Korean Job Discussion Forums

[BoholDiver]

Cambodia seems to be a popular destination for a lot of people on here. Backpackers and the like.

Could anyone tell me the answer to these questions:

1. How far is Siem Reap from the Thai border? Like, in hours by bus/car/train.

2. What is a good Thai destination (island or resort-ish area) near the Cambodian border?

[ttompatz]

[thrylos]

The most common land border is at Aranyaprathet (Thailand)/Poipet (Cambodia). From there, depending on how you go, it's about 2-4 hours to SR, depending on mode of travel. If you have the extra money to spend, a (share) taxi is definitely worth it. They've sealed the road from the border to SR, so it's pretty fast going now. The bus takes too long, but is cheaper.

Ko Chang isn't THAT close from the above crossing-- I'd say about 3-4 hours, plus the 40 minute ferry ride if you're bussing/tuk-tuking it. I don't know how fast it would be with a taxi from the crossing. If you could get to Koh Kong on the Khmer side of the border from SR, on the southwest corner of the country, then it's only 2 hours or so to Koh Chang. But it would mean travelling farther in Cambodia to get there.

Another option is Koh Samet in Thailand. Again, not too sure about distances from Aranyaprathet, but it would put you that much closer to BKK than Ko Chang. It's only about 2 hours from the airport to the ferry pier for Samet, about 30-40 mins south from Pattaya. Koh Chang is a good 5-6 hours away from BKK.

[Drew345]

Consider a loop trip. Cross into Cambodia at Aranyaprathet, Thailand, then go about 4 more hours to Siem Reap. This website tells the latest info about crossing the border.
http://www.talesofasia.com/cambodia.htm

Then to down to Phnom Penn for a day. Then to Sihanoukville (Cambodia beach) then back to Koh Kong and cross back into Thailand. That will put you right near Koh Chang, Thailand if you want more beach time.

This website tells about getting around inside Cambodia pretty well:
http://www.passplanet.com/cambodia/index.htm

[oldtactics]

Whatever you do, avoid the organized 'tour' buses that offer to get you your visa and arrange your transportation to/across/from the border. Scam central, even for people who know what they're doing. Government public buses run to the border and to Siem Reap - they're cheap and convenient.

I will agree with the above commenter in regards to share taxis once you're in Poipet - it costs more than any of the buses but the taxi took me right into Siem Reap, no problems.

Highly recommend checking out travelfish.org for advice about crossing the border overland.

Good luck!

[Capo]

bus from siam reap to bangkok costs $10. However Thailand might be best avoided for the time being it has the potential to turn into a full blown civil war unless they bring back democracy.

[thrylos]