Border Run Cambo

[SourPunk]

Hi there

I need to make a border run to Cambodia within the next 2 weeks. I'll be driving from Bangkok and getting on the expressway around Surasak. Basically I don't know where I'm going beyond that I'm heading in the general direction of Trat (I need to be in Trat after I cross, so I need to cross near here). Can anyone give me some advice on directions and what I'll need when I need to do when I get there? I understand there's some kind of car park related to a casino. I would plan to park up and walk accross. Do I need a visa? Does my wife (Thai) need a visa, assuming she wanted to walk accross with me? Sorry to be so clueless, but if anyone's done a similar trip, I'd appreciate the advice. Thanks in advance.

[jamesjdaly]

I think the best advice (especially for your 1st time) would be for a reputable visa run company to do it all for you for the first couple of times as there are many pitfalls for the unwary!!

Google Jack Total Golf and thai visa run

[thaiphoon]

You will also need to obtain a visa for Cambodia. That can be obtained on arrival. Your Thai wife will also need to get her passport stamped out of Thailand to enter the border area, but does not need a Cambodian visa if just staying in the border area. Her passport will be stamped again on re-entering Thailand.

You will be stamped out of Thailand and then need to physically enter Cambodia and obtain entry stamp and then leave obtaining exit stamp. Then obtain re-entry stamp into Thailand.

Agree with James that using services of visa run company is a good option; they will deal with all the paperwork and obtain your visa. Cost is around 2,000 baht (but should be less for wife as she does not need visa).

[SourPunk]

Thanks for the above advice, but I need to be in that area for a few days after crossing and will need my car, so a visa run company is not an option. I'm pretty sure I can find my way to Trat, it's just the bit from Trat to the border I'm really unsure about. Again, thanks for any advice anyone can give regarding directions and any other issues I need to consider.

[jamesjdaly]

Here are 2 excellent maps to take you from Bangkok to Trat and the border.

Bangkok Expressways

http://mappery.com/fullsize-name/Bangkok-S...-Expressway-Map

Eastern Seabord

http://www.clickthai.de/Bilder/Karten/ThaiO100.gif

Hope these help.

If you have Google Earth, you can plan your trip on it as well. It gives precise and exact directions and distances. According to it, it takes over 5 hours from the Surasak on-ramp to the border at Baan Had Lek (the narrow sliver of land way after Trat). Maybe there is a closer crossing to Trat town. Never been that way, so cannot advise!! You will need to obtain a Cambodian visa at the border. To save on costs, I would suggest your wife stay on the Thai side while you run over the border, light up a fag and come back 30 mins later. I don't know about Trat, but at Aranyaprathet/Poipet border, be prepared to encounter all manners of con artists and scammers offering cheap or express visa service. Keep your wits about you and drive carefully!!!

[SourPunk]

@jamesjdaly - thanks for that. Much appreciated. I see what you mean about it being a fair way from Trat. Does anyone know anything about border crossings in the Trat area or will I need to drive to Ban Laem and cross there?

[jamesjdaly]

You can either drive up to Ban Laem or go down to Khlong Yai (Tel: 039 588158). It's closer with a better road too. However, it's still 80kms past Trat town!!

[ericthai]

If you did not have to go to the Trat area I would suggest Ban Leam, made this trip many times, very easy.

I would suggest you get a visa in Bangkok from the Cambodia consultant prior to going. This will save you issues with express visa scams etc. You can call a travel agent in Bangkok that will get you the visa, they usually charge about 200 baht to do this for you, which by the time you go to the consultant two times it's worth it. It will take the travel agent anywhere from 2-3 days depending on when you give them your passport. Some will pick up your passport and drop it off at your place. I have done this many times, it makes things at the boarder allot quicker. If you have USD you can give them $20 USD for the visa fee and then pay the fee for the travel agent, it saves you some cash. At the boarder they want 1000 baht for the visa, plus plus. If you are going to stay in Cambodia for a day or two you will have no issues, if you are going to go in and back out they will want some tea money, usaully they are looking for anywhere from 100 baht to 200 baht, some cases 300 baht. I usually refuse to pay and stand my ground for a little while, telling them I do this all the time and never pay, sometimes it works sometimes they wait you out. Guess it just depends on the guy.

Getting to Trat is faily easy. Take the expressway no 7 down to the 36 ( you want to head towards Rayong , Bang Phe In) It can get a little confusing on 36 with the construction. 36 will end into 3, take 3 to the left which the signs will say bang phe in, Trat. just stay on 3, it will take you into Trat.

