How to get to Cambodia from Vietnam?

How to get to Cambodia from Vietnam is a common query among travelers eager to explore the seamless transition from Vietnam’s vibrant landscapes to the rich heritage of Cambodia. Wondering how to navigate this journey?

You’re not alone! With FME Travel, dive into the myriad of travel options available, tailored to meet your needs—whether you seek efficiency, comfort, or a bit of adventure.

Traveling from Vietnam to Cambodia is more than just moving between two points. It’s about experiencing the rich cultural tapestry and scenic beauty that this part of the world has to offer.

Whether you choose the affordability of a bus, the swift journey by plane, the scenic route by speedboat, or the independence of driving, each mode of transportation offers its own unique experiences and preparations.

Mode	Cost	Comfort	Speed	Convenience	Notes
Bus	$ 6	Least comfortable	Slowest option, crowded	Budget-friendly, good for sightseeing	Requires patience due to crowding and slower pace
Speed Boat	$ 6.5	More comfortable than bus	Faster than bus, scenic journey	More expensive than bus	Offers a scenic route but at a higher cost
Airplane	$ 2	Most comfortable	Fastest option	Least opportunity to see the landscape	Quickest method, but offers less interaction with the environment
Car	Varies	Can be comfortable	Adventurous experience, flexible itinerary	Requires preparation (vehicle registration, Cambodian license), slowest option if factoring border crossings	Most flexible, suitable for those who prefer a self-paced journey

From understanding the nuances of each travel method to navigating the various border gates like Moc Bai – Tay Ninh and Tinh Bien – An Giang, this guide covers essential tips and practical information to make your journey smooth and enjoyable.

Join us as we explore the most effective ways to traverse these beautiful lands, ensuring your travel from Vietnam to Cambodia is nothing short of spectacular.

Transportation from Vietnam to Cambodia

There are 4 ways to travel from Vietnam to Cambodia: bus, speed boat, airplane, and car. 

Currently, there are many ways to travel from Vietnam to Cambodia, with the four most common being by bus, speed boat, airplane, or car. Each mode of transport has its own notes and preparations depending on your itinerary and preferences.

Traveler Type	Mode of Transport	Advantages	Considerations
Budget Travelers	Bus	Most affordable, offers scenic views	Longer travel times
Comfort-Oriented	Speed Boat / Airplane	Fast and comfortable, reduces travel fatigue	Higher costs compared to buses
In a Hurry	Airplane	Quickest option, reaching destinations in just 2 hours	Ideal for tight schedules
Adventurous Drivers	Car	Independence to explore at your own pace, opportunity for unique travel experiences	Requires vehicle registration and Cambodian license

Distance from Ho Chi Minh city to Cambodia

Distance from Ho Chi Minh City to Cambodia

Ho Chi Minh City, located near the Cambodian border, is only 225 km away from Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. This close proximity provides travelers with several convenient options to reach Cambodia quickly and efficiently.

Other Key Border Crossings and Distances from Vietnam to Cambodia

1. Moc Bai (Vietnam) to Bavet (Cambodia)
   • Distance: Approximately 70 km from Ho Chi Minh City.
   • Details: This is one of the most popular and busiest border crossings for those traveling by bus or car. It serves as a direct route for many bus services between Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh.
2. Tinh Bien (Vietnam) to Phnom Den (Cambodia)
   • Distance: About 240 km from Ho Chi Minh City.
   • Details: Located in An Giang Province, this crossing is less crowded and offers a more scenic rural drive, ideal for those looking to explore the less trodden paths.
3. Ha Tien (Vietnam) to Prek Chak (Cambodia)
   • Distance: Roughly 350 km from Ho Chi Minh City.
   • Details: This border crossing is favored by travelers heading to the coastal areas of Cambodia, including Kep and Kampot, as well as those continuing to Sihanoukville.
4. Xa Xia (Vietnam) to Prek Chak (Cambodia)
   • Distance: About 360 km from Ho Chi Minh City.
   • Details: This is another option for those heading to Cambodia’s beaches, providing an alternative route that might be less congested during peak travel seasons.

Each of these border crossings offers its own unique set of advantages depending on your final destination in Cambodia, your mode of transportation, and your travel preferences. Whether you’re looking for the quickest route to Phnom Penh or a scenic journey through the countryside, there’s a path from Vietnam to Cambodia that’s right for you.

Some border gates from Vietnam to Cambodia

You can cross by bus through the following border gates: Moc Bai – Tay Ninh, Tinh Bien – An Giang, Xia Xia (Kien Giang), Xa Mat (Tay Ninh).

Additionally, there are 3 new border gates: Le Thanh (Gia Lai), Hoa Lu (Binh Phuoc), and Bu Prang (Dak Nong). All of these are international border gates, so you can pass through them.

