
Ord. 27613:5519:5550 Bath255

  Bus Schedules from Suvarnabhumi Public Transportation Centre

RouteBus ClassDepartureRate THBDistanceTime Hr
To Aranyaprathet999 Gov. 1° Class06:40 - 10:10 - 11:40 - 13:10 - 16:10 - 18:102402224.00
From Aranyaprathet999 Gov. 1° Class07:30 - 08:30 - 09:30 - 11:30 - 12:30 - 16:002402224.00

  Bus Schedules from Mo Chit Teminal Bangkok

RouteBus ClassDepartureRate THBDistanceTime Hr
To Siem ReapNattakan VIP Bus9.007504249.00
From Siem ReapNattakan VIP Bus9.007504249.00
To Aranyaprathet999 Gov. 1° ClassEvery half hour 03:30 - 17:302402554.00
From Aranyaprathet999 Gov. 1° ClassEvery half hour 05:30 - 17:302402554.00
To Aranyaprathet999 Gov. 2° ClassEvery half hour 03:30 - 17:302202554.00
From Aranyaprathet999 Gov. 2° ClassEvery half hour 05:30 - 17:302202554.00

  Bus Schedules from Poipet Tourism Terminal

RouteBus ClassDepartureRate US$DistanceTime Hr
To Siem ReapAir Con 2°ClassBuses leave when full91603.00
To BattambangAir Con 2°ClassBuses leave when full101202.30
To Phnom PenhMekong Exp. Vip07:30 - 9:00 - 12:30 - 20:00164708.00
From Phnom PenhMekong Exp. Vip05:30 - 6:20 - 7:30 - 23:30164708.00

  Bus Schedules from Siem Reap

RouteBus ClassDepartureRate US$DistanceTime Hr
To Phnom PenhMekong Exp.07:30 - 08:30 - 09:45 - 12:30123206.00
To SaigonMekong Exp.07:302456013.00
To Phnom PenhParamount Ang.Hourly 07:00 - 13:3093206.00
To SaigonSupacoHourly 07:00 - 13:302456013.00

  Boat Schedules from Tonle Sap Lake Pier, Siem Reap

RouteCompanyDepartureRate US$DistanceTime Hr
To Phnom PenhMekong Boat06:30352505.00

  Note: same schedules in opposite direction

  Bus Schedules from Phnom Penh

RouteBus ClassDepartureRate US$DistanceTime Hr
To SaigonMekong Exp.07:00 - 08:30 - 14:00142406.00
To SaigonMekong Exp. Vip06:30 - 15:30162406.00
To SaigonSopacoHourly 06:00 - 15:00132406.00
To SaigonKumho Samco07:30 - 10:30 - 12:30 - 15:00132406.00

  Note: same schedules in opposite direction



Hat Lek - Cham Yeam is the border crossing between Thailand and Cambodia that allow to reach Sihanoukville, the most popular seaside resort in Cambodia, but also reaching Phnom Penh or Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. To reach Hat Lek from Bangkok the best way is to use the bus services offered by the governmental and the private companies until Trat, far 90 km from the Thai-Cambodian border. Buses depart from Ekkamai and the Airport Public Transport Center at Suvarnabhumi Airport. At Trat Provincial Bus Station there are several minivan services available to reach Hat Lek, a two-hour trip for about 120 THB. Minivans depart every 45 minutes from 07:00 am until 17:00 pm. From Pattaya there is a comfortable minivan service that allows reaching directly Sihanoukville. The prices vary depending on the companies and seasonality, approximately between 400 and 600 THB.

 Cross the border

At border both Immigration Offices are open daily from 07:00 till 20:00. Visa for Cambodia is issued on arrival, presenting a valid passport, a copy, one or two photographs, the completed form, and paying US$ 40 of fee for thirty days stay. Passport must valid for at least 6 months. Path Bangkok - Hat Lek: from the city centre follow the Highway 7 in direction Suvarnabhumi-Chonburi. Once in Chonburi continue on Highway 344 up to Klaeng then turn on Highway 3, which is the long Sukhumvit Road that leads directly to the Cambodian border at Hat Lek. The total distance is 435 km, a seven-hour drive from Bangkok and six hours from Suvarnabhumi Airport.


