Adventures Along Cambodia's Borders

Cambodia is a land of breathtaking beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. While the country itself is a captivating destination, its borders with neighboring countries add another layer of allure and intrigue to the Cambodian experience.

Join us on a journey as we explore the enchanting Cambodian border and discover the wonders that await beyond.

What Countries Border Cambodia?

Cambodia is located in Southeast Asia and has a total area of 69,898 square miles. Cambodia shares a border with three countries: Vietnam to the east, Thailand to the west, and Laos to the north. With a population estimated at 15 million in 2016, Buddhism is the most common religion in the nation. The entire length of the land border is 1,572 miles. The 275-mile coastline of the nation stretches along the Gulf of Thailand.

Each border possesses its own unique characteristics, shaped by historical legacies and contemporary dynamics. The Vietnam-Cambodia border, for instance, reflects shared histories of conflict and cooperation, while the Thailand-Cambodia border is imbued with cultural affinities and economic linkages. Understanding these nuances is essential for fostering regional cooperation and connectivity.

The Mekong River splits Cambodia in half, and because the region is rich, it is heavily populated along its length. King Norodom Sihamoni is in charge of the constitutional monarchy in Cambodia. Among the nation's issues are environmental degradation, poverty, and corruption. The nation is recognized as one of the Asian nations with the fastest-growing economies due to its strong economy.

Cambodia shares a border with three countries 

Thailand - Cambodia border

Thailand is a country in Southeast Asia that shares a 508-mile border with Cambodia to the west. As of 2016, the country's projected population was 68 million, spread across an area of 198,120 square miles. The country was once known as Siam, and its capital is Bangkok.

The Thai highlands are among the mountainous regions of northern Thailand. The Khorat Plateau is in the northeast and shares an eastern boundary with the Mekong River. The Isthmus of Kra makes up the southern portion of the nation, while the delta forms the country's center. The Chao Phraya Tapi and Bang Pakong rivers empty into the 124,000 square mile Gulf of Thailand. Thailand and Cambodia are naturally divided by the Dangrek Mountains.

Border Crossing: Thailand and Cambodia

There are 02 borders between Thailand and Cambodia:

• Cham Yeam (Koh Kong)
• Poi Pet (Banteay Meanchey)

Transportation

You can cross the border from Bangkok to Siem Reap by either taking a flight or riding an overland transport which includes buses, trains, taxis, or shared vans.

The most common border crossing is at Aranyaprathet-Poipet, where you’ll go through immigration procedures to get to Siem Reap.

Cambodia visa for Thailand citizens

• Valid passport – To apply for a Cambodia e-visa, you must have a Thai passport. Check the expiry date to ensure that it is valid for at least 06 months from the date of arrival in Cambodia. You must also scan your passport's information page.
• Digital passport photos must comply with certain basic passport photo criteria. For example, it should be taken as recently as feasible and on a white background.
• A photo of yours with a clear face and background.
• E-mail address - Your Cambodia e-visa will be emailed to you in PDF format, thus the address you submit while filling out the form must be valid and accurately written. You must print two copies of your e-visa and bring them to Cambodia.
• Proof of accommodation: Hotel Reservation will also be required.
• For the Cambodian government to complete your visa application, you must provide proof of travel insurance.

Read more:

• Travel from Thailand to Cambodia
• Cambodia visa for Thai citizens

You can travel from Bangkok to Siem Reap by flight or overland transport 

Cambodia - Laos Border

Geographically, Laos shares a 345-mile border with Cambodia to the northeast. Situated in Southeast Asia on the Indochina Peninsula, the nation has a historical association with Cambodia. As of 2016, Laos's entire land area was 91,875 square miles, and its population was predicted to be 6 million. Landlocked countries make up only 4% of Southeast Asia's total land area, with Laos being the only one.

Laos has a mountainous topography with a lot of lush vegetation in several areas. There are two crossing points between Laos and Cambodia, one is a river crossing located at Koh Cheuteal Thom and the other is at Dom Kralor.

Border Crossing: Laos and Cambodia

There is currently only 01 checkpoint at the Cambodia - Laos border: Tropaeng Kreal Border Post (Stung Treang). The checkpoint links the Champasak Province of Laos with the Strung Treng Province of Cambodia, where Laos’ National Road No.13 meets Cambodia’s National Highway No.7.

