Poipet Aranyaprathet

Border Crossing From Cambodia to Thailand by Land

Opening Hours

Standard Hours: 6 AM–10 PM daily Seasonal Adjustments: Hours might differ on holidays Holiday Closures: Possibly modified hours on International Women's Day and other national holidays

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-Thai 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 travelers. 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 organization, 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 travelers.

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.

Traveler Experiences

"Very easy crossing border, Cambodia to Thailand. 15 minutes for a group of 20 from the bus. Fellow passengers and staff commented it was faster than normal. Money change and snacks available." - Mat Follas, February 2024

"I'm from a South Asian Country. Cross the border from Aranyaphratet Thai to Poi Pet Cambodia by bus. When crossing the border, you will be asked to leave the bus, bring your valuable things, then walk by foot until you reach the immigration office." - Anova Fatimah, October 2023

"Navigating the Poipet border crossing between Thailand and Cambodia can be particularly challenging for Indian passport holders. Travelers often report extended wait times and additional scrutiny during the immigration process." - Jayakrishnan Nair, February 2024

DISCLAIMER: This guide provides general information based on data available at time of publication. Border regulations, requirements, and procedures may change without notice. Always verify current information with official government sources before travel. BorderRoute.com is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outdated information. Travel decisions and border compliance remain the sole responsibility of the traveler.