The Aranyaprathet (Thailand) to Poipet (Cambodia) border crossing is the most popular visa run route from Bangkok and central Thailand. It has been used by hundreds of thousands of travelers over the decades and remains a viable option in 2026. However, this crossing is also notorious for scams, touts, and chaotic procedures on the Cambodian side. This guide gives you the full picture so you can navigate the process confidently.
Route Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Thai border town | Aranyaprathet (Aran), Sa Kaeo Province |
| Cambodian border town | Poipet, Banteay Meanchey Province |
| Distance from Bangkok | Approximately 255 km (3.5–5 hours by road) |
| Border hours | 06:00–22:00 daily |
| Can be done same-day | Yes (but it is a long day) |
| Cambodia visa required | Yes — visa on arrival available ($30 USD + 1 photo) |
| Thai re-entry stamp | 30 or 60 days visa exemption (depending on nationality and entry method) |
Getting to Aranyaprathet
Option 1: Minivan/Bus from Bangkok
The most common method. Minivans and buses depart from several locations:
| Departure Point | Type | Travel Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mo Chit Bus Terminal (Northern) | Bus | 4–5 hours | 200–250 THB | Regular departures from 05:00 |
| Ekkamai Bus Terminal (Eastern) | Bus | 4–5 hours | 200–250 THB | Fewer departures |
| Victory Monument area | Minivan | 3.5–4 hours | 200–300 THB | Faster but cramped |
| Khao San Road | Tourist minivan | 3.5–4 hours | 250–400 THB | Convenient but overpriced |
Recommended: Take the earliest bus from Mo Chit (05:00–06:00 departure) to arrive at the border by 09:00–10:00, giving you ample time for the crossing and return.
Option 2: Private Taxi/Grab
A private car from Bangkok to Aranyaprathet costs approximately 2,500–4,000 THB one way. Faster and more comfortable, and the driver can wait for you during the border crossing. Negotiate a round-trip price in advance.
Option 3: Train
A daily train runs from Bangkok's Hua Lamphong (now primarily from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station) to Aranyaprathet. The journey takes about 5–6 hours and costs 48–170 THB depending on class. It is scenic but slow — not ideal for a same-day visa run.
Option 4: Visa Run Service
Commercial visa run services operate from Bangkok, Pattaya, and other cities. They typically charge 1,500–3,000 THB per person and include transport, guidance through the border process, and return transport. The convenience factor is high, especially for first-timers.
| Departing From | Typical Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Bangkok | 1,800–2,500 THB | Minivan + guide |
| Pattaya | 1,500–2,500 THB | Minivan + guide |
| Koh Chang/Trat area | 2,000–3,000 THB | Minivan + guide |
Step-by-Step Border Crossing Process
Step 1: Thai Exit — Aranyaprathet Immigration
Upon arriving in Aranyaprathet, make your way to the border checkpoint. If arriving by bus, you will be dropped near the border market area. Walk toward the large archway marking the Thai-Cambodian border.
At Thai Immigration:
- Queue at the departure counter
- Present your passport
- The officer stamps your exit from Thailand
- Keep your TM.6 departure card — the officer will take the departure portion
- Walk through the checkpoint toward Cambodia
Tips:
- The Thai side is well-organized and usually fast (5–15 minutes)
- Have your passport and departure card ready before reaching the counter
Step 2: Enter Cambodia — Poipet Immigration
This is where things get interesting. The Cambodian side of the border is notoriously chaotic, and several scams operate openly. Here is what to expect and how to handle it.
Cambodian Visa on Arrival:
Most nationalities can obtain a Cambodian tourist visa on arrival (e-Visa is also an option if arranged in advance).
