Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
See the boxed text below for help on crossing into Thailand. It's worth mastering the
transport tricks of this scam-ridden border to save both hassle and money.
Poipet has two bus stations: the Poipet Tourist Passenger International Terminal, situ-
ated 9km east of town in the middle of nowhere, and the main bus station, which is at the
main market, one block north of Canadia Bank off NH5. Unless you don't mind overpay-
ing, avoid the international tourist terminal. Unfortunately this is easier said than done, as
upon exiting immigration you'll be herded toward a 'free' tourist shuttle to this terminal,
where onward buses depart to Phnom Penh (US$15, eight hours), Siem Reap (US$9, 2½
hours, 153km) and Battambang (US$10, 2½ hours, 116km). Share/private taxis to Siem
Reap from the international terminal cost an inflated US$12/48.
Rather than give these scammers your business, stay solo and walk or take a
moto
(2000r) 1km along NH5 to the bus-company offices near Canadia Bank, or the main bus
station nearby. You'll get bus fares here that are about half of what you pay at the interna-
tional tourist terminal.
The vast majority of buses depart in the morning (before 10.30am). If you can't get a
bus, just take a share taxi - these also depart from the NH5 around Canadia Bank - on-
ward to Siem Reap (seat/whole taxi US$5/35), Battambang (seat/whole taxi US$4.25/30)
or Phnom Penh (seat/whole taxi US$8/42). Don't take the taxis that hang out near the
roundabout by the border - these charge tourists at least double.
The many bus companies here include Capitol Tour, Phnom Penh Sorya, Kampuchea
Angkor Express and Rith Mony. Several companies offer trips to Bangkok (US$10) until
about 1pm.
All roads leading out of Poipet are sealed and in fine condition.
