Cambodia forum

Kampot to Ha Tien through Prek Chak-Xa Xia border

o_kaija

newbie
Posts: 3

Hi,

I would like to have some advice on the best way to travel from Kampot to Ha Tien through the Prek Chak-Xa Xia Border. From what I have read so far it seems complicated to do.

Thanks for the help

#1 Posted: 28/4/2010 - 04:19
eastwest

som tam seller
Posts: 699
Private message

"From what I have read so far it seems complicated to do."

I guess it depends on your reading or your standards.

You can either buy a bus ticket or hire a tuk tuk/taxi. Both will take you directly to the border (or Ha Tien). With more than 2 persons a tuk tuk/taxi would be around the same price or cheaper.
Off course you can make things far more complicated if you want but I really do not see how buying a ticket or renting a tuk tuk/taxi can be complicated...

#2 Posted: 1/5/2010 - 10:01
oasisbarhat-
ien

hippy
Posts: 75

Posted from within Vietnam.

Well I will try and be a little bit more helpful than the last poster.The best way to get from Kampot to Ha Tien through this crossing is to get the bus.It's probably not much more expensive than moto's tuk-tuks etc, and it's certainly more convenient.I only know of one bus company that actually offers a direct service without changing bus.I have used a company called "Virak Buntham".I travelled from Sihanoukville to Ha Tien,The cost was 20USD(which included a pick-up from my hotel)The bus goes via Kampot and Kep to the border,and then straight into the centre of Ha Tien(NOT the bus station)We left S/V at about 7.30am,got to Kampot maybe 1+1/2 hours later,then Kep and the border.Only silly hassle there is the "medical check" which cost 1USD,but it wasn't worth arguing.The bus gets to Ha Tien at 12.00/12.30 so if you are going to Phu Quoc,you can get the 13.30 boat.I came this way 2 days ago,after heavy rain,and the road was a sea of mud,I don't recommend a moto or tuk tuk under those circumstances,it was quite dangerous.Oh,and just to clarify,it is the same bus all the way,you obviously have to get off to show passports,but you don't have to carry your luggage,just leave it on the bus.BIG improvement

#3 Posted: 12/8/2010 - 20:59

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The only "western style" bar/bistro in Ha Tien
jadzia

longtail driver
Posts: 9

Hello!

May I ask another question concerning that subject? I know it is possible to cross at this xing, and most people I met did it on xe om... But of course that is a matter of taste and time and money, as always.

I am just asking myself if it is possible to get a visa there? As far as I was able to find out, they do not accept the E-Visa and they do not issue VOAs, right?

This would mean I have to get one here at home or on the way - or change my plansd and take the 5 hours up to to the river and cross at chau doc. I am not sure. My preferred idea was to to go to Phu Quoc, back to Ha Tien (which I really relly liked two years ago! defrinitely worth staying a night, so cosy and cute...) and the take a moto or bus to Kep .

I mean it would be even better to go from Ha Tien to Phu Quoc and then by boat to Kep or Kampot. Is this possible nowadays? TWo years ago everyody said it was not.

And hey, oasisbarhatien - where is your bar located? Maybe we can have a drink together!

#4 Posted: 9/11/2010 - 22:41
viacc65

backpacker
Posts: 13

Actually withing HaTien Tourism service it's possible to take the trip Kep-Phu Quoc crossing the Prek Chak/Xa Xia border. The bus run daily and start from HaTien (free pick up at your guesthouse) at 10.30AM and it will arrive at the island at 3PM.To make a booking contact Marie Rose at: hatientourism@gmail.com

#5 Posted: 10/11/2010 - 04:14
oasisbarhat-
ien

hippy
Posts: 75

Posted from within Vietnam.

1)The best way to do the crossing,for both safety and convenience is to take the direct bus from Ha Tien to Kep,which leaves from the tourism office in the centre of town every day at 13.30.It costs 12USD and takes about 2 hours,including the border crossing.You don't have to change bus and can leave your luggage on it.2) Yes you can get a visa on arrival in Cambodia,but as far as I know they don't accept the "E-visa" there 3)No, there are no boats from Phu Quoc to anywhere in Cambodia, there were rumours but nothing happened 4)Oasis bar is by the side of the night market,which is in the old market hall,just by the Ha Tien Floating Restaurant,do please call in when you are in Ha Tien.

#6 Posted: 11/11/2010 - 09:02

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The only "western style" bar/bistro in Ha Tien
jadzia

longtail driver
Posts: 9

So, ok - Visa on arrival is no problem... Well, this sounds all very good. Thanks for your help; I will come round within the next 2 weeks, then. ) Looking forward!

#7 Posted: 16/11/2010 - 17:59
oasisbarhat-
ien

hippy
Posts: 75

Posted from within Vietnam.

Just to make this absolutely clear,you can get a visa on arrival for CAMBODIA when leaving Vietnam,you cannot get a visa on arrival for Vietnam.However,you can come to Ha Tien via this border (Prek Chak/Xa Xia) without the need for a visa for Vietnam.Ha Tien is designated a "Special Economic Zone" and you can visit for up to 15 days without a visa,you just get an entry stamp.BUT,you are not supposed to travel further into Vietnam or even to Phu Quoc,you are restricted to the town and the Mui Nai beach area

#8 Posted: 18/11/2010 - 11:32

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The only "western style" bar/bistro in Ha Tien
jadzia

longtail driver
Posts: 9

ah, now I see. No, we are leaving Vietnam to Kambodia this way. But interesting, seems to be one of the rare ways to come to Vietnam without a Visa. But strange that they even do not allow you to go to Phu Quoc if they issue such things... Well, it all in the flow, let's see.

Thank you oasisbarhatien. I am really interested what Ha Tien is going to be like. Last time there was not many things and now it seems to have changed so much! I will be there end of november and will be happy to meet you!

#9 Posted: 18/11/2010 - 17:05