Posted by geemiz | Posted in Byahe International, Cambodia, My Travel Story, Thailand | Posted on 08-03-2013
Tags: Bangkok, Siem Reap
In my previous post I have shared with you how we missed our flight from Cebu to Clark and how we traveled to Clark via Manila through The Victory Liner Bus. What I will be sharing is the travel I have from Clark to Bangkok, Thailand to the border of Aranyaprathet Thailand.
Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok
My travel friends for this trip are of course babe and 2 of his good friends Marvin and Andrew. Marvin is coming from Singapore so he will just meet with us at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok.
Touchdown Bangkok
Our flight is 9:05pm and expected to arrive 12:05am due to the time difference we arrive at 1:05am Bangkok time. Touchdown Bangkok on my 26th birthday. We meet with Marvin and with him is Dhee a Filipina friend working in Thailand. Thank you to Dhee’s generosity we will not be sleeping in the airport. We went to Dhee’s place to spend the night before we travel to Siem Reap in the morning and the good news is Dhee is coming with us so I will not be the thorn among the roses.
Planning for our Trip
How to go to Aranyaprathet from Bangkok?
The original plan is to take the train to Aranyaprathet, Thailand’s border to Cambodia but they suggested that we should take the bus because it is easier and cost less time. Riding a train to the border is 6 hours compared to the bus that is around 4 hours. From Dhee’s place we rode a mini cab to Bangchak Skytrain station fare is 7 baht, ( we have exchanged our peso in Clark to Dollar buying rate is $40.9 and exchange some Dollars to Baht in the airport buying is 1.43 baht) then we bought a ticket worth 35 baht going to Ekkamai Skytrain station and walk our way to Ekkamai Bus Terminal.
Buying our Skytrain Tokens
Skytrain is here
We were just few steps behind for the 6:05am bus so we just bought the aircon bus ticket that will leave on 8:00am. We paid 200 baht each for the ticket that comes with 1 bottled water. Since it’s too early for our bus we decided to eat breakfast in a carenderia near the bus terminal. (Will create a separate post about our food trippin in Bangkok)
Buying Bus Ticket to Border
Excited like a kid, I sat near the window to see a better view of Bangkok and Thailand as a whole but not more than an hour I was already asleep. Blame it in my habit of sleeping in public utility vehicles. I was just awakened when I felt the bus stop. I thought we reach the border already but we just stop to refuel the bus and for passengers personal necessities like going to the bathroom or taking a little snack. I took this opportunity to try some Thai street food but I end up buying a green mango but to my surprise the over sour looking green mango tastes like guava and I said to myself hello other country.
Waiting for the 8:00am Bus
The break was over and we went back to the bus and the ride continues. I did not sleep after that stop and enjoyed myself watching the laid back province of Thailand. Houses are made of bricks and are far from each other. There are newly planted trees and you can see only few mountains. The time I saw many houses and buildings I said to myself okay we are in the border.
Touchdown Aranyaprathet Border
Continue reading with my three parts article Crossing Border in my 26th Birthday. Here is a link to the last part of these series, Crossing Border in my 26th Birthday Part III.
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Crossing Border in my 26th Birthday Part I
I tried the train, it's not that bad. Similar to PH's PNR. Only cost a little more than $1 (40 baht). If you want to save money, this is the best way to go. and the travel time difference is worth the money saved.
But I always prefer casino bus, only costs around $3 (100 baht). It only takes 2 1/2 hours from bangkok – aranya prathet; plus a free buffet meal at a casino hotel. Great deal! =)
Thank you for the info :). Will be going back next year (thanks to seat sale) I want to try the train and mmmm Casino bus sounds interesting. Give me the link of your post about this so that we can try. 🙂
Aranyaprathet is very hard to pronounce. I can imagine that getting lost in Thailand is very hard as well when you need to speak those locations to find out how to be directed next. 😀
I know right! and if the taxi/tuktuk drivers see you with a map they will ask for more or lead you to a long route. Good thing there are GPS now. 🙂
Wow! Exciting backpacking travels
Crossing the boarders of SEA nations )from Indo to Thai) is my long planned wish 🙂 How I wish I also have the time, courage, and travel fund now. Thanks for sharing- will bookmark your page- very helpful!