Coconuts Test-Drives The New Bangkok-To-Cambodia Bus Service

[Lite Beer]

Coconuts test-drives the new Bangkok-to-Cambodia bus service
By Sarah CuiksaMay 6, 2013 / 13:17

If you’ve ever crossed the border between Thailand and Cambodia, you know it’s not a matter of whether or not you’ll get ripped off, but of just how much you’ll lose in the process.

When Bangkok announced the first public bus service linking the neighboring countries, it helped to ease long-held concerns over the wild scamming endemic to the route. Until now, the trip to Siem Reap, popular among travelers and expats doing visa runs, was a bit like an Olympic triathlon: multiple legs, various terrains and several kinds of transportation. It takes awhile. You sweat a lot.

Bus tickets sold from Khao San Road are notorious for being fraudulent or delivering something other than what was promised. At the Thai border town of Aranyaprathet, swindlers and even immigration officials can quote visas on arrival at double or triple their actual cost. Wikitravel describes Aranyaprathet as “the scene of some of the world’s great border scams - a major local industry.”

So, it was a welcome initiative when the state-operated bus routes to both Siem Reap and Phnom Penh began running in late February. The service would undoubtedly streamline the trip and reduce scamming, right? Not quite.

Coconuts Bangkok traveled the BKK-to-Siem Reap bus route in late April. Here’s what you need to know about the new bus line, and getting over the border with your patience (and wallet) intact:

The buses are operated by the Transport Co. and run daily from Bangkok’s Northern (Mo Chit) Bus Terminal, a 4km taxi ride from the Mo Chit BTS. A passport and cash got me a ticket in less than three minutes from the nice ladies at Booth 22, located inside the terminal.

The bus to Siem Reap left at 9am and cost THB750. (The bus to Phnom Penh departs at 8:15am and costs THB900. Depending on the length of lines you encounter when stamping out of Thailand and arriving at Immigration in Cambodia, it could take anywhere from 7-9 hours for Siem Reap and 11+ hours to Phnom Penh.)

The bus ride from Bangkok to the border took a leisurely four hours. I was served a boxed “breakfast,” consisting of a cookie and a Nescafe packet, which came sans hot water or a mug.

We stopped once just before Aranyaprathet around 12:30pm, where a Royal Thai Army soldier hopped on the bus, checked a couple of foreigners’ passports, moseyed around and hopped off.

In Aranyaprathet, which is 6km from the Cambodian border town of Poipet, we detoured to the bus agency’s office. An English-speaking Transport Co. representative joined us, handing out identification cards which he explained he would use to track us down after we crossed into Poipet and passed immigration.

On our way to the border, we were given lunch. A hot meal! The travelers rejoiced.

But before we crossed the actual border into Poipet, the bus pulled behind a building where we were told to apply for Cambodian tourist visas if we hadn’t already gotten one. Sounds great. Except a Cambodian tourist visa on arrival should cost you USD20-25, not the THB1,100 (USD37) they try to charge you here. The “officer” said the visa costs THB1,000 plus a THB100 processing fee, which he later called a service fee. Later, when asked, he couldn’t explain what either “processing” or “service” entailed.

Full Story: http://bangkok.coconuts.co/2013/05/06/coconuts-test-drives-new-bangkok-cambodia-bus-service

-- Coconuts Bangkok 2013-05-06

[aarn]

Great stuff! Reassuring to know the Cambo border rip-offs have not died away,

although this post suggests the fleecing is not up to the standard of the Trat/KohKong crossing c.1989. AA

[USNret]

Sounds fun. I don't suppose anyone blew off the overpriced visa scam, and got their visa at the border for the regular price?

[gearsau]

Always did my " Visa on Line " ...Much easier ..Took a 5:00 AM bus from the Northern Bus Depot. I would walk across the border, and take a taxi to Siem Reap.

[Chivas]

So if you have the Evisa in advance that will "alleviate" the Border scams travelling to PP using this service......??

Edited..........Chivas read more carefully Yes it does !!

Edited May 6, 2013 by Chivas

[wump]

Sounds fun. I don't suppose anyone blew off the overpriced visa scam, and got their visa at the border for the regular price?

There is no such thing as a regular price at the border and even though there is a sign "20$" most people will still pay 1,000 Baht (plus another 100 Baht if you didn't bring a passport photo).

