Vietnam and Cambodia are neighboring countries, and a trip to Vietnam and Cambodia is one of the popular combos in Southeast Asia.
You can cross the border from Vietnam to Cambodia by boat, plane, or road, as there are no international trains between the two countries.
The most convenient departure city is Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), offering the fastest and most cost-effective routes. The two most common arrival cities in Cambodia are Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
If arriving in Phnom Penh, you'll have the most transport choices: flights, Mekong River cruises, ferry boats, and buses. If heading to Siem Reap, flights and river cruises are the best options, as there are no direct ferries, and buses require a Phnom Penh transfer plus an additional 6–7 hours.
Check out the details of each option and visa requirements for immigration.
4 Transport Options from Vietnam to Cambodia
Here's a quick comparison to help you choose the best option based on your budget, time, and travel style:
| Mode of Transport | Travel Time | Cost | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plane | 1-2 hours | From US$69 | Fastest and most convenient |
| Mekong Cruise | 4 days to Phnom Penh; 8 days to Siem Reap | From US$1000 to Phnom Penh; From US$2000 to Siem Reap | Slow-paced, luxurious Mekong Delta discovery. |
| Ferry | 5 hours | US$35 |
|
| Road (Bus) | 6½ hours to Phnom Penh, +6-7 hours to Siem Reap | US$20−35 | Slowest but most affordable. |
1. Flight: The Fastest Option, Preferred by 90% of Our Clients
If you prioritize speed, flying is the quickest and easiest way to travel from Vietnam to Cambodia. It takes around 2 hours from Hanoi to Siem Reap or Phnom Penh, 1 hour from Ho Chi Minh, and 1.5 hours from Danang.
Economy-class fares start at US$69 during the low season (July–September) but can double in peak season (October–March). For a smoother experience, Vietnam Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air are good choices, while VietJet Air, a budget airline, has a poor reputation for punctuality.
The drawback? Flight delays or cancellations may occur during the rainy season (May to October). To avoid last-minute itinerary changes, our 24/7 Vietnam experts are here to help.
2. Mekong River Cruise: A Relaxing, In-Depth Experience
- Cost: From US$1000 for 4 days; from US$2000 for 8 days
- Travel Time: 4-day trip to Phnom Penh, 8-day trip to Siem Reap
From sipping cocktails at sunrise to exploring the vibrant Cai Rang floating market by sampan, a Mekong River cruise lets you experience Vietnam and Cambodia in a way no other transport can—slowly, scenically, and comfortably.
Among the many cruise options, the Mekong Princess stands out for its convenience and exclusivity. Unlike most cruises that require a 3-hour transfer to My Tho or Can Tho, it departs directly from Saigon Port—just 5 minutes from the city center. With only 14 rooms, it offers a more private experience with uninterrupted river views from every suite.
Since cruises have fixed departure dates, securing a spot can be challenging, especially in the rainy season. Heavy rainfall in August and September may lead to flooding, causing some shore excursions to be canceled. For the best experience with stable weather and full itineraries, plan your trip between November and April, the dry season.
3. Bus: The Cheapest Option
Costing US$20–35, traveling by bus is the most budget-friendly way to get from Vietnam to Cambodia.
Vietnam shares seven border crossings with Cambodia, and many provide a Visa on Arrival service. The Moc Bai–Bavet crossing is the most popular route, thanks to its proximity to Ho Chi Minh City and its well-established visa processing system.
The 230-km (143-mi) journey to Phnom Penh takes at least 6.5 hours: 2 hours from Ho Chi Minh to Moc Bai, and then 4.5 hours to Phnom Penh. If you're heading to Siem Reap, expect an additional 6–7 hours on the road.
While buses are the cheapest option, they could be a bit challenging for taller travelers due to the narrow seats. At the border, you'll need to hand over your passport to the bus staff for about an hour. Disorganized services are common with cheaper operators. To ensure a smooth experience, it's crucial to book with a reliable bus company.
Sleeping Bus from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh4. Ferry from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh: Scenic but Slow
- Cost: around US$35
- Duration: 5 hours ferry
The ferry from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh offers a scenic but slower journey. It operates only once a day, departing in the morning around 7:30 AM.
To break up the 6-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City to Chau Doc, we recommend staying overnight in Can Tho on the way. So you can avoid rushing in the morning and also see the largest floating market in Vietnam.
Like the buses, you must hand over your passport to the ferry staff for immigration, which can take about an hour. Bring your own food, as only small snacks are available onboard.
For more travel ideas, explore our Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong Delta tours, or feel free to reach out for personalized recommendations.
Visa Requirements to Enter Cambodia
No matter how you choose to travel, remember that you'll need to arrange a visa before entering Cambodia.
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. Some travelers report being asked for additional service charges (US$1–10). To avoid any inconvenience, consider applying for an e-visa in advance.
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). Information updated as of March 2025. Please check official sources for changes: Cambodia and Vietnam.
Traveling with Highlights Travel
When traveling with Highlights Travel, we will provide you with a hassle-free experience. You can check out some popular itineraries below for inspiration.
- 10-Day South Vietnam to Cambodia Tour
- 12-Day Cambodia and Vietnam Highlights Tour
- 18-Day Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour
Looking for a unique experience? Let us design a personalized itinerary just for you—one that fits your pace, interests, and budget.
Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries
At Highlights Travel, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.
