Aranya Prathet Travel Guide
Thailand's chief gateway to the neighboring country of Cambodia lies in Sa Kaew Province in the eastern region of the country. It's a destination that sees plenty of human traffic, with Thais, Cambodians and western tourists alike all making use of its amenities and attractions.
- Worth It?
- As a place to spend time before going to Cambodia perhaps but as a holiday destination in its own rights, give it a miss unless gambling is among your priorities.
- What to Do
- hit the casinos, try the local cuisine at the night market.
- Best Time to Go
- avoid the hot and rainy seasons and schedule a trip between November and March.
- How Long?
- A day or two at the very most.
The town was originally a stop on the railroad that connected Bangkok with Phnom Penh. However, after the Khmer Rouge took control of Cambodia in 1975, this connection between the two countries was broken and tourists passed by this route no more.
Though gambling in Thailand and Cambodia is illegal, clever businessmen have exploited loops in the laws of both countries and built casinos in the no-man's land that comprises the strips between the border checkpoints of the respective countries.
Travel to Aranya Prathet - Getting There
There are public buses from both Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang airports in Bangkok as well as from Ekamai and Mo Chit bus stations (4 to 5 hours). Backpackers staying in or around Khao San Road will find an abundance of travel agencies offering private minibuses to the town. These, however, are more expensive than the public buses.
Aranya Prathet Things to Do
Aranya Prathet Attractions
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