Vietnam to Cambodia: How to Get to Vietnam from Cambodia?

As neighboring countries in Southeast Asia, visiting the two countries together is a natural choice, and a great way to get a deeper experience of the region. Transferring between the two countries is very convenient with many options available to fit any itinerary. This guide will give you the information to better understand how to get to Vietnam from Cambodia.

How Far Are Vietnam and Cambodia?

Vietnam and Cambodia share a border over 1000km long, but exactly how far you’ll need to go depends on the route you take. Major cities in Cambodia, such as Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, and cities in Vietnam like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City vary in distance from around 230 to 750 km apart.

By air, it’s never very far. Transferring between these major cities in the two countries usually only takes 1 to 2 hours if you fly. Other routes, such as by bus, boat, or car are also available.

Vietnam and Cambodia Location Map

The Location Map of the Main Cities to Transfer between Vietnam and Cambodia

The main transfer points between the two countries tend to be where the international airports are located. In Cambodia, there are three international airports in Phnom Penh, in the south of the country, Siem Reap in the northeast , and Sihanoukville in the southwest.

Vietnam has three international airports. Boi Bai International Airport in Hanoi is located in the north of the country, Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City is in the south, and roughly in the center is Da Nang International Airport in Da Nang.

Direct flights are available between Ho Chi Ming City and Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville. Hanoi connects directly to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, and from Da Nang, you can fly straight to Sihanoukville.

Map of main cities to transfer between Vietnam and Cambodia

There are several land border-crossing points between the two countries. Located on the highway connecting Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh is the most popular border crossing, Moc Bai on the Vietnam side and Bavet on the Cambodian side. In the south there is the Phnom Den – Tinh Bien border crossing from Vietnam to Cambodia, but transportation on the Cambodian side can be a bit sparse. Other crossing points are available at Prek Chak – Ha Tien.

Visitors can also cross by boat from Ho Chi Minh City to Cambodia through the river border at Chau Doc. From there, travelers can continue by boat to Phnom Penh.

26 Days Vietnam and Cambodia Tour with Mekong Cruise

Hanoi - Hue- Hoi An-Da Nang-Dalat-Nha Trang-Saigon – Ben Tre- Can Tho – Hoa An – Gieng Island – Hong Ngu – Phnom Penh - Siem Reap

How to Get to Vietnam from Phnom Penh?

Phnom Penh is more conveniently located for transferring to Vietnam.

Phnom Penh to Vietnam by Flight
Phnom Penh has regular flights to both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Traveling to Hanoi takes just under two hours and costs between $135-200 USD. Flying to Ho Chi Minh takes only an hour and costs between $120-190 USD.

Phnom Penh to Vietnam by Bus
Regular buses are available from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City. It is a well-traveled route and the trip usually takes 6.5-7 hours. Many modern and comfortable buses are available with ticket prices ranging between $25-35 USD.

Phnom Penh to Vietnam by Ferry
Traveling by boat is a great way to see life along the Mekong River. Chau Doc is the only border crossing between Cambodia and Vietnam with regular ferry service. Ferries and speedboats between Phnom Penh and Chau Doc operate daily and take 4.5-5 hours. Tickets usually cost between $17-35 USD. After crossing the border, you can continue by boat to Ho Chi Minh City for around $60 USD. The trip takes around 10 hours.

Luxurious Mekong River cruises are also available. These can take between 3 to 8 days passing through the beautiful natural landscape, visiting floating markets, and meeting the friendly locals who live life on the river.

Phnom Penh to Vietnam by Car
Private cars can be booked between Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City. Prices are very reasonable and can be between $135-300 USD depending on the size and model of the car. The trip is 285 km long and takes around 6.5 hours.

How to get Vietnam from Phnom Penh

How to Get to Vietnam from Siem Reap?

Starting from Siem Reap there are several options for traveling to Vietnam depending on where you want to go, and how you want to get there.

Siem Reap to Vietnam By flight
Daily flights are available between Siem Reap and major cities in Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh is the closest city and can be reached around 1 hour 20 minutes with tickets costing between $110-219 USD. Flights to Hanoi are around 2 hours long and cost between $135-180 USD. Flights to Danang cost between $170-200 USD and take 1.5 to 2 hours.

Siem Reap to Vietnam by Bus
Taking a bus to Vietnam from Siem Reap is an economical option that lets you see the scenery along the way. It can take over 40 hours to travel to Hanoi by bus and 30 hours to Da Nang, so it is better to choose another city to transfer to. A bus to Ho Chi Minh City costs between $23-49 USD and takes around 13 hours.

Siem Reap to Vietnam by Ferry
Traveling by ferry is a unique and leisurely way to experience the traditional river culture of the region. Ferries to Vietnam start from Phnom Penh. To get to Phnom Penh from Siem Reap, ferries depart daily from the dock at Chong Khneas. The journey travels the Tonle Sap river and lake and takes 4-6 hours. Tickets cost around $18-25 USD.

