Bus from Surin to Chong Jom

Bus from Surin to Chong Jom: Journey to the Cambodia Border Checkpoint

Hello, I am Mr.Hotsia. Today, I will share about traveling by bus from Surin Province to Chong Jom checkpoint. Surin is one of my favorite provinces to visit because of its unique border town character and interesting way of life. The route from Surin to Chong Jom is another path I want to share with friends, whether you want to cross into Cambodia or experience the Thai-Cambodian border lifestyle up close.

Starting Point at Surin Bus Terminal

My journey began at Surin Provincial Bus Terminal. There are various vehicles serving this route, including vans and minibuses, departing every half hour throughout the day. I chose to take a minibus that looked comfortable and had air conditioning, although the air wasn’t very cold. I traveled in the afternoon when the weather was quite hot, but the ride was still comfortable and not too cramped.

The fare was about 60 baht, and the trip took approximately one and a half hours to reach Chong Jom checkpoint, which is not very far. This route is popular among both tourists and locals traveling between the Thai-Cambodian border. I saw people carrying suitcases as well as locals carrying daily necessities, showing the lively nature of this route.

Atmosphere Along the Way and Entering Chong Jom Checkpoint

The route from Surin to Chong Jom passes through rice fields and small villages where locals still live simple lives. Most villagers were out gardening, farming, or selling goods by the roadside. I enjoy observing these lifestyles because it makes me feel like I am traveling with heart, not just moving from one point to another.

Upon arriving at Chong Jom checkpoint, the atmosphere changes to the busy scene of immigration checks. This is an important permanent border crossing between Thailand and Cambodia, with tourists and locals crossing continuously. I passed through immigration quickly and orderly, which impressed me with the convenience and security of Chong Jom checkpoint.

Extending the Journey into Cambodia and Nearby Provinces

After crossing Chong Jom into Cambodia, I recommend friends visit Anlong Veng, which is nearby. It is a town with rich history and authentic Khmer lifestyle that strongly preserves its culture. You can also continue traveling to provinces like Takaew, which I have shared my experiences about in another article.Traveling to Takaew ProvinceThis province borders Vietnam and has an interesting river immigration checkpoint.

For those who want to experience southern Khmer food and lifestyle, I suggest stopping by Kampot Province, which has fresh markets and a wide selection of fresh seafood. I have also documented my experience eating grilled beef rice porridge in Svay Rieng Province.Grilled Beef Rice Porridge in Svay Rieng ProvinceIf you like rustic morning markets, I have a story about the morning market in Stung Treng, which is not far from the Thai-Cambodian border.Stung Treng Morning MarketSuch atmospheres make the journey more enjoyable and lively.

Travel Tips and Precautions

For traveling from Surin to Chong Jom, it’s advisable to allow some extra time because although there are many trips, during busy times you might have to wait in line. Some vans fill up quickly, while minibuses run more frequently. Also, don’t forget to prepare your passport and necessary documents for crossing the border to ensure a smooth process at Chong Jom checkpoint.

If you are interested in continuing to Siem Reap, I recommend the route through Chong Sa Ngam checkpoint, which is closer and convenient for those heading to Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. From Chong Sa Ngam, you can take a car or motorcycle to Anlong Veng or Siem Reap as you prefer.

Summary of Experience from Mr.Hotsia

The journey from Surin to Chong Jom is full of vibrant border culture and interesting experiences. Meeting locals, visiting small markets, and crossing into Cambodia made me feel like I was traveling with heart and truly experiencing the lifestyle, not just passing through as a tourist.

For anyone wanting to try this route, I recommend preparing well and keeping an open mind to the new experiences you will encounter every kilometer of this journey.

Thank you for following along, and see you again with more travel stories from Mr.Hotsia.