Overland Travel Across Borders: A Tale of Two Frontiers
Aranyaprathet Poipet Bangkok Siem Reap Touts Hustle
The 817-kilometer border between Cambodia and Thailand is a frontier of sharp contrasts, separating one of Southeast Asia’s most developed economies from a nation still recovering from a tumultuous history. The main overland route is a busy, and often chaotic, experience that serves as the primary gateway to Cambodia’s famed temples.
Hat Lek Koh Kong Casino Walk in Developing Chaos
Your most likely crossing point is at Aranyaprathet in Thailand, which connects to Poipet in Cambodia. This is the main land route from Bangkok to Siem Reap and the temples of Angkor Wat. The crossing is notorious for its touts, scams, and general hustle, so you should be prepared and stay vigilant. Several other crossings exist, such as Hat Lek-Koh Kong on the coast, but Poipet sees the most tourist traffic.
Border Crossings
- Ban Klong Luk (Aranyaprathet) & Poipet Border Crossing
- Choam (Oddar Meanchey) & Chong Sa-ngam Border Crossing
- Kamrieng & Pong Nam Ron Border Crossing
- Hat Lek & Koh Kong Border Crossing
- Chong Chom & O’Smach Border Crossing
- Ban Phakkat & Pailin Border Crossing
- Ban Laem & Prum Border Crossing
- Ban Khao Din & Phsar Prom Border Crossing