Poipet border crossing closed: what's the alternative? (Cambodia to Thailand)

Hi, We’re supposed to cross this border at the end of July on our way from Siem Reap, and we just found out it’s closed. Is it easy to find a flight ticket from Siem Reap to Bangkok? Aren’t there really any other options? Thanks

Hi there,

Is it easy to find a flight ticket for Siem Reap - Bangkok?

Yes, but not at the last minute because you won’t be the only one in this situation.

Aren’t there any other options?

All land border crossings with Thailand are currently closed, so traveling directly from Cambodia to Thailand by road isn’t possible right now. The only land option I can think of is to exit through the Laos border to Pakse, then take a bus to the Thai city of Ubon Ratchathani, and from there catch a train (from Warin Chamrap station, about 7-8 km south) or a bus to Bangkok—a journey of about 2 days and 2 nights. Crossing through Laos will require a visa. I doubt the whole trip would be cheaper than a low-cost flight from Siem Reap to Bangkok.

The two countries have been in a tense standoff for years due to a dispute over the border demarcation near the Preah Vihear temple, which Thailand wants to revise in its favor. More recently, tensions flared after a skirmish there left a Cambodian soldier dead. Usually, busy crossings like Poipet/Aranya Prathet don’t stay closed for long.

Thanks for the insight! !