Travel Guide to Aranyaprathet, Thailand

📍Typically, travelers enter Thailand through the Aranyaprathet border crossing from Poipet, Cambodia. Most people continue directly to Bangkok by bus, which is convenient if you purchase a through ticket from Siem Reap to Bangkok. A few people choose the slower train journey from Aranyaprathet to Bangkok. 📍I recommend traveling from Aranyaprathet to lesser-known destinations in eastern Thailand, such as Buriram or Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat). After crossing the border, I headed to the previously researched bus stop for Pattaya (there are direct buses from Aranyaprathet to Pattaya) and inquired about buses to Buriram. A young man on a motorbike led me to the bus station 1.8 km north of the border crossing and charged me 100 THB (a bit pricey). Arriving at the station at 9:50 am, I was pleasantly surprised to find a bus to Buriram via Nang Rong departing at 10:30 am! This bus station also has buses to Nakhon Ratchasima. Although I couldn't understand the language and didn't ask about the schedule, I suspect that these two relatively close provinces have frequent bus services to Aranyaprathet. 📍It took less than three hours to reach Nang Rong. Unlike minibuses, large buses can only stop at designated bus stations and not on demand. 📍Nang Rong's main attractions are Phanom Rung Historical Park and Muang Tam, sometimes referred to as "Little Angkor Wat." While they may not compare to the grandeur of Angkor, they are authentic ancient sites with fewer tourists and less commercialization, enhancing the overall experience. As both sites are about 30 km from Nang Rong, you'll need to hire a car or rent a motorbike. I rented a motorbike for 300 THB per day from P. California, where I stayed. Be cautious on the short stretch of mountain road and drive slowly. 📍Nang Rong itself is a laid-back and quiet town. The residential area feels like a small town in southern China, perhaps due to a significant Chinese community. The Nang Rong night market is fantastic, with diverse food stalls offering unique snacks. The satay, pork leg rice, and fried egg cakes (similar to dried tofu) are all incredibly delicious.