Hope this helps.

[SourPunk]

Thanks ericthai. That's a big help. On reflection, I think I'm going to go to Trat via Ban Leam since it's on the way (well, kind of) and going to the other place basically means a 160 km round trip beyond Trat. I thought I read somewhere that it was possible to apply for a Cambodian visa online. Does anyone have any advice regarding this? Failing that, any recommendations for an agent who will pick up my passport from my office (CBD) and return it?

[ericthai]

Glad to help.

I used to use Mandala which is in the Lumpini place condo on Narathiwatratchanakarin Rd (02-286-0909 ) I have not used them in a long time as I'm now living in Surin so I dont have a contact name anymore. They used to pick up my passport at my old office on On nut and then bring it back when completed. If they dont do this anymore then check out the bangkok post for travel agents or maybe ask one of the girls in your office.

I believe the online visa is only if you fly in, but not positive, maybe check out the Cambodia immigration website.

It's good you are going to Ban Leam really better then going to Poiet Phet, used to go there when I 1st moved to Thailand, could end up being in line for hours, no kidding one time I was there for 3 hours. Ban Leam, never been there longer than 20 minutes.

I have not been to Ban Leam in about 2 years so Im sure it has changed somewhat, most likely getting bigger, but should still be quick and easy, the immigration offices seem to be nicer too.

Since you are going to trat there are two ways to go to Ban Leam, you can go via Chochangsao which to me seems long. The other choice is you take the route going to Trat and then there is a road off of 3 to go up to Ban Leam, this is back tracking but I believe is more straight forward and less chance to get lost. Only problem is I cant recall the road name. if you have a map maybe you can check it, as I dont have my map handy.

Have a good and safe trip,

[ericthai]

Oh I forgot to tell you about Ban Leam. When you get into the little town, if you can call it that. After you pass some houses you will see a car park on the right hand side of the road, it is clearly marked. Pull in and pay the fee I believe it was 20 or 30 baht. then go to your left dive all the way to your left down by the toilets, park there. Then the immigration office is across the road from you. Have your girlfriend wait for you, there are a few little shops she can hang out. Last time I went there by the time my girlfriend went to the toilet and got back the car I was already finished and getting to the car at the same time, it really saves allot of time already having your visa.

After you get stamped out of Thailand there is a little bridge that you cross into the Cambodia side, then head towards the casino (not sure if there is more than one anymore) on the way to the casino Cambodia immigration is on your right, get stamped in and out head back to the Thai immigration building get stamped back in and your done. Beware there will be allot of kids begging around the bridge, I usually take about 20 baht all in one baht coins and hand them out to the kids. I just feel so bad saying no to them, I dont take my wallet or anything with me just my passport a little of baht (less than 1000, make sure you have some 100 baht bills, they may want some tea money dont give more than 100 baht) and some baht coins for the kids. Never had any problems, but better to be careful.

[Bakeman]

Oh I forgot to tell you about Ban Leam. When you get into the little town, if you can call it that. After you pass some houses you will see a car park on the right hand side of the road, it is clearly marked. Pull in and pay the fee I believe it was 20 or 30 baht. then go to your left dive all the way to your left down by the toilets, park there. Then the immigration office is across the road from you. Have your girlfriend wait for you, there are a few little shops she can hang out. Last time I went there by the time my girlfriend went to the toilet and got back the car I was already finished and getting to the car at the same time, it really saves allot of time already having your visa.

After you get stamped out of Thailand there is a little bridge that you cross into the Cambodia side, then head towards the casino (not sure if there is more than one anymore) on the way to the casino Cambodia immigration is on your right, get stamped in and out head back to the Thai immigration building get stamped back in and your done. Beware there will be allot of kids begging around the bridge, I usually take about 20 baht all in one baht coins and hand them out to the kids. I just feel so bad saying no to them, I dont take my wallet or anything with me just my passport a little of baht (less than 1000, make sure you have some 100 baht bills, they may want some tea money dont give more than 100 baht) and some baht coins for the kids. Never had any problems, but better to be careful.

Really great advice!

Thanks

[jamesjdaly]

Here's a tip. It may sound mad but it's logical. FOLLOW THE THAI VISA RUN BUS!!!! It departs from the corner of Sukhumvit and Ekkamai @9.30am every Tues, Thurs Sat & Sun and goes directly to Ban Laem.

