Flight
Best price / time balance
Private car / taxi
Flexible, door-to-door
Bus
Cheapest option
Motorbike
Border crossing complications
Quick answer: Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap can be done by direct flight, bus, or private car. Flights are the fastest, taking about 1.5 hours, while buses and private cars take much longer, around 12 to 20 hours depending on the route. Costs and travel times vary widely depending on your choice of transport and schedule.
At a glance:
- 📍 Travel distance: About 460 km by flight or 600 km by road via Phnom Penh.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Flight 1.5 hours | Bus/minivan 12–20 hours | Private car about 12 hours.
- 💰 Ticket prices: Flights from US$120 | Bus/minivan US$40–55 | Private car US$280–860.
- ✈️ Best option: A direct flight is the fastest and most convenient choice.
- 🚍 Budget option: Bus or minivan via Phnom Penh.
- 🚕 Private transfer: Ideal for groups, families, or extra comfort.
Last updated March 2026
From Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap you can travel by bus, flight or private car.
The distance from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap is about 600 km by road via Phnom Penh. The fastest option is a direct flight, taking about 1.5 hours and costing around $90–180 per person. The cheapest option is a bus or minivan via Phnom Penh, with fares starting at $40–55 per person. There is no railway between Vietnam and Cambodia.
You can also travel via Phnom Penh or combine a bus journey with a boat trip via Chau Doc. Private cars offer the most comfortable door-to-door transfer, especially for families or small groups. Tickets and flights can be booked online in advance.
Siem Reap is the gateway to Angkor Wat, one of the world’s most famous UNESCO sites. From Siem Reap, you can continue to Bangkok, travel by bus to Don Det in Laos, or return to Phnom Penh by frequent bus services.
| Transfer Mode – Saigon to Siem Reap | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bus / Minibus (via Phnom Penh) | 12–14 hours | $40–55 per person |
| Direct Flight | 1.5–2 hours | $90–150 per person |
| Private Car / Taxi | 12 hours | $280–860 per car / minibus |
How to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap?
1. BUS / VAN from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap
👉 Bus/minivan via Phnom Penh is the most popular and cheapest way from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers and flexible travel routes
- ✔️ Duration: ~11–14 hours total
- ✔️ Price: $29–55 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (bus/minivan with transfer)
- ✅ Best option: Giant Ibis or Mekong Express with smooth transfer in Phnom Penh
- 💡 Tip: Consider a stopover in Phnom Penh and book tickets in advance.
- ⭐ Extra tip: Allow enough transfer time to avoid delays between connections.
Bus travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap is the cheapest option. Most routes travel via Phnom Penh and cross the Moc Bai – Bavet border. There are no direct trains between Vietnam and Cambodia.
The journey usually includes a bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh (5.5–7 hours, $21–40), followed by another bus or minivan to Siem Reap (5.5–7 hours, $8–17). Some operators also offer through tickets with an included transfer.
Popular companies include Mekong Express, Giant Ibis, Kumho Samco, Virak Buntham, Larryta Express, Bayon VIP and The Sinh Tourist. Modern buses and minivans can be booked online in advance.
A stop in Phnom Penh is a good opportunity to explore Cambodia’s capital before continuing to Siem Reap. Always check departure points, arrival locations, and luggage policies before booking.
| Bus Service | Departs in Saigon | Arrival in Siem Reap | Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Giant Ibis | 15:15 | 04:30 | From $47.00/pp |
| CP Express | 07:00 | 21:00 | From $48.00/pp |
| CP Express | 09:15 | 03:00 | From $48.00/pp |
| CP Express | 11:00 | 14:30 | From $50.00/pp |
| Go Ho Travel | 06:00 | 19:00 | From $50.00/pp |
| Go Ho Travel | 07:00 | 20:00 | From $50.00/pp |
| Go Ho Travel | 15:00 | 04:00 | From $50.00/pp |
| Namo Angkor Travel | 07:00 | 21:00 | From $49.00/pp |
| Namo Angkor Travel | 09:30 | 23:30 | From $51.00/pp |
| Namo Angkor Travel | 06:00 | 20:00 | From $49.00/pp |
| Trans Passion | 07:30 | 20:30 | From $52.00/pp |
| Trans Passion | 09:30 | 22:30 | From $52.00/pp |
| Trans Passion | 11:00 | 00:00 | From $52.00/pp |
| Rally Tour | 12:00 | 01:00 | From $51.00/pp |
2. FLIGHTS from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap
👉 Flight is the fastest and most comfortable way from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers who want to save time and travel comfortably
- ✔️ Duration: ~1.5 hours (≈4 hours total with airport time)
- ✔️ Price: $120–200 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (direct flights)
- ✅ Best option: Vietnam Airlines or Cambodia Angkor Air direct flights
- 💡 Tip: Book flights in advance and plan airport transfer to the city.
- ⭐ Extra tip: Choose morning flights for better punctuality and fewer delays.
The fastest and most convenient way to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap is by direct flight. This option is more expensive, but ideal if you want to save time.
Flights operate from Tan Son Nhat Airport to Siem Reap Angkor International Airport.
Airlines include Vietnam Airlines, Cambodia Angkor Air and Lanmei Airlines. Direct flights are limited, while connecting flights are also available but usually less practical.
