How To Get From Thailand To Cambodia

Wondering how to travel from Thailand to Cambodia? In this guide, we’ll give you information to cross the border from Thailand to Cambodia by land.

I knew that crossing from Thailand to Cambodia by land could be a painful experience.  I was so ready for it, though. I had many options; take a VIP bus, take a bus, or try the early train.

I knew a few things; the visa on arrival might require a bribe, the earlier, the better, and patience would be my best friend out there…

So, if you are planning to travel from Thailand to Cambodia by land, here’s my quick and simple guide so you can do it too.

Are you planning your trip to Thailand? Check out these Thailand itineraries.

Getting From Thailand To Cambodia (By Bus)

The easiest way to travel from Thailand to Cambodia is by bus.

If you pick a service that can bring you all the way to Siem Reap, you’ll be able to skip some of the steps below.

But I still invite you to read the border crossing parts, because we give you tips to avoid being scammed with your visa on arrival.

CHECK BUS ROUTES

When I crossed the border from Thailand to Cambodia, I did it by train and by bus because it was the cheapest option at the time.

Although, it was more complicated because the train was really early and I needed to get a bus from the border crossing to Siem Reap.

That said, there’s a bus that can bring you all the way from Thailand to Siem Reap and it will be less complicated.

Getting From Thailand To Cambodia (From Bangkok By Train)

Below you’ll find the steps if you wish to take the train from Bangkok to Cambodia.

Wake Up Early

Depending on the location of your hostel, you might have to wake up sooner rather than later! 

Good news; in the morning, there is no traffic jam, and you’ll be able to reach the train station quicker.

You’ll head to Hua Lamphong Railway Station to buy your train ticket.

Take The Train To Aranyaprathet

The train leaves at 5:55 AM.  If you arrive early enough, you might manage to avoid the long queue.

The ticket cost only 48 baht. Alternatively, you can take the bus from Bangkok to Siem Reap.

Take The Tuktuk To The Border Thailand-Cambodia

Once you arrive at the destination, it will be around 11:35AM. You’ll find a herd of tuktuk drivers ready to try and rip you off.

So, put your smiley face and negotiation skills on.  *You might have to drink a coffee at some point to be able to manage the situation.

If you travel with people, you’ll be able to get a good price.  The distance isn’t long at all.  We paid 20 baht each.

Then, tell them you already have your visa (even if it isn’t true), as they will bring you to the visa counter, where you’ll be ripped off.

They should bring you to the departure Thai border.  They tried with us, and we didn’t leave the tuktuk saying we already had our visas.

Thai Border Crossing

Fill up your departure card (which should be in your passport) and say bye to Thailand!

Cambodia Border Crossing

Once you walk through the border, you might find this bit confusing.

On your right, there is a little office where you can get your visa on arrival.

If you already have it, then keep going; 300 meters further, you’ll find the entry border.

Be prepared. I repeat. Be prepared.

What you’ll need to get your Cambodia visa

• Your passport;
• A picture (I didn’t have one, see below to find out more if you don’t have a picture);
• The visa cost: USD 30 (pristine money though and this is really important);
• The address where you intend to stay (your hostel will do).

What’s going to happen?

Scenario A: You’ll fill up a short form.  If you have your picture, they will ask for a bribe (which should be around 100-200 baht).

Put your USD 30 in your passport with the form and then go to the counter. They will ask you for a bribe.

If you refuse to pay, they will make you wait. Then, you can try again… And try again.

If you’re patient, you might manage to avoid the bribe.If you start a scene, you might avoid the bribe too. Good luck!

Scenario B: You’ll fill up a short form, but you don’t have the picture (which should be only USD 2 more). Put your USD 32 in your passport with the form and then go to the counter.

They will ask you for USD 35. You can tell them it’s supposed to be USD 2, and you don’t have any more money.

They might make you wait a bit longer. If you are with other people, they might accept quicker.

Note: I already mentioned you really need to have pristine dollars, and I’m serious about it.

There was a girl at the border with thorn money, and they refused to take it. In the end, I don’t know if she managed to get through or not.

Get Your Stamp At The Cambodia Border

300 meters further, you’ll find the entry point where you have to fill out another short form (they basically ask for the same information as the previous form), and you’ll get your stamp there.

Take The Free Shuttle To The Bus Station

Keep going; you’ll find the sign: free shuttle to the bus station.

People will try to help you there; so don’t worry, they will take you there. They might ask you for a tip later though. Then, it’s up to you.

Take The Bus To Siem Reap

Once you arrive at the bus station, you have different options. 

To get to Siem Reap, you have three options – you can book directly on 12GO.

• Shared taxi: USD 48 for the whole taxi (this is the shorter option as you won’t have to wait to get in the taxi and it takes roughly two hours)
• Bus: USD 9
• Minivan: USD 10 (you’ll have to wait until they get 10 people to share the van)

Final Thoughts On Thailand To Cambodia Border Crossing

As we mentioned a few times, the best way to get from Thailand to Cambodia is to book a direct bus from Bangkok to Siem Reap.

If you’re on a budget, consider taking the train to cross the land border.

We hope you have a pleasant stay in Cambodia!