How to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap
Cambodia · Cultural & Heritage · Urban & Cultural · Vietnam · Ho Chi Minh City · Phnom Penh · Siem Reap
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Siem Reap can be done in one short flight to Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport (SAI), or overland via Phnom Penh by bus/minivan (fastest land route). For a scenic detour, go via the Mekong to Chau Doc and speedboat to Phnom Penh before continuing north. Private cars/charters give door-to-door flexibility across the border. Pick your style below, then use the step-by-steps and map links.
At A Glance (Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Direct Flight (SGN → SAI) | ~1h15 flight + 40–60m airport→city | Fastest, least hassle |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~USD 70–200 one-way (seasonal) » search flights | Trip.com fares | ||
| 🚌 Bus/Minivan via Phnom Penh (Mộc Bài/Bavet border) | ~12–14h total (2 legs) | Budget travelers with time |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~USD 30–55 total (HCMC→PP + PP→Siem Reap) » compare buses | ||
| ⛴️ Bus to Chau Doc + Speedboat to Phnom Penh + Bus/Van | ~14–18h (connection/season-dependent) | Scenic route lovers |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~USD 60–100 total (bus+boat+bus) » HCMC→Chau Doc | PP→Siem Reap | ||
| 🚐 Private Car/Charter (Cross-border) | ~10–12h door-to-door | Families, lots of luggage, custom timing |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~USD 250–500 per vehicle (size/season) » get quotes | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest/Most Convenient: Fly SGN→Siem Reap (SAI), then taxi/transfer to your hotel.
- Cheapest Overland: Bus/van via Phnom Penh (two tickets; easy border with bus staff guidance).
- Most Scenic: Mekong route via Chau Doc + speedboat, then onward by bus/van.
- Door-to-door Comfort: Private car/charter (agree on border assistance in advance).
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Visas & entry: Many travelers use Cambodia eVisa (apply ahead) or visa on arrival at Bavet; carry passport photos and USD cash.
- Book online: Compare flights on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com; check buses on 12Go. Activities/transfers on GetYourGuide or Klook.
- Ride-hailing: In HCMC use Grab/Be; in Cambodia (Phnom Penh/Siem Reap) Grab isn’t standard—use PassApp/tuk-tuks or pre-booked cars. For fixed intercity quotes, try GetTransfer.
- Luggage storage: Sightseeing before departure? Use Radical Storage Ho Chi Minh City and Radical Storage Siem Reap.
- Cash & SIMs: Keep small USD and riel for Cambodia; ATMs are in border towns. eSIMs or local SIMs can be bought in both countries.
✈️ Option #1 — Direct Flight (SGN → Siem Reap–Angkor International, SAI)
Fastest Multiple daily Airport transfer needed
- Overview: Nonstop flights from Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) to Siem Reap’s new airport (SAI). On arrival, continue 40–60 minutes by taxi/van to central Siem Reap (Old Market/Wat Bo).
- How to book (with price): Typical fares USD 70–200 one-way depending on season. Compare on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com. Prebook arrival transfer/tuk-tuk on GetYourGuide or Klook.
- Pros: Easiest and quickest; minimal border admin at airports. Cons: Slightly higher cost vs. bus; airport is outside town.
- Official info: Check flight/transfer details on the airport and airline websites at booking.
Step-by-step: Direct Flight (SGN → SAI)
- Get to Tan Son Nhat (SGN) by Grab/taxi or local bus from District 1.
- Compare fares and book on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com; check in online and arrive 2–3 hours early.
- Land at Siem Reap–Angkor International (SAI); buy a local SIM or meet your prebooked transfer.
- Ride 40–60 minutes to your hotel (Old Market/Wat Bo/Charles de Gaulle area).
Getting to the main embarking points (SGN & SAI)
- SGN: District 1 hotels are ~20–40 minutes by Grab/taxi depending on traffic.
- SAI arrivals: Fixed-price taxis/minivans and prebooked cars available at arrivals hall.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #2 — Bus/Minivan via Phnom Penh (Budget Overland)
Cheapest Two simple legs Border stop
- Overview: Travel HCMC → Phnom Penh via the Mộc Bài/Bavet border, then continue Phnom Penh → Siem Reap by bus/van. Many operators assist with border procedures.
- How to book (with price): Expect ~USD 15–25 HCMC→PP and ~USD 12–30 PP→Siem Reap depending on bus type/time. Compare and book on 12Go (HCMC→PP) and 12Go (PP→Siem Reap).
- Pros: Inexpensive and frequent departures. Cons: Long day; one transfer in Phnom Penh.
- Official info: Check current border hours/visa requirements prior to departure.