Laos shares a 345-mile border with Cambodia to the Northeast 

Transportation

Buses from Phnom Penh to Strung Treng run daily and it takes approximately 6 hours. From Stung Treng minibuses run to the border at Dom Kralor, approximately 2 hours. From Voen Kham on the Lao side mini buses and other forms of transport run to Ban Nakasang where there is a boat to Don Det.

Cambodia visa for Laos citizens

• Valid passport - To apply for a Cambodia e-visa, you must hold a Laos passport. Check the expiration date to make sure it is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Cambodia. You must also scan the passport's information page.
• Digital passport images must meet some fundamental passport photo standards. For example, it should be taken as recently as possible and against a white backdrop.
• A photograph of you with a clean face and backdrop.
• E-mail address - Your Cambodia e-visa will be delivered to you in PDF format, thus the address you provide while filling out the form must be genuine and correct. You need to print two copies of your e-visa and bring them to Cambodia.

Read more:

• Travel from Laos to Cambodia
• Cambodia visa for Laotian citizens

Cambodia - Vietnam Border

Vietnam is a country in Southeast Asia that shares a 720-mile border with Cambodia to the northeast. The land size of the S-shaped nation is 127,888.9 square miles. In 2016, the estimated population of Vietnam was 94 million. The capital city is Hanoi, and the nation's total land boundary is 2,883 miles. Vietnam's geography is primarily mountainous and forested, with mountains making up 40% of the country's total land area and forests making up 42%. Vietnam is split into three regions: the Mekong Delta, the middle lowlands, and the northern highlands.

The nation's varied terrain contributes to its humid subtropical climate, which varies across the nation. The main agricultural activity in the nation is rice growing, which contributes significantly to its economy. There are roughly five road-accessible crossing locations between Vietnam and Cambodia.

Vietnam shares a 720-mile border with Cambodia to the Northeast 

Border Crossing: Vietnam and Cambodia

The Moc Bai - Bavet Border is one of Cambodia's three international border crossings, along with Poipet and Koh Kong. The gate is recognized as the Moc Bai Border of Tay Ninh Province from the Vietnamese perspective. On the other hand, Bavet is its equivalent in the Svay Rieng Province of Cambodia, located across the border. This is generally the gate that most people use to get from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City.

The border checkpoint operates daily from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm, offering accessibility throughout the day. Buses are a popular mode of transportation frequently used for crossing the border.

Transportation

Normally buses from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh are preferred to cross the Vietnam – Cambodia border. There is no stop on the trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh.

Cambodia visa for Vietnamese citizens

• A passport is valid for at least 6 months. You should prepare at least 02 blank pages for entering/exiting stamps.
• A digital photo meeting the standard requirements (JPEG or PNG format).
• A current email address to exchange information with each other.
• A debit or credit card.
• Proofs related to COVID-19 vaccination certificates. You are required to take at least 2 doses. Besides, COVID-19 Insurance is necessary in some cases (optional).

Read more:

• Travel from Vietnam to Cambodia
• Cambodia visa for Vietnamese citizens

Get To Know Visa on Arrival at Cambodia Land Borders

For travelers seeking to enter Cambodia via land borders, the option of Visa on Arrival offers convenience and flexibility. Available at designated checkpoints, Visa on Arrival allows eligible visitors to obtain a visa upon arrival, streamlining the entry process.

However, it is imperative for travelers to familiarize themselves with the eligibility criteria and requirements for Visa on Arrival, as well as any changes to visa policies that may affect border crossings.

Alternatively, to enhance convenience, travelers are recommended to apply for a visa online through the Cambodia Immigration Services website before their journey, leveraging the platform's user-friendly features.

Let Cambodia's borders inspire your adventure 

As we conclude our journey through the borders of Cambodia, we are reminded of the interconnectedness of nations and the beauty of cultural exchange. From the majestic landscapes of Vietnam to the bustling streets of Thailand and the tranquil villages of Laos, Cambodia's borders offer a glimpse into a world of endless discovery and wonder. So, whether you're a seasoned traveler or a curious explorer, let the borders of Cambodia be your gateway to adventure and inspiration.