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cambodian Tourist Visa (Type T) | $30 USD |
| Passport photo | 1 required (4x6 cm) — $2 USD extra if you do not have one |
| Visa on Arrival form | Free (available at the counter) |
Process:
- Walk from the Thai checkpoint into the Cambodian border area
- Find the official Cambodian Immigration building (look for the large, relatively modern building)
- Fill out the visa on arrival application form
- Submit your passport, form, photo, and $30 USD
- Wait 10–30 minutes for processing
- Receive your passport back with a Cambodian visa sticker
- Proceed to the entry stamp counter
- Get your Cambodian entry stamp
Total time on the Cambodian side: 20–60 minutes depending on crowds.
Step 3: Cross Back — Cambodian Exit
If doing a same-day visa run, you do not need to go into Poipet town (though you can). You can turn around almost immediately.
- Go to the Cambodian exit/departure counter
- Present your passport
- Receive your Cambodian exit stamp
- Walk back toward the Thai border
Note: There is no fee for exiting Cambodia.
Step 4: Re-Enter Thailand — Aranyaprathet Immigration
- Walk back to the Thai immigration entry checkpoint
- Queue at the arrivals counter
- Present your passport
- Fill out a new TM.6 arrival card if needed (some officers provide these at the counter)
- The officer stamps your new Thai entry — check the date carefully
- Proceed back into Thailand
What stamp will you receive?
| Your Situation | Likely Stamp |
|---|---|
| Visa-exempt national, re-entering by land | 30 or 60 days (depends on nationality/current policy) |
| Holding a valid Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa | 60 days |
| Holding a valid Non-Immigrant visa with re-entry permit | Remaining visa validity |
Scams and How to Avoid Them
The Poipet border crossing is infamous for scams targeting tourists. Here are the most common ones and how to protect yourself.
Scam 1: The "Visa Office" Redirect
What happens: Before you reach the real Cambodian immigration building, touts or people in uniforms will try to direct you to a separate building, claiming it is the "visa processing office." They charge $35–$45 USD for the visa instead of the official $30.
How to avoid: Walk past anyone trying to redirect you. The official immigration building is clearly marked. Do not follow anyone to a side building.
Scam 2: Overpriced "Health Screening"
What happens: You may be told that a health check or temperature screening is required and that you must pay a fee (100–500 THB).
How to avoid: If a legitimate health screening station exists (as during COVID-era measures), the fee should be minimal or free. Ask to see an official receipt. If they cannot produce one, decline and walk past.
Scam 3: Inflated Visa Fees
What happens: The visa counter agent tells you the fee is $35 or $40 instead of $30, or demands payment in Thai baht at a terrible exchange rate.
How to avoid: Bring exact change in US dollars ($30). State clearly that you are paying the official fee. Do not accept THB-denominated pricing at the Cambodian immigration counter.
Scam 4: "Processing Fee" or "Express Fee"
What happens: After paying $30, you are told there is an additional "processing" or "express" fee of $5–$10.
How to avoid: Politely decline. There is no additional fee. If pressed, ask for an official receipt for any payment.
Scam 5: Transport Scams
What happens: On the Cambodian side, touts aggressively offer transport to Siem Reap or Phnom Penh at inflated prices. On the Thai side, taxi drivers quote outrageous fares for the return to Bangkok.
How to avoid: Arrange your return transport in advance. If using a taxi, negotiate the price before getting in. If using a bus, know the schedule and fare in advance.
General Tips for Avoiding Scams
- Carry exact amounts in USD. Bring $30 for the Cambodia visa in small bills.
- Do not exchange money at the border. The rates are terrible. Use an ATM in Aranyaprathet before crossing if you need cash.
- Be confident and assertive. Scammers target confused-looking tourists. Walk with purpose.
- Do not hand your passport to anyone except official immigration officers behind counters.
- Ignore touts. Anyone approaching you outside the official building is likely running a scam.
