Trat to Kampong Thom Drive Guide: Essential Tips

When you depart Trat's coastal lowlands, you immediately climb onto the Cardamom Mountains' eastern fringe—a subtle ascent that sets the tone for the entire drive. The route crosses two countries, two time zones (Thailand is one hour ahead of Cambodia), and one of Southeast Asia's most storied historical corridors. This guide covers the practical essentials: distances, border procedures, and the surprising diversity between Thailand's fruit orchards and Cambodia's ancient temple plains.

The total drive from Trat to Kampong Thom is approximately 320 kilometers (200 miles) and takes anywhere from 5 to 7 hours depending on border crossing times and road conditions. The route is increasingly popular with independent travelers seeking an alternative to the crowded Bangkok–Siem Reap highway. Below is a snapshot of key logistics.

Overall, the route is safe for experienced drivers, but you must stay alert for livestock on the road, especially after dark. The Cambodian stretch has moderate traffic, with occasional overloaded trucks and motorcycles darting out. Use your horn when overtaking—it's a norm. The road quality is good, but potholes can appear suddenly in the wet season.

For rest, plan to stop every 2–3 hours. The town of Snuol, at the intersection with Route 7 and National Road 7 (actually the same route), has several gas stations with clean restrooms and convenience stores. A more scenic stop is the bridge over the Mekong at Kratie, where you can watch Irrawaddy dolphins from the riverbanks—a family-friendly attraction.

If traveling with kids, pack plenty of snacks and entertainment; the drive is long, and amenities are sparse. For pet owners, note that Cambodia has no strict pet entry requirements, but it's advisable to carry your pet's health certificate. At the border, they may ask for proof of rabies vaccination.

Hidden off-route gems include the Bousra Waterfall, located about 30 kilometers from Snuol on a detour to Mondulkiri—though the road is rough, the reward is a tiered cascade set in jungle. Another is the pre-Angkorian temple of Prasat Phnom Banan in Battambang, but that's a separate trip.

To manage fatigue, consider an overnight stop in Kratie, a charming town along the Mekong with budget guesthouses and riverfront bungalows. Many travelers choose to break the journey here.

Shortly after the border, you'll pass through the Cardamom Mountains' eastern foothills—a mosaic of rubber plantations and secondary forest. As you descend onto the lower Mekong plains, the landscape opens up to vast rice paddies dotted with sugar palm trees, a quintessential Cambodian vista. The route crosses several small rivers, including the popular tourist spot of Kratie's Mekong River, but the main attraction is the pre-Angkorian temple complex of Sambor Prei Kuk, located just 20 kilometers north of Kampong Thom.

UNESCO listed Sambor Prei Kuk as a World Heritage Site in 2017, and it comprises over 100 temples dating from the 7th century. Unlike the crowded Angkor, here you can explore ancient brick sanctuaries in peaceful solitude. Local vendors near the temple sell woven handicrafts and fresh coconut drinks, offering a glimpse of local commerce unchanged by mass tourism.

Between Trat and the border, you'll find typical Thai roadside stalls selling seafood and tropical fruit—durian, rambutan, and mangosteen. After crossing into Cambodia, small eateries serve Khmer staples like fish amok and fried noodles. For a more substantial meal, the town of Snuol (about halfway) has a lively market with grilled meats and noodle soups.

The climate here is tropical monsoon with a wet season from May to October that can cause muddy conditions on unpaved sections. During the dry season (November–February), temperatures are milder, but the landscape becomes dustier. The best time to drive is early morning to avoid heat and afternoon rains.

National Route 7 in Cambodia is the backbone of this journey, a two-lane road that has seen major upgrades since 2010. The Thai side uses Route 3157 from Trat to the Hat Lek border crossing, which is well-paved and adequately marked. After the border, the landscape changes swiftly—the first 30 kilometers into Cambodia are bumpy in places, but soon you reach the smooth, new asphalt of NR7.

Fuel is readily available on both sides, but prices vary significantly; as of 2025, gasoline costs about 40% less in Cambodia than in Thailand. It is wise to fill your tank in Trat if you prefer Thai fuel quality, but note that Cambodian stations (e.g., Sokimex, Tela) are common. ATM availability is sparse after the border, so carry cash in US dollars—the de facto currency in Cambodia—for tolls and small purchases.

• Border crossing: Hat Lek (Thailand) to Cham Yeam (Cambodia), open daily 6:00–22:00.
• Vehicle insurance: Required in Cambodia; buy at the border (approx. $20 for a week).
• Mobile roaming: Thai SIMs work for a limited time in Cambodia; consider a local SIM for data.
• Tolls: None on NR7 currently.
• Road condition: Almost fully paved; minor unpaved sections near Snuol.