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We crossed the border of Thailand into Cambodia at Aranyaprathet. No one was able to do this crossing before because of Khmer Rouge activity. But the Khmer Rouge had now disbanded and the border crossing was now thought to be safe into Poipet on the Cambodian Side.

Cambodia story.

Jonnytelak
2005-12-25 14:37:33

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We crossed the border of Thailand into Cambodia at Aranyaprathet. No one was able to do this crossing before because of Khmer Rouge activity. But the Khmer Rouge had now disbanded and the border crossing was now thought to be safe into Poipet on the Cambodian Side.

This border crossing is a massive trading place for Thailand and Cambodia. There is a huge market in the space between the Thai and Cambodian Crossings. We arrived at Aranyaprathet at night so decided to cross in the morning.

As we trudged across the space between the borders dodging the hundreds of people selling their wares, we were spotted by a couple of 'touts'. They were touts for Guesthouses in Siem Reap which is the town just outside of Angkor. Thats where we were going, to see the center of the ancient Khmer Empire called Angkor.

The touts helped us to get through Immigration on the Cambodian side. Normally i never listen to touts who approach you in places like this, as they are quite often there to "rip you off". But, as this is a new country for me to visit and i don't know the do's and don'ts i went along with it. They herded us towards an open backed pick up truck and intimated for us to get in. So we did, there were already about 5 local cambodians in it. And another 3 joined us after that.

So now the truck is pretty full, with everyone and their goods. I was sitting on my rucksack but i had my legs scrunched up in front of me. It was very uncomfortable. The tout had got the money from us for the journey already. i'm not sure how much it was now...maybe 250Thai Baht each.
The tout dissapears and the driver of the truck comes along and wants paying again!....
Ah ha the scam comes to light. But we refuse point blank to pay again and eventually they sort it out amongst themselves.

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