The Travelling Feet

The Aranyaprathet border in Thailand is considered to be one of the famous borders when anyone wants to cross the border going to Siem Reap or Phnom Penh in Cambodia. The border in Aranyaprathet serves as a traveller’s exit gate to gain entry to Poipet, Cambodia when one is headed to the Kingdom’s key cities or when someone simply wants to go on a visa run.

Unknown to many, there are different ways to travel to the Aranyaprathet border especially for those who want to travel from BKK to Siem Reap. Whether you travel in style, or you travel on a budget during your last minute holidays planning on your way to Siem Reap from Aranyaprathet, there’s surely different options to choose from.

Here are 6 ways to travel from Bangkok to the Aranyaprathet border in Thailand on your way to the Poipet border crossing or when you go on a visa run.

1. Travel by TRAIN at the Hua Lamphong Station

There are only 2 train schedules if you travel by train to cross the borders in Aranyaprathet going to Siem Reap or Poipet, Cambodia. Budget travellers will find this cheapest mode of transportation favorable when going on an overland border crossing from Bangkok to Siem Reap.

Travelling by train will let you breathe in the fresh countryside air of Thailand since the train is non-air conditioned. But during Thailand’s summer months, travelling by train can be very humid. The train also stops at every train station to pick up passengers, which explains the long time it takes to reach the Aranyaprathet.

For those who are not in a hurry and wouldn’t mind sitting in a non-reclining chair, for those who wanted to take photos of Thailand’s plain countryside, or for those who are travelling on a budget, this is your best mode of transportation when you go on a visa run at the Aranyaprathet border or when you travel to cross the borders going to Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Once you arrive at the Aranyaprathet Train Station, you still need to hire a tuktuk or motorbike to bring you to the border, which is approximately 6 kilometers. The motorbike fare starts at around 50 baht and the tuktuk starts at 60. You are likely to pay an exorbitant fee if you do not haggle. You can also ride a songthaew, a truck converted into a passenger vehicle, going to the border for only 15 baht. Just walk a few meters to the main road and wait for one.

For those who wants to cross the border, it is better to take the 5:55am schedule to avoid getting stuck on either of the two immigration check points (Aranyaprathet or Poipet) since those offices are likely closed by the time you reach the Aranyaprathet border if you take the 13:05H train schedule.

Fare: 48 baht
Length of Travel: 6 – 6.5 hours
Travel Schedule: 5:55 and 13:05
Reservations? No reservations needed. The train station opens at around 5am and you can buy your tickets going to Aranyaprathet when the doors of the Hua Lamphong Train station open.

How to Get to the Hua Lamphong Station?

Hire a cab, tuktuk, or ride a public (government bus) to reach the area. You can also ride the BTS and switch trains at the MRT Interchange link to reach the Hua Lampong Train Station.

2. Ride a MINIVAN in Khao San Road

Khao San Road is the backpacker’s mecca in Bangkok. With the influx of tourists in the area, you will see travel agencies almost everywhere where you can schedule your travel. Before you purchase your transportation to Aranyaprathet from those travel agencies, be sure to hop from one agency to the next since they will give you different rates. The cheapest is 250 baht for a one-way trip but you might get rates as high as 400 baht for the same mode of transportation.

If you travel in groups of 3 or more, try to use your charms and ask for a discount.

The minivans that travel to Aranyaprathet are air-conditioned. This mode of transportation is comfortable. There will be one gasoline and toilet stopover. You will arrive near the border after 4 hrs of travelling. However, the driver will bring you to a secluded place where you will be offered to take your lunch before proceeding to the border where meals cost 70 baht up instead of the normal 40 baht.

A tout will convince you to take their services in case you are going to Siem Reap. They will charge 700 baht (approximately $22) per head for the trip. Do not listen to them. You can hire a taxi for $48 at the Poipet Bus Terminal where you can split the cost among 4-5 travellers and only pay approximately $12 each (if split with 4 heads). You can even haggle for $30-$35 for the taxi or pay $7/head, but this one’s a little bit more complicated

After all the passengers have taken their lunch (will usually last for an hour), the driver will take you to the Aranyaprathet border and will drop you off beside the 7-Eleven store. You can walk a couple of steps to reach the gates of Thailand’s immigration checkpoint.

