A trip to Vietnam and Cambodia is one of the popular combos in Southeast Asia. Vietnam and Cambodia are neighboring countries, offering karst seascapes and landscapes, the rustic Mekong Delta, the marvelous Angkor Wat, and much more.
To cross the border from Vietnam to Cambodia, broadly speaking, you can choose from three ways: by boat, by plane, or by road. No international trains are available between these two countries yet.
No matter which way you choose, departing from Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is the most popular option for time-saving and cost-saving. The most-famous and most-used arrival cities in Cambodia are Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.
Flying is the most convenient way and takes just 1–2 hours.
Travelling by ferry from Chau Doc (3 hours from HCMC) to Phnom Penh is more scenic and interesting. The journey takes only 5 hours, but you have to arrive the day before in Chau Doc. An international Mekong River cruise from 3 nights to 7 nights is a relaxing way to travel between the two countries.
If you prefer travelling by road, a 6½-hour HCMC–Phnom-Penh bus journey using the border crossing from Moc Bai (2 hours from Ho Chi Minh City) to Bavet (3½ hours to Phnom Penh) is the most economical way.
transport from vietnam to cambodiaWhat Our Customers Said
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Vietnam & UAE FANTASTIC tour! Thank you Albee Ning!
Albee was INCREDIBLE. She arranged a 9-day private tour of both North and South Vietnam. No stone was left unturned: a private cruise up the Mekong; excellent hotel reservations; personal, caring tour guides; MoreConsumer, Jun 2020
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We traveled with Asia Highlights…
My husband and I had an absolutely wonderful 5 1/2 week trip that was organized by the exceptional Ruby Zhao. We have traveled a lot and Ruby is the VERY BEST AGENT we have ever had! MoreLurinda Smith Barton Barnwell, Mar 2020
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We were.very satisfied with Asia…Four Great Weeks in China and Viet Nam
Asia Highlights was very efficient at advising us on what to see and the best routes to take, but they were also very flexible in integrating our own ideas in regard of travel destinations and accommodations. MoreEva and Jim, Oct 2019
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We were.very satisfied with Asia…Four Great Weeks in China and Viet Nam
During our four weeks in China and Viet Nam we experienced excellent guides and drivers who were employees of Asia. Highlights. MoreEva and Jim, Oct 2019
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Trip to Vietnam with Asia Highlights was well above expectations
My 12-day private trip to Vietnam was a very rewarding experience, and every day was fantastic, and well above expectations. My trip was perfectly well prepared and organized by Lissy Syoo from Asia Highlights, Morecdietp, May 2019
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Trip to Vietnam with Asia Highlights was well above expectations
In summary, every day, every hour, every moment that I spent in Vietnam was so beautiful and extraordinary. It was also a great educational experience for me. I was very fortunate to have all the guides I had. Morecdietp, May 2019
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Repeat Customer
We traveled with China Highlights in 2015 and were completely satisfied, so when they emailed that they now were arranging trips to SE Asia we didn't even consider looking at other tour companies. MoreTerry, Feb 2019
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Repeat Customer
We spent three weeks in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. We were a group of six and had absolutely no issues whatsoever. It would be impossible to list everything we liked about our tour. MoreTerry, Feb 2019
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Vietnam to Cambodia by Boat
Traveling by boat is another way to unveil the beauty of the Mekong River. You can take a 5-hour ferry or a 3–7-day international cruise.
Ferries from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh
Cost: between US$25 and US$65
The 5-hour ferry to Phnom Penh departs from Chau Doc in Vietnam daily at around 7:30 in the morning. From Ho Chi Minh, it takes 5½ hours by road to Chau Doc, so you should stay overnight there ready for the morning ferry.
It takes 3 hours by road from HCMC to Can Tho, the largest floating market in Vietnam. Can Tho to Chau Doc also takes 3 hours by road.
You're suggested to stay overnight in Can Tho (before making the journey to Chau Doc) for appreciating the traditional lifestyle of the Mekong Delta and the authentic floating market's daily trade. Check more info about Mekong Delta floating market.>>>
Contact Asia Highlights for a Mekong Delta tour, and we'll sort out the transfers and ferry tickets for you.
