To travel from Thailand to Cambodia, one of the popular and cheapest ways is via Bangkok to the ancient temples of Angkor Wat. In Thailand, you will find alternatives to opt for. However, around the Khao San road you will get very cheap minivans that will take you to Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Travel at the cheapest fares with Minivans
If you want to travel at fair fares, just take a minivan from Bangkok to Siem reap. The minivan will take you at the cheapest rates. It is quite simple and easy to get a minivan. You can get to Cambodia within $9. Cambodia is an economical country to travel, this route fares will make you think otherwise. But $9 is quite good for the distance you are crossing.
Get to the Khao San Road in Bangkok, you will come across many travel companies there. They also offer cheap border crossings for Siem Reap in Cambodia. For less than $ 9 they promise to take you to Siem Reap. There are many travel agencies to choose from. You can choose any agencies. You will need to bargain there a bit. Check out some 2-3 travel agencies near the Khao San region and ask for transport rates from Bangkok to Siem Reap. After having various rates from agencies, choose one and book tickets from Bangkok to Siem Reap.
Risky border crossing
Before you enter the Cambodia border, you are trapped. Not always, but mostly. Tourists have reported so far that visa authentification is done on the border. Hence, you will need to halt there and pay some amount to the officers there. Although it is not a big deal, you can manage it safely.
Travel with Bike
If you are planning a longer period in Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, etc. As a general rule, you have to buy a motorbike with a Vietnamese license plate. Vietnamese bikes can cross most of the borders without problems.
Travel with Bus
This method is used by the government. In other words, no tricks, just fair prices. The Bus Company Calls Nattakan. The price is a little bit expensive than minivans, around 25-30 USD if you order online. But it is much safer and a direct connection between Bangkok and Siem Reap, so there is no need to replace or dry your luggage. Check this website to order bus tickets online: bookmebus.
Location: Northern bus terminal in Bangkok. The name of the bus terminal is Mo Chit 2 or Chatuchak bus terminal.
Schedule: one bus every day at 8 am
Travel with Train
The whole journey with the train takes longer. The train departs at 5 am. First of all, you need to take the train from Bangkok to the Poipet border. Then create a visa and take a local bus to Siem Reap. Buses are not difficult to find on the border with Poipet. The bus station is called K.S.O Bus Station and is located 500 meters from the border. If you pass the gate, go straight, detour, keep the train station on your left, keep going for 10 minutes and you will see the bus station on your left. Buses from Poipet to Siem Reap are frequent and cost around 5 USD.
Conclusion
If you are traveling with family, train or bus could be the best option for you. It is definitely an expensive and longer route, but the safest too. Whilst if you are planning to go with friends and thinking to save some bucks for extra shots, go for minivans. It is the cheapest. And you will get to have some adventurous border crossing experience. Although it is not that tough to cross the borders.