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 fromArrive inLength
HanoiSiem Reap2 hours
HanoiPhnom Penh2 hours
Ho Chi Minh CitySiem Reap1 hour 5 mins
Ho Chi Minh CityPhnom Penh50 mins
DanangSiem Reap2 hours
Fight time from Vietnam to Cambodia starts from different destinations

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.

Hang Chau express boat at Chau Doc port
Hang Chau express boat at Chau Doc port

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.

Daily life of local people on Mekong River
Watch the daily life of local people on the Mekong River

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 can take a look at the blog Tips to choose the best river cruise Vietnam and Cambodia. Here, you can find reliable cruise companies with an overview of prices, accommodation, and detailed itineraries that match your travel style. I am sure that this will be a useful reference for you.

Mekong Eyes Explorer Balcony
The stunning view from Mekong Eyes Explorer Balcony

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.

Vietnam

– Best duration: 10 – 14 days

– Recommended stops:

+ Hanoi (2-3 days)

+ Halong Bay (1-2 days)

+ Hoi An (2-3 days)

+ Ho Chi Minh City (2-3 days)

+ Mekong Delta (1-2 days)

This allows you to see the key highlights in the north and south of Vietnam, including the natural wonder of Halong Bay, the historic charm of Hoi An, and the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City. The Mekong Delta region provides a glimpse into rural Vietnamese life.

Cambodia

– Best duration: 4 – 8 days

– Recommended stops:

+ Siem Reap (2 – 4 days)

+ Phnom Penh (1 – 2 days)

+ Coastal areas like Sihanoukville or Kep (1- 2 days) for beach time

This gives you sufficient time to explore the main attractions in Cambodia, especially the magnificent Angkor Wat complex, while also allowing for some relaxation time by the coast.

Suggested Vietnam and Cambodia itineraries

Below are some Vietnam and Cambodia package tours you can use as a reference for your trip. Click on each tour to view more details, including our suggested activities, accommodations, and rates updated valid from 2024-2025.

Splendors Of Vietnam & Cambodia 17 Days: Experience the most stunning locations in Vietnam from north to south as well as the top temples in Cambodia, at an appropriate pace with prices starting from USD 2,178 per person.

Discover the Real Vietnam & Cambodia 15 Days: Take you to the most popular attractions as well as give you a chance to explore the culture and local life, especially in-depth Siem Reap. Price from USD 1549/person.

Discovery Southern Vietnam & Cambodia 13 days: Discover both countries with a fascinating speedboat ride up the Mekong River in two weeks. This is the ideal itinerary if you have just two weeks to see the highlights of Saigon, the Mekong Delta region, and Cambodia as you venture through popular travel destinations but still explore local activities. The price starts from USD 1,785/person.

If you are looking for more ideas, you may find our helpful list of Vietnam & Cambodia holiday packages to create a draft itinerary.

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 to Vietnam and Cambodia, please feel free to email us at [email protected] or fill out this customized tour form to get the quote. We’re excited to accompany you to explore the new side of Vietnam and multi countries.

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

Indochina Voyages stands out as one of the premier Southeast Asia Tour Companies, specializing in crafting personalized private packages for discerning travelers. If you are looking to discover the beauty of Vietnam or further countries through an authentic and respectful lens, contact us here or email at [email protected].

Trang Nguyen – IV Travel Specialist

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