Fare: 250 baht up to 400 baht
Length of Travel: 5 hours
Travel Schedule: 7:30 am
Reservations? You need to book for your trip 1 day ahead.

For those in a hurry to get to Siem Reap, I wouldn’t recommend this mode of transportation because of the “lunch” stop over.

3. Ride a MINIVAN at the Victory Monument

You can find a minivan or a shuttle bus at the Victory Monument. Once there, simply ask anyone where the shuttle bus travelling to Aranyaprathet is stationed. They will point you to the right direction.

The minivans going to the Aranyaprathet border are the same type of vehicles from Option # 2. However, I am uncertain if it follows the same stopover system as that of Option # 2.

Fare: 230 baht
Length of Travel: 4 hours
Travel Schedule: 6am onwards
Reservations? No reservations needed. Just buy as you go.

I have not tried this mode of transportation yet but will give you an update as soon as I get to ride on one.

4. Take a GOVERNMENT BUS at Morchit Bus Terminal Station

You can find a Government Bus that travels to Aranyaprathet at the Morchit Bus Terminal in the Northern District of Bangkok.

The government bus is air-conditioned with comfy seats. You will be given a free small drinking water and two mini cupcakes when you buy your bus tickets.

Since this a government bus, the bus will stop at every bus terminal it passes by on its way to Aranyaprathet, which explains the length of the travel time.

Once in Aranyaprathet, the bus will drop you off at the Rongkluea Market Bus Terminal, approximately 2 kilometers away from the border. You can either hire a tuktuk or a motorcycle to bring you to the border. Fare starts at 40 baht. You can also walk the 2 kilometers going to the border if you want to.

Fare: 212 baht
Length of Travel: 6 hours
Travel Schedule: every 30 minutes starting at 3:30 am
Reservations? No reservations needed. Just buy as you go.

How to Get to the Morchit Bus Terminal in Bangkok?

To reach the Morchit Northern Bus Terminal in Bangkok, you can either hire a taxi or ride a government (public) bus. You can also ride a BTS up to the Mochit Terminal Station in Chatuchak and hire a cab there. Bus #3, #136, #104 will take you to the bus terminal from Chatuchak. You can also ride the MRT all the way to the Kamphang Phaet Station and take a cab, motorbike or public bus to reach the bus terminal. Just remember that almost all public buses in Bangkok end their route at the Morchit Bus Terminal. To be sure, do not hesitate to ask. Fare of these public buses start at 6.50 baht up to 20 baht. BTS and MRT fares start from 15 baht up to 40 baht.

5. Ride the BUS at Lumphini Park

Lumphini Park is situated at the heart of Bangkok. Although there is no bus terminal in this park, you will see buses bound for Aranyaprathet at one of the park’s bus stops. These buses are often referred to as casino buses. Those who are going on a visa run prefers this mode of transportation when going to the border in Aranyaprathet.

The buses stationed at Lumphini Park are airconditioned with comfortable seats. Coffee and free drinking water are served. The 1st trip leaves at 6am but leaves immediately as soon as the bus gets full regardless of the time.

Once in the border, the bus will drop off passengers across the 7-Eleven store, a few meters away from the Aranyaprathet Immigration Office.

the bus travelling from Lumphini Park to Aranyaprathet

Fare: 200 baht
Length of Travel: 3 hrs – 3.5 hours
Travel Schedule: 6:00 am till 9:00 am
Reservations? No reservations needed. Just buy as you go.

How to get to Lumphini Park?

Since you would want to catch the 1st trip going to Aranyaprathet, it is best to travel to Lumphini Park by taxi or camp out around the park area the night before.

