Ultimate Guide: Thailand to Cambodia Visa Run (2026 Edition) 🏃

If you are reading this, your 60-day Thai tourist visa is probably expiring in a few days. Don't panic. I just did the Bangkok to Poipet border run (Ban Laem crossing) yesterday, and I'm good for another 60 days.

But be warned: Poipet is the "Wild West" of border crossings. Scammers are everywhere. Here is my honest, step-by-step survival guide.

Step 1: Getting There (Cheap vs Comfortable)

You have two choices from Bangkok:

The Casino Bus (300 THB): Leaves from Lumpini Park at 5:00 AM. It's cheap, freezing cold (AC is insane), and full of Thai aunties going to gamble.
Minivan (3,500 THB): If you value your sanity, book a private transfer. I used a service found on 12Go because I didn't want to wake up at 4 AM.

Step 2: The "Fake Consulate" Scam ⚠️

This is where 90% of first-timers lose money. When you arrive at Aranyaprathet (Thai side), your van might stop at a building that says "Visa Office" or "Cambodia Consulate".

DO NOT GET OUT. DO NOT HAND OVER YOUR PASSPORT.

Real immigration is inside the massive gate. These fake offices charge 2x the price for a "service" you don't need. Just walk past the guys in blue shirts shouting "Visa! Visa!". Look at the ground and keep walking.

Step 3: Stamping Out of Thailand

Head to the Thai Immigration building (Departure). It usually takes 20-30 minutes. Once you get that exit stamp, you are technically in "No Man's Land".

Step 4: Getting the Cambodia Visa

Walk across the bridge to the Cambodian side. You need:

$30 USD Cash: Notes must be CRISP and NEW. No tears, no folds. They are strict.
Passport Photo: If you don't have one, they charge you 100 THB fee.
The "Tea Money" (Bribe): The officer might ask for 100 or 200 THB extra. You can argue, but I just paid it to save time. It's corrupt, but it's how it works.

Step 5: The U-Turn

Once you enter Cambodia, you can technically stay. But for a visa run, you just turn around. Walk to the Departure side, get stamped out of Cambodia, and walk back to Thailand.

💡 Crucial Tip for Re-entry:

Thai immigration officers at land borders can be tough. They might ask: "How long will you stay?"

Do NOT say "I live here." Say "I am traveling for tourism for a few more weeks." Have a hotel booking confirmation ready on your phone just in case.

Total Cost Breakdown

Transport: 600 THB (Round trip bus)
Visa: $30 USD (~1,000 THB)
Bribes/Fees: 200 THB
Lunch: 100 THB
Total: ~1,900 THB ($55 USD)

It's a long, tiring day (about 10-12 hours), but it beats flying out. If you need to book a reliable van so you don't get dumped at a scam center, check the ratings below.

Check Reliable Bus Schedules to Poipet 🚌