Overview

In this post, I’ll share my experience of crossing the Thailand to Cambodia border by land, not by air.

While there are various public transportation options to cross the border, I traveled with friends in a taxi. Though it was back in 2017, the memories are still vivid, and I hope this account helps those planning to travel overland between Thailand and Cambodia.

Overland Journey from Thailand to Cambodia: Getting to Poipet

Our ultimate destination from Thailand was Siem Reap, home to Angkor Wat.

The road connecting Thailand and Cambodia passes through the Cambodian town of Poipet.

First, we needed to reach the Thai border near Poipet.

We were in Bangkok and decided to share a taxi among the four of us.

After some negotiation, we agreed on a fare of 2,000 baht.

The total journey time was about six hours: four hours from Bangkok to the border and two hours from the border to Siem Reap.

Despite the long journey, we were excited in our twenties, eager for a memorable adventure.

Crossing the Thailand to Cambodia Border

1. Taxi to the Border

Early in the morning, we packed our bags and made sure we didn’t forget anything. Feeling like soldiers preparing for a mission, we headed to the hotel lobby and asked the staff to call us a taxi.

The taxi arrived shortly, and after some negotiation over the fare (which was initially higher than expected), we settled on just over 2,000 baht.

2. A Grueling Journey: Thailand to Cambodia

The four-hour taxi ride to the border was exhausting. Thankfully, our driver kindly stopped at a rest area for a meal. It was reassuring to think that a taxi would be more comfortable than a bus with strangers.

As we left bustling Bangkok, lush forests began to dominate the landscape. About two hours into the journey, our driver stopped at a roadside rest area.

3. Rest Area Meal

Though in a rural part of Bangkok, the rest area was modern and air-conditioned.

However, communication was challenging since the staff spoke little English. I regretted not learning more Thai beforehand.

Using gestures, we ordered salad, bulgogi, and the must-try Thai dish, Pad Thai.

While not as delicious as the food on Khao San Road, it was enough to satisfy our hunger.

4. Arrival at the Border: Passport Control

After our meal, we reunited with our taxi driver and finally arrived at the border.

Ignoring the locals offering to carry our bags (as they would later demand tips), we headed straight for passport control.

Crossing the border by land isn’t a common experience for Koreans, given our geographical context.

It was an exciting and novel experience. The passport control process was surprisingly quick, with no questions asked, and soon we were in Cambodia.

5. Entering Cambodia: The Visa Process

We hadn’t obtained visas beforehand, so we needed to get them at the border.

The official fee was $30 per person, but a sign indicated an additional 300 baht, likely a bribe for the Cambodian officials.

Having spent most of our Thai baht, we pleaded that we had no more money.

Eventually, after a long wait, they issued our visas without the extra fee, though it left us frustrated.

6. Onward to Siem Reap

Once in Cambodia, locals continued to offer help with our luggage for tips. Eventually, we agreed to pay for a taxi to take us to Siem Reap.

A Lexus taxi pulled up, a familiar brand, and we negotiated a reasonable fare.

The stark contrast between the well-paved roads of Thailand and the dusty, unpaved roads of Cambodia was striking as we made our way to Siem Reap.

7. Arrival in Siem Reap and Finding a Hotel

After about two hours, we finally reached Siem Reap, where a tuk-tuk driver took over from our taxi driver. It seems the locals rely heavily on tourism for their livelihood, with various drivers working together to cater to tourists.

We negotiated with the tuk-tuk driver for the next day’s tour of Angkor Wat and Tonle Sap Lake. Despite not noting the exact budget, additional tips and costs were expected throughout the tour, all payable in US dollars.

Since a tuk-tuk can only safely carry two passengers, we divided into two groups for the ride to our hotel. While the tuk-tuk ride was initially fun, it became tedious as the journey dragged on.

Our driver kindly offered us bottled water during the trip, and we finally arrived at our hotel. Exhausted but relieved, we settled in, discussed the next day’s plans with our tuk-tuk driver, and looked forward to the Angkor Wat tour.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience

Crossing the border by land was an adventurous and memorable experience, though I wouldn’t rush to do it again. It was a unique journey that added a special touch to our travels, leaving us with lasting memories. I hope this account helps anyone planning a similar trip between Thailand and Cambodia.

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