Cambodia border crossings by bus: what is open
Before you plan an overland leg, check this page: the land border with Thailand is closed, while buses to Vietnam and Laos run normally. Visa, entry ports and the e-Arrival form explained from official sources — checked on 7 October 2026.
See border buses and flights on 12Go →Border status at a glance (October 2026)
| Neighbouring country | Land crossings | Bus service | How to travel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand | Closed since June 2025 | None | Fly: Bangkok → Siem Reap from €108, Phnom Penh → Bangkok from €101 |
| Vietnam | Open — Bavet accepts the e-Visa | 70 buses Phnom Penh → Ho Chi Minh City on 10 Oct 2026 | Direct bus, 5 h 45 to 8 h 30, from €19.79 |
| Laos | Open — Tropaeng Kreal (Trapeang Kriel) accepts the e-Visa | 13 buses and vans Siem Reap → Pakse | Bus or van, 9 to 11 h, from €29.58 |
Sources: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (gov.uk travel advice for Cambodia), the official Cambodia e-Visa website (evisa.gov.kh) and the offers listed on 12Go, all checked on 7 October 2026.
Thailand: the land border is closed
The land crossings between Thailand and Cambodia have been closed since June 2025, and heavy fighting took place along parts of the border during 2025. The UK Foreign Office states that land borders and crossings between the two countries "continue to be suspended". A ceasefire was signed on 27 December 2025, but the FCDO describes the situation as still tense and advises against all but essential travel within 20 km of the border, where unexploded ordnance and landmines are also present. Some border temples, including Preah Vihear, are closed.
On the official e-Visa website, the Poipet and Cham Yeam checkpoints are listed as "temporarily closed for e-Visa entry until further notice".
In practice: there is currently no bus between Bangkok and Siem Reap or Phnom Penh. On 12Go, Bangkok → Siem Reap showed only flights (from €108, about 1 hour) and Phnom Penh → Bangkok only flights (from €101). If you read about direct buses on older travel blogs, that information is out of date.
Vietnam: by bus via Bavet
The busiest overland route is Phnom Penh → Ho Chi Minh City, through the Bavet checkpoint (Svay Rieng province) — one of the two land crossings where the Cambodian e-Visa is accepted. On 10 October 2026, 12Go listed 70 buses on this route, from €19.79 (typical fare €25.91), for a scheduled journey of 5 h 45 to 8 h 30 including the border formalities.
Companies included iHome Transfer, Garuda Transports and Travel, Trans Passion, Danh Danh Express, Phuong Heng, Thai Duong Limousine and Nita Buslines. On international buses you usually get off at each border post to complete the exit and entry formalities, then board again. Check Vietnam's entry requirements for your nationality before you travel.
Laos: via Tropaeng Kreal (Trapeang Kriel)
To reach southern Laos overland, the crossing is Tropaeng Kreal (also written Trapeang Kriel), in Stung Treng province — the second land crossing where the e-Visa is accepted. On 10 October 2026, 12Go listed 13 buses and vans from Siem Reap to Pakse, from €29.58, for 9 to 11 hours of travel. Lao Airlines flights on the same route started at €178.
As with Vietnam, check the entry rules of Laos for your nationality before you set off.
Cambodia e-Visa: the official facts
Tourist visa (type T) as published on the official e-Visa website of the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (evisa.gov.kh) — use only this official site to apply.
| Item | Official information |
|---|---|
| Visa fee | US$30 (the site also mentions a service fee) |
| Entries | Single entry |
| Validity | 3 months |
| Length of stay | 1 month |
| Processing time | 3 business days |
| Airports accepting the e-Visa | Techo International (KTI, Phnom Penh), Siem Reap Angkor International (SAI), Sihanoukville International (KOS) |
| Land crossings accepting the e-Visa | Bavet (Svay Rieng) and Tropaeng Kreal (Stung Treng) |
| Temporarily closed for e-Visa | Poipet (Banteay Meanchey) and Cham Yeam (Koh Kong) |
Your entry checklist
According to the UK Foreign Office, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you arrive in Cambodia, and be undamaged and complete.
You can apply for the e-Visa online (allow at least 4 days, the FCDO advises), or get a visa on arrival at airports and land crossings: bring a photo and pay in US dollars. A tourist visa allows a stay of 30 days.
Cambodia uses a free electronic arrival card. The official e-Visa website asks all travellers to submit it online within 7 days before arrival; the FCDO states it is required when you arrive by air in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap or Sihanoukville.
On a border bus you leave one country and enter another: check the entry rules of Vietnam or Laos for your nationality, not only Cambodia's.
Border situations can change quickly. Before travelling, read the latest travel advice of your own government and the official e-Visa website.
Borders and visa: your questions
Can I travel from Bangkok to Siem Reap by bus?
Is the Poipet border open?
Can I cross from Cambodia to Vietnam by bus?
How much is the Cambodia e-Visa?
Where can I use the e-Visa?
Do I need the e-Arrival card?
Plan your border crossing
Compare international buses to Vietnam and Laos, and flights to Thailand, on 12Go — pay online and get your e-ticket by e-mail.
See border buses and flights on 12Go →