I live in Sakaeo, so it only makes sense to do my visa run/border run in Poipet. I'm not a gambler, but I will check out the casinos just for something to do. If I have to pay for a visa for Cambodia, I might as well have some fun. Is there anything else to do in the casino zone besides gamble. night clubs, shows, sports bars (I'm sure tons of guys love to bet on the games). I already did a lot of reading, but many of the articles were a few years old.

Anyone party there recently?

Would it make any sense to cross the border early in the morning, get a cheap room in Poipet proper, Sleep, then go to the casinos at night. Party the night away, then stagger across the Thai border in the morning? I only live 30 minutes away.

I think most of us really just get the visa and get out asap. Grab some cigs for yourself or a mate and hop on the bus again.

I have done it a few times. Got a room in Poipet for 12 Bucks, very good value for the money. About a km into the land on the left, sorry I forgot the name. There are quite a few hotels.

There are plenty brothels in the sois on the same side.... But you gotta be pretty tough and hardened to use them.

If you want to go to the casinos, no problem. They let you pass through into "No Man's Land", just take your passport just in case. The two casionos connected with the bridge seemed to be the most lively. Sometimes there is a buffet dinner for 199 Baht or so.

Quite interesting to watch the Thai gamblers, but if you are not a punter yourself, that's about it.

Oh yeah, I forgot... In the casinos casual wear is OK, some Thais come in flipflops.

You can always go back at night into Cambodia proper. Mototaxis aplenty. I did never consider it dangerous, just don't take valuables exept some cash and the passport.

Siam Reap is not too far away, there is a decent bar scene.

Similar to Khao San Road.

Poi Pet sucks

Thanks guys. Interesting information. You would think they would temp you to give your winnings back to them with nightclubs and shows, but I guess even casinos are different over here. I've only been to one casino in my life, so I it might be fun just to check it out.

Any suggestions or warnings?

I stayed at the 'Star Vegas' Casino. It has a pool and a market/shop/restaurant area close by. (prices might be higher now).

The Star Vegas is not on the main road - turn left after crossing the bridge (coming from Thailand). There are casino shuttle taxis going all the time (for free).

if i only want to go to the star vegas do i have to get a visa on the border?

Yes you will need to get a Lao visa. Also exit Thailand and return.

It is not like the border crossings in Cambodia.

Thanks guys. Interesting information. You would think they would temp you to give your winnings back to them with nightclubs and shows, but I guess even casinos are different over here. I've only been to one casino in my life, so I it might be fun just to check it out.

Any suggestions or warnings?

Your passport belongs in a hotel-safe. What you carry on you is a COPY of your passport. If some "official", wearing a uniform and wanting to see the original, take him to the hotel and let him have a look at it. 99% chance he looses the urge to see your passport immediately, him assuming that your PP is clean and no chance for him to extract any sort of "Tea-Money".

If you carry your PP on you and you "loose it" somewhere in no-mans land between Aranyaphratet and Poipet, you will be in big trouble.

Cheers.

Thanks guys. Interesting information. You would think they would temp you to give your winnings back to them with nightclubs and shows, but I guess even casinos are different over here. I've only been to one casino in my life, so I it might be fun just to check it out.

Any suggestions or warnings?

Your passport belongs in a hotel-safe. What you carry on you is a COPY of your passport. If some "official", wearing a uniform and wanting to see the original, take him to the hotel and let him have a look at it. 99% chance he looses the urge to see your passport immediately, him assuming that your PP is clean and no chance for him to extract any sort of "Tea-Money".

If you carry your PP on you and you "loose it" somewhere in no-mans land between Aranyaphratet and Poipet, you will be in big trouble.

Cheers.

I agree with that Sir