Bus via Phnom Penh
Best price / convenience balance
Private car / taxi
Flexible, direct border crossing
Flight
Direct connection available
Motorbike
Border crossing complications
Quick answer: Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Sihanoukville in Cambodia can be done by direct flight, long-distance bus/minivan, or a combination of bus + train via Phnom Penh. The flight is the fastest and most comfortable, while the bus/minivan is the budget-friendly option. You can also travel by private car with driver via Phnom Penh.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: ~400–450 km by road
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus/minivan ~12–20 hours | Bus + train ~14 hours | Direct flight ~1 hour 15 minutes
- 💰 Price range: Bus/minivan US$35–55 per person | Bus + train US$20–30 per person | Flight US$100–170 pp
- ✈️ Best for speed & comfort: Direct flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Sihanoukville
- 🚌 Best for budget: Bus or minivan (with or without transfer via Phnom Penh)
Last updated in March 2026
From Ho Chi Minh City to Sihanoukville you can travel by bus, flight or train.
There are several ways to travel from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Sihanoukville. The fastest and most comfortable option is a direct flight, while budget travelers often choose to travel via Phnom Penh by bus or flight.
From Phnom Penh, you can continue to Sihanoukville by bus, minivan, train, or domestic flight. Another alternative route is via Ha Tien near the Vietnam–Cambodia border. Tickets and flights can be easily searched and booked online in advance.
Sihanoukville is Cambodia’s most popular beach destination on the Gulf of Thailand. It is the gateway to Koh Rong and other nearby islands and offers beaches, boat trips, and an international airport.
Before your trip, check the Weather in Sihanoukville. You can also combine your visit with nearby Kampot.
| Transfer Mode – Ho Chi Minh to Sihanoukville | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bus / Minivan | 12–20 hours | $35–55 per person |
| Bus + Train (via Phnom Penh) | 14 hours | $20–30 per person |
| Plane (Direct flight) | 1.5 hours | $100–170 per person |
| Private Car / Taxi | 9 hours | $240–400 per vehicle |
How do I get from Ho Chi Minh City to Sihanoukville?
1. BUS / VAN from Ho Chi Minh City to Sihanoukville
👉 Bus/minivan is the cheapest way from Ho Chi Minh City to Sihanoukville.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers and long-distance overland travel
- ✔️ Duration: ~12–15 hours
- ✔️ Price: $35–55 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (sleeper buses or minivans)
- ✅ Best option: Direct sleeper bus (Danh Danh) or transfer via Phnom Penh
- 💡 Tip: Consider splitting the journey in Phnom Penh for a more comfortable trip.
A popular low-cost option is to travel by sleeper bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Sihanoukville. Some companies operate direct buses, while many travelers choose to travel via Phnom Penh and continue by another bus or minivan.
The bus journey takes about 15 hours, depending on border procedures and traffic conditions in Vietnam and Cambodia. Bus tickets usually cost around $40 per person, while transfers via Phnom Penh typically cost $35–55 per person.
BOOK BUS TICKETS to Sihanoukville ➜
Buses depart from various locations in Ho Chi Minh City and arrive at different places in Sihanoukville. Tickets can be easily searched and booked online in advance.
If you travel via Phnom Penh, you need to arrange 2 separate routes: Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh and Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville. Another alternative is traveling via Ha Tien and Kampot.
2. FLIGHT from Ho Chi Minh City to Sihanoukville
👉 Flight is the fastest and most comfortable way from Ho Chi Minh City to Sihanoukville.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers who want to save time
- ✔️ Duration: ~1h 15m (≈4 hours total with airport time)
- ✔️ Price: $120–250 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (direct flights)
- ✅ Best option: Cambodia Angkor Air or Vietnam Airlines direct flights
- 💡 Tip: Book early due to limited schedule and arrange airport transfer in advance.
The fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Sihanoukville is by direct flight. However, flights are limited and usually more expensive than traveling by bus.
Direct flights are operated by Cambodia Angkor Air and Vietnam Airlines. The flight takes about 1 hour 15 minutes, while the total travel time, including airport procedures, is around 4 hours.
Connecting flights are also available, but travel time can increase to 6–10 hours depending on the route and layover.
BOOK FLIGHT to Sihanoukville ➜
Flights operate from Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City to Sihanoukville International Airport, located about 15 km from the city center.
Flights can be easily searched and booked online in advance. Due to the limited schedule, early booking is recommended.
3. BUS + TRAIN from Ho Chi Minh to Sihanoukville
👉 Bus + train via Phnom Penh is a scenic and budget-friendly way from Ho Chi Minh City to Sihanoukville.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers who want a mix of bus and train experience
- ✔️ Duration: ~13–15 hours total
- ✔️ Price: $30–55 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (bus/minivan + train)
- ✅ Best option: Bus to Phnom Penh + Royal Railway train to Sihanoukville
- 💡 Tip: Check train schedule in advance and plan connection time in Phnom Penh.