Step-by-step: Bus/Minivan via Phnom Penh
- From District 1, head to your HCMC bus office on Phạm Ngũ Lão/Bùi Viện area using Grab/taxi.
- Ride to Mộc Bài, complete exit/entry at Mộc Bài/Bavet (staff guide you), continue to Phnom Penh.
- In Phnom Penh, transfer to your prebooked PP→Siem Reap bus/van (allow buffer time between tickets).
- Arrive in Siem Reap (usually at city bus offices near the center); tuk-tuk or car to your hotel.
Getting to the main embarking points (Pham Ngu Lao & PP hubs)
- HCMC start: Phạm Ngũ Lão backpacker area ticket offices (District 1) for Cambodia-bound buses.
- Phnom Penh transfer: Many operators use Riverside/Night Market or company depots; confirm address on your voucher.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
⛴️ Option #3 — Mekong Route: HCMC → Chau Doc (Bus) → Phnom Penh (Speedboat) → Siem Reap (Bus/Van)
Scenic Border by river Seasonal timings
- Overview: Bus to Chau Doc, then a fast boat up the Mekong to Phnom Penh, and connect by bus/van to Siem Reap. Great for river views and slower-paced travel.
- How to book (with price): HCMC→Chau Doc bus ~USD 8–15 (12Go), speedboat Chau Doc→PP ~USD 25–35 (buy from boat operator/agents), PP→Siem Reap ~USD 12–30 (12Go).
- Pros: Memorable river journey; comfortable boats. Cons: More connections; boats can be seasonal/weather-affected.
- Official info: Boat companies will advise border docs and departure piers; bring passport photos and USD for visas if needed.
Step-by-step: Mekong Route
- From HCMC District 1, take a bus to Chau Doc (check times).
- Stay overnight (recommended) or catch a morning speedboat to Phnom Penh (buy ticket locally/through a hotel).
- Arrive in Phnom Penh riverside; transfer to your bus/van to Siem Reap.
- Reach Siem Reap; tuk-tuk or car to your accommodation.
Getting to the main embarking points (Chau Doc pier & PP Riverside)
- Chau Doc: Boats depart from central riverside piers; confirm the exact jetty on your ticket.
- Phnom Penh: Boats arrive near Riverside; bus offices are nearby or a short tuk-tuk away.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚐 Option #4 — Private Car/Charter (Door-to-Door, Cross-Border)
Comfort Custom stops Pricier
- Overview: A hired car/van takes you from your HCMC hotel across the Mộc Bài/Bavet border and on to Siem Reap. Some services switch vehicles at the border; clarify in advance.
- How to book (with price): ~USD 250–500 per vehicle depending on size/season. Compare quotes and specify cross-border service on GetTransfer. For city pickups/dropoffs, Welcome Pickups operates in select cities; otherwise use local operators.
- Pros: Door-to-door ease; great with kids/gear; flexible stops for lunch/ATMs. Cons: Highest cost; border waits can vary.
- Official info: Confirm visa requirements and border opening hours for your travel day.
Step-by-step: Private Car/Charter
- Request quotes with pickup time/address and luggage count on GetTransfer.
- Verify whether you remain in the same vehicle after the border or switch to a Cambodian car; confirm waiting time and inclusions.
- Drive to Mộc Bài, complete exit/entry at Mộc Bài/Bavet, then continue to Siem Reap (meal/fuel stops as needed).
- Arrive at your hotel; pay any remaining balance/tolls if not prepaid.
Getting to the main embarking points (Door-to-Door)
- HCMC pickup: Any District 1/3/Phú Nhuận hotel or SGN airport by arrangement.
- Siem Reap drop: Hotels in Old Market/Wat Bo/Angkor areas; request child seats in advance if needed.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap)
Is there a direct train?
No—there’s no railway between Vietnam and Cambodia. Use flight or bus/van routes.
Which border is used overland?
Most use Mộc Bài (VN) / Bavet (KH) on the HCMC–Phnom Penh highway. Your bus or driver will guide the process.
How long is the bus journey?
Typically ~6–7 hours HCMC→Phnom Penh plus ~5–6 hours Phnom Penh→Siem Reap, not counting transfer time.
Do I need USD cash?
Yes—USD is common for Cambodian visas and some services. ATMs exist in border towns and major cities.
Is the Mekong boat year-round?
Often reduced or weather-dependent in low-water months. Check schedules locally or via your hotel/agent.
Where to stay in Siem Reap?
Old Market/Wat Bo for walkability; Charles de Gaulle road for resorts near Angkor. Compare deals on Booking.com.
Can I rent a scooter in Siem Reap?
Yes—check local rules and your insurance. Compare options on BikesBooking.