I'm in Bangkok. I'm not in a rush but my Thai visa expires on 1st March and I'd like to visit Cambodia. SR seems like a good starting point for me. But I'm not interested in tourist stuff, just want to know the locals.

I've heard about lots of scary boarder scams entering Cambodia via anyathapet (sp?)

I'll stay over night nearer the border.

Anyone made the crossing lately? I want to keep scam costs down and comfort up (no trips longer than 4 hours each day unless strictly necessary. )

I've done this many times.

If you intend to spend the night near the border then you'll have no issues. Hit the border at 7am (check the official opening time) with E-Visa in hand and the immigration officials will be too tired to even try and rip you off. Walk to the local bus station (about 400 meters left hand side) ignoring the touts with the line 'i'm staying the night in Poipet' and get the next bus to SR.

Enjoy.

Save yourself a lot of trouble and fly. That border crossing is awful.

Save yourself a lot of trouble and fly. That border crossing is awful.

Not at 7.00am it isn't. No more than 30 minutes maximum and that includes a 10 minute walk through the casino/border area.

Stamp out - walk - show E visa - stamp in.

I've done this many times.

If you intend to spend the night near the border then you'll have no issues. Hit the border at 7am (check the official opening time) with E-Visa in hand and the immigration officials will be too tired to even try and rip you off. Walk to the local bus station (about 400 meters left hand side) ignoring the touts with the line 'i'm staying the night in Poipet' and get the next bus to SR.

Enjoy.

How much do you pay for your 1 month(?) evisa and which website you use?

https://www.evisa.gov.kh/

However Poipet at 7:00am is an easy place to get them to accept whatever the current visa cost is. There is a big sign on the wall that states the current cost in dollars and baht and if they give you any hassle just point at the sign.

https://www.evisa.gov.kh/

However Poipet at 7:00am is an easy place to get them to accept whatever the current visa cost is. There is a big sign on the wall that states the current cost in dollars and baht and if they give you any hassle just point at the sign.

The evisa says $30 + $7 = $37. Same as what it should cost at the border?

The evisa is pretty much instant online? I mean you don't need to wait hours for processing?

the evisa is $40 ( $3 cc fee) takes a few days, you wont make it.
poi pet will only charge you $30

make sure u have a photo

How does one arrive at the border by 7 am?? its a 4-5 hour drive at least, Late night or very very early morning :-)

from the border its another 2 hours to SR at Least by shared taxi

the evisa is $40 ( $3 cc fee) takes a few days, you wont make it.

poi pet will only charge you $30

make sure u have a photo

How does one arrive at the border by 7 am?? its a 4-5 hour drive at least, Late night or very very early morning :-)

from the border its another 2 hours to SR at Least by shared taxi

You missed the part above. I'll be staying near the border.

Most tourists in SE Asia seem to miserable and antisocial. I'll probably end up on a bus.

Edited February 26, 201511 yr by wondercul

Let us know how it goes. I cant remember what time I was there (not 7am) and waited like an hour in the heat having to say no to begger after begger. Dirt, vendors, children wanting to shade you with umbrellas for a tip, naked babies running around and trash everywhere. Not to mention they try to charge more to "expedite" your visa. I only paid what was posted and got it right away anyway but I said never again. Flying is just an hour and can be under $100. Coming back to Thailand via land is much more easy.

I will say Siem Reap is great IMO! Clean and tons of great places to eat, drink, listen to a band and get a $5 massage! Many great hotels on the cheap also. Nothing better than exploring the temples all day in the heat to come back and have a dip in the pool and an ice cold beer!! I have considered moving there.

Edited February 27, 201511 yr by BKKSnowBird

why stay in Poi Pet, its not a nice place, dirty, dusty but it is cheap

and ur only 2 hours to sr but if ur not there for touristy stuff ( Angkor Wat)
dont bother

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/800602-poipet/#entry9123289

Most tourists in SE Asia seem to miserable and antisocial.

100% disagree

Edited February 27, 201511 yr by phuketrichard

He is not staying in Poi Pet. Just staying on the Thai side to avoid the crowd and cross at 7 am.

I think even Lonley Planet said the only good thing about Poi Pet was leaving! LOL

SR is fun for a few days even if you are not into temples IMO. Really enjoyed that place!

Edited February 27, 201511 yr by BKKSnowBird

He is not staying in Poi Pet. Just staying on the Thai side to avoid the crowd and cross at 7 am.

I think even Lonley Planet said the only good thing about Poi Pet was leaving! LOL

SR is fun for a few days even if you are not into temples IMO. Really enjoyed that place!

Knocking Poipet is easy but it's fine now. Most people (all??) have only ever passed through on their way to SR so post lazy, unsubstantiated comments.

I've stayed there and it's fine. Very similar to a small Issan town. In 2000 it looked like a dump. Guess what things change.

The concept of leaving Hua Hin, Phuket, Bangkok or Pattaya puts the fear of God into most people on this forum. It's smelly,hot,dirty etc...