Poipet Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and more with this comprehensive guide to Poipet, Cambodia.


Introduction to Poipet

Poipet is a northwestern city in Cambodia known for its bustling border with Thailand. Despite its reputation as a gateway, Poipet has plenty to offer travelers who take the time to explore it. This city has a rich history and culture, and its food and drink scene is not to be missed.

List of Places to Visit in Poipet

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

If you’re interested in the history and culture of Poipet, you won’t want to miss these top attractions:

  • The Cambodia-Thai Railway Station – Built in the early 20th century, the station is a fascinating example of French colonial architecture.
  • Kbal Spean – Kbal Spean is a 1,000-year-old Hindu temple that is famous for its intricate carvings and beautiful waterfalls.
  • Banteay Chhmar – This 12th-century temple complex is a testament to the grandeur of the Khmer Empire.

Natural Attractions of Poipet: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

From hiking and biking to waterfalls and national parks, Poipet has no shortage of natural beauty. Here are the top natural attractions you won’t want to miss:

  • Preah Vihear Temple – Perched atop a cliff, Preah Vihear Temple offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Bokor National Park – This national park offers a range of activities, from hiking to swimming to exploring abandoned French colonial buildings.
  • Tonle Sap Lake – Southeast Asia’s largest lake is home to a rich ecosystem and many floating villages.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Poipet

For travelers who love the great outdoors, Poipet offers a variety of hiking and biking trails. Some of the best include:

  • Mount Bokor – This challenging hike offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Kayaking on Tonle Sap Lake – Rent a kayak and explore the lake’s many channels and coves.
  • Exploring Kirirom National Park – This park offers a number of trails and beautiful scenery.

Best Things to Do in Poipet: Activities and Tours

Whether you’re interested in adventure, culture, or relaxation, there’s something for everyone in Poipet. Here are some of the top activities and tours to consider:

  • Visit a local market – Poipet’s markets offer a fascinating glimpse into local life and culture.
  • Take a cooking class – Learn to make traditional Cambodian dishes with a local chef.
  • Go on a temple tour – This guided tour will take you to some of the most impressive temples in the area.

Week-Long Itinerary for Poipet

If you’re planning to spend a week in Poipet, here’s a sample itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Explore the Cambodia-Thai Railway Station
2 Visit Banteay Chhmar
3 Hike Mount Bokor
4 Take a cooking class
5 Visit Kbal Spean and the waterfalls
6 Visit Preah Vihear Temple
7 Relax on the beach at Sihanoukville

Food and Drink Scene of Poipet

No trip to Poipet would be complete without trying some of the local cuisine. Here are some of the top dishes and beverages to try:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Lok Lak – A popular Cambodian dish made with marinated beef and served with rice and vegetables.
  • Fish Amok – A curry made with fish, coconut milk, and spices, served with rice.
  • Khmer Red Curry – A spicy curry made with chicken, beef, or pork.

Local Beverages

  • Teuk Dong Khmer – A sweet, milky coffee that’s popular throughout Cambodia.
  • Angkor Beer – The most popular beer in Cambodia.
  • Rum and Coke – Cambodia produces its own rum, which is often mixed with Coca-Cola.

Where to Stay in Poipet: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Poipet has a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Here are some top picks:

  • Sala Lodges – This luxury hotel offers stylish, comfortable rooms and a great location.
  • Poipet Resort & Casino – This hotel and casino offers a range of amenities, including a pool and spa.
  • Sok San Garden Guest House – This affordable guest house has clean, comfortable rooms and a friendly atmosphere.

What to Buy in Poipet: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for unique souvenirs and gifts, Poipet has plenty to offer. Here are some of the top products to consider:

  • Cambodian silk scarves – These beautiful scarves come in a range of colors and designs.
  • Handmade ceramics – Poipet is known for its traditional ceramic pottery.
  • Silver jewelry – Cambodia produces a range of beautiful silver jewelry.