• Moc Bai – Tay Ninh: Many buses operate the route to Phnom Penh from here. The bus companies will handle the immigration procedures for passengers with a waiting time of about 40 minutes, so you don’t need to worry.
• Tinh Bien – An Giang to Phnom Den (Takeo): Chau Doc is about 25 km southwest of the border gate. From Chau Doc, you can get to Phnom Den by bus or round-trip boat.
• Xia Xia (Kien Giang) to Prek Chack (Kampot): This border gate is about 6 km from Ha Tien, and there are no buses to this gate. If you go through this border gate, your only option is to take a motorbike taxi.

Ways to travel from Vietnam to Cambodia

By bus

Traveling by bus takes about 6 hours from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh and 10-11 hours to Siem Reap. To book tickets, you can contact the bus companies via hotline or their websites. Most bus companies do not offer door-to-door transfer services, so you need to go to the bus station or the location advised by the bus company.

The average ticket price for each trip varies from 500,000 VND to 1,980,000 VND for a one-way trip, including the cost of immigration for ASEAN nationals. For non-ASEAN nationals, the driver will assist in purchasing a Cambodia visa at the Bavet border gate for $40.

Here are some quality bus companies from Ho Chi Minh City:

• Thai Duong Bus:
  • Address: 302 Cong Hoa, Ward 13, Tan Binh District, HCMC
  • Cambodia address: Nº 88 & 89, St. 173 corner St.348 Sangkat Toul Svay Prey 1, Khan Boeung Keng Kang, Phnom Penh
  • Phone: 1900 9227 – 093 8569 108
  • Departure times:
    • Saigon – Phnom Penh: 7:00, 7:30, 9:00, 9:15, 11:30, 13:30, 15:30
    • Saigon – Siem Reap: 7:00, 09:15, 11:30, 15:30
    • Saigon – Sihanoukville: 7:00, 09:15, 11:30, 15:30
    • Saigon – Bavet Border Gate: 7:30, 11:30, 15:30
    • Saigon – Phnom Penh – Bangkok: 7:30, 11:30, 15:30
  • Website: Thai Duong Limousine
• Khai Nam Bus:
  • Address: 363 Hung Vuong, Ward 9, District 5, HCMC
  • Cambodia address: #56, St 286, Sangkat Toul Svay Prey 2, Khan Chamka Morn, Phnom Penh
  • Phone: (+84) 1900 1939 or (+84) 028 3838 1122
  • Departure times:
    • Saigon – Phnom Penh: 4:30, 5:00, 5:30, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00, 10:30, 12:00, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30
    • Saigon – Bavet Border Gate: 4:30, 5:00, 5:30, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00, 10:30, 12:00, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30
  • Website: Khai Nam Bus

By boat

A high-speed boat is certainly a convenient way to travel between Vietnam and Cambodia. Compared to buses, boats are more comfortable but about 50% more expensive. It takes about 6 hours and 30 minutes by boat from Vietnam to Cambodia.

However, relatively speaking, traveling by boat is a practical and smoother journey than by bus. You can book boat tickets via the hotline or the boat company’s website.

If departing from Ho Chi Minh City, follow these steps:

1. Book a boat ticket on the websites or contact FME Travel for assistance.
2. Book a bus ticket or rent a car from Ho Chi Minh City to the boat station in Chau Doc. It takes about 5 hours to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Chau Doc.
3. Arrive at the boat station 30 minutes before the departure time, complete the procedures, and board the boat.

Ticket prices range from 900,000 to 1,000,000 VND, including drinks on the boat and a small snack bag. Note that boat ticket prices do not include immigration and visa fees, so you must prepare all necessary documents before boarding. The boat company staff will check before issuing tickets.

Here is the information for Hang Chau Boat Company, a reputable company operating between Vietnam and Cambodia:

• Address: Victoria Hotel – 01 Le Loi Street, Chau Phu B Ward, Chau Doc City, An Giang Province.
• Cambodia port address: International Floating Port – 103 Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh.
• Phone: (+855) 88 435 3333 or (+84) 028 3838 1122
• Email: hangchautourist@gmail.com
• Departure times:
  • Chau Doc – Phnom Penh: 7:30 AM
  • Phnom Penh – Chau Doc: 12:30 PM
• Website: Hang Chau Tourist

By airplane

If you want to have more time to explore mystical Cambodia, you can choose to travel by plane. Currently, Vietnam Airlines is the only domestic airline operating flights from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to Phnom Penh.

In addition, you can also choose from a number of budget international airlines such as Air Asia, Thai Smile, Cambodia Angkor Air…

Depending on your trip’s purpose and schedule, you can refer to the airlines’ websites to choose the most suitable departure time.

