Quick trip to Cambodia (Visa run)

Hi, I just got back from Cambodia. I thought I write in some information about getting to Cambodia from Bangkok. I am not sure if this is the cheapest, most effective way - but it worked. Perhaps if I find better ways in the future I will update this entry.

Another big hotel / casino being built

On the Monday after I quit my job at the Kindergarten (which occurred on a Friday), I handed in my Thai Work Permit to the company that hired me. They informed me that they would then hand that in to the Department of Labour. I asked when I needed to go to see immigration and they told me there was no rush. I checked this again and said that I intended to go on the 17th, which was a day before I was due to check in with immigration anyway - was this alright? - Yes (so I was told).

Crossing into Cambodia

Yesterday when I turned up to immigration to tell them that I had ceased working, they informed me that I had to leave the country immediately and that I had overstayed by 13 days (originally a reasonable Thai official had it as 8 days, but his boss decided to make it 13). I would have to leave and pay a fine on the border of 200 Baht per day that I had overstayed.

Hmmm, I was not particularly happy about all this. I had intended to do everything properly and legally, however the company seems to have misinformed me. I don't particularly want a bad record with Thai immigration and I don't really have the spare money to be wasting on trips to Cambodia and fines. But nothing can be done about it. So this morning off I went.

Looking back towards Thailand

I left my place at 0530 hr and got a taxi to Mo Chit bus station. From there I got a 0630 bus to Aranyaprathet for 164 Baht. We arrived in Aranyaprathet at around 1130 hr. OK, where to now? A Thai lady was also heading to Cambodia so we both shared a tuk tuk for 30 Baht each to a local travel agent that arranged our Cambodian visas. One passport photo was needed, however my Thai friend didn't have one, so she paid extra to get her visa without a photo. A Visa cost 1200 Baht and then as I was only going for the day I also paid another 600 Baht. To be honest I couldn't hear what this was for over the blaring TV that was on - partially for the transport back and also something about departure tax or something, I think. Hmmm, OK, whatever, lets just get going so I can get back to Bangkok tonight.

Sign at the Cambodian border

OK, from there the tour company drove us to the border and pointed out the appropriate offices. Stand in a long line - go through Thai emigration - pay my fine. Walk across the border to Cambodian immigration. Short line and into Cambodia. Hmmm, a very dirty town with lots of beggars and not much to see. People were mainly friendly though. Amongst all the dirt, beggars and street stalls were massive expensive looking hotels and casinos for the tourists and richer Thais to come and gamble at. (I took some photos and will load them onto here later when I get them developed.)

Anyway, then stand in a very long line in the sun to go through Cambodian emigration. Walk to Thailand. Quickly in through Thai immigration. YAY! I can stay again until 17 December. Tour company drove me back to the bus station were the 1530 hr bus was just about to leave - ticket 164 Baht (buses go ever hour during the day). Back to Mo Chit station at around 2030 hr and a motorcyc taxi home for 180 Baht. Home at 2100 ish.

Finished.

Hmmm, overall not an exciting visit, but also not too difficult and without my fine it would have been a lot less expensive. I did discover that, from the tour company in Aranyaprathet, I could get a bus to Angkor Wat for 200 Baht. I would love to go and see that soon and as transport from Bankok to Angkor would only be 364 Baht (around Australian $12) I think I will try to go soon if possible.