Another interesting option is to travel by bus and train via Phnom Penh. There is no direct railway from Ho Chi Minh City to Sihanoukville, but you can use the Royal Railway train between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville.
First, travel by bus or minivan from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh. The journey takes about 5.5–7 hours and tickets cost approximately $21–40 per person. All buses cross the Moc Bai – Bavet Border, so check visa requirements before departure.
1. BOOK TICKETS to Phnom Penh ➜
From Phnom Penh, continue by Royal Railway train to Sihanoukville. The journey takes about 7 hours and offers a scenic way to see the Cambodian countryside. See the Cambodia Railway Map.
Train tickets to Sihanoukville cost approximately $9–13 per person. Due to the limited timetable, it is recommended to book tickets in advance.
2. BOOK TICKETS to Sihanoukville ➜
4. TAXI / CAR from Ho Chi Minh City to Sihanoukville
👉 Private taxi/car is the most comfortable door-to-door way from Ho Chi Minh City to Sihanoukville.
- ✔️ Good for: groups and travelers seeking flexibility and comfort
- ✔️ Duration: ~9 hours
- ✔️ Price: $240–400 per car
- ✔️ Comfort: high (modern cars, SUVs or minivans with driver)
- ✅ Best option: Private transfer with companies like SIMA Car
- 💡 Tip: Split the cost in a group and arrange pickup/drop-off locations in advance.
A private car with a driver is the most comfortable way to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Sihanoukville. It is also the most expensive option, but it offers door-to-door service and flexible departure times.
Private transfers are available with companies such as SIMA Car. Travelers can choose from standard cars, SUVs, or larger minivans for groups.
BOOK TAXI/CAR to Sihanoukville ➜
The journey takes about 9 hours and prices range from approximately $240–400 per vehicle, depending on the type of car selected.
Private cars and minivans can be easily searched and booked online in advance. This option is best suited for families, small groups, or travelers looking for maximum comfort and convenience.
❓ FAQ – Travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Sihanoukville
How long does it take to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Sihanoukville?
Travel time is about 1.5 hours by direct flight, 9 hours by private car, 12–20 hours by bus, and around 14 hours by bus and train via Phnom Penh.
How can I book tickets and flights to Sihanoukville?
Tickets and flights can be booked online via Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜.
How much does it cost to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Sihanoukville?
Expect to pay about $35–55 by bus, $30–50 by bus and train, $100–150 by flight, or $240–400 per car for a private transfer.
What is the distance from Ho Chi Minh City to Sihanoukville?
The distance is approximately 400–450 km by land and about 370 km by air.
What is the best way to get to Sihanoukville?
A direct flight is the fastest and most comfortable option, but it is usually the most expensive.
What is the cheapest way to travel to Sihanoukville?
The cheapest option is usually a bus or minivan journey via Phnom Penh.
Can I travel via Phnom Penh?
Yes, most travelers use Phnom Penh as a transfer point and continue by bus, train, minivan, or domestic flight.
Is there a direct train from Ho Chi Minh City to Sihanoukville?
No. There is no railway connection between Vietnam and Cambodia. The Royal Railway train operates only between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville.
What types of buses are available on this route?
You can use sleeper buses, seated coaches, minivans, and tourist vans operated by various companies.
Can I travel by private taxi to Sihanoukville?
Yes, private cars and minivans are available from both Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh.
Where can I travel from Sihanoukville?
How do I travel from Koh Rong to Sihanoukville?
You can travel by ferry or speedboat. See the schedule here: Koh Rong to Sihanoukville Ferry Schedule.
Why travel to Sihanoukville via Ha Tien?
Ha Tien is the closest Vietnamese border city to Sihanoukville and offers easy access to Phu Quoc Island.
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Cambodia ➜
BOOK Your STAY in Sihanoukville ➜
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Ho Chi Minh City to Sihanoukville
Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Sihanoukville involves crossing the Vietnam–Cambodia border and can be done by bus, flight, train, or private transfer.
- Check Visa Requirements: Make sure you have the correct visa or eVisa before crossing into Cambodia.
- Start Early: Morning departures often mean shorter waiting times at the border.
- Carry Some Cash: Small amounts of US dollars are useful for border fees, snacks, and local transport.
- Allow Extra Time: Border procedures and traffic can sometimes cause delays.
- Consider Flights: Direct flights are the fastest option and save many hours of travel.
- Plan Your Arrival: Arrange a taxi, tuk-tuk, or hotel transfer in Sihanoukville before arrival.
- Visit Nearby Islands: Sihanoukville is the main gateway to Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem.
Tip: Bus, train, flight, and private transfer tickets can be searched and booked online in advance.