Sisophon & Poipet
Sisophon — Hub in the Northwest
Sisophon (also Banteay Meanchey) is a functional provincial capital with no tourist highlight, but an important hub:
- Transfer point for travelers to/from Battambang, Siem Reap, and the Poipet/Thailand border crossing
- Base for excursions to Banteay Chhmar (63 km north)
- Market: Phsar Sisophon is a lively local market — good for a stopover
Overnight stay only necessary if you arrive late or want to leave early for Banteay Chhmar. Simple guesthouses from 8–15 USD.
Poipet — Thailand Border Crossing
The Poipet/Aranyaprathet border crossing is the most used land border between Cambodia and Thailand. The crossing is possible but notorious:
How the Border Crossing Works
- Cambodian Exit: At the immigration counter. Exit stamp — quick and straightforward.
- No Man's Land: 200 m on foot (or casino shuttle) to the Thai side.
- Thai Entry: Visa-on-Arrival for Germans (30 days free). Can take 1–2h during peak season.
- Onward to Bangkok: Minivan from Aranyaprathet to Bangkok (3.5h, approx. 200 THB = 5 EUR).
Achtung
Poipet is notorious for scams! At the Cambodian visa counter, you may be pushed towards a "VIP service" (surcharge 5–10 USD). At the Thai border, touts try to lure you into overpriced minibuses. Stay calm, go to the official counter, and don't let yourself be pressured. Do not apply for a Cambodian visa in Poipet — do the e-Visa online beforehand!