Completed the formalities at Cham Yeam checkpoint you must reach Krong Koh Kong, also know as Kaoh Kong or Koh Kong far just 10 km. The path includes the crossing on Koh Kong Bridge over Kah Bpow River's estuary. There is a toll to pay to transit on the bridge, 1,400 Riel or $ 0.35. For the short path you can use a taxi bike or a tuk-tuk. Rates are $ 2.5 or 80 THB for a bike and $ 7 or 220 THB for a tuk-tuk.

 Krong Koh Kong Bus Station

Arrived in Koh Kong it's possible to reach directly Phnom Penh by bus. The five-hour bus trip costs between 7 and $ 10, depending on bus companies. The Bus Station in Koh Kong is on the Street 12. Tickets are avaiable at bus station or at tourist agencies in the 3rd Street in the city center. Buses to Phnom Penh departing in the early morning and early afternoon. Even taxis towards Phnom Penh leave from the bus station, but throughout the day. A place in a taxi costs just $ 6 per person, but drivers leave only when full throughout. If you do not want to wait or share the taxi it is possible to hire the whole car, the cost is approximately $ 70 for a four-hour trip.


 Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh

If you do not arrive in time to catch the last bus, and do not want to stay overnight in Krong Koh Kong, you can consider the option to go to Sihanoukville and then reach Phnom Penh the next day from the seaside resort. Sihanoukville is 234 km away from Koh Kong, about four hours by bus. The four-hour trip costs from 7 to $ 9, depending on bus companies. The bus station is located on an isolated road, about 10 minute walk from the Victory Hill, 5 minutes from the downtown and 10 minutes from Ocheteaul, Sokha, and Serendipity beaches. The bus trip from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh takes about 4 hours. Several private companies offer the bus service. Prices range from a minimum of $ 5 for a cheap bus without toilets to a maximum of $ 12 for a VIP bus. Tickets are avaiable at bus station or at any hotel or tourist agencies in the seaside resort. The road until Phnom Penh is in fair condition and has scenic stretches fascinating, especially when crossing the mountains Kravanh, also known as Cardamom Mountains.


  Bus Schedules from Ekkamai Teminal Bangkok

RouteBus ClassDepartureRate THBDistanceTime Hr
To Trat999 Gov. 2° Class06:00 - 07:00 - 09:00 - 16:00 - 17:30 - 24:002653175.30
From Trat999 Gov. 2° Class06:30 - 07:30 - 08:30 - 15:00 - 17:00 - 23:302653175.30
To TratSuparat Tour08:30 - 10:30 - 12:00 - 16:40 - 18:30 - 22:302653175.30
From TratSuparat Tour08:30 - 10:30 - 12:00 - 14:30 - 17:00 - 23:002653175.30
To TratChokanukul Tour13:15 - 23:302653175.30
From TratChokanukul Tour09:30 - 23:002653175.30
To TratCherdchai Tour06:00 - 07:00 - 20:30 - 22:00 - 23:302653175.30
From TratCherdchai Tour07:00 - 08:00 - 09:00 - 21:30 - 23:00 - 23:302653175.30

  Bus Schedules from Suvarnabhumi Public Transportation Centre

RouteBus ClassDepartureRate THBDistanceTime Hr
To Trat999 Gov. 1° Class06:40 - 10:10 - 11:40 - 13:10 - 16:10 - 18:102632925.00
From Trat999 Gov. 1° Class07:30 - 08:30 - 09:30 - 11:30 - 12:30 - 16:002632925.00

