How to Travel to Cambodia From Bangkok

Because the two countries are neighbors, many travelers choose to visit Cambodia while in nearby Thailand. Though the journey is short, the usual rules still apply: All foreign visitors must have a visa stating important information pertaining to their visit (purpose of visit, length of time and contact information).

Visa regulations change often and vary depending on the issuing country, the visitor's country of origin and whether the visitor approaches the border by land or by air. It is always best to consult with the visa-issuing embassy to understand the details of the requirements before traveling.

Instructions

Transportation Options

1

Take a bus from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit) to the Thai town of Aranyaprathet. As of April 2010, the bus to Aranyaprathet leaves every hour; the trip takes 4 hours and 30 minutes.

2

Alternatively, take the first train from Hualamphong Train Station from Bangkok to Aranyaphrathet. As of April 2010, there are only two trains per day, with the first train leaving Bangkok at 5:55am. Take the first morning train in order to arrive at the border before closing. It takes six hours to reach Aranyaphrathet.

3

A third option is to take a taxi from Bangkok to the Cambodian border in Aranyapharthet. It takes three hours and costs between $80 and $100. Avoid scams by making sure the taxi is metered.

4

You could also fly from Bangkok to Phnom Penh. Thai Airways is a reliable airline, as is the inexpensive budget airline, Air Asia. You can get a visa at the airport.

Border Crossing

5

In Aranyaprathet, take a tuk-tuk or a motorcycle taxi to the Cambodian border. It is six kilometers away from the bus station and four kilometers away from the train station.

6

Do not let any touts, tuk-tuks or taxis take you to the border. This is often a scam to bring tourists to a fake "Cambodian consulate" where overpriced visas are sold.

7

If you're a U.S. citizen, fill out the visa application and present the following items to the Cambodian border officials: two passport photos, $20, and your passport. Officials will issue a 30-day visa. The border is opened from 7 am to 8 pm.