The only walking will be the few meters across the border.
{soon = we are thinking monday 14th November}
Birgit has spent many hours checking the borders and we will most likely use the busiest border (Poipet), which will mean maybe additional waiting times and more confusing hustle and bustle, but also a well trodden safe path for us to navigate on.
Whenever on offer we are going to use local (nationwide) transport rather than transport specifically offered for tourism. The latter is more expensive and if operated by private companies not necessarily faster or more reliable (rather the opposite from what we hear).
Our current itinerary idea will be:
Taking the VIP air conditioned bus from Chiang Mai to Bangkok for about 890 Baht. A Train for 58 Baht from Bangkok to Aranyaprathet which is about 15 kilometers from the Cambodian Border. In Aranyaprathet we will will take a tuk tuk to the Border for around 100 baht or likely we will be pushed to pay some more. We aren't always very good at bargaining the prices low.
The border we cross on foot and get our passports stamped with Visas for $20 each.
The it is time to either spend $45 on a shared taxi or take a bus for around $9 each. We might opt for the taxi if we find 1-2 more people to share with us.
How long will all that take? I think it might be best if we don't think about that too much.... (11 hours for the bus to bangkok, 5-6 hours for the train, 5 hours on the taxi... + several hours transit times.... maybe we should invest in a plane ticket after all...... ?)
oh and I just found this http://www.mfaic.gov.kh/evisa/ so we can apply for our visa online instead and avoid some border crossing negotiations. All good.
The man in Seat 61 is an absolutely great website. Useful for just about every country in the world. LOTS of public transport information. The focus is on train travel, but we just found information about bus connections here, too. very very good. MOST highly recommended for Europe, Asia, America etc..
Quite useful also: http://www.travelfish.org/blogs/bangkok/ we check this regularly as it's independent and really good, while the Thai Government seems to have been a bit slow in updating us previously. Another regularly updated website that has been useful is this: http://www.thaitravelblogs.com/2011/10/essential-thaiflood-information-for-foreign-tourists-in-thailand/#comment-7111
we are following this itinerary: http://www.grisl.org/border-crossings-bangkok-to-siem-reap/
After reading the haggle you'll probably have to go thru to cross into Cambodia, I'd probably pass on this. Anyway, stay safe and good luck!!
ReplyDeleteHave fun and good luck!
ReplyDeleteHit us up if you have questions...
tanner@grisl.org
and in the end it was a long but smooth journey. The bordercrossing a little more exhausting than truly necessary but really not something I would be worried about if you should think of following the land route to cross to Cambodia. Just be prepared to NOT believe everything a LOT of people will try and tell you. Also I think if we went again: we would share a taxi with 2-3 other foreigners rather than take the 'free' shuttle service that takes you to an entirely tourist orientated bus station.. If in doubt, insist youa re staying in Poipet, perhaps and shake of the tourist touts. Oh and don't pay for services that you didn't not ask for and that were entirely aimed at parting you with more money that you need to spend.
ReplyDeleteVisa= $20 + 100 Baht. That's it. No more.
The Health-check post is BOGUS, walk away and ignore.
You will NOT cross the border quicker if you give someone more money.
Do NOT hand over your passport anywhere except at the actual visa issue place which is in a BIG proper building.
Visa information points in little huts, even if made from brick = forget it, not real nor necessary. REad up on your trip online before setting off. There are some good links in my post above. That's all you really need to travel.
It's NOT difficult, but don't let yourself be pushed into fast decisions, there is NO rush. Take your time and just be at the border early. I suggest putting headphones on. That's what I'll do next time.