Thailand to Cambodia: The Ultimate 2024 Travel Guide (Best Routes, Visas & Avoiding Scams!)
🚀 Planning a Trip from Thailand to Cambodia? Here’s Everything You Need to Know!
Whether you’re looking for the cheapest, fastest, or most scenic way to travel from Thailand to Cambodia, this guide covers all your options! We’ll break down bus, train, flight, and ferry routes, visa requirements, and tips on how to avoid common border scams.
Let’s dive in! 👇
1️⃣ Best Ways to Travel from Thailand to Cambodia
✈️ By Flight – The Fastest Option
Time: ~1 hour
Cost: $50-$150 (one-way)
Best for: Those who want comfort & speed
🔹 Direct flights operate between Bangkok (BKK/DMK) and Phnom Penh (PNH) or Siem Reap (REP).
🔹 Airlines: Thai Airways, Cambodia Angkor Air, AirAsia.
🔹 Book early for cheaper fares—last-minute flights can be pricey!
🚌 By Bus – The Cheapest Option
Time: ~8-12 hours
Cost: $10-$20
Best for: Budget travelers
🔹 Buses run from Bangkok, Pattaya, and Koh Chang to Siem Reap or Phnom Penh.
🔹 Recommended operators: Giant Ibis, Virak Buntham, Nattakan.
🔹 Beware of border scams at Poipet—don’t buy visas from “helpers”! Get your visa at the official counter.
🚆 By Train – The Scenic Route
Time: ~5-6 hours (Bangkok to Aranyaprathet) + 2-hour border crossing + onward bus/taxi
Cost: $2-5 (train) + $10-$15 (bus to Siem Reap)
Best for: Adventure seekers
🔹 Take the train from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong station to Aranyaprathet (border town).
🔹 Walk to the border, get your Cambodian visa, then take a bus/taxi to Siem Reap or Phnom Penh.
🔹 A unique but longer journey, perfect for slow travelers.
⛴️ By Ferry – The Coastal Route
Time: Varies (6+ hours including bus transfers)
Cost: ~$30-$50
Best for: Travelers coming from Thailand’s islands
🔹 Koh Chang → Sihanoukville ferry + bus combo is a popular route.
🔹 Great option if you’re heading to Cambodia’s beaches instead of Angkor Wat.
2️⃣ Visa Requirements for Thailand to Cambodia
🛂 Do You Need a Visa?
✅ Yes – Most nationalities need a Cambodian visa (except ASEAN countries like Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia).
✅ Visa on Arrival (VOA): Available at all land borders and airports. Cost: $30 USD.
✅ E-Visa: Apply online at evisa.gov.kh. Cost: $36 USD. Processing: ~3 days.
🛑 Border Scam Warning! 🛑
🚨 At Poipet and other crossings, scammers may overcharge you for a visa. ONLY get your visa at the official immigration counter!
3️⃣ Best Border Crossings from Thailand to Cambodia
🇹🇭 Poipet (Aranyaprathet) → 🇰🇭 Siem Reap
🔹 Most popular but infamous for visa scams.
🔹 After crossing, take a bus/taxi to Siem Reap (~2-3 hours).
🇹🇭 Trat (Koh Kong) → 🇰🇭 Sihanoukville
🔹 Best for island travelers heading to Cambodia’s beaches.
🇹🇭 Chong Chom → 🇰🇭 O’Smach
🔹 Less crowded & hassle-free, perfect for Phnom Penh travelers.
4️⃣ Cost Breakdown: How Much Does It Cost?
| Travel Method | Time | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | 1 hour | $50-$150 | Speed & comfort |
| Bus | 8-12 hours | $10-$20 | Budget travelers |
| Train + Bus | 7-10 hours | ~$15-$20 | Scenic travel |
| Ferry + Bus | 6+ hours | $30-$50 | Island-hopping travelers |
5️⃣ Essential Travel Tips for a Hassle-Free Journey
✅ Carry small USD bills – Cambodia widely uses US dollars.
✅ Download offline maps – Google Maps or Maps.me for navigation.
✅ Avoid border scams – Get your visa at the official immigration counter only.
✅ Stay flexible – Delays are common, so plan for extra time.
✅ Book buses & flights in advance – Prices rise closer to departure dates.
6️⃣ FAQ – Quick Answers to Common Questions
Q: What is the best way to travel from Thailand to Cambodia?
A: The best option depends on your budget and time. Buses are the cheapest (~$10), flights are the fastest (~1 hour), and trains offer a scenic experience (~7-10 hours).
Q: Can I cross from Thailand to Cambodia without a visa?
A: No, unless you’re a citizen of an ASEAN country. Most travelers need a visa on arrival ($30) or an e-visa ($36).
Q: Is the Poipet border safe?
A: Yes, but be cautious of scams. Never buy a visa from unofficial agents. Head directly to the Cambodian immigration office for processing.
Q: Can I take a ferry from Thailand to Cambodia?
A: Yes! You can take a ferry from Koh Chang to Koh Kong, then a bus to Sihanoukville or Phnom Penh.
🚀 Final Thoughts: Which Option is Best for You?
If you want to save money, take the bus.
If you want speed, book a flight.
If you love adventure, go by train or ferry.
With this guide, you’re now ready to travel from Thailand to Cambodia like a pro! Have you made this trip before? Drop your experience in the comments! 👇
📌 For the latest visa updates, visit evisa.gov.kh.
🐘 Looking for an Ethical Wildlife Experience in Cambodia?
If you’re traveling to Cambodia, don’t miss the chance to visit the Mondulkiri Project Elephant Sanctuary! 🐘 Located in the stunning jungles of Mondulkiri, this ethical sanctuary provides a safe haven for rescued elephants. You can trek through the forest, observe elephants in their natural habitat, and support local communities. Book your visit now at www.mondulkiriproject.org.