Local Culture and Customs of Poipet

Cambodian culture is rich and diverse, and in Poipet, you can experience it firsthand. Here are a few tips to help you navigate local customs:

  • Dress modestly – Cambodian culture values modesty, especially in religious sites.
  • Remove your shoes – In many homes and temples, it’s customary to remove your shoes before entering.
  • Be respectful to monks – Monks are highly respected in Cambodian culture, so it’s important to treat them with respect and courtesy.

Best Time to Visit Poipet

The best time to visit Poipet is from November to February, when the weather is dry and cool. The monsoon season runs from May to October, and can be quite wet and humid. March and April are the hottest and driest months of the year.

Do’s and Don’ts of Poipet

Do:

  • Learn some Khmer – Even a few basic phrases can go a long way in building relationships with locals.
  • Take your shoes off – When entering homes, temples or other people’s residences, remove your shoes.
  • Try new foods – Cambodia has a rich and diverse cuisine, so be adventurous and try new dishes.

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing clothing – Cambodian culture values modesty, so avoid clothing that’s too revealing.
  • Touch someone’s head – In Cambodian culture, the head is considered sacred, so touching it is considered disrespectful.
  • Raise your voice or show anger – Cambodian culture values politeness and respect, so avoid confrontations or heated arguments.

Safety and Health

Safety in Poipet

Poipet is generally a safe city, but as with any travel destination, it’s important to take precautions. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

  • Be cautious at night – Like in any big city, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings after dark.
  • Avoid wearing flashy jewelry – Wearing expensive jewelry can make you a target for thieves.

Health in Poipet

It’s a good idea to take some health precautions before traveling to Cambodia. Here are some tips to help you stay healthy in Poipet:

  • Get vaccinated – Speak to your healthcare provider about getting vaccinated for hepatitis A, typhoid, and other diseases.
  • Use insect repellent – Mosquitoes can carry diseases like dengue fever and malaria, so be sure to use insect repellent.

Getting to Poipet: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Poipet

Poipet does not have its own airport, but the nearest airports are:

  • Siem Reap International Airport – Located about 3 hours away by car, this airport offers flights to many destinations in Asia.
  • Phnom Penh International Airport – Located about 5 hours away by car, this airport offers international flights to several destinations.

Bus Stations Near Poipet

There are several bus stations in Poipet, offering connections to nearby cities and towns:

  • Poipet International Border Checkpoint – This is the main bus station in Poipet, offering connections to Bangkok and other Thai cities.
  • Samrong Region – Located about 6 miles from Poipet, this bus station offers connections to Siem Reap and other Cambodian cities.

Other Options

Taxis and private cars are also available in Poipet.

How to Get Around in Poipet

The easiest way to get around Poipet is by tuk-tuk, a three-wheeled taxi. Tuk-tuks are readily available and relatively cheap. Rental cars and scooters are also available, but driving in Poipet can be risky due to the unpredictable traffic.

Where to Go Next from Poipet: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to continue your adventures in Cambodia, there are several nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

  • Siem Reap – This city is home to the famous Angkor Wat temple complex.
  • Phnom Penh – Cambodia’s capital city is known for its royal palace and museums.
  • Koh Kong – This province offers beautiful beaches and exotic wildlife.

Conclusion

From its rich history and culture to its stunning natural beauty, Poipet has something for everyone. Whether you’re a foodie, adventurer or culture vulture, you’ll find plenty to explore and experience in this fascinating city in Cambodia. So, pack your bags and get ready to discover all that Poipet has to offer!

All most travellers are willing to see in Poipet: the fully paved road to Siem Reap (Aug 2009) All most travellers are willing to see in Poipet: the fully paved road to Siem Reap (Aug 2009) The border zone with tout zones highlighted The border zone with tout zones highlighted For those who look a little closer, Poipet has some vibrancy in the slums around the old station For those who look a little closer, Poipet has some vibrancy in the slums around the old station