Are you a backpacker looking for an affordable and adventurous route? Look no further! Traveling from Thailand to Cambodia is a popular choice among backpackers, especially for those wanting to explore the ancient temples of Angkor Wat. If you’re worried about the cost, fear not! We have a trick up our sleeves that will allow you to make this journey for less than $9. Intrigued? Let’s dive into our 5 simple steps to unlock this amazing deal.
Step 1: Booking a Minivan at Khao San Road
If you’re familiar with Bangkok’s lively Khao San Road, you’ve probably noticed the abundance of tour operators offering cheap transportation to Siem Reap in Cambodia. You might be skeptical about these unbelievably low prices, and rightly so. There have been reports of “minivan scams” circulating on the internet. But here’s the twist: there’s actually a way to benefit from this scam. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process. The best part? You can travel from Thailand to Cambodia for just $9, all inclusive. Let’s get started!
Khao San Road in Bangkok
Step 2: From Bangkok to 5 Km Before the Border
Once you’ve booked your minivan ticket, the journey begins. The minivan will pick you up at the tour office in Khao San Road around 7 am. Don’t worry about the quality of the minivan, as it’s usually decent and equipped with air conditioning. After 2-3 hours of driving, you’ll find yourself just 5 km away from the Thai-Cambodian border. This is where the plot thickens.
Step 3: Enter the Small Office
As you approach the border, the minivan will make an unexpected stop at a little restaurant. Here’s where things get interesting. You’ll be asked to gather in the back with other tourists from different minivans. Then, one by one, you’ll enter a small office where the scam unfolds. The office staff will start questioning you about your previous visits to Cambodia and the visa procedures. They do this to gauge your knowledge and determine how much they can exploit you. But fear not, we have a secret weapon.
Step 4: Crossing the Border and Obtaining Your Cambodian Visa
While in the small office, they’ll likely try to convince you that getting a visa at the border is impossible or extremely difficult. They’ll offer to handle the visa for you, but at an inflated price. However, we know better. Stay calm, assert your independence, and inform them that you’ll take care of the visa yourself. They might not be too thrilled, but they’ll still help you reach the border in a discreet manner. Before leaving the minivan, they’ll give you a pink sticker indicating your group. Now it’s time to cross the border and obtain your Cambodian visa.
Once you reach the border, follow the blue signs leading you to the immigration buildings. You’ll first get stamped out of Thailand, then proceed to the building where the Cambodian visa is issued. Fill out an arrival card, have a photo ready, and pay $30 for the visa, plus an additional $3 bribe money. After a short wait, you’ll have your passport stamped with a shiny Cambodian visa. Now, head to the third building to get your arrival stamp for Cambodia. Congratulations, you’ve made it to Cambodia for just $9!
Step 5: From the Border in Poipet to Siem Reap
As you cross the border, you’ll be recognized by your pink sticker. A friendly Cambodian tour operator will guide you to a waiting area where you’ll board a free bus. This bus will take you to the tourist bus station, where you’ll join other travelers on a journey to Siem Reap. After a couple of hours, you’ll reach your destination just in time to witness a breathtaking sunset in Siem Reap.
Conclusion
Traveling from Thailand to Cambodia for less than $9 may seem too good to be true, but it is possible. By following our 5 simple steps and staying calm throughout the process, you can save a significant amount of money. Just remember, this technique can be found at other border crossings in Laos and Vietnam too. It’s a universal hack for savvy travelers. So, pack your bags, embrace the adventure, and enjoy an extra cocktail at Pub Street in Siem Reap with the money you saved.
If our method doesn’t suit your travel preferences, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered with some alternative transportation options. Whether you choose to bring your own motorbike, take a local government-operated bus, or embark on a train journey, there are plenty of ways to cross the border between Thailand and Cambodia.
Remember, the key is to find the mode of transport that aligns with your travel needs and budget. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your unforgettable journey from Thailand to Cambodia today!