By the way, Cambodian immigration at Daung (Cambodian border town opposite Ban Laem in Thailand) do NOT accept an online visa. You get it either at the embassy here in Pracha Uthit Road (Ramkhamhaeng 39) or at the actual border in Daung.

[SourPunk]

@ericthai - excellent advice. Thanks for all that.

@jd - Lol. I might just try that. Kind of a poor man's GPS. On a serious note, what should I be expecting to pay for the Cambo visa in Daung? I guess I'll need a photo as well right?

[tropo]

Here's a tip. It may sound mad but it's logical. FOLLOW THE THAI VISA RUN BUS!!!! It departs from the corner of Sukhumvit and Ekkamai @9.30am every Tues, Thurs Sat & Sun and goes directly to Ban Laem.

By the way, Cambodian immigration at Daung (Cambodian border town opposite Ban Laem in Thailand) do NOT accept an online visa. You get it either at the embassy here in Pracha Uthit Road (Ramkhamhaeng 39) or at the actual border in Daung.

The Ban Laem/Daung border post must be nearly deserted these days as all visa runs from Pattaya go to the Ban Pakkad/Pailin border post now because it's roughly 40 km closer to Pattaya. It's a bit further south from Ban Laem.

There are quite a few large casinos there. Perhaps they will accept the e-visa????

[jamesjdaly]

According to the Cambodian govt, the only places of entry on an e-visa are:

Phnom Penh airport

Siem Reap airport

Poipet

Cham Yeam (Koh Kong)

Bavet (from Vietnam)

Ban Laem and Ban Pakkad are not on the e-visa list. However, Ban Pakkad seems closer to Trat than Ban Laem for Sour Punk's border run.

[SourPunk]

Thanks for the further info. Indeed, Ban Pakkad seems the current favorite in terms of distance. I guess we'll head to Chantaburi and hang a left up towards there. If anyone knows of any crossings closer to Trat, please let me know. By the way - and apologies if this seems like the dumbest question ever - but it looks like we may need to do this trip on the 10th (Constitution Day). Will this cause any issues at the border? It would seem like common sense that borders don't just somehow close for public holidays, but obviously it would be good to have some reassurance before I schlep all the way up there. Thanks again everyone.

[thaiphoon]

Border crossings will remain open.

[jamesjdaly]

If anyone knows of any crossings closer to Trat, please let me know.

There aren't according to the Immi website (then again, when has it ever been accurate!!??)

http://www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/en/ba...hp?page=central

By the way, according to Google Earth, the best way to Ban Pakkad (325 kms from Surasak on ramp) is expressway to route 7 (Bangkok-Chonburi Motorway), then routes 314, 304, 359, 317 and 3193. Looks a bit of a roundabout way, but there you go!!

IF you do decide on this way via Sa Kaeo, this map will be of better use

http://www.clickthai.de/Bilder/Karten/THMZ80.gif

[tropo]

If anyone knows of any crossings closer to Trat, please let me know.

There aren't according to the Immi website (then again, when has it ever been accurate!!??)

http://www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/en/ba...hp?page=central

By the way, according to Google Earth, the best way to Ban Pakkad (325 kms from Surasak on ramp) is expressway to route 7 (Bangkok-Chonburi Motorway), then routes 314, 304, 359, 317 and 3193. Looks a bit of a roundabout way, but there you go!!

IF you do decide on this way via Sa Kaeo, this map will be of better use

http://www.clickthai.de/Bilder/Karten/THMZ80.gif

If the OP comes down route 317, it doesn't make any difference in terms of distance whether he chooses Ban Laem or Ban Pakkad as they are both side routes from 317 of roughly the same distance. From Ban Pakkad he could take 3299 straight to Trat and save quite a few miles. For some relaxation time Ban Pakkad would probably be the better of the two.

[jamesjdaly]

^^ I agree but Google Earth says this is the quickest way to both. The best part of a journey is planning it yourself!

[SourPunk]

You guys rock. Thanks for all this help.

[thaiphoon]

Your armed up with good information, go and do your border run and let us know how it went.

[SourPunk]

I'll definitey report back. Thanks again for all the useful info.

[Paul123456]

I can't remember the details of how to get there, but can remember it is a very well sign posted road; very good quality road; plenty of petrol stations and places to stop along the way for toilet or snack; and just a very easy and convenient way to go. I don't think you need a visa company at all. There was parking quite close to the border in amongst the market.

