How to Get from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh: Best Routes & Tips

Cross Borders with Ease – Your 2025 Guide

Imagine starting your morning with a steaming cup of Vietnamese coffee in bustling Ho Chi Minh City, then ending the day watching the sunset over the Mekong River in Phnom Penh. Traveling between these two iconic Southeast Asian cities isn’t just about covering distance; it’s an unforgettable journey connecting two cultures, histories, and cuisines.

In 2025, traveling from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Phnom Penh has become easier and more comfortable than ever, thanks to modern buses, speedboats, and even direct flights. Whether you crave scenic river views, budget-friendly buses, or the quickest route by plane, there’s an option tailored to your style and schedule.

This guide breaks down the best ways to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh, including travel times, costs, visa info, and insider tips. Plus, discover what to expect at border crossings, and how to turn the trip itself into an adventure.

Ready to swap pho for fish amok and French colonial streets for golden temples? Let’s explore the smartest ways to cross from Vietnam to Cambodia in 2025 — stress-free, scenic, and unforgettable. 

1. By Bus: The Most Popular & Budget-Friendly Way

Taking the bus remains the go-to choice for backpackers and budget travelers.

🕒 Travel Time: ~6–7 hours (depending on border traffic)
💸 Cost: Around $20–$35 per ticket

🚍 Top Bus Companies (2025):

• Giant Ibis

• Mekong Express

• Kumho Samco

• Virak Buntham

What to expect:

• Air-conditioned coaches

• Wi-Fi (sometimes spotty)

• One or two rest stops for food and toilets

• Smooth visa assistance at the Bavet–Moc Bai border

Pro Tip: Book tickets online in advance, especially during holidays or peak travel months (December–February, July–August).

2. By Speedboat: Scenic Mekong River Adventure

For those craving something different, speedboats or slow boats offer an unforgettable river journey.

🕒 Travel Time: ~5–6 hours
💸 Cost: About $40–$60

🚤 Highlights:

• Stunning views of floating villages and rice paddies

• Photo ops and fresh air along the Mekong

Where to board: Chau Doc (Vietnam) — about 6 hours from Ho Chi Minh City by bus.
Note: Add extra time to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Chau Doc.

Pro Tip: This route is best in dry season (November–April) when river levels are stable.

3. By Plane: Fastest & Easiest Option

If time is limited, a short flight gets you there quickly.

🕒 Flight Time: ~1 hour
💸 Cost: $80–$150 (depending on season and airline)

🛫 Airlines flying direct (2025):

• Cambodia Angkor Air

• Vietnam Airlines

• VietJet Air

Benefits:

• Saves half a day

• Less hassle at border crossings (visa on arrival still applies)

Pro Tip: Check baggage fees on low-cost carriers; prices may look cheap until you add luggage.

4. Private Taxi or Minivan: Comfort & Flexibility

Ideal for families or small groups wanting door-to-door service.

🕒 Travel Time: ~5–6 hours
💸 Cost: ~$120–$200 per vehicle

Benefits:

• Pick-up at your hotel

• Flexible stops for food or sightseeing

• More comfortable for groups

Pro Tip: Always confirm price and inclusions (like border assistance) in advance.

5. Visa Tips & Border Crossing Info (2025)

• Most travelers need a Cambodian visa.

• Visa on Arrival: Available at Bavet border ($30, plus small fee for photo).

• E-Visa: Apply online before you go (save time at border).

At the border:

• Bus companies often collect passports to process visas together.

• Keep small cash in USD for visa fees.

Pro Tip: Always check latest entry requirements before traveling — rules can change.

6. Turn the Journey Into an Experience

Don’t rush! Turn your trip into part of the adventure.

• Stop in Chau Doc for a night: Floating villages, Sam Mountain, and peaceful river views.

• Explore Mekong Delta towns like Can Tho or Ben Tre.

• Savor local dishes: Vietnamese banh xeo (crispy pancake) before crossing, and Cambodian nom banh chok (rice noodle soup) after.

7. Best Time to Travel

• Dry Season (Nov–Apr): Comfortable weather, great for river trips.

• Rainy Season (May–Oct): Lush scenery, fewer tourists, but occasional delays.

8. What to Pack

✅ Passport & printed e-visa (if applicable)
✅ Small USD bills for visa & snacks
✅ Travel pillow & earphones (for bus trips)
✅ Reusable water bottle
✅ Lightweight clothes (it can get hot!)

Make Your Border Crossing Memorable

Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh isn’t just about getting from point A to B — it’s a journey that blends landscapes, cultures, and stories. Whether you choose the budget-friendly bus, the photogenic Mekong boat ride, or the quick convenience of flying, each route offers its own slice of adventure.

In 2025, improved transport links and better border processes mean crossing has never been easier. Yet the magic remains in the moments in between: sipping iced coffee at a roadside stall, watching sunrise over the Mekong, or chatting with fellow travelers on the way.

So pack your curiosity alongside your passport, and let the journey itself become part of your Southeast Asia story. Between Ho Chi Minh City’s buzz and Phnom Penh’s golden temples, you’ll find memories that last far beyond arrival.

Whichever route you choose, travel slow, stay open-minded, and savor every step — because sometimes, the road itself becomes the best part of the adventure. 

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