Yay Covid is over (almost) and we can now travel over borders again! And good news you can now take the train from Bangkok to Poipet in Cambodia, how though does one go about this?
Let us be your guide…
Getting from Thailand to Cambodia
There are actually a lot of options to get from Thailand to Cambodia now. Flights currently average about $60 and there is a bus from Siem Reap to Bangok and visas versa for anything from $30-60.
You can also take a bus to Ban Klong Luk border crossing where you can jump on a bus, taxi, or simply walk over the border. And then there is the budget option!
The Cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Poipet
The cheapest and in our mind most fun way to to get from Bangkok to Poipet is to take the train. Getting to Bankok train station literally costs pennies on the MRT, or is 30 minutes walk from both Chinatown and the Khaosan Road.
To read about Chinatown click here.
There are trains at 5.30 am, 11.20 and 13.10, all of which take 5, or so hours and cost but a mere 49 Baht, which is like $1.25. There really is no cheaper way to get from Bangkok to Poipet, or rather Ban Klong Luk,
One word of advice though you can only buy the ticket on the day of departure and there are only 3rd class tickets. Do not bu your ticket on Khao San Road unless you want to be ripped off.
To read about Khao San Road click here.
What is it like to take the train from Bangkok to Poipet?
Bangkok Railway station has some serious old world charm with trains going throughout the Kingdom and a real buzz to things. When it is finally time to jump on your train do it quick so that you can get a ticket. This is not a tourist train at all, this will be busy with Thai’s traveling down south.
The stations are not the only school element with the trains being old electric ones where the windows remain open and it feels up very fast, often being standing room only. Top tip find the little conductor compartments which are not only left open, but offer a great place for privacy and a smoke!
Food wise you are also well looked after with hawkers coming around with rice and pork dishes as well as cold drinks being served. No beer though sadly, unlike trains in Vietnam, or China.
And then all there is to do is sit back relax and take in the sites on what is truly an epic train journey.
Bangkok to Poipet arrival!
The last two stops are Aranyaprathet and Ban Klong Luk, the border. In fact you cannot take the train all the way into Cambodia, at least not currently. This is something that could and will change though and was at least previously possible.
If you are though a serious train geek then plan your trip to tie in with the once a week 10 hour Poipet to Phnom Penh train, which will mean you can do it all by train with a small gap.
As for the border? U personally suggest getting off at Aranyaprathet and heading to the Market Motel, which has great street food and is less than 10 bucks a night. And then when you finally get to the border head to Rong Kluea market for some second hand and people watching action.
And then? Simply walk over the border having succeeded in taking the train from Bangkok to Poipet!