🚢 Boat – Chau Doc to Phnom Penh 🚍 Bus – Saigon to Chau Doc 🎫 Book Tickets Online
Quick answer: The best way to travel from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh is by speedboat on the Mekong River. The boat journey is scenic, comfortable, and includes border crossing procedures during the trip. Popular operators on this route are Hang Chau Tourist and Mandarin Cruises.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: About 140–150 km by river.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Speedboat transfer takes about 5–6 hours.
- 💰 Ticket price: About $30–65 per person.
- 🚢 Best option: Speedboat for scenic and comfortable Mekong travel.
- 🛂 Border crossing: Passport and Cambodia visa may be required.
- 🚌 Alternative: Bus or private car via the Vietnam–Cambodia border.
Last updated: March 2026
From Chau Doc to Phnom Penh you can travel by boat or speed ferry.
Phnom Penh is the capital and largest city of Cambodia. It is the country’s main transport hub, with connections to Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, and other destinations across Cambodia.
One of the most interesting ways to travel from Vietnam to Cambodia is by boat on the Mekong River. Boats operated by Mandarin Cruises and Hang Chau Tourist connect Chau Doc with Phnom Penh, crossing the border along the way.
The distance from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh is about 140 km by river. The boat journey takes around 6 hours and tickets cost approximately $30–65 per person, depending on the operator and boat type.
Chau Doc is located about 220 km from Ho Chi Minh City and is easily accessible by tourist bus. Before your trip, it is worth reading about the best time to visit Phnom Penh.
1. BOAT / FERRY from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh
👉 Boat / ferry is the most scenic and popular way from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers who want a unique Mekong River experience
- ✔️ Duration: ~6 hours
- ✔️ Price: $30–65 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium to high (comfortable boats with river views)
- ✅ Best option: Ferry services with Hang Chau Tourist or Mandarin Cruises
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online in advance and enjoy views of floating villages and river life along the Mekong.
Traveling from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh by boat is one of the most scenic ways to cross from Vietnam to Cambodia. The journey follows the Mekong River and takes about 6 hours, offering views of floating villages, local river life, and rural landscapes along the border region.
One-way ferry tickets usually cost about $30–65 per person, depending on the operator and boat type. Popular companies on this route include Hang Chau Tourist and Mandarin Cruises, both providing regular cross-border services between Chau Doc and Phnom Penh.
⏱️ Journey Overview
Distance: about 140 km by river.
Travel time: around 6 hours.
Ticket price: approximately $30–65 per person.
🚢 Why Choose the Boat?
Enjoy Mekong River scenery, floating villages, local life, and a relaxing cross-border journey to Cambodia.
Before departure, travelers can explore Chau Doc’s markets, riverside area, and nearby attractions. For schedules, ticket availability, and departure details, it is recommended to book online in advance through Baolau or 12go.asia.
🚤 Baolau
Search boat schedules and book ferry tickets from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh online with instant confirmation.
⛴️ 12go.asia
Compare boat departures, ticket prices and transport options between Chau Doc and Phnom Penh.
After booking, you will receive your e-ticket by email. It is recommended to save or print your ticket before departure.
👮 Border Checks on the Chau Doc to Phnom Penh Boat Route
All passengers traveling by boat from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh must complete immigration and passport checks when crossing from Vietnam into Cambodia. The process is usually straightforward, as boat operators assist with documents and border procedures.
At the Vietnam border checkpoint, passengers leave the boat while staff handle passport processing. There is a small café, toilets, drinks available for purchase, and a currency exchange service nearby.
At the Cambodia border checkpoint, immigration procedures continue before the boat heads to Phnom Penh. Facilities are limited, with public toilets available but only a few options for food or drinks.
To avoid delays, keep your passport, visa, and any required travel documents ready before arrival at both border checkpoints.
⚠️ Important Information
🛂 Visa on Arrival
You can apply for a Cambodian visa at the border. Bring a passport photo (4×6 cm) and approximately $35 for the visa fee.
⏰ Check-In Time
Arrive at the Hang Chau Tourist office at least 30 minutes before departure to complete boarding procedures.
📱 E-Ticket
Show your e-ticket on a phone or tablet before boarding. A printed copy is recommended but not required.
🧳 Baggage
There is generally no strict baggage limit for passengers on this boat route.
🌦️ Schedule Changes
Departure times or piers may change due to weather conditions. Staff will assist passengers if changes occur.
📖 Read Instructions
Always check the latest ticket details and travel instructions before departure.
How to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Chau Doc?
- Chau Doc is easily accessible from Ho Chi Minh City by tourist bus, sleeper bus, minivan, or private taxi.
- Popular operators on this route include Futabus (Phuong Trang), Hue Nghia, Lien Hung, Quang Hanh, Hiep Thanh, and Thien Thien Huong.
- The journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Chau Doc takes about 5.5–6.5 hours, depending on traffic and the operator.
- Buses and minivans run daily from early morning until evening.
- One-way bus tickets cost approximately $8–29 per person, while private taxis are also available.
- Book bus tickets or private transfers online via Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜.
- After booking, you will receive an e-ticket by email that can be printed or shown on your mobile phone before boarding.
❓ FAQ + Travel Tips – Chau Doc to Phnom Penh:
How long does it take to get from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh?
Traveling by speedboat from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh takes about 5–6 hours, including border procedures.
How to book boat tickets from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh?
You can book tickets online via 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜. Advance booking is recommended.
What is the distance from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh?
The distance from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh is about 140–150 km by river via the Mekong.
How much does travel from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh cost?
Boat tickets usually cost between $25–65 per person, depending on the operator and season.
What is the best way to travel from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh?
The best option is the direct speedboat, offering a scenic and comfortable journey along the Mekong River.
Is there a train from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh?
No, there is currently no railway connection between Chau Doc and Phnom Penh.
Is there a direct flight from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh?
No, Chau Doc has no airport, so there are no direct flights to Phnom Penh.
Where can you travel from Phnom Penh?
From Phnom Penh you can travel to Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Kampot, or Kep.
Is Cambodia suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, Cambodia is a popular and affordable destination for solo travelers and backpackers. See this solo travel guide.
What are the most interesting things about Cambodia?
Cambodia is known for Angkor Wat, Khmer culture, floating villages, tropical islands, and beautiful nature. Read this travel guide.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Chau Doc to Phnom Penh
Traveling from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh is a popular international route and the best option is a scenic speedboat transfer on the Mekong River.
- Best Option: Speedboats are fast, comfortable, and include border crossing procedures.
- Travel Documents: Prepare your passport and Cambodia visa before departure.
- What to Bring: Pack water, snacks, sunglasses, and a light jacket for the boat.
- Currency: Carry Vietnamese dong, Cambodian riel, and some US dollars.
- Best Departure: Morning departures are the most popular and convenient.
- Book Early: Ferry tickets can sell out during weekends and holidays.
Tip: Ferry tickets from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh can be searched and booked online in advance.