Mind you, last time the bus company tried to scam us for 1,400 Baht and they succeeded with everyone else on the bus. They were pretty angry that me and my mate wouldn't take their "service" and said they would not wait for us at the border. Well, it all takes ages anyway so got on the other bus in the end .

On a recent trip to Koh Kong a friend of mine got away with 20$ plus 100 Baht for the visa (used to be very bad down there).

[sandman00927]

I have to do a border run in June, has anybody done the Cambodian runs south of Trat, or the border just north of Chanthaburi? Which is the least hassle? Thanks

[pacovl46]

If anyone has to do a visa run and wants to do that by going to Cambodia then I recommend to take a taxi to Central Bang Na and take one of the busses that cater to people that want to go gambling in Poi Pet. The busses wait in front of Big C next to Central. They leave at 5, 6 and 7am. They probably have later ones, too. The great thing about them is that they take the directest way possible. It takes only 2 - 2.5 hours as compared to the public bus who needs 4 - 4.5 hours.

[edwardandtubs]

Sounds fun. I don't suppose anyone blew off the overpriced visa scam, and got their visa at the border for the regular price?

There is no such thing as a regular price at the border and even though there is a sign "20$" most people will still pay 1,000 Baht (plus another 100 Baht if you didn't bring a passport photo).

Mind you, last time the bus company tried to scam us for 1,400 Baht and they succeeded with everyone else on the bus. They were pretty angry that me and my mate wouldn't take their "service" and said they would not wait for us at the border. Well, it all takes ages anyway so got on the other bus in the end .

On a recent trip to Koh Kong a friend of mine got away with 20$ plus 100 Baht for the visa (used to be very bad down there).

I'm reliably informed the scam no longer exists at the Poipet border and you just have to hand over $20 at the border. I personally would do it that way instead of wimping out and paying the scam price.

[Khonper]

If anyone has to do a visa run and wants to do that by going to Cambodia then I recommend to take a taxi to Central Bang Na and take one of the busses that cater to people that want to go gambling in Poi Pet. The busses wait in front of Big C next to Central. They leave at 5, 6 and 7am. They probably have later ones, too. The great thing about them is that they take the directest way possible. It takes only 2 - 2.5 hours as compared to the public bus who needs 4 - 4.5 hours

Sounds fun. I don't suppose anyone blew off the overpriced visa scam, and got their visa at the border for the regular price?

There is no such thing as a regular price at the border and even though there is a sign "20$" most people will still pay 1,000 Baht (plus another 100 Baht if you didn't bring a passport photo).

Mind you, last time the bus company tried to scam us for 1,400 Baht and they succeeded with everyone else on the bus. They were pretty angry that me and my mate wouldn't take their "service" and said they would not wait for us at the border. Well, it all takes ages anyway so got on the other bus in the end .

On a recent trip to Koh Kong a friend of mine got away with 20$ plus 100 Baht for the visa (used to be very bad down there).

I'm reliably informed the scam no longer exists at the Poipet border and you just have to hand over $20 at the border. I personally would do it that way instead of wimping out and paying the scam price.

I pay 20$ +100baht every time at PoiPet without any problem. The 100baht service fee can i afford since i always forget the photo..

[Khonper]

If anyone has to do a visa run and wants to do that by going to Cambodia then I recommend to take a taxi to Central Bang Na and take one of the busses that cater to people that want to go gambling in Poi Pet. The busses wait in front of Big C next to Central. They leave at 5, 6 and 7am. They probably have later ones, too. The great thing about them is that they take the directest way possible. It takes only 2 - 2.5 hours as compared to the public bus who needs 4 - 4.5 hours.

I wouldnt risk my life on that bus if he travels in 2,5 hour. Thats an average speed 100km/hour on that road. I usally drives in 3,5-4 hours depending on traffic.

[Satcommlee]

I done Siem Reap this year, determined to minimise scamming..

I drove to Aranyapratet and stayed the night in the mermaid hotel and paid 200 baht to a security guy to park my car there for a few days.

Now, I was fully aware of the scams, I probably spent more time that it was worth reading up on it.

