Chong Jom Checkpoint - Surin Province / O Smach - Oddar Meanchey Province

Chong Jom - O Smach Checkpoint: A small route full of life and opportunity

Hello, I am mr.hotsia. Today, I will take you on an adventure to the Chong Jom - O Smach checkpoint, a small international border crossing between Surin Province in Thailand and Oddar Meanchey Province in Cambodia. This route may not be well known to many because it is not a major checkpoint with many buses or as convenient as the Chong Sa Ngam checkpoint near Siem Reap. But if you enjoy adventurous travel with stops for rest, food, and sightseeing like I do, Chong Jom - O Smach has a unique charm unlike any other.

I started my journey from Surin town by taking a bus from the Surin provincial bus station. Buses depart every half hour, including minivans and vans, costing about 60 baht. It takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach Chong Jom checkpoint. When I visited, many tourists and locals used this route because it is convenient and affordable, even though it is not the main route to Siem Reap that I have recommended in other articles.Surin Travel InformationAs follows

Atmosphere at Chong Jom - O Smach Checkpoint

Upon arriving at Chong Jom checkpoint, the first thing you notice is the peaceful and simple environment. I walked around and found two small casinos and hotels located side by side, which is unusual for such a small checkpoint but adds color to the area. This place is not only a border crossing but also a rest stop for travelers, gamblers, and those conducting cross-border business.

As I mentioned, this checkpoint is not very large, so if you want to continue to Samrong town in Oddar Meanchey Province or to Siem Reap, you need to find a shared taxi to continue your journey. The reasonable negotiated price is about 1,500 baht per trip. If you choose a gas-powered taxi, the price will be cheaper than regular cars. Negotiating prices requires patience and skill because there are no regular buses like at larger checkpoints.

Travel and Preparation

For those traveling from Surin, I recommend checking bus departure times carefully at the bus station because there are many trips, about 20-30 per day, compared to only 6 trips in the past. This shows the increasing popularity of this route. However, you should also allow time for waiting when transferring on the Cambodian side.

If your intention is to visit Siem Reap only, I still recommend using the Chong Sa Ngam checkpoint as it is more convenient, closer, and has more buses. But if you want to experience the charm of a small checkpoint like this, learn about the local way of life, and enjoy traveling in a unique way, Chong Jom - O Smach is a very good option.

Connect your experience with Surin, a city of culture and lifestyle

Speaking of Surin Province, I, mr.hotsia, must say it is a province full of Isan culture blended with the Khmer influence here. You will find fresh morning markets where locals sell produce from their fields and gardens energetically. At the Surin morning market, which I really like, there is a local dessert called “Khanom Chok” that offers a sweet taste and the fragrant aroma of traditional fried dough. Anyone who wants to deeply understand the lifestyle of Surin locals should not miss visiting the morning market.Surin Morning MarketRight here

If you stay overnight in Surin town, don’t forget to visit the walking street, which offers local food and youth fashion for fun shopping. Although it may not be very lively in some seasons, this simple atmosphere is what mr.hotsia likes the most because it feels like truly experiencing the real lifestyle of Surin people.Surin Walking StreetEnhance your travel experience completely

If you get hungry on the way, you must try the restaurant “Mae Phim Grilled Fish”

I have driven around Surin several times looking for delicious food until I found “Mae Phim Grilled Fish,” which is always crowded. My favorite dish is “Miang Pla Krapong” — bite-sized pieces of snapper, crispy fried, eaten with fresh vegetables and a spicy dipping sauce. It’s so delicious that I have to recommend it. If you visit Surin and want to try authentic local food, this place is the answer that mr.hotsia highly recommends.Mae Phim Grilled FishYes

Additional recommendations for elephant and nature lovers

If you have time and want to deeply experience the culture of locals and elephants in Surin, don’t missBan Taklang Elephant Villagewhich I have visited and was very impressed. There, you can see close-up elephant performances, elephants painting, shows, and the best part is staying in a homestay with elephant keepers to learn the true lifestyle of the locals. This is an experience that I, mr.hotsia, want everyone to try at least once in their life.

Summary of impressions from Chong Jom - O Smach Checkpoint

Chong Jom - O Smach checkpoint may not be the largest or most convenient border crossing, but within its small size lies many interesting stories and lives of border people. Traveling through this checkpoint feels like opening a door to another world that is still relatively untouched. The casinos, small hotels, and nearby local markets make me, mr.hotsia, clearly feel the diversity of culture and lifestyle here.

If you want to travel unhurriedly, enjoy adventure, and truly experience local life, I recommend trying this route once. You will realize that travel is not just about the destination but about truly experiencing the stories along the way.