Independent hotels in Poipet

Poipet is a medium sized town on Cambodia’s northwest border. It faces across to Aranyaprathet in Thailand. The international border crossing here is the busiest on the land border between the two countries. People travelling overland from Thailand to the historic temple ruins at Angkor Wat typically use this border crossing. Casinos are a major draw of a stay in Poipet.

Aranyaprathet is on bus and train routes from Bangkok and journey times are five hours. Buses leave from Bangkok’s Mo Chit and Ekkamai bus terminals, or there are minibuses from the Victory Monument. Trains depart twice a day from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong railway station. The border crossing is 6 km from Aranyaprathet and tuk-tuk is the most convenient choice to travel this distance. Travellers are, however, required to walk between the two countries’ immigration checkpoints, which are open from 06:00 to 22:00 daily. Siem Reap and the nearby temples of Angkor are 150 km by road from Poipet. Buses or taxis are the two current travel options between the two.

Poipet is not big on tourist attractions and serves primarily as a transit point for people travelling between Cambodia and Thailand. Gambling at casinos like the Grand Diamond City, the Tropicana, the Star Vegas and the Holiday Palace is the reason most people stay longer than a couple of days. The casinos come with slot machines, poker and roulette tables, and all kinds of other gambling choices.

Highway 5 from the roundabout near the Cambodian immigration checkpoint is the main road through Poipet. The bulk of the town’s restaurants and café-bars are on this road. Food served is generally noodle soups, fish or meat curry over rice, and French style baguettes. Angkor Beer and Cambodian coffee are popular drinks. Casinos have their own bars and restaurants too. The Holiday Palace is recommended as it has Thai, Korean and Japanese restaurants.

There are a few souvenir shops on Highway 5 selling the likes of Angkor Bayon Temple head woodcarvings, silk scarves and colourful sarongs. The duty-free stores at hotel casinos such as the Grand Diamond City and the Holiday Palace stock far better selections of souvenirs plus cheap international brand alcoholic drinks, cigarettes, perfumes and chocolate. Just across the border in Thailand, Rong Klua Market (“salt warehouse market”) is a great shopping destination that offers Thai and Cambodian handicrafts, second-hand clothing, leather belts and Chinese appliances among the goods on sale.