  Bus Schedules to Phnom Penh from Koh Kong

RouteBus ClassDepartureRate US$DistanceTime Hr
To Phnom PenhPhnom Penh Sorya07:30 - 09:30 - 13:3072905.00
To Phnom PenhVireak Buntham07:45 - 12:3092905.00

  Note: same schedules in opposite direction

  Bus Schedules to Sihanoukville from Koh Kong

RouteBus ClassDepartureRate US$DistanceTime Hr
To SihanoukvilleParamount Ang.08:00 - 12:3072344.00
To SihanoukvilleRith Mony08:15 - 10:00 - 12:30 - 13:4582344.00
To SihanoukvilleVireak Bun Tham08:15 - 12:3092344.00

  Note: same schedules in opposite direction

  Bus Schedules to Phnom Penh from Sihanoukville

RouteBus ClassDepartureRate US$DistanceTime Hr
To Phnom PenhMekong Exp. Vip07:00 - 08:30 - 09:30 13:30 - 14:30 - 17:00122254.00
To Phnom PenhMekong Exp.07:45 - 14:30722513.00
To Phnom PenhParamount Ang.07:45 - 08:45 - 10:30 - 12:40 - 14:30 - 16:3062256.00
To Phnom PenhGST Express07:15 - 08:15 - 09:45 - 12:30 - 13:3052256.00
To Phnom PenhCapitol Tour07:30 - 08:30 - 12:30 - 13:3052256.00
To Phnom PenhPhnom Penh Sorya07:00 - 07:30 - 08:00 - 09:00 - 10:00 - 11:0052256.00
12:00 - 13.00 - 14:00 - 15.00 - 16:45 - 17:45
To Phnom PenhRith Mony07:00 - 07:30 - 08:30 - 10:0052256.00
11:30 - 12:30 - 13:45 - 17:00

  Note: same schedules in opposite direction



  Visa for Cambodia: the Visa on Arrival is issued at each Cambodia's border, presenting a valid passport, a copy, one or two photographs, the completed form, and paying the entry fee of US $ 40, for thirty days stay. Passport must valid for at least 6 months.

  Visa for Vietnam: if your overland journey continues into Vietnam the Visa is required. Visa for a 30 days stay can be obtained to any Embassies or Consulates of Vietnam, presenting the passport with valid for at least six months, a photocopy of the passport, the application form in duplicate and two passport photos, the cost is US $ 45 .

  Note: remember that tourists who return into Thailand's territory from a Cambobia's land border get Visa on Arrival, VOA, for only 15 days, unless they are already in possession of a Double Entry Visa or Re-Entry Permit.

  Currency, Exchange and Credit Card: the Cambodia's currency is Riel. Currently the exchange rate is 4,000 Riel for 1 US $. In Cambodia is best not to change your currency into local currency, little gladly accepted from restaurants or shops, or devalued. In practice it is better to pay in US dollars, especially in Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, where even ATM machines emit US dollars. Vietnam's currency is the Dong, VND. Currently the exchange rate is 22,000 Dong for 1 US $, and 25,000 Dong for 1 Euro. All major credit cards are accepted, VISA, MasterCard, Diners, American Express. US dollars and Euro are well accepted. The withdrawals at ATMs are available in limited way, in the larger cities, and in areas of tourist interest.

  Driving licenses, rentals and import vehicles: in Cambodia the International Driving Permit is not recognized as valid to drive vehicles, owned or rented. In Cambodia you can rent a car only if conducted by a local driver, and cannot import owned vehicle, or rented. Local legislation requires, in order driving on the territory Cambodian, conversion of your International license into a temporary Cambodian License. License is issued by the Cambodian authorities. This conversion has cost around US $ 25. If you want to go to Vietnam, please note that the International Driving Permit is valid from August 2015, has accepted the International license under the Vienna Convention of 1968. Driving rules. the driving direction is to the right, overtake on the left, Thailand is reverse, therefore make sure to look in the left before crossing a street, both sides even better.

 

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