Hey everyone, Mark here! As promised, I'm continuing my Southeast Asian adventure, this time sharing my experience transitioning from the wonder of Cambodia to the vibrant energy of Thailand. After an unforgettable three weeks exploring the magnificent temples of Angkor Wat and immersing myself in Cambodian culture, it was time to move on. My heart is full of memories, both awe-inspiring and heartbreaking, of this incredible country. I'm carrying those memories with me as I embark on this new leg of my journey.
Saying Goodbye to Cambodia – and Hello to a Long Bus Ride!
My last day in Cambodia dawned bright and early at 7:30 am. We were scheduled to leave Siem Reap at 8:00 am sharp for a long journey to Bangkok. The plan? A bus ride from Siem Reap to the Poipet border crossing (approximately 4 hours), followed by another 4-hour ride on a different bus to Bangkok after crossing the border. A total of eight hours on the road, excluding border crossing procedures. That's a long day of sitting!
We'd been staying at a lovely hotel in Siem Reap for two weeks. The staff were incredibly friendly, the food was delicious, and the rooms were comfortable. It was bittersweet leaving such a welcoming place. We weren't picked up by the scheduled bus, but by a tuk-tuk, which ferried us to the actual bus departure point – the hotel's access road was too narrow and unpaved for the larger bus. A first for me, a tuk-tuk shuttle!
The Jittery Journey: Siem Reap to Bangkok by Bus
The bus, provided by Smile Shuttle, was a smaller minibus, seating around 20 people. It was a much more 'rustic' experience than I expected, packed with luggage and people. It was, frankly, the most crowded bus I've ever been on! We made a couple of stops at rest areas along the way; it was mainly filled with dried fruits and other snacks. While the main roads were decent, the journey was slow due to traffic and, I suspect, the bus being slightly overloaded. The constant stop-and-go made the journey longer than expected. But hey, at $16 per person for the whole trip from Siem Reap to Bangkok, I can’t complain too much. Cheap has its price...literally.
Navigating the Border Crossing: Poipet (Cambodia) to Aranyaprathet (Thailand)
The Poipet border crossing in Cambodia was surprisingly bustling. There were plenty of currency exchange booths (I had already exchanged my Cambodian Riel to USD the night before), print shops, and a vibrant local market. This was my first experience in Southeast Asia with this sort of crossing.
Here’s a quick summary of what to expect when crossing the border from Cambodia to Thailand:
| Feature | Cambodia (Poipet) | Thailand (Aranyaprathet) |
|---|---|---|
| Currency Exchange | Abundant, especially near the border crossing | Abundant, inside and outside the border crossing |
| Print Shops | Available for printing documents like flight/hotel confirmations | Generally not necessary (Thailand border officers were efficient) |
| Efficiency | Exceptionally efficient and friendly border officials. No extra fees or issues. | Similarly smooth and efficient. No extra fees or issues. |
| Language Support | English spoken by some officials | English and even some Mandarin (helpful for English-speakers). |
We collected our bags and went through immigration individually. The Cambodian side was incredibly efficient: quick passport check, fingerprint scan, and stamp – no questions asked, no hassles, and no tips expected (a sign clearly stated this!). The Cambodian immigration officer even followed me on social media – what a friendly encounter! The Thai side was similarly efficient and smooth. No need for excessive paperwork or requests for extra money, the whole experience was a breeze.
Crossing from one country to another was literally walking across a small bridge, with kids even crossing the border for school.
Arriving in Bangkok: First Impressions and Logistics
Once in Thailand, we boarded another minibus to Bangkok. This one was smaller, a 11-seater, including the driver. The ride took another four hours. After the somewhat chaotic two hours spent at the border, it was a relief to settle in and relax.
Upon arrival in Bangkok, getting a local SIM card was the first priority. We found 7-Eleven to be the most reliable and affordable option for SIM cards compared to street vendors who charge significantly more. We got a 7-day card for 150 THB (around $4 USD) with 7GB of data, a great deal. We also noted that 7-Eleven accepts WeChat Pay, adding another layer of convenience for travelers. Tip: use the chain stores for better pricing!
The traffic in Bangkok lived up to its reputation. It was quite an experience navigating the city's bustling streets.
Bangkok Hotel and Final Thoughts
After the long journey, we finally arrived at our hotel which was outside the main city center. It was a budget-friendly option (about $28/night) with breakfast included, but the location near a highway meant a bit of road noise. While the room was small and the ceiling low, it was clean and served its purpose.
Overall, my journey from Cambodia to Thailand was quite an experience, filled with both long bus rides and moments of wonder. The contrast between the calmness of Siem Reap and the hustle and bustle of Bangkok was striking. I'm excited to explore more of Thailand and I’ll share my Bangkok adventures soon. Stay tuned!
