Poipet tourist guide

In a country which provides so much to enjoy, there is little to love about the border town of Poipet. Unfortunately, border towns are a necessary evil when travelling overland through Southeast Asia, and luckily the madness which greets most travellers on arrival into the country is thankfully reserved to only here, and to a far lesser degree at the Koh Kong and Pailin crossings. Once clear of Poipet, the unrivalled majesty of Siem Reap and the Temples of Angkor are just a short drive away (48kms), as is the charming city of Battambang (153kms).

Poipet is not the most attractive destination in the country, being predominantly a well-oiled huddle of tourist scams, transport touts, opportunistic thieves, beggars, and oddly unglamorous casinos for mainly Thais on day trips. The reality is that spending more time in Poipet than is absolutely essential is really not recommended. We’ve tried, and spent dozens of trips trying to find something in the town which will endear it to tourists, but we are still searching.

The most well known feature of Poipet, where you will soon realise that the rhyming references to ‘toil-let’, are entirely accurate, is its ability to frustrate and scam travellers at both the Cambodian immigration booths and in the waiting arms of the local travel mafia, who are among the most sophisticated and cunning anywhere in the region. Knowing what to expect, and how to handle it, is the key to a smooth passage through Poipet, with our Poipet transport guide essential reading for anyone planning on using this border crossing.

The other notable and perhaps only attractions in town are the eight casinos along the border zone – officially known as ‘no man’s land’ – which sit in stark contrast alongside desperate poverty. These are firmly tailored towards Thai nationals who are prohibited from gambling in their homeland and are incomparable to similar establishments overseas. Sadly, gambling generally is associated with prostitution, and past the border in the actual town are countless guesthouses masquerading or openly advertising as brothels. There are a few places of legitimacy to stay at if you need to spend the night which we’ve listed in our hotel guide.

Attractions
Poipet is a magnet for casino goers and limited duty free shopping, find the best places to spend large before exploring the natural beauty that waits further inland… more

Hotels and lodging
Cheap guesthouses and opulent casinos dominate the border accommodation. Find out which ones are best and which ones are best avoided… more

Restaurants and bars
Eating and drinking is somewhat limited around the border, but there are some decent places to grab a meal and a tipple… more

Transportation
Essential information for navigating your way past immigration, getting your Cambodian visa and avoiding the countless transport touts… more