Vietnam to Cambodia by Mekong Cruise
Cost: from US$600
Cruising the Mekong River could be the icing on the cake for your Vietnam and Cambodia trip. Taking the Mekong Delta cruise for some sightseeing is the scenic way to do Vietnam–Cambodia transportation. Watch sunrises/sunsets on the Mekong Delta, discover breathtaking views along the way, and enjoy the stunning scenery at a relaxing riverboat pace.
You have two options for the cruise: the 3-night, 4-day trip between Ho Chi Minh and Phnom Penh or the 7-night, 8-day trip between Ho Chi Minh and Siem Reap.
The most popular cruise choice is The Heritage Line with two ships: The Jahan (5-star) and The Jayavarman (4-star). Usually, there are two departures each month from Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap (and back). Contact us for the exact schedule.
Vietnam to Cambodia Flights (Updated July 28, 2022)
Flying from Vietnam to Cambodia is the fastest and most convenient way.
The airfare starts from US$90 for an economy-class ticket in the low season (July to September). The price might double in the peak season (October to March).
Because of the pandemic, flights have decreased a lot. Only Ho Chi Minh City has daily departures to both of the top Cambodian cities.
Flights to Siem Reap
You can take a direct flight from Ho Chi Minh City in about 1½ hours (the fastest way from Vietnam to Siem Reap).
Flights from Danang (Hoi An's closest airport, taking 2 hours) just depart on certain days, for example, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
No direct flights depart for Siem Reap from Hanoi.
Flights to Phnom Penh
Direct flights from Vietnam to Phnom Penh are only available from Ho Chi Minh City (55 minutes) and Hanoi (2 hours). Flights from Hanoi depart every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday.
Confused about choosing the best transportation connections? Just share your interests and requirements with us. Our travel consultant will tailor-make an itinerary for you.
Vietnam to Cambodia by Road
The slowest option is to travel overland. Vietnam shares seven border crossings with Cambodia and many provide a Visa on Arrival service.
The most popular crossing is Moc Bai, Vietnam – Bavet, Cambodia. By bus, you need at least 6½ hours by land: from Ho Chi Minh it's 2 hours to Moc Bai and then around 4½ hours on to Phnom Penh including the border crossing (about 1 hour).
Taking a private transfer is the most comfortable and convenient option, costing from US$300 per car, and it's a bit quicker too. Contact us for more info.
Buses are the most affordable, costing US$20–35. When passing through immigration, you'll need to get off the bus (change bus) and carry/wheel all your luggage with you.
Recommended Itinerary
Direct Buses/Flights from Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap
Direct buses are not available from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap at present. Check with our travel expert if interested, as they may be reopening in time for your trip.
You're suggested to fly to Siem Reap directly. Direct flights from HCMC take around 1½ hours and US$100+ for economy class in low season (May to November).
The blend of alluring café culture, the charming royal palace, and colonial buildings makes a stopover in Phnom Penh worthwhile, however. After 1–2 nights in Phnom Penh, fly to Siem Reap for the "Khmer Smile" in Angkor Wat.
Visa Requirements
A Visa on Arrival is an available option at most border crossings to Cambodia. The cost is around US$35 per person. To get the visa, you should prepare and bring 2 passport-sized photos, or you could pay an additional US$2–5 if you don't have the photos. Based on our experience, some officials might take an additional service charge (US$1–10) when you enter Cambodia using a Visa on Arrival.
If you would like to avoid this hassle, you can apply for an e-visa in advance online (single entry with a maximum stay of 30 days).
Traveling with Asia Highlights
When traveling with Asia Highlights, we will provide you with a hassle-free experience. You can check out some popular itineraries below for inspiration. If you want something different, we are happy to customize or tailor-make your trip for you. Simply select "Inquire" on a tour page or "CREATE MY TRIP" below.
Why Travel with Asia Highlights During the Pandemic
- Tailor-made experience: All of your ideas/needs will be carefully considered to create your ideal trip.
- Worry-free planning: Your 1:1 travel consultant in Asia will take all the uncertainty out of your planning, helping you navigate any travel restrictions.
- No-risk booking: 100% refund policy! (up to 14 days before departure)
Get Inspired with Our Sample Itineraries
At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.
