Discover seamless bus routes between Cambodia and Thailand! Explore border crossings, schedules, cultural tips, eco-friendly Cambodia Tours and Thailand Tours, and top providers for a sustainable adventure with Cambodia Travel and Thailand Travel. Plan your cross-border journey today!
Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
Traveling by bus between Cambodia and Thailand offers an affordable, scenic, and immersive way to cross borders, connecting vibrant cities like Phnom Penh to Bangkok, Siem Reap to Bangkok, or Sihanoukville to Koh Chang. Popular routes traverse key checkpoints such as Poipet-Aranyaprathet, Koh Kong-Hat Lek, and Bavet-Moc Bai, providing glimpses of rural landscapes, rice paddies, and local life along the way. Whether extending your Cambodia Tours into Thailand or vice versa, bus travel ensures a seamless, ground-level experience. This guide details major routes, schedules, border procedures, cultural etiquette, and sustainable Cambodia Travel and Thailand Travel options for a worry-free cross-border adventure.
Legend Travel Group specializes in seamless cross-border journeys, allowing you to combine the best of Cambodia and Thailand with just a 10% deposit—keep peace of mind until 30 days before departure.
Bus travel between Cambodia and Thailand requires a valid passport (6+ months validity) and appropriate visas (visa exemptions or e-visas for most nationalities). Border crossings are open daily 7:00 AM–8:00 PM (some 24/7). Tickets cost $10–$30 (40,000–120,000 KHR or 350–1,050 THB) one way. Key routes are serviced by reputable operators like Virak Buntham, Giant Ibis, and The Transport Co. Verify schedules and visa requirements via Legend Travel Group experts.
Start your cross-border journey with Khmer heritage (Source: Internet)Siem Reap ↔ Bangkok (via Poipet-Aranyaprathet):
Distance/Duration: 400 km / 7–9 hours.
Border Crossing: Poipet (Cambodia) – Aranyaprathet (Thailand), open 7:00 AM–8:00 PM.
Operators: Giant Ibis, Virak Buntham, Nattakan.
Daily Departures: 6–8 buses from Siem Reap (morning/afternoon); similar from Bangkok (Mo Chit or Ekkamai).
Cost: $25–$35 (100,000–140,000 KHR or 900–1,200 THB), includes border assistance.
Highlights: Pass Angkor-area countryside before entering Thailand’s rural Isan region.
Phnom Penh ↔ Bangkok (via Bavet-Moc Bai):
Distance/Duration: 700 km / 11–13 hours.
Border Crossing: Bavet (Cambodia) – Moc Bai (Vietnam, but route continues to Thailand via Ho Chi Minh City connections; direct options limited).
Direct Operators: Virak Buntham, The Transport Co (with transfer).
Daily Departures: 2–4 direct or semi-direct services.
Cost: $30–$40 (120,000–160,000 KHR or 1,050–1,400 THB).
Highlights: Scenic Mekong views and Cambodian countryside.
Sihanoukville ↔ Koh Chang/Trat (via Koh Kong-Hat Lek):
Distance/Duration: 250 km to border + ferry / 5–7 hours to Koh Chang.
Border Crossing: Koh Kong (Cambodia) – Hat Lek (Thailand), open 7:00 AM–8:00 PM.
Operators: Virak Buntham, combined with local minivans and ferries.
Daily Departures: 2–3 services.
Cost: $20–$30 (80,000–120,000 KHR or 700–1,050 THB) to Trat, plus ferry $5.
Highlights: Coastal route with mangrove views.
Battambang ↔ Bangkok (via Pailin-Chanthaburi):
Distance/Duration: 350 km / 6–8 hours.
Border Crossing: Pailin (Cambodia) – Ban Laem (Thailand).
Operators: Local minivans + Thai buses.
Cost: $15–$25.
Highlights: Rural Khmer villages and Thai orchards.
Visa on Arrival/E-Visa: Available at all major borders for eligible nationalities ($30–$36).
Process: Disembark at border, complete Cambodian exit stamp, walk/cross to Thai side for entry stamp (or vice versa). Buses wait 1–2 hours.