Same-Day Visa Run Timeline
Here is a realistic timeline for a same-day visa run from Bangkok:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 05:00 | Depart Bangkok (Mo Chit bus or private car) |
| 09:00 | Arrive Aranyaprathet |
| 09:15 | Thai exit stamp |
| 09:30 | Arrive Cambodian immigration |
| 10:00 | Cambodian visa + entry stamp received |
| 10:15 | Cambodian exit stamp |
| 10:30 | Thai re-entry stamp received |
| 10:45 | Back in Aranyaprathet — grab lunch |
| 11:30 | Depart for Bangkok |
| 15:30 | Arrive Bangkok |
Total time: Approximately 10–11 hours door to door. It is a long day but entirely doable.
Costs Summary
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Bus Bangkok–Aranyaprathet (round trip) | 400–500 THB |
| OR private taxi (round trip) | 4,000–6,000 THB |
| OR visa run service | 1,500–3,000 THB |
| Cambodian tourist visa | $30 USD (~1,050 THB) |
| Passport photo (if needed) | $2 USD or 100 THB |
| Food and water | 100–300 THB |
| Total (budget, by bus) | Approximately 1,600–1,900 THB |
| Total (visa run service) | Approximately 2,600–4,100 THB |
| Total (private taxi) | Approximately 5,200–7,400 THB |
Alternative: E-Visa for Cambodia
You can apply for a Cambodian e-Visa online before your trip at the official website (evisa.gov.kh). Cost is $36 USD ($30 visa + $6 processing). The e-Visa takes 1–3 business days to process and is sent via email.
Advantages: Skips the visa-on-arrival queue and avoids the "visa office" scam buildings entirely. Disadvantages: Slightly more expensive, requires advance planning, and not all border crossings accept e-Visas (Poipet does accept them).
Important Considerations for 2026
Officer Discretion on Re-Entry
Thai immigration officers at Aranyaprathet are among the most experienced in the country at spotting "professional visa runners." If your passport shows multiple recent entries through this crossing, you may face questions or denial. For a full explanation of how visa runs work and the risks involved, see our visa run overview guide. Consider these strategies:
- Alternate between the Poipet crossing and other borders or air entries
- Carry evidence of genuine tourism (hotel bookings, return flights, bank statements)
- Do not do this crossing more than 2–3 times per year
Border Infrastructure Improvements
The Thai-Cambodian border area has seen gradual infrastructure improvements. The new border complex is more modern and organized than in previous years, though the Cambodian side still has its quirks.
Cambodia Departure Fee
Cambodia does not charge an official departure fee. If anyone asks for a departure fee or "stamp fee" when you are leaving Cambodia, this is a scam. Politely decline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do this visa run from Pattaya?
Yes. Aranyaprathet is about 3 hours from Pattaya. Many visa run services operate from Pattaya. You can also take a bus from Pattaya to the border.
What if I do not have US dollars for the Cambodian visa?
You can pay in Thai baht, but the exchange rate at the counter is very unfavorable (typically $30 = 1,200–1,500 THB instead of the real rate of ~1,050 THB). It is strongly recommended to bring USD.
Can I stay in Cambodia instead of doing a same-day return?
Absolutely. Your Cambodian tourist visa is valid for 30 days. Many people combine the visa run with a trip to Siem Reap (Angkor Wat) or Phnom Penh. When you are ready to return to Thailand, cross back at Poipet or any other Thai-Cambodian border checkpoint.
Is the border open on weekends and holidays?
Yes. The border is open daily from 06:00 to 22:00, including weekends and most public holidays. However, the Thai immigration office for visa extensions (not border crossings) follows normal government office hours.
Is this crossing safe?
The border crossing itself is safe, though the Poipet area can be rough. Do not carry valuables openly. The Thai side (Aranyaprathet) is a normal Thai town and perfectly safe. Exercise normal caution on the Cambodian side.
Summary
The Aranyaprathet–Poipet visa run is the most accessible same-day visa run option from Bangkok and central Thailand. Budget approximately 1,600–3,000 THB for a basic run by bus, or more for private transport or a guided service. Bring exact USD for the Cambodian visa, stay alert for scams on the Cambodian side, and check your new Thai entry stamp carefully upon return. While not the most comfortable day you will spend in Southeast Asia, it gets the job done efficiently.