For those who are in a hurry to get to the border, this is the best way to travel to Aranyaprathet. And if you wanted to travel to Siem Reap, taking the bus at Lumphini Park gives you the chance to reach Siem Reap by lunch time since it will take another 3 hours to reach Siem Reap from Poipet.

6. Hire a TAXI cab

Forums have mentioned that hiring a taxi cab is an alternative way to reach the Thailand border in Aranyaprathet. There are available taxi cabs for hire almost anywhere. It’s just a matter of looking for one and agreeing the right price to bring you to the border.

This mode of transportation is often preferred by those who wanted to travel in comfort, those travelling with an elderly or those who are in a hurry to reach the border.

Fare: starts at 1,600 baht up
Length of travel: 3-4.5 hrs
Travel schedule: Anytime

I have not tried this mode of transportation yet but will give you an update as soon as I get to ride on one.

Aside from those 6 ways to travel from Bangkok to the Aranyaprathet border, anyone can also reach the border via a private vehicle (or even a chopper too!). If you own a car or a motorcycle, you can also travel to Aranyaprathet and drive your vehicle as you cross the border to Poipet and all the way to Siem Reap, Cambodia.

I hope this South East Asia Travel Guide to Travel in Aranyaprathet on your way to do an overland border crossing in Poipet will help you travel easily and help you travel faster and travel on a budget.

If you know of other ways to travel from Bangkok to Aranyaprathet that is not included in this list, feel free to leave a comment below so that I can update this post. Thanks!

P.S. $1 = approximately 31 baht

 

 

You might also find these posts useful:

• Crossing Borders: Thailand to Cambodia via Aranyaprathet to Poipet Border
• 4 Ways to Travel from Poipet to Siem Reap

After our arrival in Bangkok, we had a bit of trouble finding our way to the Hua Lamphong Railway Station and we were grateful that we still made it in time for the 5:55am train schedule that would take us to Aranyaprathet, where Thailand’s border is situated. We planned to cross the border going to Siem Reap in Cambodia and since we do not want to spend around 300-400 baht for a bus ride going to this place, we decided to ride the train instead where we only had to pay 48 baht each. This was my first train ride experience.

I never knew what to expect on this ride. I couldn’t picture something like those we see in India since this was Thailand but I wasn’t being complacent too. Once we boarded the train, we walked to the farthest end of the train where we found cushioned seats and settled our stuff. Across our seat were two Caucasian couples (i think) who were also on their way to Siem Reap. I think I was expecting the train to be filthy and smelly but I was wrong. Although this was not a luxury train, I can manage riding this one since it doesn’t stink at all.

While waiting for the train to leave, we managed to take a couple of photos and bought food from peddlers selling sticky rice, beef/pork, water, juice, hotdogs and all other stuff.

sleepy heads

me, after a quick nap; Donnie, wide awake and ready to kill

The guy in the yellow shirt was with this girl in a white tank top below. We were teasing Donnie with that guy over there.

posing after the nap

a guy on the other seat was sleeping while the train went choo-choo

another signature pose from Donnie and Leah

the seductress look

Donnie and his hotdog

This hotdog on a stick really tasted weird. But since it was a waste of money to throw it away, Donnie just consumed all of it while constantly complaining how yucky and weird it tasted.

trees

more trees – going dead

dry land

a single tree

a hut

The train ride was a scenic 6-hour trip. The farther we travelled out of Bangkok, the lesser we saw houses. Instead of seeing greeneries everywhere, all we can see were those dry looking trees and the brown earth. The road going to Siem Reap is even worse (not in the bad kind of way). Instead of brown soil, you’ll see red earth soil + “malnourished” cows.

a lone tree

It took us 6 hours to reach Aranyaprathet since we had to stop at every train station we passed by to pick up passengers.

railway

We never really got the chance to see those passengers embarking and disembarking from the train since we were seated on the farthest end of the train. Those passengers never bothered going to that side so our side of the train wasn’t really crowded. We only realized this on our way back to Bangkok since we sat on the train box where people tend to load and unload so it was kinda chaotic on our way back.

