VIETNAM TO CAMBODIA BY LAND: HOW TO CROSS FROM HO CHI MINH TO PHNOM PENH
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Traveling overland from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, is an adventure in itself and is a great alternative if, like me, you are looking for a cheaper and even more adventurous solution without necessarily giving up comfort. In this guide I will explain step by step how to get from Ho Chi Minh in southern Vietnam to the capital of Cambodia. Whether you're a budget traveler or just looking for an alternative to flying, this guide has everything you need to know about making the journey hassle-free and memorable.
WHY TRAVEL OVERLAND?
The overland route between Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh is popular for several reasons:
Scenic Views: you will have the opportunity to enjoy beautiful landscapes as you cross Vietnam to arrive in the Cambodian countryside before entering its modern capital.
Cost-Effective: Land travel is often cheaper than flights.
Ease of Access: the fact that it is such a famous route means that there are several departures during the day and this makes it a particularly flexible option.
TRAVEL OPTIONS:
Bus
Popular companies: Giant Ibis, Mekong Express...
Duration: 6-7 hours, including border formalities.
Cost: $10-$20 (varies by company and seating class).
Pros: Most buses are air-conditioned and offer Wi-Fi and snacks.
Private Taxi
Duration: 5-6 hours.
Cost: $80-$120 per car (suitable for groups or families).
Pros: Direct service, customizable stops.
Minivan
Duration: Similar to buses, but faster boarding times.
Cost: Approximately $15-$25.
Pros: Smaller groups, faster border crossing.
Motorcycle (DIY)
For the adventurer: Ideal if you are comfortable traveling long distances.
Challenges: Make sure you have the proper documentation and permits.
In my case I chose to cross the border by bus, and that is what I' m gonna talk about in this guide.
TIP: Use 12go.Asia to buy tickets and be sure to check your embassy’s official websites for visa information.
Without further do.
I departed from Ho Chi Minh, with Giant Ibis bus company, it is one of the most well-known and reliable, not only are the seats very comfortable and you will be provided with water and snacks during the journey but the main reason why I feel like absolutely recommending this company, is that they will take care of everything, and I mean all the necessary paperwork, it is definitely a plus that will allow you to sit back and enjoy the trip.
When I was looking for information, I came across different opinions on the internet, such as those who said to buy an online visa, but if there is one thing I learned from traveling across Southeast Asia is that things are almost never as they look online.
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE:
⦁ Book Your Ticket from online platforms like 12go.Asia. If you decide to rely on Giant ibis, the total cost is around 40 dollars and this includes the service fee for the visa process, and the 30 dollars fee for the actual visa.
⦁ Prepare Your Documents: passport and cash, 40 dollars of which 30 for the payment of the Cambodian visa upon arrival and 10 for the processing fee. In the case of Giant ibis you will be asked to pay them when boarding the bus.
DEPARTURE FROM HO CHI MINH CITY
arrive at least 30 minutes before your bus departure
The journey takes about 6 hours, my advice is to depart in the morning to avoid delays at the border.
You will cross the border with Vietnam (bavet) to reach the Cambodian border (moc bai)
TIPS:
⦁ follow the instructions of the staff on the bus
⦁ fill out the form that will be given to you on the bus before reaching the border and that you will then have to return to the bus staff together with your passport that will be delivered to you safe and sound with your visa once you have passed the border and all the procedures.
⦁ Avoid unofficial "helpers" demanding extra fees.
Once you arrive in Phnom Penh you can hop on a tuk-tuk to get to your accommodation, make sure you negotiate the price in advance or rely on GRAB
TIPS FOR A SMOOTH JOURNEY
Timing: Morning departures minimize delays at the border.
Patience: Border crossings can take time; stay calm and cooperative.
choose giant ibis for a hassle-free trip
⦁ MONEY EXCHANGE: If you are not American and need to change money to pay for your visa (only cash dollars are accepted) you can go to a bank or a jewelry store, just make sure you do your research because some are known to scam foreigners but if it is a small sum like this one there should be no problem. I went to KIM THAN NGUYEN JEWELRY in Ho Chi Minh City in District 3
Online you will find information that says that online visas are accepted, but in my experience, this is not entirely true and in most cases, you will be asked to pay for the visa again upon arrival.
ALTERNATIVES TO THE LAND ROUTE:
Flight: Direct flights are faster but more expensive.
Boat: Travel from Chau Doc (Vietnam) via the Mekong River for a scenic experience.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh by land is an enriching experience for travelers seeking a glimpse of local life along the way. With the right preparation and mindset, crossing the border is straightforward and rewarding.
Have you taken this route before? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below!