Travelling to Cambodia
Travelling to Cambodia
Going to Cambodia: Every country has its rules and regulations concerned with entry requirements, which inevitably are subject to change. It is sensible therefore, before confirming any travel arrangements, to make sure that you will be able to comply with the latest entry requirements. This applies to all countries you intend to visit and/or transit.
Traveling to Cambodia: Visa on Arrival (VOA) is available for many nationalities, but please make sure before travel. Otherwise, check the eVisa rules at the following link:
https://www.evisa.gov.kh/
Moreover, UK citizens Travelling to Cambodia may contact the Cambodian Embassy in London, or likewise in their country of residence, for the most recent updates on entry requirements. Additionally, the Foreign Office, also in London, has advice for UK citizens at this link: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cambodia
Non-UK citizens should enquire at their nearest Cambodian Embassy
Travelling to Cambodia
Travelling to Cambodia
Take Note:
Once here, should you wish to stay beyond the validity of your visa, visit the immigration department opposite Phnom Penh Airport. Go at least one week before your visa expires. They will be able to advise. Moreover, be sure to have the correct visa eg, a tourist visa is intended for tourism, not employment.
However, you could contact Lucky Lucky Moto at 413 Monivong Blvd. who specializes in visa extensions, etc. In any event, don’t leave it to the last minute, and be aware of public holidays when places may be closed.
Visa overstay is not recommended & can prove expensive!
Travelling to Cambodia
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Travelling to Cambodia
Travel to Cambodia & experience the unforgettable Angkor Wat, the delights of Phnom Penh & the Legendary Mekong River plus much, much more
Travelling to Cambodia: The irresistible urge to travel, do you have it?
Historically, backpackers traveling the well-trodden route between Australia and the UK and vice versa, many armed with a copy of Lonely Planet. Many will have enjoyed the likes of Bali, Sumatra, Borneo, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.
Many countries are now open
With Burma, Vietnam, Laos, China, and Cambodia being either closed or visas none too easy to get, many travelers before say year 2000, may have continued their journey west with a flight out of Bangkok, to perhaps India or Nepal. Those traveling from Europe or West Asia could have flown into Bangkok.
However, apart from Burma, many countries in this region have opened their doors and made visitors welcome. Cambodia is no exception. The call of Angkor Wat, and an overall interest to travel new routes and experience cultures, perhaps little known to the outside world, are contributing to encouraging tourism to less than-familiar destinations.
Travelling to Cambodia
Airports and border crossings
Travelling to Cambodia
Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports are the main air gateways, although many travelers now arrive via border crossings with Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. eVisas contribute to making Cambodia far easier to enter, although few restrictions exist for the ever-popular visa on arrival, that’s been in place for many years.
Preparing for the future
The new Siem Reap airport is due to open soon and for the new long-haul Phnom Penh airport at Kandal, construction is well underway
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Useful hints and tips before you travel to Cambodia
Make quite sure that you have adequate travel and health insurance
Travelling to Cambodia
Although bank cards are now widely used and ATMs are everywhere dishing out US Dollars, so have some local currency to hand
Do not drive in Cambodia without the correct license, and everyone traveling on motorbikes, including you, must wear a crash helmet
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Travelling to Cambodia
Traveling to Cambodia, My Travel Blog for January/February 2024: Overland from Thailand to Cambodia
Traveling to Cambodia: An insight for those interested in overland travel
Travelling to Cambodia
Most journeys involve a return, and this is my experience, following a recent trip to Thailand. As with the outward journey, I wanted to see what was involved, and the cost of making the journey overland. This time, however, with a mixture of trains, buses and not forgetting the ubiquitous tuk-tuks.
Travelling to Cambodia: Making a Start
About ten days before travel, I booked a berth on the night train from Udon Thani, northeast Thailand to Bangkok. I paid 977 Baht for a lower bunk in second-class AC with a departure time of 8.20pm on the 31st of January. Important Note, from the 21st of January 2024, trains from the North East which were destined for Hua Lampong Station, now travel to the new station, Bang Sue Junction, but just to confuse things further, this has now been renamed, Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal.
