Home › Routes › Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh
How to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh
Direct international buses take about 6–7 h via the Moc Bai–Bavet border for roughly US$15–30. A flight takes about 1 h in the air and is the fastest option; there is also a slower boat route via the Mekong Delta and Chau Doc.
Best option: Bus. Buses are cheap, run several times a day and staff help with the border formalities; fly if time matters.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| bus International buses run by several companies from District 1 (Pham Ngu Lao area) to Phnom Penh via the Moc Bai/Bavet border | about 6 h – 7 h including the border | several departures a day | about US$15–30 | Have your Cambodian visa or e-visa sorted; staff usually collect passports for the border. |
| flight Flights from Tan Son Nhat (SGN) to Phnom Penh | about 1 h in the air | several flights a day | about US$80–200 | Phnom Penh's new Techo International Airport lies well outside the city; allow time for the transfer. |
| ferry Mekong Delta tour to Chau Doc, then a speedboat on the Mekong to Phnom Penh | usually 2–3 days as a tour; the Chau Doc–Phnom Penh boat alone about 5 h | daily boats from Chau Doc | about US$25–40 for the boat | A slow, scenic alternative; check the current border arrangements. |
| taxi Private car with driver | about 6 h | on demand | about US$150–250 | Some cars cannot cross the border; you may change vehicles at Bavet. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
Open the route in Google Maps →
Book the trip
Partner links: TonyPlan may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Tips
- Check Cambodian visa rules before you go; the e-visa or visa on arrival depends on nationality.
- Bring US dollars: they are widely used in Cambodia.
- Leave early to avoid the busiest border hours.
- Keep your passport and visa paperwork on you, not in checked luggage on the bus.
Common questions
How long is the bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh?
About 6 to 7 hours, including the border crossing at Moc Bai (Vietnam) and Bavet (Cambodia). Several companies run daily buses from District 1. Border queues can add time, especially around holidays. Buy tickets a day ahead from the company office or online.
Do I need a visa for Cambodia?
Most nationalities need a visa. Many can get an e-visa online before travelling, and visas on arrival are available at some crossings. Rules change, so check the official Cambodian government site. Your passport should be valid for at least six months and have blank pages.
Is it better to fly or take the bus?
Flying is faster, about an hour in the air, but with airport time and the long transfer from Phnom Penh's new airport, door to door is often 4 to 5 hours. The bus takes 6 to 7 hours but is much cheaper and goes centre to centre. Fly if time is short.
Can I travel by boat from Vietnam to Cambodia?
Yes. Many travellers take a Mekong Delta tour to Chau Doc and then a speedboat along the Mekong to Phnom Penh, about 5 hours for the boat leg. It is slower and more expensive than the bus, but it is a scenic way to see river life. Check current border arrangements.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.