razzy
longtail driver
Posts: 9

#1 Posted: 20/12/2006 - 08:26


Hi all.
I'm curious and anxious to know about people's experiences crossing the laos/cambodain border overland. My travel agent advised me not to do it, as the Cambodian side is in guerilla territory. If I have to fly, this really disturbs my itinerary, but at the same time I'm not prepared to take too many risks.
Any advice/references/personal experience is very welcomed.
Thanks!

somtam2000
admin
mahout
Posts: 2784

Located in:
Indonesia

#2 Posted: 20/12/2006 - 23:07


"Guerilla territory" -- not anymore - not for a long time.

The crossing in question has been open and operating more or less normally for a few years now.

It's a fairly straightforward crossing -- you can opt for travelling by boat or bus -- most are opting for bus to avoid inflated boat prices.

TessaW
longtail driver
Posts: 8

#3 Posted: 21/12/2006 - 00:59


It is also worth bearing in mind that you must have either your Lao or Cambodian visa in advance. This might be out of date info by now but last I heard, you couldn't get either on arrival. The journey from Northeastern Cambodia to Phnom Penh is amazing and pretty untravelled. Definitely worth taking a side trip to go to Banlung in Ratanakiri and do as much of the journey from Stung Treng to Phnom Penh (via Kratie) by boat as you can. Kratie is also worth a night for its lovely colonial atmosphere and to try and spot the river dolphins. I'd say this is one of the best journeys in all of SE Asia.

somtam2000
admin
mahout
Posts: 2784

Located in:
Indonesia

#4 Posted: 21/12/2006 - 07:22


You need a Lao visa in advance, but Cambodian visa on arrival is issued at the land crossing.

Agree with TessaW -- it's a beautiful slice of the world up in those parts.