I took a large Songteaw from the bus station behind the dolphin hotel with my family (including 2 year old) to the border, avoiding the tuk tuk drop off point which is at the unofficial visa scam office.

All the visa agents came onto me and I told them I have E-Visa (LIE) and that my hotel car was waiting the other side (Another Lie)

I cleared Thai Immigration and went to the Cambo visa office where I paid in US dollars + the 100 baht service fee.

Total extorted so far = 100 Baht x 3 farang

After clearing the casinos and Cambo immigration they attempted to usher me onto a tourist bus.. I had taken the precaution of learning the Khmer for "I don't need/want".. which was "Min Yoh Teh".. I almost convinced them all I was fluent although that was the only Khmer I knew.

The tourist bus takes you 12 KM out of town then extorts about $50 for your taxi to Siam Reap, you would be in the middle of nowhere and have no alternative.

I continued to walk pursued by touts to the roundabout.. where I negotiated a taxi to Siam Reap (supposedly to hotel door) for $25

The police then extorted $3

Total Extorted so far 300 baht + $3

When I got to Siam Reap we were then transferred (by clear arrangement of the taxi driver) to 2 Tuk-Tuks, with one very good English speaker hard selling his tours for $20 per head

We arrived at the hotel and I paid each Tuk-Tuk $1 each.

Total extorted 300 baht + $3 + $2

The good English speaker was then told to P##S off and we checked into the hotel.

We arranged 2 local tuk-tuks to take as around angkor wat for $10 per tuk-tuk ($20 for 4 people + child)

Tuk Tuk's clearly understood that we did not want to visit a commission restaurant and didn't even try.

That was 4 adults and 1 child for only $20 (instead of $80) and they even provided cold drinks and we were very happy.

Very quick trip report

Total Extortion = 300 baht + $5

Edited May 6, 2013 by Satcommlee

[Fgis]

Nice coffin :-)

[Ianatlarge]

A bus from Bangkok to Cambo, tsk tsk. It is all too easy now. Young people just don't appreciate how much fun it was back in the good old days. Why I cold tell you .... blah blah blah.

[geriatrickid]

Ok, I don't get it. Why spend a day on bus travel alone and what looks to be a 2000 baht expense when one can hop on a flight of 1 1/2 hours each segment for 4000- 5300 baht or so Round trip? Seriously, don't you think if someone has to take a bus to Phnom Penh from Bangkok to save 2000-4000 baht or so he/she really shouldn't be in Thailand?

I know some people have a fear of flying or have specific reasons for taking a bus, but for most people it's just a tedious waste of time. I take the bus now from Hua Hin to the airport in BKK and it works for me because it is better than a private car hire. However, taking a bus to Cambodia from Bangkok to save a few thousand baht is an inefficient use of time and pathetic.

[phuketrichard]

its all about an adventure,not just saving time and money all the time.

flying u see nothing but point A an Point B.

Personally i prefer taking my own car and stopping along the way

I think the train, tuk tuk to border, walk a bit and taxi to SR is the best way to go. especially if there are 2 or more of ya.

[Jimjim]

Ok, I don't get it. Why spend a day on bus travel alone and what looks to be a 2000 baht expense when one can hop on a flight of 1 1/2 hours each segment for 4000- 5300 baht or so Round trip? Seriously, don't you think if someone has to take a bus to Phnom Penh from Bangkok to save 2000-4000 baht or so he/she really shouldn't be in Thailand?

I know some people have a fear of flying or have specific reasons for taking a bus, but for most people it's just a tedious waste of time. I take the bus now from Hua Hin to the airport in BKK and it works for me because it is better than a private car hire. However, taking a bus to Cambodia from Bangkok to save a few thousand baht is an inefficient use of time and pathetic.

No, I wouldn't think that someone taking this bus shouldn't be in Thailand. Who cares? What's it to you, really?

I think it's pathetic to think that everyone would think the exact same as you or be living in the exact same situation as you.

Perhaps a backpacker would take the bus, looking to save money wherever possible. Perhaps they are on a six month break and have all the time in the world.

Perhaps others like to save money, and wasting time will not bother them, as they have all the time in the world for whatever reason.

Seriously, man, take a chill pill, it's nothing to get excited over. Think about it a little.

