This is many westerners first experience of Cambodia and unfortunately it is not always the best, though conditions at the border are steadily improving. Poipet is a tran-shipment point for goods to and from Thailand and overloaded trucks are constantly rumbling along the road.
There are 7 large casinos in Poipet, and a few smaller ones. The casinos are in a kind of twilight zone between the two countries. They are actually in Cambodia, but they are situated between the Thai immigration Departure point, and the Cambodian immigration checkpoint. This is to allow Thais (and a few other nationalities) to visit the casinos without having to enter Cambodia.
While serious crime is not a problem, there are many pickpockets, and you need to keep eye on your goods at all time. There is a large market on the Thai side of the border.
Travel To & From
There is now a new bus station and booking office at Poipet with a free transit bus service from the checkpoint. Buses leave Poipet for Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. The buses to/from Phnom Penh are large buses, but buses to/from Siem reap range from large buses, to coasters or mini vans.
From Phnom Penh
Big buses to Poi Pet depart from 6:30 am to 8:00 am and the fare is from 4.50 dollars to 5 dollars. The road between Phnom Penh and Sisophon is good, but from Sisophon to Poipet, it is the same dirt road as described below.
From Siem Reap
Bus tickets can be purchased from guesthouse and hotels, and on the main street. The fare is 4 dollars. They will pick you up at your hotel, and departure times range from 7:30 am to 8:30 am. Unless you know which bus company to use, it will be the luck of the draw as to what type of bus you get. The trip takes at least 5 to 6 hours over an extremely potholed dirt road. If you are lucky your bus will not break down. The road is in the process of being upgraded, but it is reported that it will take another couple of years to be finished.
Cars to Poi Pet can be hired in Siem Reap at Sokimex gas station on Nat. Rd. No 6 just east of the stone bridge. The fare is 40 dollars for the car, or 10 dollars for a seat. Travel time will be much quicker than by bus.
To Bangkok
For those going on to Bangkok, it is advisable to purchase a through ticket. The fare is about 15 dollars, and if for some reason you arrive late in Poi Pet, the bus to Bangkok will be waiting for you. Buses take you to Khao San Road, and do not stop along the way. If you do not want to to to Khao San Road. And you want to make connection to other places, you will having take a moto or Tuk-Tuk from the border to the station in Aranyaprathet. It is now 70 Naht for a moto, and 80 Baht for a Tuk-Tuk. There are buses to Chachengsao, Mor Chit Bus Terminal (Bangkok), Ongkharak, and Pattaya. Buses to Bangkok run fairly late, but the last direct bus to Pattaya is between 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm.
From Bangkok
Tour buses leave daily from Khao San Road. There are also air conditioned buses from Chachengsao, Mor Chit Bus Terminal (Bangkok), Ongkharak, and Pattaya to aranyaprathet. From Aranyaprathet, take a moto or Tuk-Tuk to the border.
Train
Train to Aranyaprathet leave Hua Lam Pong Station (Bangkok) around 6:00 am, and arrive at Aran. around noon, The train station is not far from the bus station.
Note : Most buses to Siem Reap leave by 3:30 pm or so. If you get to the bus station in Pi Pet after 3:30 or 40:00 pm, there may not be any more buses, You will then have to arrange for a car. If you do not want to pay for the whole car, you have to get 3 or 4 more passengers to share the ride.
Banking
There is a Canadia Bank on the right side of the main road leading from the border. There is a bank and ATM on the Thai side of the border in the market area. You may use US Dollars, Thai Baht, or Riel in Poi Pet.
What to See & Do
Except for the casinos, there is nothing to see or do in Poi Pet.
Where To Stay
The only people who stay in Pei Pet are people there on business, casino gamblers, and those working in the casinos. There are several hotels, some new, near the border and along the main road. Casino hotel rooms start at around 25 dollars per night.
Where To Eat and Drink
Not much to choose from here. There are a few small places on the side street behind the Grand Diamond Casino, and some hotels have restaurants. There are also some Khmer restaurants down the main road from the border. The casinos have buffets or restaurants.
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