Tip: Carry USD for visa fees; have passport photos ready; avoid “helpers” offering fast-track for extra fees.
Cultural etiquette ensures a respectful cross-border experience during Cambodia Tours and Thailand Tours. Here’s your guide:
Greetings: Use “sua sdei” in Cambodia and “sawasdee” in Thailand with a wai or sampeah.
Dress: Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees, especially when visiting temples en route.
Behaviour: Maintain quiet on buses; avoid loud conversations; ask permission before photographing locals.
Customs: Tipping drivers $1–$2 appreciated; avoid public criticism of monarchies in either country.
Tip: Say “arkun” (Cambodia) or “khob khun” (Thailand) to staff; use eco-friendly practices like reusable bottles for sustainable Cambodia Travel and Thailand Travel.
General Tips:
Language: Basic phrases ease interactions; English works in tourist areas.
Respect: Follow bus rules; support local vendors fairly.
Eco-Tip: Choose operators with modern, low-emission buses.
Experience safe border crossings with Legend Travel Group (Source: Internet)Below is a curated list of tour options incorporating bus routes, based on Legend Travel Group expertise. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.
Details: Travel Siem Reap to Bangkok via Poipet independently; suitable for budget travelers.
Schedule: Daily morning/afternoon departures.
Cost: $25–$35, including border transfer.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use shared buses to reduce carbon footprint.
Tip: Book tickets at hotel desks or bus stations; a guest noted: “Self-guided bus travel was affordable and scenic.”
Details: 1-day assisted transfer from Siem Reap to Bangkok with English-speaking guide and border help.
Schedule: Daily; departs 8:00 AM.
Cost: $40–$50/person, includes Angkor Pass assistance if needed.
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Siem Reap to Bangkok.
Eco-Friendly Note: Modern, fuel-efficient buses.
Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com; a guest noted: “Legend’s transfer made border crossing stress-free.”
Details: 1-day guided bus journey Phnom Penh to Bangkok via Bavet-Moc Bai with cultural stops.
Schedule: Daily; departs 7:00 AM.
Cost: $45–$55/person.
Eco-Friendly Note: Small groups minimize impact.
Tip: Extend with Legend Travel Group packages.
Details: 5–7 day tour combining Cambodia highlights and Thailand beaches via bus routes.
Cost: $300–$600/person.
Eco-Friendly Note: Eco-lodges and community support.
Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com with 10% deposit.
Self-Guided: Flexible and budget-friendly.
Group Transfers: Safe and assisted border crossings.
Combo Tours: Cultural immersion across borders.
Multi-Day Adventures: Comprehensive Cambodia-Thailand experience.
Eco-Friendly Note: Shared transport reduces emissions.
Enjoy scenic routes on your Cambodia-Thailand adventure (Source: Internet)Cool Season (November–February): Ideal for comfortable journeys.
Hot Season (March–May): Early morning buses recommended.
Wet Season (June–October): Possible delays due to rain.
Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $25–$50 (bus ticket, meals, local transport).
Mid-range: $50–$100 (guided transfer, hotels).
Luxury: $100–$200 (private transfer, premium add-ons).
Arrive refreshed in Thailand’s bustling capital (Source: Internet)Booking: Use Legend Travel Group for assisted crossings.
At Borders: Carry USD, passport photos; avoid “helpers.”
On Bus: Bring snacks, water, neck pillow.
Sustainability: Choose operators with modern buses.
Enhance your cross-border journey with Legend Travel Group:
Cambodia-Thailand Overland Eco-Tour: 7 days, $500–$800/person.
Mekong Discovery Trail: 10 days, $800–$1,200/person.
Deposit only 10% until 30 days before departure. Explore at legendtravelgroup.com.
Bus routes between Cambodia and Thailand offer an affordable, scenic gateway to two captivating cultures. With costs from $25–$200, eco-friendly Cambodia Tours and Thailand Tours, this cross-border adventure promises immersion and sustainability. Book with Legend Travel Group for peace of mind—only 10% deposit required. Safe travels!
By Legend Travel Group