Poipet Travel Guide
From Wikitravel
Poipet is a small town in western Cambodia, near the Thai border.
Contents |
Understand
Gordon Sharpless notes that "Poipet more or less rhymes with toilet" and this caustic observation is, sadly, true. Poipet is a miserable huddle of touts, beggars, thieves and dodgy casinos for daytripping Thais, and spending any more time than absolutely necessary is not recommended.
Get in
For reaching Poipet from the Thai side, consult the Aranyaprathet article.
Cambodian visas on arrival are available here with a varying degree of hassle, arrive early in the morning to avoid queues (the border crossing is open from 07:00 to 20:00). While the visa cost is theoretically US$20, most visitors have to pay 1000 baht and you may well be asked for more — smile, ask for receipts and smile some more. Other scams often reported here include having to pay for SARS forms and touts attempting to charge for 'helping' you with your visa application or telling you you must exchange Cambodian rials here (at very poor rates).
As of August 2005, the infamous traffic circle hassle has finally been taken over by the authorities. All arriving tourists are now transferred by shuttle van (for free) to a central depot offering either buses or taxis.
By Airplane
Fly over Poipet. Do not travel through Poipet any other way if you are not ready to be hassled, scammed and frustrated beyond belief. If you are going to Angkar Wat and you can afford to fly, do it. If you can't afford to take a plane, FIND THE MONEY AND TAKE A PLANE. It's a 35 minute plane ride from Bangkok to Siem Reap compared 10 hours in travel by train, bus and taxi not counting the time you'll waste trying to get out of Poipet with your skin and wallet intact.
By bus
Seats on the official bus service from the depot to Siem Reap cost $11 a pop.
By taxi
Toyota Camry taxis from Siem Reap will take you to Poipet for a fixed $35. The ride along the unpaved highway is bumpy but passable, figure on three hours but note that travel times may increase considerably late in the wet season (September to December). The Taxi will drop you at a place in Poipet where you will get a free transport to the border. Seemingly they are not allowed to go to the border directly, but do not worry about that, the onward transport is really free.
By pickup truck
Pickup trucks connect from Siem Reap and Battambang, although you will more likely than not have to change at Sisophon. Seats inside/outside the truck 5000/3000 riel to Sisophon, plus 10000/5000 onward to either Siem Reap or Battambang.
Get around
Once through immigration, you will be besieged by touts offering transport. Do your best to ignore them and talk directly with drivers, many of which can be found at the traffic circle just outside or down the road.
See & Do
Other than gambling and whoring, there are no sights or activities in Poipet.
Buy
Eat & Drink
Sleep
If at all possible, overnight in Aranyaprathet instead.
Stay safe
Poipet is not safe, particularly at night. Watch out for pickpockets and snatch thieves. If taking a taxi, do not let anybody you don't know into the car.
Get out
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As of August 2005, the authorities at Poipet are currently insisting that all independent travellers to Siem Reap take government transport at US$11. You can try to weasel your way out by claiming that you are going to some place other than Siem Reap, and then negotiating with a taxi directly. |
You are advised to seek local advice (or check the web) regarding road conditions between Siem Reap and Poipet before attempting the journey. The road condition varies rapidly.
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