Travel from Trat to Sihanoukville

Travel from Trat to Sihanoukville: A Unique Route to the Cambodian Sea by mr.hotsia

When talking about traveling from Trat Province to Sihanoukville, the famous coastal province of Cambodia, many might think of complicated or complex routes. But for me, mr.hotsia, this route is a travel experience full of vibrant colors and the intriguing essence of the East. Trat itself is a border province with the Ban Hat Lek border crossing in Khlong Yai District, a permanent connection point between Thailand and Cambodia. Opposite the border is Koh Kong Province, known locally as “Khet Koh Kong.” This starting point makes my journey full of endless stories.

Travel from Bangkok to Trat: Starting at Bangna

I started my journey from Bangkok by choosing the air-conditioned bus service of Cherdchai Tour Company. Although the bus starts from Ekkamai, I boarded at Bangna instead. The bus took about 4 hours to reach Trat city, where I stayed overnight atpop Guesthouseat an affordable price of about 550 baht per night, with WIFI and air conditioning. It’s perfect for travelers who want to rest before crossing the border. Here, you can see more foreign tourists than Thais, mostly travelers heading onward to Cambodia.

From Trat to Ban Hat Lek Border: The Simplicity of Crossing

The next morning, I bought a combined travel ticket from pop Guesthouse, a single ticket to Sihanoukville priced at 600 baht. The bus picked me up from the guesthouse around 9 AM, dropped me at Trat bus station, then I took a van to Ban Hat Lek border, which took about 1 hour. The van passed through Khlong Yai District, a small community where most passengers get off. This point reveals the simple lifestyle of the Thai-Cambodian border.

Border Crossing Experience at Ban Hat Lek: Stepping into Koh Kong

Upon arriving at Ban Hat Lek border, I recommend stopping at the shop on the left side in front of the border to exchange some Cambodian riel for small expenses. Mr.hotsia’s advice is not to exchange too much Cambodian currency because US dollars are more commonly used here. I also bought a hat and a cheap folding knife from this shop, making it a memorable experience at this border crossing.

Crossing the border is not complicated, but be prepared for small fees such as the border crossing fee: 200 baht for first-time entry into Cambodia, 100 baht for repeat entries. Also, be cautious about “tips” requested by agents who fill out immigration forms; it’s safer and better to fill out the forms yourself.

From Koh Kong to Sihanoukville: A Smooth Connecting Journey

After crossing the border, I used a shared taxi service from Ban Hat Lek border to Koh Kong bus station. The vehicle seats 6 people and charges 80 baht per person. It drops passengers off at hotels or the bus station as agreed. At Koh Kong bus station, I waited for the afternoon bus around 2:30 PM to continue to Sihanoukville. The bus stops for a meal break along the way, and I arrived in Sihanoukville around 7 PM. Though the route seems long, I enjoyed it because it allowed me to experience local life and authentic Cambodian atmosphere.

Self-Travel Option: Worthwhile Freedom

For those who like to travel independently like me, you can take a motorcycle or songthaew from Trat city to the bus station about 3 kilometers away. The motorcycle fare is about 20 baht, and the songthaew costs around 30-40 baht depending on the number of passengers. Then take a van to Ban Hat Lek for 80 baht per person. This option suits those who want to save money and enjoy more local life experiences.

Sihanoukville: A Worthy Destination

Upon arriving in Sihanoukville, I felt like entering a new world that is not as hectic as Pattaya, but with much cleaner sea and beaches. You can choose to stay in the city where the beach is within walking distance or stay directly on the beach.Accommodation in SihanoukvilleThere are options ranging from budget to luxury hotels. I chose to stay at Sihanouk Timeshare Hotel in the city, close to markets and many delicious food options.

Sihanoukville is not only about the sea but also full of local dishes worth trying such asgrilled pork rice and chicken rice porridgewhich I tried from a shop near the hotel. The food here is fresh and cheaper than expected. Also, the city’s fresh marketwhere I strolled in the morningoffers an impressive glimpse of Cambodian life. The people here are simple and friendly.

Additional Recommendations for Travelers

If you enjoy relaxation, Sihanoukville’s beach offers affordable and friendly massage services, which I tried and was very impressed with. You can read more details atCambodian Beach Massage in SihanoukvilleAlso, walking along the beach where vendors carry goods on their heads is a unique scene in the world. This charm is something I, mr.hotsia, want everyone to experience firsthand.

Summary of the Journey from Trat to Sihanoukville

Traveling from Trat to Sihanoukville is not just a simple border crossing but a journey that opened my eyes, mr.hotsia, to the border lifestyle, Cambodian way of life, and the hidden beauty of the Cambodian sea. The trip may not be as comfortable as by train or plane, but every step gave me a different perspective and unique memories to cherish.

For those interested, don’t forget to prepare your money, bring US dollars, have your passport ready, and don’t hesitate to try the route through Ban Hat Lek border. I believe this journey will make you fall in love with Sihanoukville just like mr.hotsia.