I'm thinking of driving to Siem Reap from Surin. Is that a good idea? It doesn't look that far on the map but then I'm not sure how good the roads will be. Does anyone have any advice?

You are right, its not too far. The road from Surin to the border (SA - NGAM) is rough and it will be good if you have a 4WD car.

Border post is very small and dusty place with few huts set up as immigration check points on both sides, this is the nearest post to get quickly to Siem Reap.

This crossing is not busy so the visa and other documentation runs quickly.

Once you have crossed over ride is smooth through some Cambodian villages and few stop by markets on the way.

Stock up some food and drinks in your car as not much available until you hit the city line.

Posting few photos for you. Hope this helps. Have a good trip.

Edited December 17, 201312 yr by amrishtony

There are a few things you will need.

Passport for you car or truck ( papers from Land Transport office)

your book for your car showing that you are the owner ( your car is not financed).

Insurance.

Just off the top of my head. The last time I made that trip from your entry point it was VERY rough going (4-W/D)

and very bumpy but I have heard things have improved.

Well worth the trip

You are right, its not too far. The road from Surin to the border (SA - NGAM) is rough and it will be good if you have a 4WD car.

Border post is very small and dusty place with few huts set up as immigration check points on both sides, this is the nearest post to get quickly to Siem Reap.

This crossing is not busy so the visa and other documentation runs quickly.

Once you have crossed over ride is smooth through some Cambodian villages and few stop by markets on the way.

Stock up some food and drinks in your car as not much available until you hit the city line.

Posting few photos for you. Hope this helps. Have a good trip.

IMG-20111216-00289.jpgIMG-20111216-00292.jpgIMG-20111216-00293.jpg

The border point from Surin is Chong Chom (Osmach) it is 68km from Surin as opposed to 101km to Chong sa Ngam (Cho-am).

Taking your own car requires a 'car passport'. Speak to someone who has actually done because there are potential issues.

There are a few things you will need.

Passport for you car or truck ( papers from Land Transport office)

your book for your car showing that you are the owner ( your car is not financed).

Insurance.

Just off the top of my head. The last time I made that trip from your entry point it was VERY rough going (4-W/D)

and very bumpy but I have heard things have improved.

Well worth the trip

So much mis-information

I have driven Suring-Osmach-SR many times with my thai car

the passport is ONLY good/needed for Laos;

Thai insurance is NOT accepted in Cambodia and you can NOT buy insurance for a thai car in Cambodia * unlike Laos and Malaysia where you are REQUIRED to buy local insurance)

You need the Car blue book in ur name to exit thailand an they will give you all the temp export papers at thai customs. You need nothing to enter Cambodia.

Roads are great the whole way unless its been heavy rain.

The border is very easy an dyou will also ONLY need pay $20 for ur visa.

Travel time surin to SR with 30 minutes at border about 4 1/2 hours

There are a few things you will need.

Passport for you car or truck ( papers from Land Transport office)

your book for your car showing that you are the owner ( your car is not financed).

Insurance.

Just off the top of my head. The last time I made that trip from your entry point it was VERY rough going (4-W/D)

and very bumpy but I have heard things have improved.

Well worth the trip

So much mis-information

I have driven Suring-Osmach-SR many times with my thai car

the passport is ONLY good/needed for Laos;

Thai insurance is NOT accepted in Cambodia and you can NOT buy insurance for a thai car in Cambodia * unlike Laos and Malaysia where you are REQUIRED to buy local insurance)

You need the Car blue book in ur name to exit thailand an they will give you all the temp export papers at thai customs. You need nothing to enter Cambodia.

Roads are great the whole way unless its been heavy rain.

The border is very easy an dyou will also ONLY need pay $20 for ur visa.

Travel time surin to SR with 30 minutes at border about 4 1/2 hours

PK is basically correct on this but travel time from O'Smach (Chong Chom Crossing) to SR is 2 hours as the road is two lane black top.

yes give or take a bit and an hour from Surin to border and a stop for lunch

OR u could turn off at Samrong and head to Banteay Chhmer for a look at a great old temple that gets very few visitors ( $5/person IF there is someone there to take ur money) . Hard packed dirt road for 100+ kms to Sisophon than back to Hwy 6 to sr.

See it now before they pave the road

BTW, i have travelled all over Cambodia an my honda civic goes just about everywhere .

Edited December 17, 201312 yr by phuketrichard

BTW getting reports now of 25 USD at CC.