[bct73]

Flying to SR is not an option unless you want to be extorted by Bkk airways. Not sure either how taking the bus from Hua Hin to the airport is more convenient than a private car! When I go overland to SR I get a taxi to Aranyaprathet and a taxi from Poipet. I enjoy the journey every time. What I don't enjoy are the multiple scam attempts. Online visa certainly helps but keeping people in slow queues to encourage them to pay 300 baht to "fast track" is the sole reason that I've stopped going this way. Now I fly in and out of PP and take a taxi to SR. Sure it costs a lot more but it gives me a longer trip.

[comserve]

Sounds fun. I don't suppose anyone blew off the overpriced visa scam, and got their visa at the border for the regular price?

There is no such thing as a regular price at the border and even though there is a sign "20$" most people will still pay 1,000 Baht (plus another 100 Baht if you didn't bring a passport photo).

Mind you, last time the bus company tried to scam us for 1,400 Baht and they succeeded with everyone else on the bus. They were pretty angry that me and my mate wouldn't take their "service" and said they would not wait for us at the border. Well, it all takes ages anyway so got on the other bus in the end .

On a recent trip to Koh Kong a friend of mine got away with 20$ plus 100 Baht for the visa (used to be very bad down there).

The only time we went to Cambodia (Siamrep) everyone there were in a time warp as fr as what the local currency was worth (or what the Thai Baht was worth). At that timethey were giving 1USD=40THB whereas the going rate was 1USD=35THB. The only exception was a government booth. Even the hotel we stayed in had this inflated exchange rate so we had to use a credit card to pay the USD25 nightly cost in order to get the proper xfer rate.

You may find that they are still working on the 1USD=40THB rate which could account for the THB excess fees.

[sport]

Ok, I don't get it. Why spend a day on bus travel alone and what looks to be a 2000 baht expense when one can hop on a flight of 1 1/2 hours each segment for 4000- 5300 baht or so Round trip? Seriously, don't you think if someone has to take a bus to Phnom Penh from Bangkok to save 2000-4000 baht or so he/she really shouldn't be in Thailand?

I know some people have a fear of flying or have specific reasons for taking a bus, but for most people it's just a tedious waste of time. I take the bus now from Hua Hin to the airport in BKK and it works for me because it is better than a private car hire. However, taking a bus to Cambodia from Bangkok to save a few thousand baht is an inefficient use of time and pathetic.

No, I wouldn't think that someone taking this bus shouldn't be in Thailand. Who cares? What's it to you, really?

I think it's pathetic to think that everyone would think the exact same as you or be living in the exact same situation as you.

Perhaps a backpacker would take the bus, looking to save money wherever possible. Perhaps they are on a six month break and have all the time in the world.

Perhaps others like to save money, and wasting time will not bother them, as they have all the time in the world for whatever reason.

Seriously, man, take a chill pill, it's nothing to get excited over. Think about it a little.

Who's getting excited then?

I question who should be taking a chill pill.

[danstarr]

... and here was me thinking that maybe, just maybe this bus would see the end of the visa office scam. I still reckon it's better to make one's own way down to Aranyaprathet (train is a cheap and pleasant option if you've the time) and then once you're over the border, get a shared taxi to SR.

[gemini81]

Ok, I don't get it. Why spend a day on bus travel alone and what looks to be a 2000 baht expense when one can hop on a flight of 1 1/2 hours each segment for 4000- 5300 baht or so Round trip? Seriously, don't you think if someone has to take a bus to Phnom Penh from Bangkok to save 2000-4000 baht or so he/she really shouldn't be in Thailand?

I know some people have a fear of flying or have specific reasons for taking a bus, but for most people it's just a tedious waste of time. I take the bus now from Hua Hin to the airport in BKK and it works for me because it is better than a private car hire. However, taking a bus to Cambodia from Bangkok to save a few thousand baht is an inefficient use of time and pathetic.

Who are you to judge all foreigners, and their desire not to get scammed. Another one of your arrogant posts. Trying to pretend you're the symbol of wealth, Barf. Everyone enable troll block from geriatric wards

Edited May 7, 2013 by gemini81

[Satcommlee]

Ok, I don't get it. Why spend a day on bus travel alone and what looks to be a 2000 baht expense when one can hop on a flight of 1 1/2 hours each segment for 4000- 5300 baht or so Round trip? Seriously, don't you think if someone has to take a bus to Phnom Penh from Bangkok to save 2000-4000 baht or so he/she really shouldn't be in Thailand?

