Traveling to Cambodia from Thailand

There are many ways to travel to Cambodia from Thailand, but before crossing the border, it’s crucial to understand how to do so without breaking any rules. While they are neighbors, there are still immigration concerns as the borders are not open.

This page details the various routes into Cambodia from Thailand, the visas you need to enter legally, and the preparations you need to make to ensure seamless travel with minimal complications.

How to Get to Cambodia from Thailand

There are two primary ways to get to Cambodia from Thailand: quick and expensive by air, or slower and more affordable by land.

Getting into Cambodia from Thailand By Plane

The fastest way to travel to Cambodia is by flying there. While flight tickets can be expensive, Thailand also operates a variety of low-cost carriers that provide cheaper flights. Flights to Cambodia leave out of all of Thailand’s international airports in Bangkok, Phuket, or Chiang Mai.

It typically takes 1-2 hours to fly from Thailand to Cambodia, though this can vary depending on the aircraft and the flight path. Flights into the country are direct, meaning you won’t have to waste time with layovers and transfers at other airports. You can expect to arrive in either Cambodia at Phnom Penh International Airport or Siem Reap Angkor International Airport.

Crossing into Cambodia from Thailand Overland

If you don’t want to travel by air, it is possible to travel to Cambodia overland by bus, ferry, or train. This method takes longer when compared to flying, but is usually more cost-effective. It’s a good option if you need a low-cost option and travel to Cambodia frequently, or you just want to see the sights along the way.

Notable land and sea routes include, but aren’t limited to:

• Bus: From Bangkok to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap
• Ferry: From Bangkok to Koh Kong or Koh Sdach
• Train: From Bangkok to Ban Klong Luk (you will need to make your way from the train station to the border checkpoint on foot)

How to Get a Cambodia Tourist Visa

In most cases, you need a visa to cross the Thai/Cambodian border. Holding a tourist visa lets you visit Cambodia, but doesn’t qualify you for local employment. To apply for a Cambodian tourist visa, you will need to provide 3 documents as part of your application, which include:

• A valid passport (must have at least 6 months validity remaining)
• A passport-sized photograph (must be taken in the past 6 months in a JPEG or PNG format)
• A completed and signed visa application form (which form you need depends on how you obtained your tourist visa)

You should consult with your local embassy to see if you require a tourist visa. If you hold a passport from one of the following countries, you can visit Cambodia visa-free for a set period:

• 14 Days: Brunei Darussalam, Myanmar, Thailand
• 15 Days: Seychelles
• 30 Days: Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam

There are 3 ways to obtain a Cambodian Tourist Visa:

Cambodian E-Visa (Type E)

You can apply for a single-entry E-Visa if you want to acquire a Cambodian tourist visa online. The E-Visa is valid for 90 days and allows you to stay up to 30 days per entry. It costs $35 (with a $7 processing fee), paid electronically.

To apply, you must complete an online application and upload all required documents on the official Cambodian E-Visa website. The application takes 3 business days on average to process and you’ll receive a certificate via email upon completion. After this, all you have to do is present the certificate to the immigration officers upon arrival.

Cambodian Visa-On-Arrival

Instead of applying beforehand, you can obtain a Cambodian Tourist Visa upon arrival at the international airports in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap or at border checkpoints. This type of tourist visa is valid for up to 30 days, with the possibility to extend for another 30 days. Bring the required documents listed above on your trip to Cambodia and complete the application form at the checkpoint.

Cambodian Tourist Visa (Type T)

To get your visa before traveling, you can apply for a Cambodian Tourist Visa at the nearest Cambodian Embassy. This can be done by scheduling an in-person appointment or mailing your required documents. It will cost you $30 (with a $6 processing charge) and will be valid for 90 days from the issuance date. However, you can only stay for up to 30 days per arrival.

Like the E-Visa, it takes at least 3 business days for a standard tourist visa application to be processed. Once you’ve been approved, you can choose whether to pick up your visa at the Embassy in person or by mail.

What to Do Before Traveling to Cambodia from Thailand

Before visiting Cambodia, you need to ensure you can stay in the country legally and that you’ll be able to return to Thailand without any problems. Before you leave for Cambodia from Thailand, consider these steps:

Apply for a Re-Entry Permit

Depending on your current visa, you may need a re-entry permit if you want to re-enter Thailand, as leaving without one might cancel your current visa. If you don’t want to apply for a re-entry permit every time you leave Thailand, consider acquiring a long-term, multiple-entry Thai visa such as a:

• Thailand Elite Visa
• DTV Visa Thailand (DTV)
• LTR Visa Thailand (LTR)

Obtain the Correct Thai Visa

If you’ll be staying in Thailand for a significant amount of time, you may need to acquire a Thai visa. What visa you need depends on your purpose for staying in Thailand. You can apply for a Thai visa in person at the closest Royal Thai Consulate or Thai Embassy. If you’re applying for a Thai visa from Cambodia, you will need to bring your required paperwork and apply at the Thai Embassy in Cambodia.

If you want to avoid the hassle of having to apply in person, you can choose to submit your application electronically to obtain an E-Visa. However, you may only qualify for an E-Visa if you hold a passport from any of the following countries:

• Africa: Egypt, South Africa
• America: Brazil, Canada, Chile, USA
• Asia: Cambodia, China, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste, Vietnam
• Europe: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom
• Middle East: Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey
• Oceania: Australia, New Zealand

Plan Your Itinerary

It’s a necessity to plan your itinerary well in advance before crossing the Cambodian border to ensure your travels aren’t interrupted. Here are some other steps you should consider to make your trip smoother:

• Obtain health or travel insurance in case of a medical emergency.
• Make sure you have the address of your accommodation copied down, whether it’s a hotel or a friend’s house.
• Convert currency into Cambodian riel.
• Check the website for the Cambodian Embassy and follow their advice so that you don’t bring any illegal items into Cambodia.

Contact Siam Legal for Professional Assistance

For an easier trip to Cambodia and a smooth return to Thailand, connect with Siam Legal for professional assistance in obtaining a Thai visa. Operating for over 20 years as a full-service law firm and visa consultancy, Siam Legal’s Thai visa staff have the skills and expertise to help you secure your visa while avoiding immigration problems or delays. We will review your application, check for errors, and submit your paperwork on your behalf so you can plan your trip without any stress.

Contact Siam Legal today, so you can enjoy both Thailand and Cambodia with peace of mind free of immigration worries.

Category: Travel to Thailand