For travellers yearning for the next adventure, how does a Southeast Asian cross-border trip on rail sound? After 45 years, a railway that connects Cambodia and Thailand was relaunched on 22 April 2019 in efforts to slash travel times and boost trade between the neighbouring countries.
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While both countries are still working on the operation details, the diesel-powered locomotive is expected to run along the 385-kilometre-long track from Poipet, a city in Cambodian capital Phnom Penh to a Thai border town called Aranyaprathet by year’s end.
Cambodia has over 600 kilometres of rail network mostly built during the French occupation. Most of the track was damaged during the time of the Cold War.
While we have a few months till the trains start running again, here’s how you can get to Aranyaprathet from Bangkok.
But before making your way to the border town, why not go to 3 Spots to Get AMAZING Views of Bangkok City
Train
There are two daily trains that leave from Bangkok to Aranyaprathet. From Bangkok’s Hualamphong Station, get on either the 5.55am or 1.05pm train for a journey that takes about six hours, crossing 40 stations along the way. From Aranyaprathet, the trains to Bangkok leave at 6.40am and 1.55pm.
Bus
There are two bus terminals that comprise operators, who provide trips from Bangkok to Aranyaprathet, so pick one that’s convenient for you.
Aranyaprathet has two bus stations – the one in town is called Aranyaprathet while Rong Khlua station is located west of the border crossing. To make things easier in terms of communication and transport availability, just stop in town.
Mo Chit Bus Terminal – This terminal serves northern destinations in the country including Aranyaprathet. The closest Skytrain station is Mo Chit, and if you opt for metro station, stop at Chatuchak Park.
Ekamai Bus Terminal – You can find more bus operators to Aranyaprathet from this terminal, departing every two hours from 7am till noon and again at 4pm. This terminal is located next to the Ekamai Skytrain station.