The train is also equipped with its own bathroom so in case nature calls, you don’t have to wait for the next train stop. And since you are travelling out of Bangkok, you’ll get the chance to get some fresh countryside air.

If you are planning to go to Siem Reap via Bangkok and if you are not in a hurry, I would suggest you take the train so that you can see Thailand’s country side. Riding the train is also ideal especially if you are on a tight budget.

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This is a series of blog posts documenting my trip from Bangkok to Siem Reap and back in January of 2011. If you haven’t read the first posts, please check on the links below:

** Off to Bangkok and Siem Reap
#1 – The Accidental Trip to Bangkok and Siem Reap in 2011
#2 – Trip to Bangkok and Siem Reap: The Planning Stage
#3 – How to Create Your Bangkok to Siem Reap Itinerary
#4 – Arriving 5 Minutes Late on our Connecting Flight to Bangkok
#5 – En Route: Clark to Bangkok
#6 – Touchdown Bangkok!
#7 – Suvarnabhumi Airport a.k.a. Bangkok International Airport
#8 – Bangkok Train Station: Waiting for our Train Ride to Aranyaprathet
#9 – My First Taste of Authentic Thai Food

Unfinished Series from my 2008 Trip…
Arriving at the Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok
My First Trip To Bangkok

You might also find this useful:
Modes of Transportation in Bangkok
Things to Consider When Planning Your Travel Itinerary
The Cheapest Way to Bangkok from Suvarnabhumi Airport

This is a continuation of this article: My First Trip To Bangkok

Finally! After 3 hours of being up in the air, we finally landed at the Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok!

Donnie, beaming with happiness

Yup, that’s me with Leah, back when I was still thinner

Donnie, enjoying the pose on the walkalator

The Suvarnabhumim Airport was really huge. I no longer remember how many walkalators we had to ride to get to the immigration section.

Everytime we looked up as we were riding the walkalators, we could see these type of ads lurking on the ceiling of the airport.

Their Baggage Claim area was also huge. I just failed to notice if they have a German translation agency.  One thing I noticed, was that after we got our baggage, no one checked the airline bag tags to ensure people got their respective baggages. This was kinda weird for me since I was used to having my baggage checked if it corresponds to the tags given by our local airline carrier here. If someone were to steal a luggage here in Bangkok, it would really be easy since the airport officers doesn’t check the tags.

Although we researched on how to go to Cambodia from Bangkok, I guess we failed to research the best way to get to the railway station from the airport. Since we saw an airport bus and learned that it was free, we immediately hopped in it without thinking twice on where it’s headed. We thought that we could easily find our way to the train station after we were dropped off at a terminal outside the airport. But this turned out to be one of the most stressful events we had to endure that night. (I was just exaggerating about the stressful part. We were not stressed. We were just amused at how the events turned out.)

Since there were no taxis passing by this area at this hour, we asked a couple of locals on what bus we need to ride to go to the Hua Lamphong Railway Station. We need to be there before 5:55am since the 1st train that leaves Bangkok for Aranyaprathet leaves at that time.

Up until that point, we had no idea that we are in for some major language issues. The Thais are basically not that good in speaking in English. As a matter of fact, the Philippines is the only Southeast Asian country whose 2nd language is English. The rest of these countries are not yet that adept at speaking in English which was why it took us a long time to communicate to the people we were asking on where we need to go.

At first, we asked 2 guards on duty at the terminal if they can tell us what to bus to ride. We were already explaining ourselves to them in broken English hoping that they would understand. They just nodded every time we speak and they kept smiling but in reality, they had no idea what we were saying.