International flight prices to Cambodia range from 2,900,000 – 4,896,000 VND / one-way, and round-trip tickets range from 5,072,000 – 7,896,000 VND / ticket (including taxes and fees).

The cheapest time to book flights to Cambodia is from June to October. From November to May is the peak tourist season in Cambodia, so ticket prices will be higher.

By car

For those with an adventurous spirit, a road trip to Phnom Penh offers a unique perspective on the journey. The total manageable distance is about 230 km (143 miles) and can be divided into two parts.

The first leg takes you from Ho Chi Minh City to Moc Bai, a town in Tay Ninh Province, Vietnam, about 60 km (37 miles) away. National Highway 22 leads you through the countryside, passing through Go Dau town. Turn left at Go Dau onto the road to Ben Cau, then continue to Moc Bai.

Note that this initial segment has lower speed limits, capped at 40 km/h (25 mph). Use this opportunity to stretch, grab a bite, and prepare for the next leg of the journey.

At the Moc Bai border gate, complete exit procedures from Vietnam. After clearing customs, proceed another 100 meters (328 feet) to the Bavet border gate in Cambodia.

From here, you can drive relatively smoothly to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital. However, remember that speed limits remain moderate, ranging from 40 to 80 km/h (25 to 50 mph). Pay attention to posted signs to ensure compliance.

Important note: Driving into Cambodia requires proper customs registration for your vehicle and a valid intercountry driving license for Cambodia.

The best way to get to Cambodia from Vietnam depends on your budget and priorities:

• Budget-friendly: Bus is the cheapest option, taking around 6 hours from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh.
• Comfort and speed: Speed boats are faster (6.5 hours) and more comfortable than a bus, but also more expensive.
• Fastest option: Flying is the quickest (around 2 hours), but also the most expensive.
• Adventure: Driving your own car offers a unique experience, but requires proper vehicle registration and a Cambodian driving license.

Some handy tips for making the most of your Cambodian adventure

Mobile SIMs

Upon arriving in Cambodia, you can easily purchase a SIM card at any phone shop. However, for a more secure experience, it’s recommended to visit mobile service providers or telecommunication stores as local shops may inflate prices or provide expired SIMs.

Alternatively, you can purchase a SIM card from H Beeline or QB at the airport for $5. Simply present your valid passport and visa to acquire a SIM with various data packages.

Currency exchange

While the official currency in Cambodia is the Riel, the US Dollar is widely accepted. Therefore, it’s advisable to carry a mix of both currencies, including Riels and US Dollars, to conveniently make payments for goods and services of varying amounts. You can exchange currencies upon crossing the border into Cambodia to get the best rates.

Additionally, although credit cards are accepted in many establishments, it’s still recommended to have some cash on hand for purchasing street food, souvenirs, or other incidental expenses.

Local transportation

When exploring Cambodia, you’ll have a variety of transportation options for getting around, including tuk-tuks, motorbikes, cyclos, and buses. For tuk-tuks and motorbikes, be sure to negotiate the price before getting in to avoid being overcharged.

Cultural etiquette

As a country rich in temples, towers, and ancient historical sites, when visiting temples, palaces, and museums in Cambodia, you should follow these rules:

• Dress modestly: When visiting temples, palaces, and museums in Cambodia, it’s crucial to dress respectfully, covering shoulders and knees.
• Proper posture in temples: Avoid sitting with your legs crossed while inside temples. Instead, keep your feet together and to one side.
• Greeting: Use the traditional Sompiah greeting by placing your palms together in a prayer-like gesture and bowing your head slightly.
• Avoid physical contact: Refrain from pointing directly at people or touching their heads or hair, as these are considered sacred areas.
• Respect for monks: As a female, avoid physical contact with male monks, both inside temples and in public spaces, as this is considered highly inappropriate.

Travel Planning

Plan your trip meticulously to maximize time and minimize expenses.

• Book transportation in advance: Secure your bus, train, or flight tickets beforehand to ensure hassle-free travel.
• Arrange accommodation: Research and book your preferred accommodation, such as hotels, homestays, or guesthouses, based on your budget and preferences.
• Essential documents: Carry all necessary identification documents, including a passport valid for at least six months and a national ID card.
• International driving permit: If traveling by car, ensure you have an international driving permit.
• Bus ticket prices: Despite longer travel times, bus fares to Cambodia are generally affordable. Compare prices carefully to avoid overpaying.

These are the essential notes before traveling to Cambodia. Remember to embrace the local customs and traditions to enhance your overall experience. If you plan to visit this country, make sure you are well-prepared. If you need assistance booking a bus or train from Vietnam to Cambodia, contact FME Travel for the best care.