I know some people have a fear of flying or have specific reasons for taking a bus, but for most people it's just a tedious waste of time. I take the bus now from Hua Hin to the airport in BKK and it works for me because it is better than a private car hire. However, taking a bus to Cambodia from Bangkok to save a few thousand baht is an inefficient use of time and pathetic.

I don't think that's a fair comment, we were all young, adventurous and on low budgets once.

I don't think you'll see many Samsonite cases going into the bus hold, but a fair few back-packs, and what do you see when you are on a plane.. This way you can gaze out of the window and actually see more of the countries you are visiting.

edit: OK, I think this has already been said, must read posts first!

Edited May 7, 2013 by Satcommlee

[Morakot]

A bus service from Bangkok to Cambodia!!

What next? High-speed trains, please don't tell me.

[Khun Jean]

Last Sunday i went with a visa run service to get a new 3 month entry.

I just went to the on nut pickup location which is very conveniently located at the tesco lotus parking right next to the BTS.

No need for a reservation, just show up at around 06:30. They go every day.

The van was ok, the driver drove well and upon arrival passports were collected, forms were filled in and in my case pictures were made.

Went to the casino for a meal and some drink and after about 30 minutes went back to the Thai immigration to pick up the passport that was already processed through the Cambodian side.

Each person that pickup up their passport was informed about how to proceed next and what kind of possibilities are available for a next visarun. At that moment also the payment for the service is collected which was in my case 1900 baht.

After that went through the Thai immigration got my 3 months entry and back to bangkok.

Arrived around 17:30.

Total paid: 1900 baht + 90 baht for meal and drinks + 100 baht for 6 pictures.

Total extortion: 0 baht.

[edwardandtubs]

Last Sunday i went with a visa run service to get a new 3 month entry.

I just went to the on nut pickup location which is very conveniently located at the tesco lotus parking right next to the BTS.

No need for a reservation, just show up at around 06:30. They go every day.

The van was ok, the driver drove well and upon arrival passports were collected, forms were filled in and in my case pictures were made.

Went to the casino for a meal and some drink and after about 30 minutes went back to the Thai immigration to pick up the passport that was already processed through the Cambodian side.

Each person that pickup up their passport was informed about how to proceed next and what kind of possibilities are available for a next visarun. At that moment also the payment for the service is collected which was in my case 1900 baht.

After that went through the Thai immigration got my 3 months entry and back to bangkok.

Arrived around 17:30.

Total paid: 1900 baht + 90 baht for meal and drinks + 100 baht for 6 pictures.

Total extortion: 0 baht.

Cool story bro, but you're talking about something completely different to everyone else.

[Chao Lao Beach]

Can you use an e-visa for a Visa run to Bam Lam?

[Chivas]

Can you use an Evisa via Trat.......??

[ALFREDO]

Some news about that Bus service Bangkok - Phnom Penh ?

Details? Wanted to use it. Still the same conditions? Same COCONUT reports?

BKK to Siem Reap: departs at 9am; costs THB750; takes 7-9 hours
BKK to Phnom Penh: departs at 8:15am; costs THB900; takes 11+ hours
Buses leave daily from Bangkok’s Northern (Mo Chit) Bus Terminal
Tickets can be purchased from inside the terminal at Booth 22

Edited May 28, 2013 by ALFREDO

[ALFREDO]

Ok, I don't get it. Why spend a day on bus travel alone and what looks to be a 2000 baht expense when one can hop on a flight of 1 1/2 hours each segment for 4000- 5300 baht or so Round trip? Seriously, don't you think if someone has to take a bus to Phnom Penh from Bangkok to save 2000-4000 baht or so he/she really shouldn't be in Thailand?

I know some people have a fear of flying or have specific reasons for taking a bus, but for most people it's just a tedious waste of time. I take the bus now from Hua Hin to the airport in BKK and it works for me because it is better than a private car hire. However, taking a bus to Cambodia from Bangkok to save a few thousand baht is an inefficient use of time and pathetic.

Yeah, some time ago, i thought the same, but times, possibilities and other things, can change. For whatever reason.