Understand

Just 6km southeast of the town lies the border, open from 08:00 to 20:00. There is no time difference between the two countries. Right next to the Thai immigration facilities, you'll find Rongkleu Market. This bustling market is home to banks, cafes, convenience stores, money exchangers, and buses. However, it's important to be cautious as the market, along with the border and the town itself, is notorious for visa scams targeting unsuspecting travelers. On the Cambodian side of the border lies Poipet, a city of 90,000. This is an opportunity to glimpse what Cambodia was like two decades ago, although most tourists passing through the seedy main road never realize it. Aran serves as a strategic intersection near the train station. Clockwise, the roads lead to the train station (NE), the border (SE), the clock tower and town center (SW), and the bus station (NW). From Aran, you can embark on journeys to various destinations in both Thailand and Cambodia. However, the Bangkok-Siem Reap trip is the most popular among travelers.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Pad Thai: Pad Thai is a signature Thai dish consisting of stir-fried rice noodles with a uniquely balanced blend of sweet, sour, salty, and tangy flavors. It typically includes shrimp or chicken (though can be prepared with tofu for a vegetarian version), scrambled eggs, bean sprouts, and is garnished with crushed peanuts, lime wedges, and fresh herbs like cilantro and green onions. The dish is served with a side of som tam (green papaya salad) and mango sticky rice for a complete meal.

Tom Yum Goong: This spicy and aromatic soup is a beloved Thai classic that features a fragrant broth made from stock, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, galangal, lime juice, fish sauce, and chili paste. It's packed with succulent prawns, mushrooms, tomatoes, and other vegetables, with optional additions like snakehead fish or even chicken. The dish is often garnished with fresh cilantro and a sprinkling of pepper.

Mango Sticky Rice: This iconic Thai dessert is a delightful combination of sweet, creamy mango and glutinous rice. The sticky rice is cooked in coconut milk and sugar until it achieves a chewy texture, then served alongside ripe, juicy mango slices. The dish is sometimes garnished with toasted coconut flakes or sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor. It's typically enjoyed during the mango season (May to September) as a sumptuous, refreshing treat.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing