# Thailand to Cambodia Overland via Laos (Border Closed, 2026)

> Every Thailand–Cambodia land border has been closed since 2025. The remaining overland route runs through Laos, here is exactly how it works and how long it takes.

**Source:** https://laosbustickets.com/thailand-to-cambodia-overland/  
**Language:** en  
**Last verified:** 4 September 2026  
**Written by:** Laos Bus Tickets, Vientiane, Laos
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## Quick answer

All Thailand–Cambodia land crossings (Poipet–Aranyaprathet, Cham Yeam, O'Smach and the rest) have been closed since the 2025 conflict, with no reopening timeline. The only overland option is Thailand → Laos → Cambodia: cross at Vang Tao–Chong Mek into Pakse, then Pakse → Nongnokkhene → Stung Treng. Allow two to three days and budget for two visas. Flights between Bangkok and Phnom Penh or Siem Reap operate normally.

## Border crossings

| Crossing | Connects | Hours | Lao visa on arrival |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vang Tao – Chong Mek | Champasak to Chong Mek, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand | 06:00–20:00 | Yes |
| Nongnokkhene – Trapeang Kriel | Khong District, Champasak Province to Trapeang Kriel, Stung Treng District, Stung Treng Province, Cambodia | 06:00–18:00 | Yes |

## Common questions

### Is the Thailand–Cambodia border really closed?

Yes, all of it. Every land crossing has been shut since the 2025 conflict and there is no reopening timeline. Thai officials have repeatedly said reopening depends on conditions being met. Flights operate normally.

### What is the fastest overland route?

Ubon Ratchathani → Vang Tao–Chong Mek → Pakse → Nongnokkhene → Stung Treng → onward. Realistically two to three days from Bangkok.

### How many visas do I need?

Two: a Lao visa (on arrival, about US$40) and a Cambodian visa (on arrival, US$30). Both are issued at the respective borders.

### Should I just fly?

If time matters, yes, and we would say so even though it earns us nothing. Bangkok to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap is under two hours and flights are unaffected. The overland route is for people who want the journey or cannot fly.

## Sources

- [Lao Department of Immigration](https://immigration.gov.la): checkpoint list, opening hours and visa status
- [Cambodia e-Visa, Ministry of Foreign Affairs](https://www.evisa.gov.kh): Cambodian visa fees
- [Thailand Immigration Bureau](https://www.immigration.go.th): Thai entry requirements

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_Written and maintained from Vientiane. The people behind this site have lived in Laos for two decades and cross these borders themselves. Routes and visa rules get rechecked whenever something changes, not on a fixed schedule that lets stale information sit for months._