Border Crossings - Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Northern Thailand - page 1028

Opening Hours
Most borders are open during the core hours of 7am to 6pm. However, some popular crossings are open
later in the evening, while more remote crossings might close for lunch or at 5pm. Be wary of buses that ar-
rive at the border in the middle of the night and are forced to wait around until the border opens, adding
hours to the journey time.
Scams & Extra Fees
Some of the immigration police at land border crossings have a reputation for petty extortion. Especially at
remote Cambodian and Lao border stations, travellers are occasionally asked for an 'immigration fee' or an
overtime surcharge - 'tea money' as it's sometimes called.
To avoid being scammed, be aware of the proper fees and study up on the tricks you are likely to face at
the border you are crossing. The Poipet (C)/Aranya Prathet (T) and Cham Yeam (C)/Hat Lek (T) borders are
particularly scam-ridden.
It's generally easier to exit overland than it is to enter, and extra charges generally occur upon entry rather
than on exit.
Changing Money
There are few legal money-changing facilities at some of the more remote border crossings, so be sure to
have some small-denomination US dollars. The black market is also an option for local currencies, but black
marketeers have a well-deserved reputation for short-changing and outright theft.
Private Vehicles
The general rule is that you can get private vehicles into Cambodia, Laos and Thailand, but forget about
driving into or out of Vietnam. However, some Vietnamese motorbike-tour companies do have permission
to cross the border between Laos and Vietnam.
Crossing between Cambodia, Laos and Thailand, you'll want to make sure to have all of your vehicle's
paperwork in order. Before setting out, check with the embassy of your target country to see if you need ad-
ditional permissions and documents.