Chong Jom Checkpoint O Smach

Chong Jom Checkpoint O Smach: A small border crossing full of stories and charm between Thailand and Cambodia

Hello, I'm mr.hotsia. Today, I'll share my experience from Chong Jom-O Smach checkpoint, a small international border crossing between Surin Province in Thailand and Oddar Meanchey Province in Cambodia. Some may not be familiar with this checkpoint as it’s not the main route most travelers take to Siem Reap, but for me, Chong Jom has a unique charm and appeal.

Chong Jom checkpoint is located in Kab Choeng District, Surin Province, not far from Surin town. Traveling from Surin here is convenient with vans and minibuses departing every half hour, taking about 1.5 hours and costing around 60 baht. I have traveled this route many times and found a diverse mix of people, including tourists and locals using this path to visit each other.

Atmosphere at Chong Jom and O Smach

Upon arriving at Chong Jom checkpoint, the first thing you notice is its simplicity. It’s not large or luxurious like major checkpoints but has a peaceful and friendly charm. There’s a casino and small hotels nearby, adding some nightlife color. However, if you plan to continue to Siem Reap or Samrong in Cambodia, be prepared to take shared taxis as there are no direct public buses crossing here.

Negotiating taxi fares is something I, mr.hotsia, have experienced firsthand. I recommend setting a price around 1,500 baht for a trip to Samrong and choosing taxis that use gas for a cheaper fare. This kind of travel might seem complicated for first-timers, but if you enjoy challenges and want to experience the real border lifestyle, this charm will definitely enrich your trip.

Connecting to Rayong: The Diversity of a Grade A++ Tourist City

When talking about Rayong Province, many think of Koh Samet and its beautiful beaches full of tourists. But I, mr.hotsia, encourage you to see Rayong from another perspective, not far from reach, such asWat Lum MarketandOld Wat Lum Marketwhich I have visited several times and found many interesting lifestyle stories.

Wat Lum Market is one of my favorites because it offers a variety of fresh sea fish to see and taste. Early in the morning when I arrived, I witnessed the lively atmosphere of people and diverse shops gathered there, including local sweets like Khanom Thang Taek, Khanom Krok, and sweet honeycomb cakes. I also tried authentic Rayong-style traditional coffee at a nearby ice factory while listening to locals chatting happily. It felt like truly experiencing the real life of Rayong people.

If you want to experience an old community lifestyle, try visiting Old Wat Lum Market.

From Wat Lum Market, I recommend walking toOld Wat Lum Market Areawhich still preserves ancient houses and local culture very well. There is a cultural plaza and an artifact exhibition center, along with regular cultural activities. I had the chance to join almsgiving with elderly locals and listen to their old stories about Rayong. It made me understand and love this city even more.

From Border to Beach: How to Make the Most of Visiting Koh Samet

If you visit Rayong, don’t forget to stop by Koh Samet, a nationally famous island. It’s not only great for daytime swimming and beach activities but also lively at night, especially at Sai Kaew Beach, the hub of fun and events. I, mr.hotsia, have recommended in articlesNightlife on Koh SametandGetting Around Sametwhich will help you plan your trip more easily.

Getting around Koh Samet is very convenient with green songthaews running to various beaches and bays at affordable prices. Accommodations on the island range from budget to high-end. I suggest booking in advance during festivals for certainty, but off-season you can often find good places to stay on the spot.

Additional Recommendations from mr.hotsia

For those planning to travel from Chong Jom checkpoint to Cambodia or onward to Siem Reap, I encourage you to open your heart to new experiences here. Although it’s not the main route, the simplicity and sincerity of the people will leave a lasting impression. And if you return to Rayong, don’t forget to try delicious food at Wat Lum Market, Old Wat Lum Market, and enjoy the charm of Koh Samet as I have recommended.

Read more about traveling in Rayong atRayongAnd if you love fresh sea fish, don’t missFresh Sea Fish at Wat Lum Market, Rayongwhich I have also shared about.

Finally, thank you for following my travel stories. See you on the next trip! - mr.hotsia