Bus / minivan
Best balance of price, simplicity, and direct border crossing
Flight
Quick and convenient between major cities
Boat (Mekong River)
Scenic journey through the Mekong Delta
Train
No railway connection between the two countries
Quick answer: Traveling from Vietnam to Cambodia is straightforward. The fastest route is by flight from cities like Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, usually around 1–2 hours. The budget-friendly option is the bus via the popular Mộc Bài–Bavet border crossing, taking about 6–10 hours. It is also possible to travel by private taxi/car with a driver from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh. Be sure to check border and visa requirements in advance.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: e.g. Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh ~250 km by land.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Flight ~1–2 hours • Bus ~6–10 hours.
- 💰 Price range: Flight ~$40-120 per person • Bus ~$20-40 per person • Taxi to Phnom Penh ~$140–460 per car.
- ✈️ Best for speed: Flights to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap
- 🚍 Best for budget: Bus via border crossing
- 🚕 Best for comfort: Private car with driver to Phnom Penh from Saigon
Last updated in March 2026
Vietnam to Cambodia Transportation Options:
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- 1. By Airplane: Direct flights connect major Vietnamese cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to Cambodian cities such as Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. The flight durations typically range from 1 to 2 hours, offering a swift and convenient travel option.
- 2. By Bus: For those seeking an affordable and adventurous journey, buses offer cross-border services between Vietnam and Cambodia. Departing from prominent Vietnamese cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh, these buses terminate at destinations including Siem Reap and Sihanoukville in Cambodia. Travel times vary depending on the route and border crossing, with journeys typically lasting from 6 to 12 hours. The Moc Bai Bavet border crossing is commonly used for this route.
- 3. By Boat: Experience the beauty of the Mekong Delta with a boat ride from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh. This scenic journey takes approximately 6 to 8 hours, providing travelers with picturesque views along the river as they make their way to Cambodia’s capital.
- 4. No Railway: Despite the availability of other transportation modes, there is no railway connecting Ho Chi Minh City to Cambodia. Travel by train is not an option for this route.
Convenient Travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh.
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- Phnom Penh: As the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh is located approximately 230 km from Ho Chi Minh City, making it easily accessible by road. Beyond Phnom Penh, travelers can explore other Cambodian destinations such as Siem Reap, known for the iconic Angkor Wat, Battambang, or Sihanoukville. For those seeking a unique travel experience, a boat journey from Vietnam’s Chau Doc town to Phnom Penh offers a scenic route along the river. Chau Doc, situated around 220 km from Ho Chi Minh City, serves as a convenient starting point for this journey. With multiple transportation options available—tourist bus, plane, boat, or even motorbike for the adventurous—travelers can choose the option that best suits their preferences and travel style. Before embarking on the journey, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with important information such as Cambodia’s weather patterns.
| Transfer Mode – Vietnam to Cambodia | Mode | Travel Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saigon to Phnom Penh | Plane | About 1 hour | About $40–120 |
| Saigon to Phnom Penh | Bus | About 5–7 hours | About $20–40 |
| Saigon to Siem Reap | Plane | About 1.5 hours | About $90–100 |
| Saigon to Siem Reap | Bus | About 12–20 hours | About $24–33 |
| Saigon to Sihanouk | Plane | About 1.5 hours | About $100–150 |
| Saigon to Sihanouk | Bus / Train | About 10–20 hours | About $24–30 |
| Phu Quoc to Koh Rong | Bus / Ferry | About 9–10 hours | About $25–35 |
| Hanoi to Phnom Penh | Plane | About 2 hours | $100–300 per person |
✅ How do you get from Vietnam to Cambodia?
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- There are 4 options how you can travel to Cambodia from Vietnam:
1. Travel by tourist sleeper bus/minivan (Saigon to Phnom Penh, Saigon to Siem Reap…)
2. Travel by plane (direct flights to Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville)
3. Travel by boat from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh
4. Travel on motorbike (this way is for the most experienced travelers)
- There are 4 options how you can travel to Cambodia from Vietnam:
✅ Is it possible to travel from Vietnam to Cambodia by train?
