The Ultimate Guide to Driving from Cambodia into Thailand: Crossing the Cambodia-Thailand Border
Hit the road and experience the thrill of crossing the Thailand border with your own car or motorcycle registered in Cambodia.Crossing the border between Cambodia and Thailand can be a challenging and overwhelming experience, especially if you are unfamiliar with the requirements and procedures. However, with the right preparation and knowledge, you can navigate the border crossing with ease and confidence. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about crossing the Cambodia-Thailand border, including the requirements, procedures, and tips for a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Requirements for Driving from Cambodia into Thailand
Before you begin your journey, there are several requirements that you must meet in order to cross the Cambodia-Thailand border. These include:
- A valid passport with at least six months validity remaining
- A valid visa for Thailand (if required)
- A valid driver's licence recognized in Thailand(ASEAN or International Driving Permit)
- TM2 Information of Conveyance form.
- TM3 Passenger List form – 2 copies. (Only if you’re riding/driving with passengers).
- TM6 Card (Arrival/Departure white card – Available at the immigration counter- Example).
- Simplified customs temporary Import/Export form (will be given by Thai customs). If this is your first time driving your vehicle in Thailand via the Sadao border, you can now pre-register your vehicle online
- Vehicle Registration Card(Grant / VOC). (Photocopy is acceptable but you will need to get the document verified at a police station near the border. Once verified, the officer will give you a slip.
- A valid vehicle registration and insurance (more information on the topic below)
You can acquire the first four essential documents from the Thailand border at no cost. Nevertheless, on certain occasions, you might have to pay a small sum of money to obtain them. However, the payment process might not be official, if you catch our drift. To avoid wasting time, you can download the TM2 and TM3 forms mentioned earlier and complete them before arriving at the border.
It's important to note that the requirements may vary depending on the type of vehicle you are driving and the purpose of your visit. Be sure to check the specific requirements for your vehicle and travel plans before you depart.
Required Insurance To Drive or Ride Into Thailand
This is a list of insurance you will want to have when entering thailand
- Compulsory Insurance
- Voluntary Insurance (highly recommend)
- Personal Travel Insurance (optional)
Compulsory Insurance or what we called Por Ror Bor
Compulsory Insurance (CI) is designed to provide a specific amount of medical compensation, usually up to THB 80K, to anyone involved in a road accident with a vehicle in Thailand. It is important to note that under the Motor Vehicle Accident Victims Act 1992, it is mandatory for all vehicles in Thailand to have Compulsory Insurance
Voluntary Insurance (highly recommend)
Thailand Voluntary Insurance is a type of insurance that provides coverage for property and vehicle damage resulting from an accident in Thailand. It is categorised into three different classes, with Class 1 being exclusively available to Thai-registered vehicles. Foreign registered motorcycles can opt for Class 2 and 3, while foreign registered Cars/MPV/SUVs are limited to only Class 3.
Here's a brief overview of the coverage provided by Class 3+ and Class 3 that you can get for your vehicle:
Class 3 insurance: Covers the costs of Third Party Property Damage and Excess Third Party Bodily Injury.
Class 3+ insurance: This type of insurance covers Third Party Property Damage and Excess Third Party Bodily Injury, as well as limited coverage for Own Vehicle Damage due to Collisions only.
We highly recommend obtaining a Voluntary Insurance of Class 3+ to protect your vehicle against unexpected events.Check out our collection from the top providers in Thailand and their pricing.
Personal Travel Insurance (optional)
Foreigners may face high medical expenses in Thailand. Therefore, it is strongly advised to obtain travel insurance for yourself and/or your passengers. Check out our collection from the top providers in Thailand that will help you in your emergency. Some providers also provide cashless access in their network hospitals.
Crossing the Border into Thailand
There are a total of 6 border crossings between Thailand and Cambodia.
Before we dive into the details of each border crossing, it's essential to understand the general requirements for crossing the Cambodia-Thailand border. First, make sure you have a valid passport with at least six months of validity left. Second, check whether you need a visa to enter Thailand. If you do, you can either obtain a visa at the border or apply for an e-visa online. Third, prepare the necessary documents, such as your travel itinerary, proof of onward travel, and vaccination certificates.
- Poipet/Aranyaprathet
- Koh Kong/Had Lek
- O Smach/Chong Jom
- Anlong Veng/Chong Sa Ngam
- Phsa Prum/Ban Pakard
- Daun Lem/Ban Laem
Poipet/Aranyaprathet
By far the most popular crossing into Thailand, Poipet/Aranyaprathet can be reached by bus from Siem Reap in around four hours. However, this checkpoint is known for being rife with touts and scammers, so be cautious. Also, the immigration officials at this crossing are notorious for being overly militant when checking your details and may even deny entry back into Cambodia if they think you've stayed "too long." In reality, if you have been in and out of Cambodia several times already, you should avoid this crossing entirely and either use a different crossing or even fly into Thailand.
