Vietnam to Cambodia: How to Travel from Vietnam to Cambodia?

Getting from Vietnam to Cambodia is easier than you think, and there are various options for you to make the trip, whether it’s by flight, road, rail, or taking a scenic cruise down the Mekong River, each have their own charm, depending on your budget and how you like to travel.

The fastest and easiest is flight, although the bus is a popular budget choice. By car, you will get the greatest freedom, but it can also involve a little more adventure. The train isn’t the most direct, but it offers beautiful views. And if you’re not in a hurry, a river cruise is an easygoing way to enjoy the scenery while moving along the Mekong River.

In this article, we’re going to describe each Vietnam to Cambodia travel option and provide some handy tips to help you decide which one is right for you. Now let’s find your ideal route!

What’s the Distance from Vietnam to Cambodia? The Location Map

Vietnam and Cambodia share a land border, making it convenient to combine a Vietnam tour with a Cambodia tour. The distance between the two countries varies depending on the location you are traveling from. Here is the location map of Vietnam and Cambodia for your reference.

The distance between Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, and Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, is approximately 888 kilometers (552 miles). Siem Reap is the gateway to the Angkor Wat temple complex, and from Hanoi to Siem Reap is about 885 kilometers (550 miles).

The distance between Ho Chi Minh City, the largest city in Vietnam, and Phnom Penh is about 230 kilometers (143 miles). Then from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap is approximately 392 kilometers (244 miles).

The Location Map of Vietnam and Cambodia.

10 Days Vietnam and Cambodia Essence Tour

Hanoi – Halong Bay – Hoi An – Saigon – Siem Reap

Travel from Vietnam to Cambodia by Flight: Easiest and Fastest Way

Flying is the most convenient and fastest way to get from Vietnam to Cambodia. If you're short on time or prefer comfort, this is the best choice. Several direct flights are available between Vietnam and Cambodia's main cities.

The main departure airports in Vietnam are Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, and Da Nang International Airport in Da Nang. And for Cambodia airports, you’ll arrive at Phnom Penh International Airport in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap Angkor International Airport in Siem Reap. Airlines like Vietnam Airlines, Cambodia Angkor Air, and VietJet Air run daily flights on these routes.

The fastest flight from Vietnam to Cambodia is from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh, with a flight time of 45 to 55 minutes, and the slowest flight route is from Hanoi to Phnom Penh, at about 1h 55 min. Here’s a direct flight schedule reference from Vietnam to Cambodia.

Major Direct Flights from Vietnam to Cambodia

There are many people at Phnom Penh International Airport.

Travel from Vietnam to Cambodia by Land: the Most Money-Saving

Traveling overland from Vietnam to Cambodia can save money and give you a local adventure. The journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh by road takes approximately 6-7 hours, and to Siem Reap takes about 10-12 hours. It is important to note that road conditions in Cambodia can be challenging.

The main road crossing is Moc Bai - Bavet, also this border is the most popular for travelers heading to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. It takes around six hours by road from Ho Chi Minh City to reach the border, and another two to three hours will be spent to reach Phnom Penh. The ride through this crossing passes rice fields and small villages, and you will stop at the border for exit and entry checks.

The common land travel option is taking the bus, which is very affordable. Direct buses run daily between Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh, and often continue to Siem Reap, a one-way ticket costs about $26 to $28. Daytime buses take around 6-7 hours, while overnight buses can take closer to 9-10 hours.

You can also drive or hire a private car from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh, which takes 6-7 hours in total. It's necessary to clear customs at Moc Bai to exit Vietnam and then drive into Cambodia. When crossing the border, remember to carry all necessary travel documents (passport, driver’s license and Identity document) and take some cash (the dollar is better, about $35) .

Bavet, the border crossing from Vietnam to Cambodia.

Travel from Vietnam to Cambodia by Train: Adventurous but Inconvenient

There is no direct train service between Vietnam and Cambodia, but train services are available within each country. This means you will have to ride the train and use other transportation to travel to reach your destination.

