The Chong Chom/Osmach Border in Surin Province

[watgate]

I am looking to take a bus from Chiang mai to Siem Reap this winter with my gf. We are planning on visiting her parents who I think live in Buriram. Then we are planning to visit Siem Reap in Cambodia for a few days. I know very little of this area so any info would be appreciated. Any info such as reliable and safe buses to make the long trip to Khorat where I understand we have to switch buses for the final leg of the trip to Buriram, Any reasonable and clean places to stay in Buriram. Also, any tour companies to use to plan a trip to SIem Reap for a few days. Maybe it is better to just take a bus to the border,if their is one, and after crossing, then taking a taxi to Siem Reap. If anyone has made this trip and has any first hand information as to what is involved, I would appreciate it. Is it fairly easy to cross the border at Chong Chom/ Osmach and should I be aware of anything beforehand? I realize I am asking for a lot but any tidbits of information to help plan this trip would be most appreciated.

[songhklasid]

I did this trip about 4 years ago,left from surin bus station, there's minibuses to the border leaving every 30 minutes or so , same returning to surin from border, from there I was met by taxi on cambodian side ( arranged beforehand with 3 dragons guesthouse siem riep)about $50 U.S. border to siem riep, booked him for return journey,I think you can get taxi on arrival into camb.but beware rip offs, you're @ their mercy.

regards songhklasid.

[IsaanAndy]

I recommend the Thai Hotel in the centre of Buriram just a 3 minute walk from the train station, last time I stayed there it was 400 THB a night and the room was nice and clean, check out their website.

[DILLIGAD]

CThere are many busses running hourly taking people (to the Casino at the border) from Surin to C Chom, It is also easy at the border to pick a taxi that looks the most comfortable/reliable ride. It might take about 2 hours from CC.

[Thai Chi]

watgate, first things first, find out where in Buriram Province the family you will be visiting are located.

Then sort out you itinerary from there. Not much point in looking at hotels in Buriram if you will be visiting, for example, Na Pho.

Then again, you may be visiting somewhere like Lahan Sai or Ban Kruat districts. Both of these butt up to the border and not that far from Osmach crossing.

For the trip to Siem Reap. If your travel dates gel, there is a tour company that do 3 night / 4 day tours.

Have a look here http://www.buriramexpats.com/forum/index.php/topic,7350.0.html#new

They may also have other dates available.

Failing that, there will be a heap of taxis on the Cambodian side of the crossing to take you into Siem Reap.

Crossing the border is quite easy. Just remember to get a re-entry permit if you are here on an extension of stay.

[cardholder]

watgate, first things first, find out where in Buriram Province the family you will be visiting are located.

Then sort out you itinerary from there. Not much point in looking at hotels in Buriram if you will be visiting, for example, Na Pho.

Then again, you may be visiting somewhere like Lahan Sai or Ban Kruat districts. Both of these butt up to the border and not that far from Osmach crossing.

For the trip to Siem Reap. If your travel dates gel, there is a tour company that do 3 night / 4 day tours.

Have a look here http://www.buriramexpats.com/forum/index.php/topic,7350.0.html#new

They may also have other dates available.

Failing that, there will be a heap of taxis on the Cambodian side of the crossing to take you into Siem Reap.

Crossing the border is quite easy. Just remember to get a re-entry permit if you are here on an extension of stay.

Thanks for that link Tha Chi.

I have PM'd watgate to offer advice etc.

[kamalabob2]

If the OP is traveling from Chiang Mai to Buriram (city or nearby) then consider First Class on www.nca.co.th If the Op is traveling between Bangkok and Buriram then consider Gold Class on www.nca.co.th No other bus line comes close in terms of safety and comfort. Thai Chi brings up some very valid points. Buriram is a large province. Re-Entry permit(s) is a REAL good tip.

[watgate]

First off thank you for all the invaluable info. I knew I could count on you guys and gals to come through. Part of the enjoyment of coming to Thailand every winter for 4- 6 months is the great hospitality received by knowledgeable and friendly ex-pats. Yes, I must find out where exactly in Buriram her familiy lives. Since we will be departing from Chiang Mai,then first class on Nakhonchai Air Bus Co is how we will travel. I will be on a 6 -month tourist visa with a triple entry so a re-entry permit need not be a concern to me. Cardholder thank you for your pm and offer of advice. I will have to sort though the trip options and may very well book a tour instead of taking a bus to the border and then taking a taxi to Siem Reap. Thanks again for all the info and I will be in touch as I decide the best way to proceed.