Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
GETTING TO CAMBODIA: SURIN & SI SAKET
Chong Chom to O Smach
Getting To The Border
Because of the Cambodian casinos, there are plenty of minibuses (60B, 1½ hours, fre-
quent) from Surin's bus terminal to the Cambodian border at Chong Chom.
At The Border
The border is open 7am to 8pm and Cambodian visas are available on the spot. Don't let anyone
assist you getting the visa as this will just cost you extra money for what you can easily do on your own at the
counter.
Moving On
Taxi agents wait on the Thai side of the border, but it's cheaper to deal directly with the actual
drivers who congregate near the visa office in Cambodia. You still have to bargain, though, as no prices are fixed.
One seat for the two-hour ride will cost anywhere from 350B to 500B. You can also charter the whole car for
1500B to 1800B, which after around 9pm, when few people travel, might be your only option.
Chong Sa-Ngam to Choam
This border crossing in Sri Saket province sees very little traffic - despite the road to Siem Reap being in excel-
lent shape - because it can't be done by public transport. Visas are available on arrival.
Sleeping
Prices skyrocket during the Elephant Round-up and hotels fill up fast, so book as far in
advance as possible.
Baan Chang Ton
( 08 7459 8962;
www.baanchangton.com
; Th Suriyarart; r 400-500B; )
The friendly own-
ers have rescued an old wooden house and created one of Isan's most charming places to
stay. It's quite simple (shared bathrooms, mattresses on the floor, and air-conditioning in
only one room) but the atmosphere makes it special. Guests can use the kitchen or, if ar-
ranged in advance, join the family for dinner. Bring your own towel. It's on a mostly quiet
side street south of
săh·lah glahng
(provincial hall).
HOMESTAY
$
Maneerote Hotel
( 0 4453 9477;
www.maneerotehotel.com
; Soi Poi Tunggor, Th Krungsri Nai; r 400-450B; )
This
quiet hotel southwest of the fresh market scores off the charts in the high-quality-to-low-
price ratio, though it's a little out of the way.
HOTEL
$
GUESTHOUSE
$
Pirom-Aree's House
( 0 4451 5140; Soi Arunee; s/d 120/200B; )
The location for this long-time budget favour-
ite, 1km west of the city on the other side of the tracks, is inconvenient but peaceful.
