Poipet

Poipet is a small town in western Cambodia, near the Thai border. It is a key crossing point between the two countries, and 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.

Poipet is the gateway to Cambodia for many overland travellers coming from Thailand. It does not provide a very warm welcome. Gordon Sharpless notes that "Poipet more or less rhymes with toilet" and this caustic observation is, sadly, true. Poipet is a miserable huddle of touts, beggars, thieves and dodgy casinos for daytripping Thais, and spending any more time than absolutely necessary is not recommended.

The most rewarding part of any tourist's visit to Poipet is leaving the city, whether it's towards the appropriate destination in Cambodia, or towards Thailand. 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. Other than gambling, whoring and lowering one's opinion of humanity, there are no sights or activities in Poipet.