Cambodia Visa Run

The Cambodian border is east of Thailand, this is a very popular visa run for most people who are in Bangkok as it is the closest border.

You can go to Cambodia via plane which makes it much easier as you can get your visa at the airport for a small fee. But if you want to make it more of an adventure, then follow the steps below.

 

Thailand to Cambodia via car or bus

 

Ban Had Lek checkpoint - There is a few borders checkpoints that you can goto, Ban Had Lek checkpoint (Thailand) is a popular ones as the check point Koh Kong is close to a casino in Cham Yeam (Cambodia). The visa costs about 1,000 Baht (could be a little more or less), but I suggest you get your visa before you go to this border just to save time. If you don't get your vidsa before hand , then you will need to bring 2 passport photo's, copy of your passport and your original passport.

 

As gambling (apart from lotto or betting on muay Thai fights) is illegal in Thailand, there are many Thai people crossing the border which the process can take up to a few hours at times, there is no shade so it can be a very uncomfortable wait.

Once you cross the border and get your stamps, you can check out what Cham Yeam has to offfer. I suggest stay a few nights as the food is pretty good and you will be hard pressed to find cheaper anywhere in the world.

 

The Casino is a very nice place, something you might not expect in Cambodia. There is a free bus service to the casino or you can just walk which will take you about 15 minutes. I believe you can also use the pool for a small fee and it is really nice.

Once you have had enough of Cambodia, you can just pop back over the border, get your stamp and make your way home.

 

Ban Laem Checkpoint: If you just want a hassel free visa run which is quick, then I suggest you go to Ban Laem check point as it is the least problematic of them all.

You can get your visa at this border with will cost you 1000 baht (could be more or less) or US$20 and the process takes about 10 to 30 minutes, which is fantastic as other checkpoints can take up to 2 hours at times.

What you will need to bring is 2 passport photo's, copy of your passport and your original passport.

When you get to the check point, you will need to fill in some paperwork, proceed to the Cambodian Immigration checkpoint (which is about a 100 meter walk, if that), pay for your visa and come back across the border.

There is a duty free shop in Cambodia which sells products very cheap, so cheap it will feel like you got your purchases for free.

There is a number of checkpoints where you can do your border run from Thailand to Cambodia, but these 2 are the best. Ban Had Lek can take a while but it does have a nice casino and has some good food around, but it this is not for you and want a quick and easy visa run then Ban Laem is for you.