Poipet Aranyaprathet Combodia Thailand Border Crossing
Border Crossing From Cambodia to Thailand by Land
Opening Hours
Wait Time & Traffic
Average Wait:
Pedestrians: 15-45 minutes
Private vehicles: 30-90 minutes
Tour buses: 30-60 minutes (depending on group size)
Peak Times:
Early mornings (6 AM – 9 AM)
Late afternoons (4 PM – 7 PM)
Weekends and major holidays
Beginning and end of major tourist seasons
Express Options:
No official fast-track programs available
Some tour operators offer expedited services (additional fees apply)
Frequent travelers may benefit from using border passes instead of passports
Border Facilities
Immigration Processing: Available
Customs Processing: Available
Health Screening: Limited (may be enhanced during disease outbreaks)
Services:
Restrooms (basic facilities)
Food vendors and small restaurants
Currency exchange booths
Mobile SIM card vendors
Luggage porters (unofficial)
Basic shopping options
Accessibility:
Limited wheelchair access
No dedicated facilities for travelers with disabilities
Assistance may be required for those with mobility challenges
Official Resources
Cambodia Border Authority: General Department of Immigration
Website: www.immigration.gov.kh
Contact: +855 23 890 380
Thailand Border Authority: Immigration Bureau of Thailand
Website: www.immigration.go.th
Contact: +66 2 287 3101
Travel Advisories:
U.S. Department of State: travel.state.gov
UK Foreign Office: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs: smartraveller.gov.au
Overview
The Cambodia-Thailand Border crossing at Poipet is one of the busiest international land border checkpoints connecting the two Southeast Asian nations. Located in Krong Poi Pet, Cambodia, this gateway serves as a crucial transit point for tourists, business travelers, and locals moving between Cambodia and Thailand. The crossing handles thousands of travelers daily and serves as an important economic corridor for trade between the two countries.
The border facility operates from 6 AM to 10 PM daily, making it accessible for most travellers. The crossing features separate processing areas for locals and foreigners, with dedicated immigration and customs facilities. While the infrastructure is functional, the crossing is known for its bustling atmosphere and sometimes chaotic organisation, especially during peak tourist seasons. The border area also hosts currency exchange services, food vendors, and transportation options, making it a comprehensive transit hub for international travellers.
Document Requirements
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- Valid Thai visa if required (check requirements based on nationality)
- Completed arrival/departure cards
- Proof of onward travel or return ticket
- Proof of sufficient funds for stay
- Hotel reservation or address of accommodation in Thailand
- For entry to Cambodia: valid Cambodian visa or e-visa (can be obtained on arrival for many nationalities)
- Valid Thai passport or border pass
- Completed departure card
- Return ticket (may be requested)
- Valid Cambodian passport or border pass
- Completed departure card
- Return ticket or proof of onward travel (may be requested)
Crossing Procedure
From Cambodia Side
- Arrive at the Cambodian border checkpoint in Poipet
- Complete departure card (available at the checkpoint)
- Present passport, departure card, and any relevant visas to Cambodian immigration
- Receive exit stamp on passport
- Proceed through to the no-man’s land between borders
From Thailand Side
Walk across the no-man’s land to the Thai immigration checkpoint (approximately 100 meters)
Complete Thailand arrival card (usually provided at the checkpoint)
Join the appropriate queue for immigration (separate lines for foreigners and Thai nationals)
Present passport, arrival card, and valid Thai visa (if required) to Thai immigration
Answer any questions from immigration officers regarding purpose and duration of visit
Receive entry stamp with permitted stay duration
Proceed to customs declaration if carrying goods that need to be declared
Exit the checkpoint area and enter Thailand
Special Considerations
Vehicle Imports/Exports:
Temporary import permits required for personal vehicles
Commercial vehicles need special permissions and documentation
Different driving sides (Thailand: left, Cambodia: right) make bringing vehicles challenging
Insurance must be valid for both countries
Goods Allowances:
Duty-free: 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco
1 liter of spirits
Personal effects in reasonable quantities
New items valued under $500 USD (approximate)
Prohibited Items:
Narcotics and illegal drugs
Weapons and ammunition without permits
Counterfeit goods and currency
Protected wildlife products
Pornographic materials
Political materials deemed sensitive
Currency Restrictions:
Thailand: Maximum 50,000 THB without declaration
Cambodia: Maximum $10,000 USD without declaration
Local currencies (THB, KHR) can be exchanged at numerous exchange booths
Accommodations
The area surrounding the Cambodia-Thai Border at Poipet offers various accommodation and dining options catering to different budgets and preferences. Several hotels are conveniently located within 2 kilometers of the border checkpoint, ranging from budget-friendly establishments like Pailin City Hotel to more upscale options such as Golden Crown Casino Hotel and Holiday Palace Casino & Resort. Most hotels in this area feature casino facilities due to the popularity of gambling tourism in this border region. For dining, travelers can find everything from inexpensive local food stalls at the Border Food Court and Poipet Market to mid-range restaurants serving Thai, Cambodian, and international cuisine. Jangsu Korean Restaurant and Arunee Thai Restaurant offer decent dining experiences within walking distance of the border. Casino hotels also house their own restaurants with more upscale dining options, typically serving international buffets and à la carte menus. The immediate vicinity of the border crossing tends to focus on quick service establishments, while more varied dining options become available as you venture further into either Poipet (Cambodia) or Aranyaprathet (Thailand).
Public Review Sentiments
Based on total reviews found online, the Cambodia-Thai Border crossing at Poipet presents a mixed experience for travelers. Most visitors appreciate the relatively straightforward process when crossing from Cambodia to Thailand, with many reporting completion times of 15-20 minutes even for larger groups. The availability of essential services like currency exchange, food vendors, and transportation options near the border receives positive mentions.
However, travelers from certain countries, particularly South Asian nations, report experiencing longer wait times and additional scrutiny. The crossing can become congested during peak hours, leading to extended processing times and occasional confusion. Some visitors mention encountering unofficial “helpers” offering assistance for a fee, which can be problematic for unprepared travelers. Despite these challenges, most travelers find the crossing manageable with proper preparation and patience, especially when avoiding rush hours.