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- No, it is not possible to travel by train, because there is no railway between Vietnam and Cambodia.
✅ What is the most fastest way of transport from Vietnam to Cambodia?
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- The most fastest way of tranposrt to Cambodia from Vietnam is to travel by plane. There are direct flights between big cities, e.g. Saigon > Phnom Penh, Saigon > Siem Reap, the most frequented air lines to Cambodia.
✅ How long is the flight from Vietnam to Cambodia?
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- Flight from Saigon to Phnom Penh takes about 1 hour, flight from Saigon to Siem Reap takes about 1.5 hour, flight from Saigon to Sihanoukville takes about 1.5 hour. There are also various flights with stopover.
✅ Are there trains in Cambodia?
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- Yes, there is a train of Royal Railway, but the railway network and train schedule is very limited. You can travel by train from Phnom Penh to Poipet (via Battambang) and from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville (via Kampot). In the future this railway network should grow. You can check Cambodia Railway Map.
✅ How do I get from Ho Chi Minh City to Cambodia?
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- The most popular travel route from Saigon to Cambodia is to travel by tourist bus/van to Phnom Penh via Bavet border crossing or you can take a direct flight (there is no railway). You can also travel to Chau Doc in Vietnam by bus and from Chau Doc you can travel to Phnom Penh by boat.
✅ How much is the bus from Vietnam to Cambodia?
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- Travel by tourist bus or minivan from Saigon to Phnom Penh in Cambodia costs about $20-40/pp. Travel by bus from Saigon to Siem Reap costs about $24-33/pp by tourist bus.
✅ Is it easy to travel from Vietnam to Cambodia?
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- Yes, it is easy to travel to Cambodia from Vietnam. You can take a tourist bus via Bavet border crossing or direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh. You can also receive visa for Cambodia at Bavet border crossing or you can buy e-visa online on www.evisa.gov.kh.
✅ Can you go to Cambodia without a visa?
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- No, you can not enter Cambodia without visa or e-visa and your passport. Tourists and business travelers may also obtain a Cambodian visa at the airports in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and at all major border crossings..
✅ Where you can travel from Cambodia?
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- From Cambodia you can travel by bus/minivan or plane to Thailand – Bangkok (via Poipet border crossing) or Laos – to Don Det/Si Phan Don or Pakse in southern part of Laos. Teoretically you can also travel via Thailand to Malaysia.
✅ What is the main border crossing from Vietnam to Cambodia?
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- The main border crossing for travel to Cambodia from Vietnam is Moc Bai Bavet. This border crossing is about 60 km from Ho Chi Minh City. If you want to travel to Phnom Penh from Saigon, you will be traveling via this border crossing.
✅ How to move in Cambodia and how to explore this country?
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- There are various types of transport in Cambodia. The most popular are various buses or modern minivans, it is also possible to book a private car/taxi or you can travel by train of Roayal Railway or you can use flights.
How to book and buy tickets + flights for Cambodia?
➜ You can book and buy tickets or flights and ferries for Cambodia (+ another countries in Asia) easily online. There are some trusted companies online, but there are 2 leaders in online booking service, fast processing, e-tickets, online support – 12go.asia and Baolau.
1. Search + Book tickets and flights for Cambodia at 12go.asia ➜
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- It is one of the best search and booking website for Asia, especially for Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia…. 12go.asia offers various well-known transport companies in Asia. Read the information before you book your tickets or flights online. 12go.asia has almost all the most frequented travel routes in Cambodia. Bus E-tickets acceptable in your smartphone (Recommended – print your tickets). You can read hundreds of reviews of customers.
2. Search + Book tickets and flights for Cambodia at Baolau ➜
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- Another popular search website for online booking tickets for travelers in southeast Asia, various transport companies, e-tickets and various countries: Vietnam, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Philipinnes... Baolau offers almost the all most frequented travel routes in Cambodia + ferries to Koh Rong. (Recommended – print your tickets).
👮 Border Crossings between Vietnam and Cambodia
There are several international border crossings between Vietnam and Cambodia used by tourists traveling by bus, minivan, taxi, or motorbike. Below are the most popular land border crossings for travelers between Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, and other destinations in Cambodia.
