From Sisaket: border run?

[alexlm]

Hello

I need to go Laos or Cambodia, then come back, to activate my second entry on my Tourist Visa.

What is the easiest border to go from Sisaket to do it?

Thank you

[crazygreg44]

when looking at the map, one might think the Chong Sa Ngam border point (via the 220-24-4001) is the nearest option. However I know that the road leading up into the mountains, from soon after crossing the 24, becomes very bad. It is full of potholes and deep pockets. However my last run there was in January this year, and i remember having seen workers and machines supposed to fix the road. Maybe they have it fixed by now. Anyways, there's nothing much to do at this border point, nor is there anything worth seeing along this route. If you or your family are aiming at seeing a good border market, the border point at Chong Chom is better, but also a bit more far.

If you like to make it a small trip with the family along with a sightseeing experience, give yourself two days, go to the Chong Mek border. Drive from Sisaket to Ubon Ratchathani, when heading to Chong mek, just before the Sirindhorn Lake, take the turn from the 217 onto the 2222 direction Kong Chiam. Visit the beautiful Pa Taem cliffs and sleep in a guesthouse in Kong Chiam or at the Mekong shore in one of the resorts underneath the cliffs (vijitracamping.com and others). By the morning you can easily do the run across the border in Chong Mek, and gently drive back to Sisaket by the afternoon.

You can of course do the whole run from Sisaket to Chong Mek and return, in one day, but this would mean you won't get anything to see, just be driving all the time.

I know there are buses going to Chong Mek, from the Ubon Ratchathani Northern Bus Station. I don't know about any connection from Sisaket to Chong Mek, i guess there are some. Taking the bus would take some longer time, though, than with your own or a friend's car. I estimate a bus trip will be nothing under 4 hours from Sisaket to Chong Mek. There is no Bus service from Sisaket to Chong Sa Ngam, you could but rent a minivan in Sisaket to do the trip in around 2 hours one way.

You could as well rent a minivan & driver for a two day tour, including the Pa Taem Cliffs and the border run.

Edited August 31, 2015 by crazygreg44

[SantiSuk]

That road down to the Choam Sa Ngam border is now fixed and good. Courtesy of ThaiV member 'Michael Hare', who travels it in his profession regularly. Can't find his posting (only a few days ago) but here's another thread.

Travel by public transport to Choam Sa Ngam is for backpackers and cheap charlies only. There may be a bus/truck/songthaew from Sisaket to Pusing - if not then via Kantharalak or Khu Khan to Pusing. Then ask around in Pusing for motorbike or car lift to the border and back. An American 30yo friend did it a few years back - she was up for everything! Must check out the connections more formally sometime - the question pops up on ThaiV every couple of years

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/665825-choam-sa-ngam-chong-chom-border-crossing/

[SantiSuk]

Should have added - its for backpackers cheap charlies and those who like adventure or public transport. As I read it again it was a bit perjorative and I would probably give it a go myself at least one time if I lived in Meuang Sisaket!

[mick01827]

I've done the chong mek border a few times the last couple of years in a private car, takes 1 1/2 - 2hrs from ubon but there are a lot of things to see along the way so you could make it last as long as you want. Siridorn dam is worth a visit and there's a big market at chong mek, both sides of the border. The price of a visa to enter laos will unofficially increase at peak times throughout the year.

[bushmill]

From Sisaket Chong Sam Ngam is the closest one but no bus is going ther, I always make it to Chon Chom / Surin Province. Early Mini Van Sisaket - Surin 65 Baht ( goes every 20 Minutes ) Staight the next Mini Van Surin Chon Chom Border 45 Baht .If you tkae the earliest bus 5.45 AM you will be back in sisaket around 2.30 PM.

[chondan]

Hello to Michael Hare

We are Harry and See. We were at your wedding. We live in Amnat Charoen. Nice to see you still here.