Have a good trip.

[phuketrichard]

You will also need to obtain a visa for Cambodia. That can be obtained on arrival. Your Thai wife will also need to get her passport stamped out of Thailand to enter the border area, but does not need a Cambodian visa if just staying in the border area. Her passport will be stamped again on re-entering Thailand.

You will be stamped out of Thailand and then need to physically enter Cambodia and obtain entry stamp and then leave obtaining exit stamp. Then obtain re-entry stamp into Thailand.

Agree with James that using services of visa run company is a good option; they will deal with all the paperwork and obtain your visa. Cost is around 2,000 baht (but should be less for wife as she does not need visa).

1st it is an EASY drive to the border at Ko Kong.

Head for Pattaya ( 2 hours from downtonw Bangkok;

Pattaya to Trat-Border 4 hours.

If your driving ur car u will need theblue book.

You will then go thru immigration and be stamped out of thailand as will ur Thai wife. BOTH of u will need visas to enter Cambodia unless u want to hassle with the authorities and tell them ur only going for the day. I hvae no idea how u will prove ur only going for the vias run. If so ur might be better leavin gher at the border. There is NOTHING to see or buy on the Cambodian side.

Visa is US$ 20 each!! NOT 1,000 baht as they might ask

[eggomaniac]

to the border at Baan Had Lek (the narrow sliver of land way after Trat). Maybe there is a closer crossing to Trat town.

If you have to be in Trat, anyway, I believe Hat Lek, about 80 clicks along the Coast to the South, Highway 318, is the closest. The others, mentioned in other Posts, are 150 250 clicks North of Trat.

It might? make sense to go to one of the Northern ones first, then drop down to Trat, but I don't think you will save that much in overall distance. You trade a back and forth for a big hump.

I would not want to drive from Trat to Hat Lek, lots of Army patrols and check points. There are daily mini bus runs.

At the border, don't line up for the health check, time and money, somebody will grab you by the arm to take you to this bogus line up. It worked on me the 1rst time, but not the 2nd. If you are just walking in and out. Go to the office 2 doors to the right and get the Visa stamp, and out.

My Thai g/f with her new Pasport did her 1rst International 'travel', all 30 minutes of it. I don't remember any problems with not having a visa.

Oh, according to Google Earth, there is large blding, with a 25 m pool, 1/2 a click to the South of the Cambodian passport office. I would check that out to see if was worth a 'visit'.? if you have your own vehicle

[mihailkoivunen]

If you decide to go to Hat Lek/Koh Kong crossing:

Bangkok-Trat 315km, with a short stop, takes 3,5 hours. First take expressway 7(70-80km), then after the 2nd toll(30 Bht each) exit left for no 344 to Klaeng(88km), there turn left again onto no 3 towards Trat.

Between Ban Bueng and Klaeng, Klaeng to Chantaburi ang Khlung to Trat the BiB frequently patrol for 'tea money' so remember to stick to the inside lane and close to the speed limit(90).

Just before Trat turn left for Hat Lek(88km, 1hour, well signposted). This is the only leg that is single lane.

In Hat Lek the Casino car park is on the left but to to park free you need to go to the Casino to have the ticket stamped, or try to offer 20. Otherwise it is Bht 200/day. You can easily park diagonally against the streetside shops for a short stay. the Cambodian checkpoint is just 100m walk away but beware you will be approached by several young gentlemen offering to help you with the visa formalities. This might cost you an extra Bht 500-1000. On your return(same day) the cambodian officers would ask you to pay Bht 300 'tea money'. Up to you if you like to challenge.

The Casino, a further 200m walk, has, apart from the obvious, a rather expensive duty free shop, a restaurant, a spa, a pool and above it a nice outdoor bar with a sea view. Opposite the Casino there are some shops, a couple selling secong hand, mainly american made bicycles.

There are 4 army check points between Trat and Hat Lek. Nothing to get worried about, they are looking for illegal cambodians. They might, however stop you and if you have Thai passengers they

might check their docs. Sometimes they ask the Thai to sing the national Anthem! Have been catching many illegals this way.

Good luck,

Mike

[SourPunk]

Thanks for the new info. We're leaving in the morning and I think we're going to head to Ban Pakkad/Pailin. Hat Lek/Koh Kong sounds a bit too mental. Will let you all know how it goes. Thanks again.

[jamesjdaly]

Well? How did you get on?