🚧 Poipet, Cambodia

A Growing Gateway Between Cambodia and Thailand

📍 Introduction

Poipet is a bustling border town in northwestern Cambodia, located in Banteay Meanchey Province, right on the frontier with Thailand. Known as a key economic and transport gateway, Poipet serves as a vital link between Cambodia and Thailand, especially for trade, travel, and commerce.

It’s the main land crossing between the two countries, connecting to Aranyaprathet on the Thai side.

🌆 Town at a Glance

  • Province: Banteay Meanchey

  • Border Checkpoint: Poipet International Border Checkpoint

  • Main Language: Khmer (Thai and English used for business and tourism)

  • Distance to Siem Reap: Approx. 150 km (3–4 hours by car)

  • Distance to Phnom Penh: Approx. 400 km (6–7 hours by road)

🚉 Economic & Strategic Importance

Poipet is one of Cambodia’s fastest-growing border towns due to:

  • Cross-border trade and logistics

  • Duty-free zones and special economic zones (SEZs)

  • High volume of travelers and transport

  • Casinos and entertainment venues (popular with Thai tourists)

As part of the Asian Highway and Trans-Asian Railway, Poipet plays a growing role in regional transport and connectivity.

🎰 Casinos & Entertainment

Gambling is illegal in Thailand, so many Thai visitors cross into Poipet to enjoy its casino resorts and hotels.
Notable features include:

  • Dozens of casinos and gaming centers

  • 24-hour hotels and restaurants

  • Duty-free shopping zones

  • Vibrant nightlife for cross-border tourists

🚍 Transportation & Border Access

  • Poipet International Border is one of Cambodia’s busiest crossings, open daily

  • Connected by National Road No. 5 and railway lines to Phnom Penh and Bangkok

  • Services include buses, taxis, tuk-tuks, and cross-border coaches

  • Nearby Poipet Railway Station links to the Cambodian and Thai rail networks (currently under further development)

🛍 Trade & Industry

The area is rapidly developing with:

  • Markets and wholesale centers

  • Dry ports and cargo logistics

  • Factories within the Poipet Special Economic Zone (PSEZ)

  • Growing interest from foreign investors due to strategic location and low operating costs

💡 Why Poipet Matters

  • Strategic hub for cross-border business and transportation

  • Gateway for trade, tourism, and investment

  • A growing urban area with significant development potential

  • Starting point for travel to Siem Reap, Battambang, and Phnom Penh

🚧 Poipet is more than just a border — it’s a bridge between nations, commerce, and cultures. As Cambodia opens up to the region, Poipet stands ready to lead.