Crossing the Cambodia and Thailand Border: Easy & Latest Guide for Travelers

The Cambodia and Thailand border is one of the busiest crossings in Southeast Asia. Thousands of travelers cross between the two countries daily. Recently, though, border crossings have become unpredictable. Mid-2025 saw Thailand impose stricter regulations and shut most crossings.

These measures affect both locals and tourists. So, knowing which crossings are open and being prepared with correct visa documents is more important than ever. This guide explains the main crossings, visa details, and insights on current situations.

Current Status: Is the Border Open Between Cambodia and Thailand?

Currently, the Thailand-Cambodia border is not open for tourists. There has been tension in various provinces, resulting in security restrictions earlier in the year, and no official date has been set for reopening. While talks continue between both governments, the focus is mostly on trade routes and supply chains.

Tourists are advised to travel from Thailand to Cambodia by air. Flights from Bangkok to Siem Reap and Phnom Penh run normally. Anyone planning a Thailand and Cambodia trip should keep checking embassy updates before organizing overland routes.

Best Border Crossings Between Cambodia and Thailand (with Map)

Before the closures, the most common entry point was the Poipet–Aranyaprathet crossing. It linked Bangkok to Siem Reap and carried the highest volume of traffic. Cham Yeam–Hat Lek, close to the Thai island Koh Chang, had been another important checkpoint that provided visitors with direct access to Sihanoukville and the Cambodian islands.

O Smach–Chong Jom in the north was less busy but served travelers heading to rural parts of Cambodia. The borders on the map of Cambodia and Thailand showed more than a dozen checkpoints, but most tourists preferred these main routes. Once the border of Thailand and Cambodia officially reopens, these points will likely remain the most practical choices for tourists.

For now, with traditional land border crossings closed, travelers need alternative ways to move between Thailand and Cambodia.

Main border ports between Cambodia and Thailand on a map.

Flying from Thailand to Cambodia: The Easiest Way

Bangkok to Siem Reap/Phnom Penh: There are multiple airlines offering daily flights between Cambodia's and Thailand's major cities. Flight time ranges from 1-1.5 hours, with ticket prices ranging from $80-$200 USD depending on the airline and advance booking time.

Major carriers on these routes include Cambodia Angkor Air, Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, and budget airlines such as AirAsia. You can book with the airlines themselves or through us. Our team can help arrange your Thailand to Cambodia flight and onward transfers within Cambodia, making the journey smoother across the border of Thailand and Cambodia.

Domestic routes: There are also various domestic flights that link Siem Reap and Phnom Penh to coastal destinations such as Sihanoukville, though overland travel within Cambodia remains normal.

Below is one table with representative, up-to-date flight info and typical timing windows for the Bangkok ↔ Cambodia routes, plus a common domestic link inside Cambodia. Times and prices change by date and airline, so treat these as typical examples rather than fixed schedules.

Alternative Overland Routes from Thailand to Cambodia Through Laos or Vietnam

For travelers who prefer not to fly, there are still land-based alternatives. These routes take you through neighboring countries before reaching Cambodia, so they’re longer but can add extra destinations to your journey.

Thailand–Laos–Cambodia Route: The most practical path starts with a crossing from Thailand into Laos at Nong Khai, leading directly to Vientiane. From there, buses or minivans can take travelers south through Laos to the Dong Kralor–Stung Treng border, where entry into Cambodia is possible. This journey usually takes 2–3 days, depending on transport connections and overnight stops.

For travelers who want to avoid flights, this is one of the main alternatives to the Cambodia and Thailand border, and it comes with the bonus of Laos tours. Stops in Vientiane or the 4,000 Islands area make the trip more enjoyable before heading across the border of Thailand and Cambodia.

Tourists can take bus from Thailand to Laos.

Thailand–Vietnam–Cambodia Route: A second option is to head east into Vietnam, typically via Laos. After reaching Vietnam, travelers continue south to one of the Vietnam–Cambodia land borders, such as Moc Bai–Bavet, which links directly to Phnom Penh. This route takes longer—around 3–4 days—but gives the chance to explore Vietnam along the way. Cities like Ho Chi Minh City can serve as convenient stopovers before entering Cambodia.