A direct flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap takes about 1.5 hours (around 4 hours total including airport time). Prices typically range from $120–200 per person, depending on season and availability.
Siem Reap Angkor International Airport is located about 45 km from the city center. Flights are the fastest and most comfortable option, but more expensive than overland travel.
3. PRIVATE CAR from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap
👉 Private car/taxi is the most comfortable door-to-door way from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap.
- ✔️ Good for: groups and travelers seeking privacy and flexibility
- ✔️ Duration: ~12 hours
- ✔️ Price: $280–860 per car
- ✔️ Comfort: high (modern cars, SUVs or VIP minivans)
- ✅ Best option: Private transfer with companies like Sima Car or Thai Duong Limousine
- 💡 Tip: Split the cost in a group and consider a stop in Phnom Penh.
- ⭐ Extra tip: Confirm border crossing details and travel documents in advance.
A private car/taxi from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap is the most comfortable but also the most expensive option. Companies like Sima Car or Thai Duong Limousine offer modern cars, SUVs or minivans.
Travel time is about 10–12 hours, and prices range from $280–860 per vehicle depending on the car type.
You can also book a private transfer between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, which offers more flexibility and shorter travel distance.
BOOK PRIVATE CAR to Siem Reap ➜
4. BUS + BOAT from Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap (via Chau Doc)
👉 Bus + boat via Chau Doc is the most scenic way from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers seeking a unique river journey experience
- ✔️ Duration: ~18–24 hours total
- ✔️ Price: $40–80 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (bus + multiple boat transfers)
- ✅ Best option: Bus to Chau Doc + boat to Phnom Penh + boat to Siem Reap
- 💡 Tip: Split the journey with an overnight stay in Phnom Penh.
- ⭐ Extra tip: Check boat schedules in advance, as departures may be limited.
An alternative route from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap is via Chau Doc, combining bus and boat travel.
This option has 3 steps: bus to Chau Doc, boat to Phnom Penh (via border crossing), and then boat or bus to Siem Reap. The boat from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh takes about 5–6 hours.
From Phnom Penh, you can continue by boat across Tonle Sap Lake or by bus. Boat schedules are limited, so it’s recommended to plan carefully or split the journey into separate steps.
This route is slower but offers a more unique travel experience, especially for those interested in river transport.
5. BOOK A PRIVATE TOUR + Tickets in Siem Reap
-
- you can also book your private tour or tickets for tourist attractions in Siem Reap
- it is possible to book various types of tourist tours (boat trips, bicycle tours, historical…)
- these private tourist tours in Siem Reap by local tour guides from Cambodia
- you can also book private transfers between the town and airport
- Book a private tour / trip or other tourist activity in Siem Reap online
❓ FAQ – Transport from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap:
How to book tickets and flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap?
You can search and book buses, minivans, private cars, and flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap on 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜.
How long does it take to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap?
Travel by bus or minivan takes about 12–20 hours, while direct flights take approximately 1.5 hours.
How much does transport from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap cost?
Bus and minivan tickets cost about $40–55/pp, while direct flights to Siem Reap cost approximately $120–300/pp.
What is the travel distance from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap?
The travel distance is about 600 km by land via Phnom Penh and about 460 km by plane.
What is the best way to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap?
The fastest and most comfortable option is a direct flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap.
What is the bus route from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap?
Most buses travel via Phnom Penh, where passengers usually change to another bus or minivan to Siem Reap.
Are there other ways to travel from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap?
Yes, from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap you can travel by bus, minivan, boat, private car, or direct flight. Read more: How to get from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap?
Where to get an e-visa for Cambodia?
You can apply for a Cambodia e-visa online at the official website: www.evisa.gov.kh.
Is there a direct train from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap?
No, there is currently no railway connection between Vietnam and Cambodia on this route.
Can you travel by train in Cambodia?
Yes, Cambodia has limited railway services operated by Royal Railway, mainly from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville and Poipet.
Where can you travel from Siem Reap?
From Siem Reap, you can continue to Bangkok, Battambang, Mondulkiri, or Koh Rong Island in Cambodia.
BOOK Your HOTEL in Siem Reap ➜
🧭 Popular travel routes from Ho Chi Minh City:
If you’re planning your next trip from Ho Chi Minh City, here are other popular routes in southern Vietnam:
These are the most popular travel routes from Ho Chi Minh City for visitors exploring Vietnam.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap
Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap is possible by tourist bus, minivan, private transfer, or direct flight.
- Visa & Passport: Prepare your passport and Cambodia visa before crossing the border.
- Border Crossing: Most buses use the Vietnam–Cambodia border crossing at Moc Bai / Bavet.
- Travel Time: Bus and minivan transfers to Siem Reap take about 9–12 hours.
- Currency: Cambodia commonly uses US dollars for transport, food, and small purchases.
- What to Bring: Bring water, snacks, a charger, and light clothing for long bus journeys.
- Arrival in Siem Reap: Tuk-tuks and private transfers are available from the bus station or airport.
Tip: Bus, minivan, and flight tickets from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap can be searched and booked online in advance.