Cambodia, whose population and area are only a fraction of Thailand's, might seem like a step backwards after exploring the "Land of Smiles." Is there anything else worth seeing in Cambodia besides Angkor Wat?

The short answer – of course it exists. The long answer is below: Cambodia is definitely worth a visit, but you can't directly compare it to Thailand.

This article essentially assumes that you have already decided to travel from Thailand to Cambodia. My goal, at least from the following paragraphs onward, is to help you get from A to B, and not to convince you of the necessity of this trip.

Is a trip to Cambodia worthwhile?

Cambodia is significantly smaller than Thailand and therefore offers fewer destinations and experiences. There are only a few places that are truly worthwhile for a beach holiday; aside from Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, few Cambodian cities are even worth a day trip. Nevertheless, I wouldn't go so far as to say that Cambodia itself isn't worth a visit.

What Cambodia lacks in obvious appeal, it makes up for in other ways. For example, while Cambodia may not be as exciting as Thailand, it's also significantly cheaper. Secondly, gambling is perfectly legal in Cambodia, whether you visit a casino in Poipet or bet and win from the comfort of your hotel room at the best Bitcoin casinos. Finally, due to its smaller size and fewer tourist attractions, you'll need considerably less time in Cambodia than in Thailand. In my opinion, 5-7 days in Cambodia is the perfect way to round off a 2-3 week trip to Thailand.

How to get from Thailand to Cambodia

Flight from Bangkok

The easiest way to travel to Cambodia is by taking a direct flight from one of Bangkok's two airports. There are direct flights from Bangkok to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap with various airlines, including Thai Smile, Bangkok Airways, and Thai AirAsia.

From Bangkok to Siem Reap by train and bus

Another way to travel from Thailand to Cambodia is overland. While this route is slower – the train journey from Bangkok to the border town of Aranyaprathet alone takes half a day – it is more scenic and, of course, cheaper. After arriving at the border, you cross it on foot and reach the Cambodian town of Poipet, where you can transfer to a bus or take a shared taxi.

Take a bus from Khao San Road.

Strictly speaking, there are a few "direct" buses from Khao San Road in Bangkok to Siem Reap. Unfortunately, many of these operators are notorious for various scams, including abandoning passengers at the Poipet border crossing or demanding bribes to allow them to re-board. Be careful.

Cross the border in Isaan

Are you traveling through the Isaan region of Thailand? If you're traveling by car or renting one, you can cross the border from Thailand to Cambodia overland via various border crossings. Keep in mind that this is often only a day trip, for example, to visit the Preah Vihear Temple from Ubon Ratchathani or Surin.

Take a bus from Trat.

In recent years, several companies have established direct bus services from Trat to Sihanoukville, the starting point for excursions to Koh Rong. While these buses are generally not as disreputable as the buses on Khao San Road, they are still far from reliable.

How many days does it take to travel in Cambodia?

As mentioned earlier, Cambodia is not a particularly large country. Furthermore, most travelers only visit Siem Reap and Angkor Wat (perhaps with a few days in Phnom Penh); the average visitor spends a week or less in Cambodia. Of course, this doesn't mean you can't stay longer – there is enough to see in Cambodia to fill at least one or two weeks if you are curious and adventurous.

Another important factor to consider when traveling from Thailand to Cambodia is whether you're tired and worn out. If you're only spending a week or two in Thailand, a longer trip to Cambodia might not seem so strenuous. However, if you've been in Thailand for a while, you might not feel as adventurous anymore; a few nights in Siem Reap could be just what you need.

More frequently asked questions about visiting Cambodia after Thailand

Is it possible to travel from Thailand to Cambodia?

Traveling from Thailand to Cambodia is straightforward, whether by plane, bus, or a combination of bus and train. However, please note that entry requirements for Cambodia may differ from those for Thailand.

Is it possible to travel from Thailand to Cambodia by train?

There is no direct train connection from Thailand to Cambodia. However, you can take the train from Bangkok to Aranyaprathet and then, after crossing the Cambodian border on foot, continue by bus or taxi from Poipet (the Cambodian border town) to Siem Reap.

Do Americans need a visa for Cambodia?

US citizens require a visa for Cambodia, which in most cases can be applied for online as an e-visa. Visit the official Cambodian e-visa website to check if you can obtain your visa online. If this is not possible, please contact the nearest Cambodian embassy or consulate.

Conclusion

There are countless ways to travel from Thailand to Cambodia, though most travelers simply take a flight from Bangkok. Those who don't are usually either backpackers who find the cost too high or adventurous travelers who want to reach their destination in the most interesting way possible. However you choose to travel onward to Cambodia, I hope it will perfectly complement your time in Thailand. If you entrust me with planning your Southeast Asia trip, I will ensure that every part of your journey is optimally coordinated (in addition to the other benefits of one of my custom-designed itineraries).