Cambodia forum

Poipet Border Crossing

Saul

newbie
Posts: 4

hey there

I am planning to come to Cambodia from Thailand in February 2007, and am having difficulty in deciding whether to attempt the famous (or infamous?) border crossing through Poipet. I have checked out the section on the journey on talesofasia, which was really helpful, however I'm still not sure whether to try it or not. The reasons for my apprehension are: first time in SEA, first time backpacking in general (male, 21 years of age), will be alone, etc. etc.

Part of me really wants to do this and the other half is quite scared to try it and just wants to take a flight (money is not an issue). Is my apprehension justified or is the journey easier than it sounds? Was hoping that anyone that has done this before could give me a little bit of advice in this regard.

Cheers

Saul

#1 Posted: 26/9/2006 - 16:49
Laura_B

tourist
Posts: 54

The border crossing you're referring to is fine, it's generally busy with travellers, thais and khmers, nothing to worry about. What you may worry about is the bad road from Poipet. Didn't enjoy it at the time, but looking back I'm glad I did it. I did the journey from Siem Reap to Bangkok in around 8 hours. Took a taxi from Siem Reap to the border, $30, it took about 3 hours. Took about 30 mins to get through the border, no problems. Then I took a tuk tuk once I was in Thailand (70 baht) to the bus station, which took 10 mins. Luckily there was a bus just about to leave for Bangkok, this cost me 210 baht and took about 4 hours. The air conditioned bus was absolute bliss compared to the taxi in Cambodia! The roads once in Thailand seemed so smooth.

Many travellers do this trip all year round, it's a bit of an eye opener. Certainly made me appreciate comfortable travel!

#2 Posted: 26/9/2006 - 22:57
laduma

newbie
Posts: 1

Hi Saul,

there is an absolutely brilliant guide on how to do this at the following website:

Tales of Asia link

Hopefully with that info you will know what to look out for...

cheers

#3 Posted: 27/9/2006 - 07:19