"There are a handful of casinos. Gambling is illegal in both Thailand and Cambodia but some casinos have been set up between the two countries. The potential dangers of gambling in a no man's land between Thailand and Cambodia should be immediately apparent to anyone. Dress codes are enforced so spruce yourself up if you want to join the visiting Thai businessmen at the tables. If you’re hungry or want to use the toilet, stop in at one of the casinos in the no-man’s land between Poipet and Aranyaprathet. I like Grand Diamond Casino’s Chillax Restaurant because they have free WiFi and a great name."
The Border
Poipet (also Poiphet, properly Paoy Paet) is a Cambodian town on the Cambodia/Thailand border. The border of Poipet, 10 kilometres from Sisophon, is a bustling market, where Thais
and Cambodians trade. It is a key crossing point between the two countries. Poipet is also a popular entry point for backpackers on their way to Siem Reap.
It's also extremely popular as a gambling destination as gambling is popular, but illegal in Thailand. There is a strip of casinos and hotels between the Cambodian and Thai passport control counters, enabling Thais to gamble in Cambodia without needing to go through Cambodian immigration. This casino strip area is a 'special zone' that prevents Cambodians from gambling. There is another border on the Cambodian side of this strip area that one needs to pass before being free to travel within the rest of the country. Poipet is adjacent to the town of Aranya Pratet on the Thai side of the border. Its population has increased, making it the 4th most populous settlement in Cambodia just ahead of Sihanoukville and bigger than its provincial capital Sisophon.
Cambodia visa processing here is rather easy. The foreign visitors just fill in the visa application form with 1 Passport-size photo. Show your Passport and pay USD 20 or 1,000 Baht for visa fee to the Cambodian Immigration officials. That's all the process needed to be done.
The Poipet border is open from 07:30 a.m. to 17:00 p.m., and foreign tourists can obtain the visa here. A slight warning is that you might be asked for some sorts of International Vaccination Certificate by the local immigration officials. It is only their attempt to make some extra money as there is no such requirement. After passing through the Immigration station, you can easily spot two casinos that host the Thai gamblers who travel to Poipet for legal gambling in Cambodia. The good hotels actually the guesthouses in Poipet are mostly full in advance as they are pre-booked for these gambling group tours from Thailand. It is not a good idea to cross the border in the late afternoon to find yourself stuck there.
Casino Tropicana (Poipet)
In Poipet, the vehicles are rare to be seen. Taxi is run by private two-wheeled motorcyclist. There is a bus station near the crossing point, but it is vacant. Many wagons, full of goods and products, are pulled or pushed by several dusty Cambodians. Food and drink stalls can be seen on the two sides of the street. Poipet is a typical border town where shocking development disparities exist between two nations, not unlike Tijuana or Ciudad del Este. With gambling being illegal in Thailand, Poipet's location has made it a popular destination for Thais longing to risk their money on roulette and poker. Poipet's
gambling industry is growing fast and there are several large, opulent casinos in town, in rather disgusting contrast to the begging children near
the border.
There are coffee shops in two of the casinos (Holiday Palace and diamond) which serve good coffee and even frappes and have
air-conditioning, although in the diamond casino you need to explore a bit to find it, an interesting experience in itself. Food in the casinos is good and a welcome change from the standard restaurants in town.
The road from Poipet to Siem Reap via Sisophon is now paved and smooth, and the trip will take just a few hours.
Holiday Palace Casino & Resort
Situated in Nimit Thmei, Holiday Palace Casino & Resort is the perfect place to experience Ou Chrov and its surroundings. Only 0.1KM from the city center, the hotel's strategic location ensures that guests can quickly and easily reach many local points of interest. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city's must-see destinations.
Holiday Palace Casino & Resort also offers many facilities to enrich your stay in Ou Chrov. The hotel provides 24-hour room service, casino, luggage storage, Wi-Fi in public areas, valet parking to ensure our guests the greatest comfort.
Holiday Palace Casino & Resort is home to 412 bedrooms. All are tastefully furnished and many even provide such comforts as television LCD/plasma screen, clothes rack, mirror, slippers, towels. Throughout the day you can enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the hot tub, fitness center, sauna, spa, massage. Whatever your purpose of visit, Holiday Palace Casino & Resort is an excellent choice for your stay in Ou Chrov.
If what you're looking for is a conveniently located hotel in Ou Chrov, look no further than Poipet Resort Casino. From here, guests can enjoy easy access to all that the lively city has to offer. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city's must-see destinations.
Poipet Resort Casino also offers many facilities to enrich your stay in Ou Chrov. This hotel offers numerous on-site facilities to satisfy even the most discerning guest.
Hotel accommodations have been carefully appointed to the highest degree of comfort and convenience. In some of the rooms, guests can find complimentary instant coffee, complimentary tea, free welcome drink, mirror, slippers. Throughout the day you can enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the dart board, fitness center, sauna, spa, massage. Discover an engaging blend of professional service and a wide array of features at Poipet Resort Casino.
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