A rewarding journey leaving from Bangkok to a Thai-Cambodian border market

Posted by admin on December 16th, 2008 filed in Day trips

Situated 158 miles east of Bangkok, Aranyaprathet is just nine miles from Poipet from where you can board a bus to Siem Reap and the world-famous Angkor Wat site. If slow transportation doesn’t bother you the train offers an enjoyable option. Making the ride to Aranyaprathet by taxi will cost around 3,000 baht while the rail ticket sets you back only 58 baht. There’s no need to arrange any reservations, you just have to show up, purchase your ticket and jump onboard.

From Bangkok two third-class coaches depart daily to Aranyaprathet. These clean trains offer reasonably comforts with wooden seats. The first train leaves in the early morning at 05:55 while the second service departs in the afternoon at 13:05.

Inside the third-class train

The journey lasts about five-and-a-half hours. Travellers wishing to arrive in Siem Reap the same day need to catch the morning service. Taking the afternoon train means staying overnight in Poipet or Aranyaprathet. Guide to Angkor Wat

The railway station and bus terminal are positioned within a very short distance of each other and approximately four miles from the border. A local bus links all locations, if you are not in a rush. However, perhaps after six hours of travelling you don’t want to wait so it will be better to take motorbike or tuk-tuk. The fee for the drive shouldn’t cost more than 100 baht.

Cambodian as well as Thai customs and immigration are positioned adjacent the Rongklua border market. Travellers wanting to cross the border should be cautious of the persistent and pesky touts. If spending another five plus hours making your way back to Bangkok is bearable for you, the trains depart from the Aranyaprathet railway station at 06:40 and 13:55.