Moc Bai – Bavet Border
The busiest and most popular border crossing between Vietnam and Cambodia, commonly used by buses and minivans from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh.
Tinh Bien – Phnom Den Border
A quieter border crossing near Chau Doc and Takeo, suitable for travelers exploring the Mekong Delta region.
Ha Tien – Prek Chak Border
Popular border crossing for travelers heading to Kep, Kampot, or Cambodia’s southern coast from Vietnam.
Le Thanh – O Yadao Border
A less touristy border crossing in northeastern Cambodia, suitable for remote travel and nature exploration.
Official government website for e-visa to Cambodia:
Most foreign nationals visiting Cambodia are required to obtain a visa for entry into the country. The visa application process for Cambodia offers flexibility, with options for obtaining a visa upon arrival at major entry points, such as airports and land borders, or through online visa application on https://www.evisa.gov.kh.
It is essential for travelers to verify visa requirements depending on their nationality and the intended duration of their stay in Cambodia. For shorter visits, acquiring a visa upon arrival at the airport or land border is a widely used and convenient option. However, for extended stays or specific visa categories like business or employment visas, applying through the online visa application system or a Cambodian embassy or consulate may be required.
To expedite the entry process, it is recommended for travelers to prepare the required visa documentation beforehand. This involves completing any necessary application forms, supplying passport photos, and ensuring the payment of visa fees, if applicable.
Popular travel routes from Vietnam to Cambodia ⬇️
Popular travel routes in Cambodia ⬇️
Popular travel routes from Cambodia to Thailand ⬇️
Popular travel routes from Cambodia to Laos ⬇️
Popular travel routes from Cambodia to Vietnam ⬇️
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel from Vietnam to Cambodia:
How to book tickets and flights from Vietnam to Cambodia?
Bus tickets, ferries, private transfers, and flights can be booked online on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜.
How long does it take to travel from Vietnam to Cambodia?
Flights take about 1–2 hours, while buses and minivans can take approximately 6–20 hours depending on the route.
How much does transport from Vietnam to Cambodia cost?
Bus tickets cost about $20–40/pp and flights between Vietnam and Cambodia usually cost about $70–150/pp.
What is the travel distance between Vietnam and Cambodia?
The distance depends on the route, e.g. about 230 km from Saigon to Phnom Penh.
What is the fastest way to travel from Vietnam to Cambodia?
The fastest option is a direct flight between cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, or Siem Reap.
What is the cheapest transport option to Cambodia?
The cheapest option is usually a tourist bus or minivan via land border crossings.
Is there a train from Vietnam to Cambodia?
No, there is currently no railway connection between Vietnam and Cambodia.
Can you travel by boat from Vietnam to Cambodia?
Yes, there is a popular boat route from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh.
Are there direct flights from Vietnam to Cambodia?
Yes, there are direct flights to Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville.
What are the main international airports in Cambodia?
Main airports are Phnom Penh, Siem Reap Angkor, and Sihanoukville International Airport.
Where to get a Cambodia e-visa?
You can apply online at www.evisa.gov.kh.
Where can you travel from Cambodia?
From Cambodia, you can continue to Thailand, Laos, or travel from Siem Reap to Bangkok.
Is Cambodia suitable for solo travel?
Solo travel in Cambodia is popular thanks to affordable travel and tourist infrastructure.
Is traveling in Cambodia cheap or expensive?
Cambodia is generally a budget-friendly country for transport, accommodation, and food.
👉 Comparison of Transport Options from Vietnam to Cambodia
By Plane
I think flying is the best option if you want to save time and travel comfortably. Direct flights are fast and convenient, but usually more expensive than buses or minivans.
By Bus / Minivan
Tourist buses and minivans are the cheapest and most popular way to travel between Vietnam and Cambodia. The downside is longer travel time and possible waiting at the border crossing.
By Boat
The boat from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh is a unique experience with nice Mekong River views. I recommend it if you want something different, but schedules can depend on weather conditions.
By Private Car
Private cars with drivers are comfortable and flexible, especially for groups. However, this is usually the most expensive transport option between Vietnam and Cambodia.