Poipet Travel Guide
Border towns are a necessary evil for international travelers, and Poipet is just that for anyone on an overland route from Thailand. This dusty Cambodian village sits across from Aranyaprathet, Thailand.
- Worth It?
- Only if you decide to cross the border here.
- What to Do
- try your luck in one of the casinos.
- Best Time to Go
- during the cool season from late November to early February.
- How Long?
- A few hours is all most can bear.
- Trivia
- in contrast to the stark poverty at work in Poipet's streets, the casinos can be quite nice and some even enforce a dress code.
Gambling in nearly all its forms is illegal in Thailand, and Poipet is one of a handful of Cambodian border towns that has capitalized on this by building casinos. Western tourists won't find much in these establishments, which cater primarily to Thais looking for sanctioned and organized means of parting with their Thai baht.
But it isn't all gloomy. Once you've cleared the border and begun the onward journey, you'll quickly encounter forests with hiking trails crossing the mountains. Tourists invariably clear Poipet as quickly as possible and then strike out for more interesting Cambodian destinations.
Travel to Poipet - Getting There
Poipet can be reached from Aranyaprathet in Thailand or from Siem Reap, the neighboring Cambodian province. Be advised that border officials can be dodgy and those crossing from Thailand may be asked to pay visas fines and extra surcharges that are well over the posted fees. Paying the extra money expedites matters but isn't usually necessary for those who prefer to hold their ground and wait for a while.
Poipet Things to Do
Poipet Attractions
Casinos: Poipet's main industry is casino gambling, which attracts mostly Thai weekenders and has little to offer international tourists.
Best of the World 
Best in the Country 
Recommended 
