Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh is about 230–280 km, and the usual way is a direct bus via the Moc Bai–Bavet border, which takes 6–7½ hours including immigration and costs about $14–35 depending on the company. Giant Ibis, Mekong Express and Kumho Samco run daily buses from District 1. A private car costs about $80–120 and takes 5–6 hours, flights take under an hour, and a slower, scenic route goes by boat along the Mekong via Chau Doc.
Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh: quick comparison
| Option | Time | Typical price (one way) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct bus | 6–7½ hours including the border | About $14–35 | Most travelers |
| Private car | 5–6 hours | About $80–120 per car | Groups, families |
| Flight | Under 1 hour in the air | Varies widely; book ahead | Short trips, onward connections |
| Mekong boat via Chau Doc | Usually a 2-day trip with a night in Chau Doc | Varies by operator | Scenery and the Mekong Delta |
Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh by bus
International buses leave from the backpacker area around Pham Ngu Lao Street in District 1 several times a day, usually from morning to mid-afternoon. They take you through both border posts and drop you in central Phnom Penh, so you do not need to change vehicles.
- Giant Ibis and Mekong Express are the premium options, with more legroom, Wi-Fi and staff who help with the border formalities. Giant Ibis lists several daily departures between about 08:00 and 15:15.
- Kumho Samco and other operators are cheaper, typically around $14–20.
- VIP services with snacks and extra assistance can cost up to about $35.
Book a day or two ahead in high season, check whether the price includes the Cambodian visa fee or a handling fee, and bring your passport and some US dollars in cash.
Crossing the border at Moc Bai and Bavet
Moc Bai (Vietnam) and Bavet (Cambodia) is the busiest land crossing between the two countries and is open daily from about 06:00 to 22:00. The process usually takes 45–90 minutes, longer at peak times in the late morning:
- Bus staff often collect passports and help with the paperwork; you then walk through Vietnamese exit control and across about 300 m to Cambodian immigration.
- No fee is required to leave Vietnam.
- On the Cambodian side, many nationalities can get a visa on arrival for about $30 in US dollars. Bring a passport photo and clean notes.
- Bus companies often charge a small extra service fee (around $5–10) to process the visa for you. It is optional if you are prepared to queue yourself.
- Cambodia also requires the free online e-Arrival card, completed before you arrive.
Ignore anyone at the border asking for extra “stamp” or “processing” fees beyond the official visa price, and do not change money with touts. Reports differ on whether an eVisa bought in advance is always accepted at Bavet, so if you buy one, use only the official Cambodian government site and keep a printed copy.
Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh by private car
A private car costs about $80–120 and takes about 5–6 hours, including the border. It is good value for three or four people and lets you leave at any time. Note that many drivers cannot cross the border, so some transfers involve changing cars at Moc Bai–Bavet; confirm this when booking.
Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh by plane
Direct flights from Tan Son Nhat (SGN) to Phnom Penh take under an hour. Since September 2025, Phnom Penh’s flights use the new Techo International Airport (KTI), which replaced the old Phnom Penh International Airport and is further from the city centre, so allow extra time for the transfer. Flying saves time on paper, but once you add airport transfers and check-in, it is often only a few hours quicker than the bus and costs more.
Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh by boat
For a more scenic journey, travel through the Mekong Delta to Chau Doc, near the border, and continue by boat up the Mekong to Phnom Penh. Most people do this as a two-day trip, with a night in Chau Doc and stops in the delta. Boats cross the border at Vinh Xuong–Kaam Samnor, where Cambodian visas are also available on arrival. Departure times and prices vary by operator and season, so book through a reputable agency and confirm what is included.
Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City
The reverse route works the same way. Remember that Vietnam does not issue visas on arrival at land borders, so most nationalities need a Vietnamese eVisa before they reach Moc Bai.
How long is the bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh?
Usually 6–7 hours, sometimes up to 7½ hours if the border is busy. Leaving early in the morning helps you avoid the late-morning queues.
Which is the best bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh?
Giant Ibis and Mekong Express are the most popular with foreign travelers for comfort and help at the border. Cheaper operators get you there for less but with fewer extras. For most people, the difference of a few dollars is worth it on a 6–7-hour journey with a border crossing.
Planning your time in Cambodia
Most travelers spend two days in Phnom Penh before continuing to Siem Reap; see Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and our guides to Angkor Wat tickets and things to do in Siem Reap. Read is Cambodia safe? before you go, and check our Cambodia currency guide and Vietnam currency guide for money tips on both sides of the border.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to go from Vietnam to Cambodia?
Most nationalities do. You can usually get a visa on arrival at Bavet for about $30 or apply for an eVisa in advance through the official site. Some ASEAN nationals do not need a visa.
Can I pay the Cambodian visa in Vietnamese dong?
Bring US dollars. Officials expect dollars, and other currencies, if accepted, are converted at a poor rate.
How far is Phnom Penh from Ho Chi Minh City?
About 230 km in a straight line and roughly 250–280 km by road, depending on the start and end points.
