Things To Do
in Aranyaprathet
Aranyaprathet is a bustling border town located in the eastern province of Sa Kaeo, Thailand. It serves as a major gateway between Thailand and Cambodia, with a busy border crossing point known as Poipet. The town is known for its vibrant markets selling a variety of goods, particularly clothing and electronics.
Visitors often use Aranyaprathet as a stopover point when traveling between Thailand and Cambodia.
- "Sawasdee" - Hello
- "Khop khun" - Thank you
- "Chai" - Yes
- "Mai" - No
- "Tao rai?" - How much?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $10 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $2 - $10
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $40
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the local markets to experience the vibrant culture. You can try some delicious street food and interact with the friendly locals.
Visit the Wat Phra Khao Noi temple to admire its stunning architecture and tranquil atmosphere. It's a great place for some reflection and photography.
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling traditional Thai dishes. Take a leisurely stroll through the night market for shopping and entertainment.
Head to Khao Sanam Chang Wildlife Sanctuary for a refreshing hike among lush greenery. Keep an eye out for local wildlife and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery.
Pack a picnic lunch and relax by one of the serene lakes within the sanctuary. This is a perfect moment to unwind and take in the peaceful surroundings.
Return to town and treat yourself to a relaxing Thai massage. It's a perfect way to end a day full of activities.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Aranyaprathet is located near the border with Cambodia, providing easy access to explore Cambodian attractions.
- It is known for its vibrant local markets and affordable shopping opportunities.
- The town has a rich cultural heritage and offers a glimpse into Thai traditions and practices.
- Aranyaprathet features beautiful natural landscapes, including nearby national parks and scenic areas.
- The cost of living in Aranyaprathet is generally low compared to larger Thai cities.
- Infrastructure may be less developed than in bigger cities, leading to potential inconveniences.
- Limited access to international amenities and services compared to urban centers.
- Weather can be extremely hot during the summer months, making outdoor activities uncomfortable.
- Language barriers might be present, as not all locals speak English fluently.
- The proximity to the border can sometimes lead to increased security concerns or cross-border issues.
Best Activities in Aranyaprathet
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the lively Rong Kluea Market where you can shop for local handicrafts, textiles, and delicious street food while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
Take a hike through Khao Din National Park, known for its stunning landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and serene environment perfect for nature lovers.
Join a biking tour that takes you through the picturesque countryside around Aranyaprathet, allowing you to experience local life and enjoy beautiful sceneries.
Cross the border to Poipet, Cambodia, and visit the border market where you can find unique goods and souvenirs, experiencing a different culture.
Take a cultural tour to visit nearby temples, such as Wat Serng Sang and Wat Tham Sua, and appreciate the architectural beauty and spiritual significance.
Set up a camping trip at one of the local parks, enjoy stargazing at night, and experience the calming sounds of nature.
Visit local wetlands for bird watching opportunities, where you can observe diverse bird species in their natural habitats.
Tours
Uncover the best of Aranyaprathet with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Aranyaprathet
Visit one of these nice places.
Ancient temple complex with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Beautiful waterfall and natural landscape perfect for photography.
Scenic nature park with various lookout points for great photo opportunities.
Food in Aranyaprathet
Aranyaprathet Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A spicy green papaya salad mixed with tomatoes, green beans, peanuts, and a tangy dressing. It can be found at street food stalls and local eateries throughout Aranyaprathet.
Must-Try!
A famous Thai stir-fried noodle dish, typically made with rice noodles, eggs, tofu, shrimp, or chicken, and topped with crushed peanuts. Look for it at the bustling food markets or small family-owned restaurants in town.
Fried rice with a choice of meats or seafood, often served with cucumber slices, tomato, and a lime wedge. It's a popular dish available at most local eateries and food vendors.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Aranyaprathet better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This vibrant night market is a hub of street food stalls offering a wide variety of local dishes such as grilled meats, seafood, noodle soups, and sweet treats. Visitors can explore and taste an array of authentic Thai flavors here.
Known for its bustling atmosphere and diverse food selection, Rong Klua Market is a great place to sample local delicacies and street food while immersing in the lively local culture.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Thailand, the monarchy is highly revered. It is important to show respect in conversations about the royal family and to avoid any criticism or negative comments.
