visa run to cambodia

[fabman]

hi , i am thinking of doing a visa run to cambodia , maybe visiting somewhere like siem reap for a few days .
does anyone know if i can get a bus from hua hin direct to Aranyaprathet/poipet ?
i would rather not have to travel into bangkok first
what kind of costs do you think i will be looking at for travel , visa etc
i would fly but the costs are way too high since bangkok airways have the monopoly ( a bit like koh samui )

[dtaai-maai]

i would fly but the costs are way too high since bangkok airways have the monopoly

Have you looked at Air Asia?

[fabman]

hi , sorry yes i didnt realise air asia flew to phom pen , but its still quite expensive , about 5000 baht for return .

think i will go the bus route , if anyone has any info

cheers

[advocate]

I have flown Air Asia return to Cambodia. It's just over a 1 hour flight. If you factor in the time spent on the road, risk to life and limb from bad roads, drivers, and vehicles, and food, you may find 5000 Bt for a flight to be a bargain.

You can also go to Burma and back the same day by bus. Cost 1700-2000 Bt return by van.

[mafiamind]

I did a visa run to Phnom Penh about a month or so ago, and Air France was about 1,000B cheaper than Air Asia, could be different now, but worth a look.

[usual suspect]

Here's some figures to dwell on if considering bussing-it to Ranong...
Overnight bus to Ranong ~ 600B (VIP & 1st class buses leave ~ 10pm, Arrive ~ 6.00am)
M/bike Taxi from Bus station to Pier/Imm. Office.. ~ 30-50B
Boat to Victoria Point & back..300B to charter the boat..if 1 or 2 others at quayside that morning..
.. split the cost.
Do not forget you crisp $10 bill for Myanmar Customs.. ~ 350B
M/bike taxi back to Bus Station..30-50B
10.30am 2nd class bus to HH (1st class buses used to leave at 8.30am..to early for you)
Back to HH about 5pm..3-400B
Food/snacks/water/beer..??
Total cost excluding food.. ~1,700-1900B tops.

[dtaai-maai]

Ranong-Victoria thingy isn't a visa run, it's a border run.
If you want a new visa you have to go to a Thai embassy or consulate.

[usual suspect]

OOPS..was I even close?.. Well spotted d.m.

[Lung Per]

If you go over land you cannot avoid going through Bangkok. Minivan to Victoria Monument, change minivan to Aranyapathet. I've done it a few times and I felt like risking my life every time. Now I have my own car but it's still a l o n g haul.
This is what I recommend: Take a taxi to Suvanabuhm, fly Air Asia to Phnom Penh.
Air Asia often have special offers on their website: www.airasia.com.
Don't be cheap - be practical!

[Lung Per]

Of course you also have the option of walking. That'll really save you some money.....

[advocate]

Having made numerous visa and border runs over the years, I consider 5000 Bt return to be a bargain. Saving 1 or 2000 Bt by taking a van/bus is a waste of time and perhaps your life, and in the end when you factor in all costs, the van/bus may actually cost you more.

Even if you use your own vehicle, when you factor in mileage costs, the flight is cheaper.

[fabman]

thanks for the tips , if i choose to fly to phom pen from bangkok how far is the city from the airport , taxi / bus , costs etc

cheers

[advocate]

Airport is practically in the city. Cab fare will depend on where your hotel is. Mine asked for 10 dollars for the ride. I paid $5.

Bring American $ in small denominations with you as it's the preferred currency.

[advocate]

Visa on arrival used to be $20.00 US, or $25.00 for a business visa, but it may have gone up.

[Lung Per]

I am currently staying near Aranyapathet and consider crossing into Poiphet for my 90-days stamp.

Has anybody RECENT experience with crossing that border - what is the fastest (not neccessarily cheapest) method to get through the procedure without waiting. I don't mind paying may way for good service but I want to avoid the hustlers.