Another option is to book a Mekong River cruise. Popular river cruises like the 8 Days Lost Civilization Mekong River Cruise Downstream High Water start in Siem Reap and travel through the beautiful scenery to Phnom Penh before crossing the border and heading on to Ho Chi Minh.

Siem Reap to Vietnam by Car
It is also possible to hire a car or taxi to travel from Siem Reap to Vietnam. Cars and vans can be booked to take you between these destinations for around $200-300 USD. The trip takes between 9 and 10 hours and involves transferring through the Moc Bai border crossing. Cars to Da Nang are also available, with a travel time of over 16 hours. 

How to get Vietnam from Siem Reap

The Most Recommended Vietnam and Cambodia Trip Itinerary

To hit all the best places, the most recommended itinerary for a Vietnam and Cambodia trip is a 12-day luxury tour.

Day 1-3: in Siem Reap
Start in Siem Reap exploring the Old Market and Pub Street getting immersed in local culture, and of course, sampling the local street food and snacks. Three days in Siem Reap means you can spend a whole day in the stunning Angkor Wat complex, starting at Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer Empire, and seeing the tower Bayon Temple. From there you can move on to Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world. You’ll have time to take in the intricate bas-reliefs and see a traditional dance performance in the evening.

A trip to Siem Reap wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Tonle Sap Lake. The picturesque lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. There you can take a boat trip to the floating village of Kompong Phluk and see the unique way of life of the local fishing communities.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Day 4-6: in Saigon
Ho Chi Minh City, commonly known as Saigon, is an important historical city in Vietnam. Visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels gives a fascinating glimpse into the guerrilla tactics used in the Vietnam War. The city also preserves parts of its colonial history in places such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Old Saigon Post Office with its neoclassical architecture.

Saigon also has important cultural monuments. One must-see attraction in Saigon is the Emperor Jade Pagoda. Also known as the Tortoise Pagoda, it is considered to be the finest place of worship in the city.

Cu Chi Tunnels, Vietnam

Day 7-8: in Hoi An
Hoi An Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a historic ancient port town. The well-preserved architecture is a unique blend of Chinese, Japanese, and European cultures. Nearby Hoi An is another UNESCO World Heritage site, the My Son Sanctuary. Here the ornate temples, towers, and tombs preserve the remains of the ancient Cham civilization that thrived during the 4th and 14th centuries.

Hoi An Ancient Town, Vietnam

Day 9-11: in Hanoi and Halong Bay Cruise
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is not to be missed on a tour of the region. There you can see the Tran Quoc Pagoda on the shores of West Lake. The pagoda is a symbol of spirituality and inner peace and is one of Vietnam’s oldest Buddhist temples. Another lake, Hoan Kiem Lake, is the most famous spot in Hanoi. Often referred to as the “Lake of the Returned Sword”, it is a place that preserves an important legend from Vietnam’s history.

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is an imposing structure that stands as a testament to the man who played a pivotal role in shaping modern Vietnam. A visit to his mausoleum is a solemn experience with a powerful message about determination and unity.

In addition to exploring the old markets and trying the delicious local delicacies, a Halong Bay Cruise is just a short distance away from Hanoi. Starting from Tuan Chau Island, the gateway of Halong Bay, you’ll explore the emerald waters of the bay seeing stunning rock formations, pristine beaches, and traditional floating villages.

Halong Bay, Vietnam 

Day 12: Hanoi Departure
Depending on your flight time, there may be time for some last-minute exploring before departure. You can take the opportunity to wander the train tracks that weave through the city and stop for a coffee at one of the quaint cafes or do some souvenir shopping at one of the markets in the old city.

12 Days Cambodia and Vietnam Highlights Tour Package

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

If You Have More Time, Add These Destinations in Cambodia and Vietnam

If you have more time to explore Cambodia and Vietnam, you can add destinations in Cambodia such as Sihanoukville. Sihanoukville sits on a peninsula in the warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand. It features beautiful white sand beaches and excellent fresh seafood. Two or three days in the laid-back Sihanoukville is a great way to relax and recharge for more exploration.

Phnom Penh is another popular destination in Cambodia. The capital city is home to the royal palace, where you can also see the Silver Pagoda. The name comes from the 5,000 silver tiles that cover the floor, and it is an impressive sight with its rich ornamentation.

Sapa, in Vietnam, is also well worth the added time. There you can have a Sapa trekking to witness enchanting rice terrace fields and visit traditional villages such as Ta Van Village and Red Dao Village, all the while surrounded by stunning natural scenery.

20 Days Best of Vietnam and Cambodia Tour

Hanoi - Sapa - Halong Bay Cruise - Hoi An - Hue - Saigon - Phnom Penh - Siem Reap

Conclusion

Visiting Cambodia and Vietnam together is a great way to experience the rich culture and scenery of Southeast Asia, and transferring between the two countries makes a combined tour a natural choice for tourists. Air travel makes going from city to city just a short jump away, and more leisurely routes allow seeing the local culture and landscape close up. Contact us to start planning your Cambodia and Vietnam tours so you don’t miss out on this great experience.