Train or Bus from the Border to the Cambodia Capital, Phnom Penh? (Episode 5)

    My first impression of Poi Pet was a sad one. The town reminded me of a town near my hometown destroyed by scamming and gambling businesses. I say “destroyed” because although the town appeared lively on the surface, it had no soul - money was the god there, and people would do anything for it. This was also where educated young people from all over Myanmar were detained and forced into scams. Although the businesses were mostly owned by the Mainland Chinese, the Chinese citizens were mainly targeted initially, but soon, they expanded their reach to the West.

    Although Poi Pet wasn’t quite that bleak, I still felt sad about it because I had a strong feeling it was headed in the same direction, with buildings being unfinished and abandoned and countless casinos.

an unfinished and abandoned builiding in Poi Pet
an unfinished and abandoned building in Poi Pet

    As I explored, I looked for a phone store and found a market. I asked a few people if they knew where I could get a SIM card, and a man pointed me to a store a few minutes’ walk away. I walked there and, luckily, found a SIM shop right next to the Virak Buntham bus office. I waited in line, but it seemed my fortune wanted an adventure - the SIM cards were all sold out just as it was my turn.

    The Virak Buntham bus office was only a five-minute walk from the border crossing station. If you go straight along the road, the office is on the left just before you reach a roundabout. There are also restrooms and, as mentioned, a SIM counter.

    Then, I headed to the ticket counter and bought a bus ticket to Phnom Penh. I paid $26 with my Thai visa card for the seven-hour trip. For a cheaper option, there are also vans for $19—I took one on my way back and found the buses to be more comfortable.

    I also thought about taking a train to the capital, but after reading some reviews, none sounded very promising. My past train experiences in my own country made me decide to skip that adventure for now.

    (continue reading on episode 6)

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