Sisaket Border

[KHUNDAN]

I went to the new border outside Sisaket (Chong Sa ngam) yesterday on my 750 Yamaha chopper to check out another members trip post on this site.

Well the ride from here (Burirum) to Khukhan was a great ride, just took it easy and took in the scenary since I did not need to do a visa run...Just wanted to go for the ride and update everyone on this "NEW BORDER CROSSING".

The trip was good except for the last 65 Kms. From Khukhan to the turnoff to the border (48 Kms) was a road that was full off pot holes and Cow dung..Then at the turn off which would have me travel another 17 Kms was a nightmare.

First they stopped me and had to see the paperwork on my bike. (No problems) Then they said just follow this road to the end. A clay dirt road with rocks jutting out and not pot holes BUT RAVINES to cross all the way. Well I wanted the adventure so off I went. It took me just over an hour to make the 17 Km trip. Had to cross three water holes (Mudd) and the last one was up to the head of my 750. Well I got muddy and so did my girl. Lost a Kick stand spring and two bolts. (one on the luggage rack & One from the muffler mount) This was going. Also had to cross a small stream.

Well got to the border and since I didn't need to update my visa they (Cambodians) would not let me inside to the little little market they have. Spoke to a few Thais and they told me it would be built up and easy to get to in about 3 years. They could not believe that I had made it all the way on a chopper..

Well I eat some cowpot on the Thai side and had a coke, then we decided to go and stay in Sasaket for the night....OOP"S we got about 2 Kms from the border heading back on this to hard to explain road or trail and could not go any futher.. There was a large truck that had slide in the mudd and got stuck across the entire road so no one could come into the border or go out... Well this happened around noon time...At about 1800 alot of Thais had managed to move the truck enough so that a motorcycle could get by. (But had to be walked and needed 5 people standing in the mudd to help guide it through) Needless to say it was dark and I would say a great if not difficult off-road motorcross road to manuver at night. I did it on a 750 Yamaha and am proud but feel stupid for even attempting to go to the border once I seen the conditions of the so called road. But what the heck as a retired Marine I'm always up for the challenge.

Now here's the bottom line. Unless you are very desperate and have a 4x4 with mudd terrain tires and a lift or a 250 motocross bike DON'T EVEN ATTEMPT TO GO THERE!!!

There is nothing there...But you can get your visa in and out...The Casino some were talking about well it has been closed for two months now and they are moving it more inside the Cambodian border now. I spoke to the Cambodian Immigration officers for awhile since my girl went to the market (As Thais can do) and I stayed there waiting between Thailand and Cambodia. Thai Immigration understood I wasn't doing a visa run and told me they had no problem with me crossing over and seeing the market but it was up to the Cambodian Officials. Well the Cambodian Officials wanted me to pay 1200 BAHT for a Visa just to go in...

Hope this helps anyone thinking about going there...DON'T

KHUNDAN SENDS

[sriracha john]

Fantastic report Khun Dan... sounds like a real adventure and well deserving of a hearty "OOOOH RAH!!

[Gazza]

Dan's the Man!! I may try that route in the dry season. Sounds really adventurous and my kind of road,..... but without the mud.

Nice report, a big thanks.