Kamrieng & Pong Nam Ron Border Crossing

The Pong Nam Ron-Phsar Prum Crossing: The Cardamom Mountains Gateway

The border crossing at Ban Laem, in the Pong Nam Ron district of Chanthaburi Province, Thailand, which connects to the Cambodian post of Phsar Prum in the Sala Krau district, is a secondary but increasingly popular gateway between the two countries. This is the most direct route from the eastern Thai coast (including Pattaya and Koh Samet) to the western Cambodian city of Battambang. The crossing is located in a beautiful, hilly region of fruit orchards and forests, on the edge of the Cardamom Mountains. It is a much quieter and more scenic alternative to the main, chaotic crossing at Poipet. The atmosphere is relaxed, the procedures are straightforward, and it is a favorite among experienced overland travelers and expats living in Thailand. It is a border that feels like a secret, a peaceful passage into the artistic and agricultural heartland of western Cambodia.

A History of Gems and Guerillas

The history of this border region is one of gems and conflict. The Chanthaburi province in Thailand and the Pailin province in Cambodia (where the crossing leads) are world-famous for their ruby and sapphire mines. For centuries, this has been a region of gem trading, both legal and illicit. The border area is also the northern fringe of the Cardamom Mountains, a rugged and densely forested range that has long been a refuge for outlaws and rebels. During the Cambodian civil war, the Pailin region was a major stronghold of the Khmer Rouge. It was one of their main sources of income, as they controlled the lucrative gem mines. The area was one of the last parts of Cambodia to be reintegrated into the country after the collapse of the movement. The formalization and upgrading of the Pong Nam Ron-Phsar Prum crossing is a recent development, part of the effort to bring peace and legitimate commerce to this once-notorious region. It is a border that has transitioned from a smuggler’s trail to a legitimate international gateway.

The Border Crossing Procedure: A Smooth and Scenic Process

This is a relatively quiet border, and the process is generally very smooth and can be completed in under an hour. The border is open during daylight hours.

Exiting Thailand (Ban Laem, Pong Nam Ron): The Thai immigration and customs post is a modern, clean, and quiet facility located in the village of Ban Laem. You will present your passport to the immigration officer and receive your exit stamp. The customs check is usually a very brief formality. The officials are professional and friendly, and the lack of queues makes this a very relaxed process.

The No-Man’s-Land: You will then proceed a short distance through a quiet, hilly no-man’s-land to the Cambodian side of the border.

Entering Cambodia (Phsar Prum): The Cambodian immigration post is also a modern and quiet facility. Here, you will need to get your Cambodian visa on arrival (available for most nationalities). You will need to fill out an application form, provide a passport-sized photograph, and pay the visa fee in US dollars. Unlike at the Poipet crossing, scams are not common here, and the process is generally straightforward and honest. After getting your visa, an officer will stamp your passport, and you are officially in Cambodia. The entire process on both sides is known for being one of the most hassle-free between the two countries.

Route, Onward Travel, and Battambang

On the Thai side, the crossing is about a 1.5-hour drive from the city of Chanthaburi. There are minibuses that run from Chanthaburi to the border. On the Cambodian side, from the Phsar Prum border post, the main destination is the city of Battambang. The journey takes about 2-3 hours. The road, which was once notoriously bad, has been completely rebuilt and is now a smooth, paved highway (National Highway 57). You can hire a private or shared taxi from the border to Battambang. Battambang is the second-largest city in Cambodia and is a major highlight for many travelers. It is a charming city with beautiful colonial architecture, a thriving arts scene, and a relaxed, riverside atmosphere. It is the perfect base for exploring the surrounding countryside, with its ancient temples, killing caves, and the famous bamboo train. This crossing is the most logical and pleasant entry point for any traveler wishing to start their Cambodian journey in Battambang.

Final Planning Advice for the Gem Route

The Pong Nam Ron-Phsar Prum crossing is a gem of a border, a fantastic alternative to the chaos of Poipet. It is the ideal choice for travelers coming from the eastern Thai coast or for anyone who wants to make the wonderful city of Battambang their first stop in Cambodia. The key to a smooth crossing is to be prepared for the Cambodian visa on arrival with a passport photo and clean US dollar bills. The transport on the Cambodian side is not as frequent as at Poipet, so be prepared to hire a private or shared taxi. The journey is a beautiful one, through a scenic and historically rich landscape. This crossing offers a peaceful, hassle-free, and beautiful introduction to the wonders of western Cambodia.