The Siem Reap – Poipet – Aranyaphrathet Bus & Tuk-Tuk combination is the most straightforward route you can take to travel to and from the easternmost railway station in Thailand, onwards to Cambodia.
Siem Reap is the closest major city to the border, and is home to the world-renowned Angkor Wat and Angkor Archaeological Park. From Siem Reap, you can connect to the Giant Ibis bus network to travel onwards to Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
The bus journey from Siem Reap to Poipet takes an average of 3 hours.
The walk from Poipet to Aranyaphrathet takes an average of 1 hour if you do not require a visa and 2 hours if you do require a visa-on-arrival.
The tuk-tuk journey from Aranyaphrathet Border Post – Aranyaphrathet Railway Station takes an average of 10 minutes.
Route Map
This route consists of 3 parts:
- Bus between Siem Reap and Poipet
- Walk between Poipet (Cambodia) border post and Aranyaphrathet (Thailand) border post
- Tuk-tuk or motorcycle taxi between Aranyaphrathet border post and Aranyaphrathet Railway Station
Buses depart from the Siem Reap Bus Terminal, but they may offer a free pick-up service from your hotel. This can be picking you up to the Siem Reap Bus Terminal or the actual bus picking you up to Poipet which you will not know until you actually embark on your journey.
Fares
Siem Reap – Poipet Bus
Officially, the bus fare is USD 3.75 from Siem Reap and USD 5 from Poipet. However, the fixed fare may be non-existent for tourists and foreigners and may be subject to “supply and demand”. Walk away and find another bus company if you find the fares unfair, but this may be difficult as collusion is probably everywhere.
All bus companies are bad in their own way and there doesn’t seem to be any with a good reputation. However, I survived a ride comfortably with a supposedly-bad bus company from Siem Reap to Poipet with no complains (aside from my rip-off fare).
Aranyaphrathet Border Post – Aranyaphrathet Railway Station Tuk-Tuk
Officially, the tuk-tuk fare is 80 baht. While most drivers are honest even when you don’t speak Thai, a select few rogue drivers may not abide by it for tourists and foreigners and may be subject to “supply and demand”. Walk away and find another tuk-tuk if you find the fares unfair.
Timetable
The official printed timetable may not be followed, so I will not post any information here. Check times locally, but expect your bus to be delayed for 15 to 60 minutes even when the time is clearly printed on your ticket.
Booking Methods
- In-person at the bus company’s office
- Through a local travel agent
- Through your hotel
All methods are subject to scams in one way or another if you wish to think of it that way. To not ruin your holiday plans, just pretend that the scam fare is the official fare plus service charges, and be thankful that you find the fares affordable even with the higher prices.
How do I book tickets online?
You cannot book Siem Reap – Poipet tickets online.
Journey Experiences
- Day 35: Hang Tep Travel from Siem Reap to Poipet
- Day 35: Poipet to Aranyaprathet Border Crossing by Foot & Tuk-Tuk