Cambodia Border Crossing

[Presoh]

I'm going to be in Surin in late December and early January. I was planning on traveling to Cambodia sometime during my visit to Thailand. Is there a border crossing near Surin? Can I even cross? I am an American citizen. I was planning on going to Siemreab and visiting Angkor Wat. Also, would I get a stamp on my passport if and when I enter Cambodia? And would I have any problems getting back into Thailand? Any info would be much appreciated.

Thanks...

[surin]

You most certainly can....About half hour trip or so from Surin. Once across the border, you can relax at the 2 casinos on the Cambodian side or on the weekend, you can take a look at the great market they have, just the other side of the casinos.

[surin]

I might add...Be very careful if you are really thinking about travelling independently to Siem Reap!!

Don't miss the Khmer ruins around Buri Ram, Surin and Si Sa Ket...Kao Pravi Han

especially.

[jayenram]

After you cross the border at Chong Chom (Take the Surin – Prassat Road and just keep heading straight, through Kab Cheong) and after the casinos and the market, there’s a dual carrageway under construction which leads to the first Khmer village (about 2 km). After that the road peters out and becomes more of a forest track.

Enquire in Surin about Angkor Wat trips, there are travel agents who can arrange group party trips. Call in at the Farang Connection behind the main bus station and enquire there.

http://farangconnection.awebspace.com/

[jayenram]

Also, would I get a stamp on my passport if and when I enter Cambodia? And would I have any problems getting back into Thailand?

Sorry, I missed this bit.

You will be stamped out of Thailand and then need to obtain a visa at Khmer immigration (on the left before the closest casino). The cost is Bht 1,000.00 for 30 days.

If you have a muti-entry visa there should be no problems in returning through Chong Chom. If you have a single entry visa then you will loose it and only receive a 30 day tourist visa upon re-entry. If you have a tourist 30 day visa already, you will receive another one.

If you have a one year marriage/retirement visa then there may be problems. The last time I was at the border they still didn't have the facility to issue re-entry permits. Therefore if you exit without said permit you will loose your one year visa and re-enter on a 30 day tourist visa