We were saying “how to go to Hua Lomphong Station going to Aranyaprathet”, “where is the train station”, “train station”. Those were phrases and words we kept repeating. No one seemed to understand us. Not even the lady at the ticketing counter inside the terminal. Not even the staff of 7-eleven. We were already signaling “train station” “choo choo chooo” “train station”. We were like kids trying to mimic how a train normally sounds in the hopes of those 2 guards recognizing what a train is but to no avail.

notice the guy wearing pink behind Donnie? That guy’s sleeping soundly

We just waited on these benches while we figure out how to get out of this place and managed to take a couple of pictures.

notice that guy behind me? That’s the same guy on the picture on top, still sleeping

While we wait for a miracle to happen, we just found our own amusement through that sleeping guy. We kept on taking our pictures to keep our sanity while at the same time disturbing the guy from his sleep. We were really bad tourists

We surely can’t afford to miss that 6am train going to the border of Thailand and Cambodia. If we miss that, we either spend a fortune riding the airconditioned bus or end up riding the next trip at 12 nn. That meant sleeping at the border once we arrive there.

Leah, trying to wake up the sleeping guy by talking/singing loudly but she wasn’t successful

In this photo, if we only had DSLRs here, we could have captured the guy’s dripping saliva as he slept peacefully in his seat

The thing is, we were all cheapskates. So instead of taking a bus that would bring us to Aranyaprathet in less than 4 hours at around 300-400 baht each, we preferred to go on a 6-hr train ride going to Aranyaprathet which will only cost us 48 Thai baht each.

After a long time, the personnel at the train station figured out where we need to go so they told us to wait for a certain bus that would take us to the Mochit Bus Terminal. When that bus arrived, we boarded immediately. It was a double decker bus. The first level was used to store all the luggages. We climbed the stairs to the second level and found us seats in front of the driver. Everyone was asleep. there were 3 vacant seats and 1 was a vacant seat next to a monk. Leah instructed Donnie to sit beside the monk. I learned that night that monks were not supposed to sit beside a woman. Or that women are not allowed to sit beside a monk.

The bus ride was really comfortable. We were dropped off at the Mochit Bus Terminal and was instructed to ride a taxi going to the Railway Train station. There we saw colorful Toyota Vioseseses and rode a pink Vios. I think we arrived at around 5am in the train station. After buying our tickets for our train ride, we grabbed something to eat at one of the stalls outside the station. That’s our first encounter of an authentic Thai dish and it wasn’t bad at all. By 5:55 am, we boarded the train leaving for Aranyaprathet and enjoyed our 1st train ride in Thailand.

For now, we bid goodbye to Bangkok as we headed for Aranyaphratet and crossed the Thai-Cambodia border at Poipet. After 3 days, we’ll be back in Bangkok. Although Donnie is inkling to roam the streets of Bangkok, he hads to wait for we had to visit the temples of Angkor when we got to Siem Reap.

P.S. During this time, I had no idea about blogging yet. So I was never that obsessed at taking pictures of every detail of the trip. Had I known I’d be working on my own websites in the future, I would have taken countless pictures of our trip! And I only had a borrowed camera with me. I was worried the battery would die soon too.

————————-

This is a series of blog posts documenting my trip from Bangkok to Siem Reap and back in January of 2011. If you haven’t read the first posts, please check on the links below:

** Off to Bangkok and Siem Reap
#1 – The Accidental Trip to Bangkok and Siem Reap in 2011
#2 – Trip to Bangkok and Siem Reap: The Planning Stage
#3 – How to Create Your Bangkok to Siem Reap Itinerary
#4 – Arriving 5 Minutes Late on our Connecting Flight to Bangkok
#5 – En Route: Clark to Bangkok
#6 – Touchdown Bangkok!
#7 – Suvarnabhumi Airport a.k.a. Bangkok International Airport
#8 – Bangkok Train Station: Waiting for our Train Ride to Aranyaprathet
#9 – My First Taste of Authentic Thai Food

Unfinished Series from my 2008 Trip…
My First Train Ride From Bangkok to Aranyaprathet
My First Trip To Bangkok

You might also find this useful:
Modes of Transportation in Bangkok
Things to Consider When Planning Your Travel Itinerary
The Cheapest Way to Bangkok from Suvarnabhumi Airport