Travelling to Cambodia: On My Way
Finally, departing Udon Thani at 8.45pm, arriving Khon Kaen at 10.30pm, and much later, Don Muang around 5.40am. Various announcements on the train, but only in Thai language. Not helpful or useful for non-Thai speakers. Is this the way to make visitors welcome? NB. How much extra would it cost, to have important announcements in English, as well as Thai?
At Krung Thep, I followed the crowd, rather than the signs, & at the station exit, found an information desk.
I was informed, by a girl who spoke clearly in English, that because of the change of arrival station in Bangkok, a free shuttle bus was available for those going to Hua Lampong. I boarded the bus, just outside the station, for the journey of about 15 minutes, arriving at Hua Lampong at 6.30am.
Hua Lampong Station was opened in 1916 but nowadays portrays a sad reflection of what it once was. Once a bustling hub of steam to diesel, has become an almost empty shell, of its former glory. From dozens of small shops, the only ones I noticed still trading, were Amazon, Starbucks, and Dunkin Doughnuts, with a few cold snack eateries, out front.
Onwards to the international border at Aranyaprathet
At 6.39am, I purchased a ticket for the next departure to Ban Khlong Luk Border station, which cost 49 Baht, and departed at 1.05pm, due to arrive at 5.27pm. BTW, only twice daily for this service, with the other departure around 5.50am. Tip: this train passes through Aranyaprathet, but stay onboard, if your destination is the border crossing at Ban Khlong Luk, for Poi Pet in Cambodia.
The train journey of a little more than 4 hours, passes through the peaceful countryside of lush green fields, buffaloes, temples, and numerous stations. Some are thoughtfully decorated with colorful plants and flowers. Reminiscent of some of the older countryside stations in the UK.
From the station, it’s a short walk, just follow the crowd, to the Thai departure building. Have your passport and departure card ready for inspection at passport control, get a departure stamp in your passport, and go back down to the street, for the short walk to the Cambodian Arrivals building.
Unlike Thailand, no problem finding arrival cards and forms for visas, etc. including a convenient worktop, with pens, to complete your paperwork. Those with visas should join the queue to get stamped in. Tip: Staple the arrival card into your passport, to avoid losing it.
Travelling to Cambodia
Travelling to Cambodia: Back in Cambodia
Outside in Poi Pet, too many tuk-tuk drivers wanted to convey me to a hotel or bus company, seemingly of their choice, rather than mine. I made it clear that I wanted to go to Virak Buntham Bus Co., but a Tuk-Tuk driver told me that it was a long way, & charged me $3, but took me to a different bus company.
I was very happy to be back, but…..
I told him again that I wanted Virak Buntham and he took me to yet another incorrect bus company. Finally, with the assistance of a kindly motorbike rider, arrived at Virak Buntham. Tip: Do not allow, under any circumstances, any driver to take your luggage. Also, try to have a bus company card or picture of the company you wish to use, to show your driver, especially if you have pre-booked a bus, and may be in a hurry.
Fortunately, the night bus had not yet departed, so paid $15 and within 20 minutes, I was on the way to Phnom Penh. This was another hotel bus, but not quite as roomy as the outbound one, although it served the purpose. I finally arrived at Street 47, Phnom Penh just after 4.15am, and made the refreshing, 20-minute walk to my apartment.
The total cost from Udon Thani to Phnom Penh is 1740 Baht/$50 for the journey of 33 hours (including a 6-hour layover at Hua Lampong) covering 727 miles/1170 km. Actually, however, not a significant difference in airfares. However, traveling by air may restrict the weight of your luggage.
Travelling to Cambodia
How about you? Always interested in learning of other travelers’ experiences.
Travelling to Cambodia
Phnom Penh City Guide is reviewed & amended frequently, using information from different sources. However, because we can’t be everywhere, all the time, and Covid 19 may limit overseas travel, we’re happy to hear from anyone who would like to contribute ideas & updates, to improve the overall content for your fellow travelers.
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As an introduction to Cambodia. Please enjoy this rather enchanting, 4-minute video at this link: https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fweb.facebook.com%2F314699302002531%2Fvideos%2F864835417659207%2F&show_text=true&width=560
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