Thailand Borders 05: Aranyaprathet

If you want to make your dreams come true, the first thing you have to do is wake up... - J.M. Power

(The Golden Cliff Beach)

Day 05: Thursday, 14 Nov 2024
Route: Trat - Had Lek - Aranyaprathet
Distance: 407 km (5:49)
Hotel: Baan Sabuy Jung, Aranyaprathet

We had simple complimentary breakfast for two with sunny-side up eggs and toast and a free flow of coffee.

(Trat Pailin Resort dining hall)

(A simple complimentary breakfast)

Checked-out by 7.30 am and headed towards the Thailand/Cambodia border. Stopped for photo opportunities at The Narrowest Part of Thailand. The narrow strip of land measured from the western coast to the head of Khao Banthat dividing Thailand and Cambodia, measuring about 150 m. It is located in Ban Khot Sai Village in Khlong Yai District.

(Heading towards the Cambodian Border)

(Passing through the quiet Khlong Yai town)

(The Narrowest Part of Thailand)

(A long and winding road along the rocky beach)

Stopped at Thailand/Cambodia Border Check-point at Hat Lek/Cham Yiem which was not very busy at this time of the day. This Immigration Checkpoint is relatively quiet with less hassle. This border is one of our favorite entry points into Cambodia. We crossed this border quite a number of times before with our motorbikes and Bigfoot. The border opens from 06.00 – 22.00 hrs daily.

(Ban Hat Lek Thailand/Cambodia border check point)

(The border is not so busy early in the morning)

Strolled along the Ban Hat Lek Border Market which is situated at the end of Highway 3 next to the border crossing. This market is where the Cambodian vendors buy fruits and vegetables and bring in for re-selling in Koh Kong, Cambodia. Cheap electronic appliances, eyeglasses, bags, watches, shoes, and perfumes are also sold at this market.

(Ban Hat Lek Border Market)

(A few historical monuments near the border)

We made a few more photo stops at Marine Corp Memorial Baan Hat Lek and the Khlong Yai 522 Naval Ship. 

(The road has been upgraded and in good condition)

(A brief stop at a temple on top of a hill) 

(A naval ship monument next to the temple)

Detoured to the Golden Cliff Beach Resort for more photo shots. The resort is on the cliff and below is the nice beach with white sand. Unfortunately, the resort looks abandoned, but the Cliff Cafe is quite new.

(Golden Cliff Beach Resort)

(The new Cliff Cafe of the Golden Cliff Beach Resort)

(A beautiful view of the Ocean)

(Beautiful ambiance of the surroundings)

(Quiet and tranquil rocky beach)

Stopped for lunch at Husni Restaurant in Chanthaburi which is located near the Mujahirin Mosque. Performed our jamak prayers at Masjid Tamil Chantaburi again as the washrooms and ablution area are easily accessible.

(A dark heavy cloud looming ahead)

(The entrance to Trat town)

(A lunch break at Restoran Husni in Chanthaburi) 

(An alternative to the 786 Muslim restaurant) 

By 2.30 pm we drove out of Chanthaburi and headed towards Aranyaprathet in the heavy rain. Arrived Aranyaprathet around 5.30 pm. We drove a short distance to Bushran Halal food for an early dinner. There is another halal eatery located around the vicinity. Walked to a nearby 7-eleven for bread and fruit juice for breakfast tomorrow.

(Driving with care in the heavy rain towards Aranyaprathet)

(The rain is clearing up)

(Many border checks along the boundary line)

(The few halal eateries in Aranyaprathet)

Checked-in at Baan Sabuy Jung resort for Rm68/night. The 2-star hotel is located very near the border and a short driving distance to the halal eateries in town and the Rong Kluea Market, the open air shopping market of Aranyaprathet.

(A small cozy resort near the border)

(Our lodging for tonight)