These alternative routes require multiple visas and significantly more time, but they're currently the only land-based choices for travelers who want to avoid flying. When the borders reopen, the map of Cambodia and Thailand border will once again highlight the most efficient routes across the border between Thailand and Cambodia.

Tourists can choose to cruise from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh.

Visa Requirements for Crossing the Cambodia and Thailand Border

Even with land border crossings closed between Cambodia and Thailand, visa processes for Cambodia and Thailand tours are still necessary for those arriving by air in the region these days or for anyone intending to travel overland in the future. Familiarity with airports today can ease the readjustment to land travel when checkpoints reopen.

Cambodia Visa Process

Cambodia has long provided a Cambodia Tourist Visa on Arrival at international border checkpoints, including land borders. It normally costs $30–35 USD for a 30-day visit. Currently, this is only offered at airports like Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.

Travelers may also apply for an E-Visa online for $36 USD plus fees. The E-Visa is accepted at airports and will be accepted at land borders when they open again. Processing can take 3–5 business days, so it is advised to apply in advance.

Citizens from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and most of Europe can obtain visas either on arrival or through the E-Visa system. Citizens of ASEAN countries (such as Vietnam, Laos, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines) often enjoy short visa-free entry for tourism.

The sample of Cambodian Electronic Visa.

Thailand Visa Process

Thailand is known for its generous Thai visa policies, though rules vary by nationality. Most visitors are eligible for visa-free travel: 30 days upon arrival by air, and 15 days upon arrival by land (when borders are open). Some nationalities can also get a Visa on Arrival, which is 2,000 Thai Baht and allows for 15 days of stay.

Visa-free entry is available for citizens of countries such as the United States, Canada, most of the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. Visa on Arrival applies to travelers from countries like India, China, and Kazakhstan, though the list can change.

Thai visa on arrival will be stamped on your passports.

Documentation Requirements

Regardless of the entry side of the Cambodia and Thailand border, immigration officers usually request evidence that you can support yourself and depart the country on time. Following is a basic outline of what you should prepare ahead of time:

Useful Tips for Crossing Thailand and Cambodia Borders

Crossing between Thailand and Cambodia has always been a busy experience, and once borders reopen it will likely be the same again. To make the process easier, travelers should plan their Cambodia and Thailand trip ahead. Always check the latest travel advisories, as rules and opening hours can change at short notice. Booking flexible flights or buses helps avoid losing money if schedules shift.

Having cash in Thai Baht and US dollars is handy, as ATMs around checkpoints are not always working. Keep small bills ready for transport and food. Bring extra passport photos, as they are still needed for many visa applications. It is also safer to arrange transport through official channels rather than relying on unofficial drivers or agents near the Thailand and Cambodia border.

Delays are common, so travelers should allow extra time in their schedules. Adding half a day for border procedures prevents stress and gives room for unexpected slowdowns. Preparing in this way makes the Southeast Asia journey across the border between Thailand and Cambodia far smoother once travel opens again.

11 Days Cambodia and Thailand Highlights Tour Package

Siem Reap – Bangkok – Chiang Mai - Phuket

Conclusion

The Cambodia and Thailand border is still closed, yet flights continue to link the nations with ease. Once the Thailand-Cambodia border opens up, Poipet, Cham Yeam, and O Smach will once more be the primary travel entry points. Travelers should make the proper documents ready, verify visa regulations, and heed embassy recommendations before they depart. Proper planning, and crossing the Thailand and Cambodia border can become an easy and safe part of a Thailand and Cambodia trip.

At Indochina Tour, we offer complete support for travelers moving between Cambodia and Thailand. Our team can help you book international flights, arrange domestic transfers, and handle visa applications in advance so you don’t have to worry about last-minute issues. Reach out us to handle the planning!