Koh Kong/Had Lek
This crossing allows you to travel from the beach town of Sihanoukville in Cambodia to the island of Koh Chang in the east of Thailand. It is quite convenient, but to make your crossing into Thailand smoother, it's advisable to have your Thai visa sorted out before arriving at the crossing. The officials there can make it a slow and tedious process, and there are reports of many people being charged too much when trying to obtain their visa at the crossing itself. You can obtain your Thai visa in Phnom Penh for only $40.
O Smach/Chong Jom
If you find yourself in Siem Reap, this border crossing is very convenient if you want to travel to Isaan and visit the Khmer ruins of Preah Vihear. Close to Siem Reap on the Cambodian side, it's fairly easy to find a taxi or minibus on the Thai side that will take you on to Isaan. Not usually very busy, but you may see a few westerners traveling with their Cambodian spouses. Expect to pay around 200 baht (around $6.50) for public transport to Isaan. The buses tend to depart from opposite the O Smach Casino Resort.
Anlong Veng/Chong Sa Ngam
A quieter crossing is only really worthwhile if you insist on traveling to the small town of Anlong Veng, although it does now have a casino. There is little to no public transportation available on either side of the border here, so it's not generally recommended.
Phsa Prum/Ban Pakard
This smaller, quieter crossing is not frequently used by tourists but may come in handy if you find yourself in the area. On the Cambodian side, it is close to the unremarkable town of Pailin, about half an hour's drive away, and on the Thai side, it is about an hour's drive away from Chanthaburi. Realistically, it's likely that other border crossings will be more convenient, but they do issue visas on arrival here.
Daun Lem/Ban Laem
Another small and quiet border crossing not far from the Phsa Prum crossing, which for most travelers will be a better option as they can issue Thai visas. In Daun Lem on the Cambodian side, you will find a very busy and hectic market selling all kinds of goods at rock-bottom prices, it's a great place to pick up some cheap clothes, souvenirs, and local snacks.
Conclusion
Crossing the Cambodia-Thailand border can be an adventure in itself, but it's essential to be prepared and knowledgeable about the different crossings. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey.
Exiting Cambodia
- You can just drive through and you will only need to get your passport stamped.
- Present your passport and vehicle documents to the Cambodian immigration officials at the border checkpoint.
- Get your passport stamped with an exit stamp.
- Proceed to the Cambodian customs checkpoint to have your vehicle documents verified.
Entering Thailand
- Present your passport and vehicle documents to the Thai immigration officials at the border checkpoint.
- Get your passport stamped with an entry stamp.
- Proceed to the Thai customs checkpoint to have your vehicle documents verified.
It's important to note that border crossing can be a time-consuming process, especially during peak travel times. Be sure to allow plenty of time for the crossing and avoid rushing or cutting corners. Some borders may require the passengers to be dropped off at the immigration complex and go through immigration separately from the driver. There could also be a small time fee when you stamp your passport to enter Thailand during out-of-working hours. This could be around 10-25 baht and a separate fee per passenger of about 3-5 baht.
The Immigration officer will keep a copy of your forms for their records and PLEASE ensure they return you a copy of the stamped TM2/TM3 and TM6 (departure card) forms. Often, the officer will not ask you about these forms but the laws are in place and there is a fine for not having the forms on your return. Occasionally, you get a bad official who likes to make trouble if you don’t have all the copies & / or completed correctly. If you lost them, be polite, smile always and you can often get out of a fine. Remember, this is Thailand
Note: once you have the customer declaration form it is important to know that The validity of the form is usually 30 days and you MUST return the export form to the Customs Counter when you exit Thailand. Failing to do so, there is a fine of 1,000 baht a day, with a maximum of 10,000 baht.
That’s it!
You are ready to explore Thailand. The official may stop you to check whether your passport has been stamped or not on your way in, just show it to them and they will let you pass.
Tips for Driving from Cambodia into Thailand
To ensure a smooth and hassle-free border crossing experience, here are some useful tips to keep in mind:
- Plan your travel route ahead of time and research the requirements and procedures for crossing the border.
- Avoid peak travel times, such as weekends and holidays, as the border crossing can be crowded and busy during these times.
- Be prepared for long wait times and bring plenty of snacks and water to stay hydrated and comfortable.
- Stay calm and patient, and avoid getting frustrated or angry with the border officials or other travelers.
- Be respectful of the local customs and laws, and avoid carrying any illegal or prohibited items.
Conclusion
While the process of crossing the Cambodia-Thailand border may seem complex and challenging, with the right preparation and knowledge, it can be a relatively straightforward and stress-free experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that you have all the necessary documentation and have completed all the required procedures to pass through the border smoothly. With patience, respect for the laws and regulations, and a positive attitude, you can enjoy all the amazing sights and experiences that Cambodia and Thailand have to offer.
