Many tourists that visit Thailand choose to cross the border over to Cambodia by land rather than flying.
Going from Bangkok to Siem Reap by bus allows tourists to visit Angkor Wat and other tourist attractions without having to board a plane.
Passport holders from most countries need a visa to enter Cambodia. To avoid waiting in line at the border, travelers can get their Cambodia eVisa online in advance.
Visa requirements and other information about the Thailand-Cambodia border crossing can be found on this page.
Do You Need a Visa to Travel from Thailand to Cambodia by Land?
Yes, Cambodia’s visa requirements apply to travelers entering the country by land.
Foreign nationals need a valid passport and visa to enter Cambodia from Thailand (unless from a visa-exempt country).
Eligible visitors can apply for a Cambodian visa online. The electronic application form can be completed from Thailand, or anywhere in the world.
The Cambodia eVisa is valid at certain Thai-Cambodia land borders (see below). It’s also accepted at international airports.
Note that the eVisa cannot be used to travel from Thailand to Cambodia by boat.
Thailand—Cambodia Border Crossing with an eVisa
Travelers with a Cambodia eVisa can travel from Thailand to Cambodia via one of these land borders:
- Hat Lek to Cham Yeam
- Aranyaprathet to Poipet
To use one of the other Thailand to Cambodia border crossings, travelers must get their visa on arrival at the immigration office.
Cambodian Border Crossings
International travelers can cross the Thailand-Cambodia border at any of the following points:
- Aranyaprathet, Thailand to Poipet, Cambodia (eVisa accepted)
- Hat Lek, Thailand to Koh Kong, Cambodia (Cham Yeam Checkpoint), which is the most direct access to Sihanoukville (eVisa accepted)
- Chong Chom, Thailand to O’Smach, Oddar Meanchey, Cambodia
- Chong Sa Ngam, Thailand to Anlong Veng, Oddar Meanchey, Cambodia
- Ban Phak Kad, Chantaburi, Thailand to Phsar Prum Pailin, Cambodia (Prom Checkpoint)
- Ban Laem, Chantaburi, Thailand to Daung Lem, Battambang, Cambodia (Daung Checkpoint)
In general, Cambodian border crossings open at 6:00 AM and close at 10:00 PM. However, the Chong Sa Ngam checkpoint opens at 7:00 AM.
Which is the most famous border crossing point between Thailand and Cambodia?
The most popular Thai-Cambodia border crossing for travelers is the Aranyaprathet-Poipet entry point. This is one of the border crossings where foreigners can use the Cambodian eVisa.
Bus passengers using this crossing are advised to:
- Get to the bus station early
- Buy bus tickets in advance
- Apply online for an eVisa for Cambodia
Travelers with an electronic visa can move through Cambodian immigration at the checkpoint more quickly. They do not need to complete visa application forms on arrival.
Is the border between Cambodia and Thailand open?
Yes, following COVID-19 restrictions, the Cambodia-Thailand land borders reopened on May 1st, 2022.
All requirements for health documentation such as a vaccine certificate were lifted on October 4th, 2023. There are currently no COVID-related entry restrictions for Cambodia.
How to Cross from Thailand to Cambodia by Land
Travelers staying in Bangkok can get to the Poipet Thailand-Cambodia border town using public transportation. They should:
- 1. Take a bus or train to Aranyaprathet
- 2. Continue to the border either on another bus or tuk-tuk
- 3. Take a direct bus to Siem Reap from Khao San bus station or Mo Chit bus station
- 4. Fill out the Thai departure card and present it to Thai immigration authorities with the passport
- 5. Get Cambodian entry stamp from immigration authorities
- 6. Take the free shuttle to the bus station
Visitors that arrive at the border unprepared may have to endure long lines and dodge scammers or immigration officers asking for bribes.
Visitors who arrive at the border without an eVisa need to wait in line for a Cambodia visa on arrival. Visa on arrival applicants must make sure they are carrying enough US dollars to pay the visa fees, scams are also an issue at the Thai-Cambodia border crossing.
From the bus station where the free shuttle drops passengers off, there are 3 options to get to Siem Reap from Popipet:
- Taxi: passengers can take a taxi on their own or wait for other people to get in and share the roughly $100 fare
- Bus: Usually costs about $9-$13
- Minivan: 10 passengers usually share a minivan. The fare is around $10.
Beware of Scams on the Border
Travelers are advised to watch out for scams when crossing the Thailand to Cambodia border.
Common scams at the Thailand to Cambodia border crossings include:
- Overcharging for passport copies if required for the visa on arrival
- Express stamping fee
- Currency exchange scam, travelers are charged extortionate rates
- Visa on arrival assistance, people offering unofficial help for a fee
Most scams are connected to the visa on arrival and can be avoided by getting a visa in advance using the secure online system. Applicants receive the approved visa by email ready to present at the border checkpoint when traveling from Thailand to Cambodia.