The traditional Thai greeting, known as 'wai,' involves pressing your palms together in a prayer-like gesture and bowing slightly. It is a sign of respect and should be used when greeting elders or showing appreciation.
When visiting temples or religious sites, it is crucial to dress modestly. This means covering your shoulders and knees, and removing shoes before entering sacred spaces as a sign of respect.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Aranyaprathet with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Aranyaprathet
Ensure a smooth experience
In Aranyaprathet, Thailand, tipping is not a customary practice but is appreciated for good service, especially in restaurants and by taxi drivers. A tip of around 20 baht or rounding up the bill is common in casual dining, while higher-end establishments may expect more generous tips, usually around 10% of the total bill.
Payment practices in Aranyaprathet vary with establishments. Cash is predominantly preferred, but credit and debit cards are accepted in larger hotels and restaurants. Local vendors and markets typically operate on a cash-only basis. It's advisable to carry sufficient cash when visiting local shops and street vendors.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Aranyaprathet.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Aranyaprathet, with comfortable temperatures and clear sunny days. This is peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and more crowds.
Expect very hot and humid weather, with temperatures often reaching above 40°C. Higher risk of heat-related illnesses, so take precautions if visiting during this time.
This is the low tourist season, with frequent rain showers and high humidity. Prices are lower, but outdoor activities may be limited due to the rain.
Aranyaprathet at Night
Hiking in Aranyaprathet
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Located about 50 km from Aranyaprathet, Khao Chamao National Park features a range of hiking trails amidst lush rainforest, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife.
Approximately 65 km from Aranyaprathet, this park offers scenic viewpoints and trails that lead to the famous Khao Khitchakut mountain, especially popular during the pilgrimage season.
While primarily known for its historical significance, the surrounding area offers trails for hiking with stunning views of the ancient Khmer architecture and the countryside.
About 110 km from Aranyaprathet, this UNESCO World Heritage site boasts extensive hiking trails, wildlife spotting, and beautiful waterfalls.
Located around 80 km away, Sai Thong features hiking trails that take you through unique geological formations and stunning flower fields, especially during the blooming season.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Aranyaprathet through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Aranyaprathet by plane.
International airport located in Samut Prakan, approximately 150 km west of Aranyaprathet.
Another major international airport located in Bangkok, roughly 160 km from Aranyaprathet.
Located in Siem Reap, Cambodia, about 165 km from Aranyaprathet, serving as a gateway to the Angkor Wat temples.
The main international airport in Cambodia, located approximately 250 km from Aranyaprathet.
Located in Udon Thani, Thailand, approximately 350 km from Aranyaprathet, serving both domestic and international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group, comprising a significant portion of the population, primarily engaging in agriculture, trade, and tourism.
A notable ethnic group in the region, often involved in cross-border trade and labor, especially in agriculture and construction.
An ethnic minority that plays a vital role in local commerce, often owning businesses and engaging in trade.
A smaller ethnic and religious demographic, contributing to the cultural diversity of the region.
This includes various smaller groups such as ethnolinguistic minorities and migrant workers from neighboring countries.
The Soul of Aranyaprathet
Discover the essence of Aranyaprathet through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A traditional martial art and combat sport from Thailand, known as the 'Art of Eight Limbs' for its use of fists, elbows, knees, and shins.
A widely popular team sport played between two teams of eleven players, known for its passionate fan base in Thailand.
A popular sport in Thailand, often played on both recreational and competitive levels, including beach volleyball.
A popular racket sport in Thailand, played both recreationally and competitively, with many Thai players achieving international success.
A growing sport in Thailand, especially among the youth, with organized leagues and school competitions.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Aranyaprathet.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Thai cuisine prominently features meat and fish, many restaurants and street food vendors in Aranyaprathet offer vegetarian and vegan versions of popular dishes, such as Pad Thai, green curry, and stir-fried vegetables.
Though gluten-free awareness is still emerging, travelers with gluten restrictions can find rice-based dishes like fried rice and noodle soups that are naturally devoid of gluten. Communicating dietary needs clearly at local eateries is recommended for a tailored dining experience.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Aranyaprathet with these cultural adventures.
