Opting for a DIY visa-run to Aranyaprathet has several benefits. The main pluses are it is invariably cheaper and going by a proper bus or train is definitely safer than by mini-van. Another bonus is that travellers have time to look around Talat Rong Kluea. This is an interesting market next to the border crossing where stallholders sell anything from copy designer products to unique spices.
There is a third-class train service from central Bangkok’s Hualamphong Station. Trains operate in each direction, twice a day, with early morning and lunchtime departures. Fares are a bargain at THB48 for the five-hour trip, but this is negated by the fact that the carriages are not air-conditioned and are frequently standing-room only.
A more comfortable option is an air-conditioned bus with free snacks and water. Buses for Aranyaprathet depart from Bangkok’s northern bus terminal, Morchit, at frequent intervals throughout the day. Journey times are around five hours each way. From Aranyaprathet’s bus station, travellers just need to hop on a songthaew shared taxi to the border.
Travel options for a DIY visa run to Aranyaprathet
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The Thai town of Aranyaprathet lies close to the border with Cambodia. As it is only 250kms due east of Bangkok, the border crossing here is a popular choice for foreign tourists to enter and leave the country or activate additional entries on their visas. Visa-run companies in Bangkok offer services which provide fully inclusive round-trip mini-bus transfers and help crossing the border and coming back again.