Cambodia to Thailand Border Crossing

Embarking another overland journey on our 8^th day of Indochina Holiday means another stamp on our passport and yes we are very much excited to be in Thailand for our 3rd Country of Destination.

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Crossing the borders between Siem Reap and Bangkok is another popular trail that most backpackers would engage, same with Saigon to Siem Reap journey. 

Although there are still several options to complete this which includes plane, taxi cabs, minibusses or shuttle vans but again for me doing it overland thru bus rides are still the most convenient.

BORDER CROSSING
SIEM REAP to BANGKOK via BUS RIDE

I remember 2 years ago it used to be a little confusing researching about it over the net. I have read fraudulent stories and how you have to haggle over “tuktuk/cab” drivers for the cost since it involves so much transport transfers.

 

As time passes by, improvement has been done given the demand and increasing number of backpackers exploring the trail. 

I have done google searches and read reviews to make me aware of any preparations especially for immigration procedures and rules, what to expect and the roadway of course. Thanks to these travel blogs, that includes Ed from (http://www.soloflighted.com) and (www.seat61.com)

And I found everything online. A good friend has also mentioned that SR to BKK roadway is less bumpy and border crossing will be a smooth transition.

DIRECT BUSES NOW SERVING
(CAM –THAI and Vice Versa)

A bus company has started its operation early of 2013.

This is partly run by the Thailand government serving various trips within its provinces as well as providing bus routes for popular international crossing

By this, it made all overland journeys more convenient with reduced scamming incidents. I'm positive it gets organized as the years to come.

See more: TRANSPORT CO LTD

WHICH BUS LINE?

NATAKKAN  BUS Lines - Cambodia

22 Sivatha Blvd, Svay Dangkom District, Siem Reap
T: 063 96 48 96
T: 078 975 333

Facebook page

TRANSPORT Co. Ltd – Thailand (TCL)

Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal, Bangkok

+66 2 936 0657
+66 89 281 1396

http://transport.co.th/home/en.html

Nattakan is based in Siem Reap a company that operates the direct buses and is actually partnered with Thailand Co. Ltd. 

Before they use to operate with shuttle buses as I have read from an article posted by ED of (soloflighted.com), but this time they have operated big buses to accommodate in the flock of backpackers completing the Indochina Trail.

TICKETS

This can be purchased in their office which is located beside KFC Restaurant in SR. It's along the road going to Pub Street.

You can also coordinate with your hotel or guesthouse for booking and reservation. When we arrived in SR we immediately asked the guesthouse owner to purchase the tickets for us.

PRICE: $30 or Php 1,370.00

Note Additional charge as been added to the price, but more or less $2 lesser if purchased in their office. 

INCLUDES

• Hassle free direct ride going to Bangkok 
• Fully air-conditioned buses operate daily ( Siem Reap to Bangkok ) and Vice Versa
• Provide snacks, bottled water and lunch
• Has a functioning restroom back end of the bus
• The bus has a luggage compartment

TRAVEL TIMELINE 

( 8 – 9 Hrs Travelling time)
VISA FREE for ASEAN Nationals!

• 7AM – We had a free pick up by a Tuktok c/o Nattakan Agency from our guesthouse
• Coordinated with the ticketing agent for our reservation and assigned seats.
• 8AM – Departure from Siem Reap
• ID cards will be provided and they have a seating assignment
• 9AM – Immigration Checking
• Poipet – Cambodia Border
• Aranyaprathet – Thailand Border
• Everything was quick, no hassle and no further questions asked from us, no fees for ASEAN nationals since its VISA free.
• 11:00 – Stopover at the 7/11 store.
• We had a packed light lunch consists of fried rice, slices of cucumber and slices of sausage pork ( same as our local “chorizo” ).
•  4:30 - We reached Bangkok in Chatuchak Terminal Station 
• Meters away from the famous Chatuchak Market. Some would call it Mo Chit Terminal Station too. Upon arrival we asked for directions from locals for a money exchange counter and options going to our accommodation, since initially we thought of riding a bus.

ID TAGs that needs to hang around in our necks for tracing purposes.

Snacks initially provided by the Bus Company: Bun and Bottled Water

CHATUCHAK 

BUS STATION 

BANGKOK

This the arrival station for all passengers. 

MONEY Exchange counters are also available inside Mo Chit Terminal Station which is on the same area approximately 100meters away from the bus stop and there are a number of banks to choose from.  

We had our money exchanged from dollars to baht in Krungthai Bank. 

NOTE: Mo Chit Station is the exact location that caters to travellers who will be exiting Bangkok doing overland crossing going to Cambodia.

REACHING our ACCOMMODATION in THAILAND

We availed of a metered taxi cab and handed our printed sheet of paper showing the exact location of our hotel, this will send us to our accommodation along Bangkok riverside

Thanks to NATTAKAN BUS LINE! It made everything easier.
BANGKOK here we come....