In Vietnam, the train is a popular choice for locals and tourists. The services connect major cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. In Cambodia, a limited train service is available, with a line connecting Phnom Penh to the relaxing Sihanoukville.

However, you could take Vietnam’s train south as far as possible, then transfer to a bus or car at the border. For example, one of the most popular is to ride Vietnam's well-known Reunification Express from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City and then cross by land into Cambodia.

For the Hanoi tour to Ho Chi Minh City, train tickets start from about $27, covering over 1700 kilometers and taking more than 32 hours to complete the full journey. This train provides a variety of classes, including hard seat, soft seat with air conditioning, soft sleeper with 4 and 6 berths. The overnight train rides can be quite cozy if you book a sleeper cabin, and after waking up, you’re on the other end of the country.

Vietnam's classic train route from north to south, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City.

Travel from Vietnam to Cambodia by Water: Scenic but Long Journey

For travelers who want something unique, the water border between Vietnam and Cambodia is also available. You have a number of services, such as boats and cruises, that lead the scenic way between Vietnam and Cambodia on the Mekong River.

The boat trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh takes about 8 to 10 hours. The most common route is from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh in Cambodia, often included in a Vietnam boat tour itinerary. The tour is about 4 to 6 hours and costs $20 to $30. But boat services are dependent on weather and can be canceled in unfavorable conditions.

If you have extra time, the Mekong River cruise is also a great experience. They typically run from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh, and take about 3-8 days, depending on the various stops and itinerary. They primarily operate during the high-water season of the river from July to March, when water levels are high.

This cruise has a wide range of prices depending on how luxurious you want it and how long the cruise lasts. Budget options may range between $200-300 for a 3-day and luxury cruises can exceed $1000, and sometimes cost $1000 per person.

On a Mekong River cruise, they typically have cabins, meals, and guided shore excursions, and you’ll stop at several destinations. A popular route might include My Tho, Chau Doc in Vietnam, then Phnom Penh, Kampong Cham, and Siem Reap in Cambodia. Highlights include floating markets such as Cai Rang, village visits, the Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh, and the temples of Angkor Wat.

The scenic boat from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh.

12 Days Cambodia and Vietnam Highlights Tour Package

Siem Reap - Saigon - Hoi An - Hanoi - Halong Bay Cruise - Hanoi

More Insider Tips for Vietnam and Cambodia Tour

Here are some valuable insider tips that will make your journey smoother when you travel from Vietnam to Cambodia.

Visa Requirement: Most people need a visa for Cambodia. The easiest method is to apply for a Cambodian e-visa online before traveling. You can also get a visa on arrival at the border or airport, but that involves waiting in line.

Currency: Vietnam currency is the dong (VND), and Cambodia currency is the riel (KHR), but US dollars are widely accepted for most tourist expenses. It’s wise to bring some US dollars and a bit of riel and dong for small purchases or local markets.

Best Season: The dry season from November to April is the most pleasant time to travel. The weather is mostly sunny and comfortable, ideal for outdoor sightseeing.

What to Pack: Light, breathable clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are must-haves for the tropical sun. Insect repellent is important, and umbrella or raincoat can be useful.

Getting Around Locally: You can use metered taxis or ride-hail apps (Grab works in both countries) to avoid haggling. In Cambodia, tuk-tuks are common for short trips. In Vietnam, motorbike taxis are available.

Local Guides and Tours: Consider hiring local guides for major attractions. Guides can be booked through tour agencies or hotels, or at the sites themselves. Here we offer the best of Cambodia and Vietnam tours, focusing on private car tours that suit your budget and interests at the best local pricing.

The stunning temple complex of Angkor Wat.

Conclusion

To travel to Cambodia from Vietnam, several transportation options are available, including flight, bus, train, and cruise. Each has its pros and cons, then just considering your budget and preferences, you can choose the most suitable one.

Whether you're interested in history, culture, food, or nature, a Vietnam and Cambodia tour can satisfy you. With some planning, you can easily obtain a genuinely memorable adventure! If you have any other questions or information you want to know, just contact us.