How to get from Vietnam to Cambodia?

How far is Vietnam to Cambodia?

The distance between Vietnam and Cambodia varies depending on the specific locations you are traveling between. The shortest distance between the two countries is approximately 226 kilometers (140 miles) when traveling from Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam to Phnom Penh.

For other popular travel routes, such as from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap (the gateway to the Angkor Wat temples in Cambodia), the distance is around 463 kilometers (288 miles) by road. This route can be traveled by bus, cruise, with travel times ranging from 8 to 10 hours or a short flight of approximately 1.5-2 hours.

How many ways to get to Cambodia from Vietnam?

There are 3 main ways such as by plane, by boat, or by road to travel from Vietnam to Cambodia, offering you flexibility in choosing the most convenient and suitable option. If you are wondering “Is there a train from Vietnam to Cambodia?”, the answer would be “No”. There is no direct train service connecting these two countries yet.

Vietnam to Cambodia by flight

If you’re short on time or prefer a quick and convenient option, flying from Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap or Phnom Penh is the best way to travel from Vietnam to Cambodia. But it depends on your travel plan, you can look at the table below to see how long the flight from Vietnam to Cambodia starts from different destinations.

Start from	Arrive in	Length
Hanoi	Siem Reap	2 hours
Hanoi	Phnom Penh	2 hours
Ho Chi Minh City	Siem Reap	1 hour 5 mins
Ho Chi Minh City	Phnom Penh	50 mins
Danang	Siem Reap	2 hours

Boat trip from Vietnam to Cambodia

Ferry from Vietnam to Cambodia

While traveling by ferry from Vietnam to Cambodia may not be a direct option, taking a combination of buses and boats can provide you a scenic and leisurely way to experience the Mekong River and the surrounding landscapes. Here’s a possible route Ho Chi Minh City – Chau Doc – Phnom Penh.

– From Ho Chi Minh City: Take a bus or taxi to Chau Doc, a city in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. The travel time is approximately 6-7 hours by road.

– In Chau Doc: From Chau Doc, you can take a speedboat or slow boat along the Mekong River to the town of Phnom Penh in Cambodia. The boat journey takes around 4-5 hours, depending on water levels and the speed of the boat.

– Arrive in Phnom Penh: The ferry will arrive at the Sisowath Quay Port in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Once you disembark, you will need to go through immigration and customs procedures. Have your travel documents, including your passport and visa, ready for inspection.

Please note that boat services may vary in availability and schedules, and it’s advisable to check with local tour operators or travel agencies for the most up-to-date information on boat services, routes, and prices.

Mekong Cruise from Vietnam to Cambodia

Mekong River cruises usually include excursions and shore visits to explore the local attractions and give you a deeper insight into the region. These can include visits to traditional villages, floating markets, temples, pagodas, and historical sites. You may also have the opportunity to interact with local communities, witness traditional crafts, and sample local cuisine.

The cruise journey typically starts from cities in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, such as Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho, or Can Tho. Here are two main options:

– Short excursion: 3 days 2 nights or 4 days 3 nights journey starting from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh.

– Long excursion: 5 days 4 nights to 8 days 7 nights journey starting from Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap.

Regarding the prices, we offer 3 different options that can meet your budget preferences. These options range from luxury, deluxe to budget cruises, with prices varying from $192 to $5,331. You may want to take a look at Luxury Cruise Mekong, which is one of our divisions that specializes in cruises. Here, you can find an overview of prices, accommodation, and detailed itineraries for various cruises that match your travel style. I am sure that this will be a useful reference for you.

Vietnam to Cambodia by Road

Main Border Crossing between Vietnam and Cambodia

Traveling from Vietnam to Cambodia by road is a popular option for those who prefer overland travel and want to experience the journey firsthand. On average, the journey takes around 6 to 8 hours, but it can take longer depending on the circumstances. Here’s a guide on how to travel from Vietnam to Cambodia by road:

1. Choose your Border Crossing: Here are the main borders crossing between Vietnam and Cambodia used by travelers:

– Moc Bai – Bavet: This border crossing is located near Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam and leads to the town of Bavet in Cambodia.

– Tinh Bien – Phnom Den: This crossing is close to Chau Doc in Vietnam and connects to the town of Phnom Den in Cambodia.

– Ha Tien – Kampot: This border crossing is in the southwest of Vietnam, near the town of Ha Tien, and leads to Kampot in Cambodia.

2. Arrange Transportation: Once you’ve chosen your border crossing, you need to arrange transportation to the border. Options include:

– Private Car or Taxi: You can hire a private car or taxi to take you from your starting point in Vietnam to the border. This option offers convenience and flexibility but can be more expensive.

– Bus: There are bus services that operate between major cities in Vietnam and Cambodia. Look for reputable bus companies that provide cross-border services. Buses are a more budget-friendly option but may have fixed schedules and limited luggage space.

3. Cross the Border: At the border crossing, you’ll need to go through immigration and customs procedures for both Vietnam and Cambodia. Make sure you have the necessary travel documents, including your passport, visa, and any required permits. Follow the instructions of the border officials, submit any required forms, and pay any applicable fees.

4. Continue to your Destination: Once you’ve cleared the border, you can continue your journey to your desired destination in Cambodia. You can find transportation options such as taxis, tuk-tuks, or buses to take you to cities like Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, or Sihanoukville.

Visa Requirements

When traveling from Vietnam to Cambodia by road, it’s important to be aware of the visa requirements for entering Cambodia. Here are the key points to consider:

– Visa on arrival: Citizens of most countries can obtain a visa on arrival at the airports as well as several land border crossings in Cambodia. This option allows you to get your visa upon arrival without having to obtain it in advance.

– E-Visa: This visa is for Cambodia were only available for travelers arriving by air or at the specified port of entry. If you arrive at another border you will find the visa is not valid and you will be required to purchase a visa on arrival.

– Visa Exemptions: Some nationalities are exempt from obtaining a visa for short visits to Cambodia. For example, citizens of ASEAN countries and Seychelles are allowed visa-free entry for a certain period, typically ranging from 14 to 30 days.

How long to spend in Vietnam and Cambodia?

If you plan to visit both Vietnam and Cambodia on the same trip, a total duration of around 2-3 weeks would allow for a reasonably comprehensive exploration of both countries. You can divide your time between the two countries based on your preferences. If you are considering what to do or how long should you spend in each destination, please read our complete guide about travel to Vietnam and Cambodia in 2 weeks.

Our suggested itineraries

If you are planning to travel with your kids, you may find our list of suggested Vietnam Cambodia family tours helpful in creating a draft itinerary. Our tours offer a wide range of hands-on experiences and cultural activities for all ages. Please note that these are just suggestions, and if you’re looking for a local travel agent to help you plan a worry-free trip that goes beyond the ordinary, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll design a trip that fits your travel interests and preferences.

I hope this blog post has helped you figure out how to travel from Vietnam to Cambodia, what documents to pay attention to, and some suggested itineraries. If you have any questions or need help organizing a tour, please feel free to get in touch with us. We’re excited to accompany you as you explore the new side of Vietnam and Cambodia.

You can read more of our blogs to prepare for your trip:

• 10 Things to do in Cambodia with kids – Tips for a stress-free vacation
• Vietnam family vacation: Best itineraries to explore Vietnam with kids
• Transport Vietnam: Complete Guide for Best Way To Getting Around

Trang Nguyen – IV Travel Specialist