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

(Riding a buggy in Rong Kluea Market, Aranyaprathet)

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.

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.

Stopped at Thailand/Cambodia Border at Hat Lek/Cham Yiem which was not very busy at this time of the day. The 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.

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.

We made a few more photo stops at Marine Corp Memorial Baan Hat Lek and the Khlong Yai 522 Naval Ship. Detoured to the Golden Cliff Beach Resort for moe photo shots. The resort looks abandoned, but the Cliff Cafe is quite new.

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.

By 2.30 pm we drove out of Chanthaburi and headed towards Aranyaprathet in the heavy rain. Arrived Aranyaprathet around 5.30 pm. After checked-in at Baan Sabuy Jung resort for Rm68/night, 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.