Wednesday 18 February 2015

Laos Into Cambodia Border Crossing

By Jonny Blair


There are a load of different ways to get from Laos to Cambodia so this post will concentrate on the one in southern Laos near the resort of Don Det. From there you can cross between Nong Nok Khieng and Trapaing Kreal and enter Cambodia. A few travel tips and money savers are revealed here. []

To get a bus that goes across the border from Don Det to Cambodia just shop around to find one.

What is needed going from Laos to Cambodia?

- A valid passport

- 1 or 2 passport photos

- In US Dollars You'll need $27

- Fill in all the forms

How to sort out the Visa for Cambodia?

OK please listen to me here and do it yourself. Don't pay $30 or more to a bus driver or the company to do it for you. Yes they will get you across the border no problem and with the valid visa, but you're paying them money that you can save. Remember Cambodia and Laos are cheap and you can get a hostel, a beer and a meal any evening for $5 dollars, so keep the money for yourself. Tell them you are doing it yourself. You will get all your Laos and Cambodia visa forms at Ban Nakasang - fill them in while you wait for the bus.

Is there a charge for leaving Laos at Nong Nok Khieng?

They told us we were free to walk across without the departure stamp but that we would be charged in Cambodia. We had to bite the bullet and in the end paid them $2 US Dollars each. Just to leave Laos. A horrible end to a time in a country I don't have a lot of positives for.

At weekends particularly they try to charge an overtime fee which is outrageous and costs $2 US so for advice don't cross the border at the weekend.

How to cross the border from Laos into Cambodia:

It's just a mere 1 minute walk across a bridge and it won't be too busy. Once you arrive on the Cambodian side you just pay them $25 and they check your forms and photo then they put your visa on ready to go and explore Cambodia!

You are now in a place known as Trapeang Kreal.

This is just the border crossing village of Trapaing Kreak and there's nothing much to it. Be ready to wait a few hours for the bus and relax with some food and beers! You are now in Cambodia.

From there you hang around until the bus driver rocks up with the bus and takes you down south in Cambodia past Kratie, Stung Treng and onwards to Phnom Penh, the capital city. It's a long bus journey down to Phnom Penh but the Cambodian countryside is wonderful and you have your visa already so you're all set.

How much did it cost to get from Laos to Cambodia?

The grand total was $27 US, which was $2 US to leave Laos and $25 for the Visa for Cambodia. The cheapest you can really get this for is $25 US.




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