Is the Hat Lek to Cham Yeam Border Open? 2026 Status
Hat Lek, in Trat province, faces Cham Yeam near Koh Kong in Cambodia. It was the coastal alternative to Poipet and a common visa run for people living on Koh Chang, in Pattaya or along the eastern seaboard.
Is Hat Lek Open?
Every land crossing between Thailand and Cambodia has been closed since June 23, 2025, following the border conflict between the two countries. As of our last check in late October 2026, they remained closed to travelers, with no confirmed reopening date.
Hat Lek is included. Minivan companies in Trat and Pattaya that used to sell visa run packages through Hat Lek have stopped running them while the border is shut.
Alternatives For Eastern Thailand
- Fly out from U-Tapao or Bangkok: both have flights to regional cities. An air entry does not use one of your two land entries
- Laos by land: Nong Khai to Vientiane is the nearest practical land crossing, though it is a long trip from Trat or Pattaya
- Extend instead of running: one 30-day extension is available at Thai immigration offices, including in Trat and Pattaya
Reaching Koh Kong And Cambodia
To visit Cambodia while the land border is closed, fly to Phnom Penh, then travel overland to Koh Kong by bus. Cambodia’s e-visa costs about US$36 and the visa on arrival about US$30. Remember the e-Arrival card within seven days before you arrive.
Thailand’s Border Run Rules Since September 2026
Thailand changed the rules on September 15, 2026, and they matter more than any detail of the crossing itself:
- 30 days visa-free for eligible nationalities, for tourism only
- Two land-border entries per calendar year on the visa exemption. Nationals of Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and Singapore are exempt from the cap
- Air entries are not capped, but officers screen repeat visa runners more closely
- One 30-day extension at a Thai immigration office (form TM.7, 1,900 THB)
If you have already used your two land entries this year, this crossing will not get you back in visa-free. Fly in instead, or apply for a Tourist e-Visa or the DTV before you go. Our Thailand border run rules for 2026 covers every option.
Bring Proof Of Onward Travel
Border officers on a visa run are deciding one thing: will you leave again on time? A confirmed onward or return booking is the quickest way to answer that. It matters most when you are re-entering a country you only just left, and on the flight leg if your run involves one. See whether Cambodia asks for proof of onward travel.
If you do not want to commit to a real ticket yet, Fast Onward Tickets issues an onward flight reservation in minutes. See our complete guide to proof of onward travel for what officers and airlines accept.
FAQs
Is there a boat between Trat and Cambodia?
No scheduled passenger boat offers a legal alternative while the land border is closed.
Will Hat Lek reopen with Poipet?
Probably at a similar time, but nothing has been confirmed. See our Poipet status guide.
Can I extend my stay in Trat instead?
Yes, once, for 30 days with form TM.7 and 1,900 THB.
The Bottom Line
Hat Lek is not an option for now. Extend, fly out and back, or apply for a longer Thai visa.