Plizio Visual Lab
Poipet
ℹ️Practical info — Poipet
▾
🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Ignore "friendly" locals offering visa help before the official border checkpoint; they are usually scammers.
- Keep your stopover short, as the city mainly serves as a casino hub for border crossers.
- You can seamlessly use Thai Baht, US Dollars, and Cambodian Riel in most shops here.
- Use the official shuttle bus to the main transport depot rather than taking overpriced taxis right at the border exit.
🍽 Food
Find a fusion of flavors at the bustling food carts near the border checkpoint.
A quick and tasty evening snack at the night market.
Stay hydrated with a cup from the ubiquitous roadside stalls.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Browse for affordable daily necessities and travel snacks before your onward journey.
Check out imported goods in the neutral zone between the borders.
A modest, peaceful local temple away from the intense border traffic.
Retreat to the indoor, air-conditioned cafes of the larger resorts for a quiet break.
Water temperature…
Poipet is a vital border city in northwestern Cambodia, situated in Banteay Meanchey Province directly opposite the Thai town of Aranyaprathet. As the busiest land crossing between Cambodia and Thailand, it functions as a primary artery for regional trade and international tourism. The city is best known for its cluster of high-rise casinos located in a strip between the passport control counters, catering primarily to Thai visitors since gambling is illegal in Thailand. In recent years, Poipet has evolved from a transit outpost into a significant industrial center, hosting several Special Economic Zones that take advantage of its strategic cross-border logistics. The 2019 reopening of the rail link between the two nations has further cemented Poipet's role as a major hub for the movement of goods. Despite its rapid economic growth and infrastructure modernization, the city retains a gritty, fast-paced atmosphere characteristic of major border zones. For many travelers, Poipet is the essential gateway for land journeys connecting Bangkok and Siem Reap.
- Location: Cambodia
- Nearby: Pailin (20 km)
- Population: ~98.934 (2025)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 26 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 25 |
| Rain mm | 16 | 23 | 61 | 100 | 183 | 226 | 239 | 245 | 305 | 197 | 40 | 7 |
Geography
Facts
- Poipet handles the majority of Cambodia's land-based trade with Thailand.
- Home to a booming casino industry with over a dozen major establishments.
- The railway bridge at the border was reconstructed in 2018.
- Strategic location on the Southern Economic Corridor of the GMS.
- Serves as the capital's main link to the Thai manufacturing sector.
- The city is characterized by a high number of migrant workers.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Frequently asked questions
What role does Poipet play for travelers?
Why are there so many casinos in Poipet?
How long does the border crossing take?
Should you stay overnight in Poipet?
Is the border crossing safe?
Poipet: where is it located?
Poipet: when is the best time to visit?
Poipet: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
History & landmarks
Nature
More places
