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: approx. 460 km by plane; about 600 km by bus via Phnom Penh.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Flight ~1.5 hours direct | Bus/minivan ~12–20 hours | Private car ~12 hours via Phnom Penh.
- 💰 Price range: Flight US$120–300 per person | Bus/minivan US$40–55 per person | Private car US$280–860 per car or minibus.
- ✈️ Flight: Fastest option with direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap.
- 🚍 Bus/minivan: Budget-friendly but long journey, usually via Phnom Penh.
- 🚕 Private car/taxi: Flexible door-to-door option, good for groups or comfort.
Last updated March 2026
From Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap you can travel by bus, flight or private car.
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- The distance is about 600 km via Phnom Penh. The cheapest option is a bus or minivan ($40–55/pp), usually with a transfer in Phnom Penh. There is no train connection.
- The fastest option is a direct flight (about 1.5 hours, $90–180/pp). You can also travel via Phnom Penh or combine bus and boat via Chau Doc.
- Private car is the most comfortable but most expensive option. Tickets and flights can be easily searched and booked online in advance.
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- Siem Reap in Cambodia – the gateway to Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 5 km from the city.
- Siem Reap is one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia, known for its temples and nearby Tonle Sap Lake.
- From here you can also travel to Bangkok or continue to Laos via bus or van to Don Det. Phnom Penh (about 330 km away) is another major transport hub with frequent bus connections.
| 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 most popular low-cost option. The journey usually includes a transfer in Phnom Penh and crosses the Moc Bai – Bavet border, about 60 km from Saigon.
The route typically has 2 steps: bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh, then another bus or minivan to Siem Reap. Some companies also offer direct routes with a transfer included.
Travel time to Phnom Penh is about 5.5–7 hours, with ticket prices around $21–40 per person. From there, continue by bus or minivan to Siem Reap.
Popular companies include Mekong Express, Giant Ibis, Kumho Samco, Virak Buntham or The Sinh Tourist, offering modern buses and comfortable minivans. Tickets can be easily searched and booked online in advance.
In Phnom Penh, you will need to change to another bus or a faster minivan for the journey to Siem Reap. This is also a good option if you want to explore Phnom Penh along the way.
Travel from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap takes about 5.5–7 hours and costs around $8–17 per person.
Popular companies include Giant Ibis, Virak Buntham, Mekong Express, Larryta Express or Bayon VIP, offering modern buses and comfortable minivans.
Tickets can be easily searched and booked online in advance. Always check departure points, arrival locations and luggage rules 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
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- 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 — Travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap:
1. How to book and buy tickets + flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap?
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- You can book tickets + flights from Saigon to Siem Reap on 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜.
- You can book another travel route, e.g. Ho Chi Minh > Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh > Siem Reap…
2. What is the travel time from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap?
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- Travel by bus/minivan from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap takes about 12-20 hours.
- Travel by plane from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap takes about 1.5 hour (direct flight).
- Travel by private taxi/car Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap (via Phnom Penh) takes about 12 hours.
3. How much does it cost to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap?
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- Transfer by bus/minivan from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap via Phnom Penh costs about $40-55/pp.
- Transfer by plane from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap costs about $120-300/pp (direct flight).
- Transfer by private car/taxi from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap costs about $280-860/car or minibus.
4. What is the travel distance from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap?
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- Travel distance from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap is about 600 km by bus/van (via Phnom Penh) and about 460 km by plane. This travel distance can change according to bus company.
5. What is the best way of transport from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap?
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- If you want to skip Phnom Penh, the best way of transport from Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap is to travel by plane. It is a fastest option of transport (about 1.5 hour) and you will save a lot of your travel time.
6. What is the bus route from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap?
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- A lot of buses go from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh and from Phnom Penh you can continue by another bus to Siem Reap. Read the instructions before and after you book your bus tickets to Siem Reap.
7. Is there also another way how to get to Siem Reap from Phnom Penh?
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- If you do not want to travel to Siem Reap from Phnom Penh by bus, you can also travel by boat or you can use plane, there are direct flights between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, there is no train from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. There are also some private cars/minivans or minibuses. Check this story: How to get from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap?
8. Where do you get E-visa to Cambodia?
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- You can obtain your e-visa to Cambodia online at the official goverment website: www.evisa.gov.kh.
9. Is there a direct train from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap?
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- No, there is no railway between Ho Chi Minh City – Phnom Penh – Siem Reap. But there is plan in the future to build a new railway from Vietnam to Cambodia. And a new railway from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap should be also opened.
10. Is it possible to travel by train in Cambodia?
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- Yes, but the railway network and schedule is very limited, there is a train of Royal Railway. You can travel by train from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville and from Phnom Penh to Poipet. In the future there should be also build a railway from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. You can check Cambodia Railway Map.
11. Where to travel from Siem Reap?
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- From Siem Reap you can continue to travel by bus or plane to Bangkok (Thailand). There are some tourist buses and flights every day on this route. Buses go vai Poipet border crossing. You can also visit Battambang or Mondulkiri, there are minivans or private cars to this city. It is also possible to visit Koh Rong 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.
💡 Travel Tips for Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap
The journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap covers a significant international route between Vietnam and Cambodia with a mix of urban and rural landscapes. Because this trip involves crossing a national border and changing transport styles, preparing ahead makes it smoother and helps you avoid stress en route.
1. Prepare Your Visa & Border Documents
Since you’re crossing from Vietnam into Cambodia, make sure you check visa requirements ahead of time — whether it’s an eVisa or visa on arrival — and carry required documents, passport photos, and small bills for fees if needed.
2. Time Your Departure Around Border Hours
Some overland routes require crossing at the main land border between the two countries, and these crossings have fixed opening hours. Starting early in the day helps you avoid late‑day queues and ensures border procedures don’t delay your trip.
3. Break the Journey at a Major Stop
If you’re traveling by land, consider splitting the trip with a stop in a major city along the way — this makes long travel feels less tiring and gives you a chance to stretch your legs and enjoy another place en route rather than doing all travel in one long day.
4. Prepare for Currency Differences
Cambodia often uses US dollars along with local currency, so carrying small denominations of USD before you cross the border helps with visas, snacks, snacks, tuk‑tuk rides or small purchases once you arrive — and avoids last‑minute cash exchange stress.
5. Stay Comfortable on a Long Ride
Whether you’re on a long bus, minivan, or multi‑leg land transfer, pack essentials like water, snacks, chargers, and entertainment. Comfortable layers help with temperature changes between air‑conditioned vehicles and outdoor terminals.
6. Know Arrival Options in Siem Reap
Upon arrival, transport options to your accommodation can vary. Tuk‑tuks, motorbike taxis, and pre‑booked transfers may differ in price and availability — knowing your preferred pick‑up plan in advance means you avoid waiting around or overpaying at the stop.
Tip: Tickets and services for buses, vans, or flights can be searched and booked online in advance to secure your seat and preferred departure time — especially useful during busy travel seasons.