How to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Phnom Penh is a classic overland hop. Most travelers take a direct international bus/minivan via Mộc Bài–Bavet, while others fly for speed or add adventure by going via Châu Đốc and the Mekong speedboat. Private cars are the most flexible. Pick your style below, with clear booking links and step-by-steps.
At A Glance (Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚌 Direct International Bus (HCMC → Phnom Penh) | ~6.5–8.5h total (border stop included) | Good value, simple & direct |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~USD 18–35 one-way » compare buses/minivans | alt. listings | ||
| 🚐 Express Minivan (Small Group) | ~6–7.5h (fewer seats, faster boarding) | Quicker boarding, lighter luggage |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~USD 25–40 one-way » see minivans | ||
| ✈️ Flight (SGN → PNH) | ~1h10 flight + airport transfers | Fastest border-free option |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~USD 80–220+ one-way (seasonal) » search flights | Trip.com fares | ||
| ⛴️ Bus to Châu Đốc + Mekong Speedboat | ~10–12h total (split across bus + boat) | Scenic route, river experience |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~USD 35–75 combined » browse river options | HCMC→Châu Đốc buses | ||
| 🚖 Private Car/Charter (Door-to-door) | ~6–8h (border formalities en route) | Families, groups, max comfort |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~USD 160–320 per vehicle (size-dependent) » get quotes | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest overall: Fly SGN→PNH (avoid border queues entirely).
- Best value & straightforward: Direct bus or express minivan via Mộc Bài–Bavet.
- Most scenic: Châu Đốc + Mekong speedboat for river views and soft adventure.
- Most comfortable door-to-door: Private car/charter with border assistance (pre-arranged).
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Visas: Many travelers use Cambodia’s eVisa (apply in advance; bring printout). Vietnam exit is stamped at Mộc Bài; Cambodia entry at Bavet.
- Booking platforms: Compare departures and companies on 12Go, flights on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com, and private cars on GetTransfer.
- Ride-hailing: Use Grab for Saigon station/airport transfers; in Phnom Penh, Grab and PassApp are common for tuk-tuks and cars.
- Luggage: Stash bags if sightseeing before departure/after arrival via Radical Storage Ho Chi Minh City or Radical Storage Phnom Penh.
- Money & SIM: Keep some VND and USD; you can exchange at the border. Consider Cambodian SIM/eSIM; ATMs are easy in Phnom Penh.
🚌 Option #1 — Direct International Bus (Most Popular, Good Value)
Low cost Fixed seats Border stop
- Overview: Daily buses connect central HCMC (Pham Ngu Lao/De Tham area or company offices) to Phnom Penh. Coaches handle exit/entry stops at Mộc Bài (VN) and Bavet (KH).
- How to book (with price): ~USD 18–35 one-way. Compare companies and departure times on 12Go or check options on Klook.
- Pros: Direct, inexpensive, runs multiple times daily. Cons: Timing depends on border queues and traffic.
Step-by-step: Direct Bus
- Book a departure near where you stay (Pham Ngu Lao/De Tham pick-ups are most central) via 12Go.
- Arrive 20–30 minutes early; bring passport, printed Cambodia eVisa if applicable, and a couple of passport photos (backup).
- Ride ~2–3 hours to Mộc Bài; disembark for Vietnam exit processing. Reboard and proceed to Bavet for Cambodia entry.
- Continue ~3–4 hours to Phnom Penh; most buses drop at Riverside/City center or the Phnom Penh bus station.
Getting to the main embarking points (Pham Ngu Lao / Bavet)
- In HCMC: Use Grab taxi to your bus office on De Tham/Pham Ngu Lao.
- Border: The same coach waits after exit/entry; keep your baggage claim tag handy.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚐 Option #2 — Express Minivan (Faster Boarding, Fewer Seats)
Quicker Smaller groups Less luggage space
- Overview: 9–15 seat vans run similar routes with faster check-ins and fewer passengers. Good for travelers with hand luggage.
- How to book (with price): ~USD 25–40. See minivans and schedules on 12Go (vans).
- Pros: Potentially shorter total time; more departures. Cons: Tighter seating; pack light.
Step-by-step: Express Minivan
- Choose a central pickup (often District 1 offices) on 12Go.
- Arrive early for check-in; confirm where to retrieve bags during border formalities.
- Exit Vietnam at Mộc Bài and enter Cambodia at Bavet; reboard the same van.
- Arrive in Phnom Penh (Riverside/central stop). Use Grab/PassApp to reach your hotel.
Getting to the main embarking points (District 1 offices)
- From anywhere in HCMC: Grab car/bike is the simplest to reach the operator’s office.
- Phnom Penh drop-offs: Typically central; pick a van that stops near your accommodation.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
✈️ Option #3 — Flight SGN → PNH (Fastest & Easiest Border-wise)
Fastest Frequent Airport transfers needed
- Overview: Nonstop flights connect Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat (SGN) and Phnom Penh (PNH). Immigration is handled at airports, avoiding land borders.
- How to book (with price): From ~USD 80–220+ depending on season/sale. Compare fares on Booking.com Flights and Trip.com.
- Pros: Quick and predictable. Cons: Airport-city transfers on both ends; higher cost than bus.
Step-by-step: Flight SGN → PNH
- Use Grab/taxi to reach SGN (Tan Son Nhat). Check baggage and immigration requirements.
- Book and check in online via Booking.com Flights or compare on Trip.com.
- Land at PNH; clear immigration, then use airport taxi/Grab to your hotel.
- Consider luggage storage if early or late: Radical Storage Phnom Penh.
Getting to the main embarking points (SGN & PNH)
- SGN: 20–45 minutes from District 1 off-peak by Grab/taxi.
- PNH: 30–45 minutes to Riverside/Doun Penh depending on traffic.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
⛴️ Option #4 — Bus to Châu Đốc + Mekong Speedboat (Scenic Route)
Scenic Unique experience Longest
- Overview: Travel HCMC→Châu Đốc by bus, overnight optional, then take a speedboat up the Mekong to Phnom Penh (immigration at the river border).
- How to book (with price): Buses HCMC→Châu Đốc from ~USD 8–15 on 12Go. Speedboats usually USD 30–60; browse options on GetYourGuide or check locally.
- Pros: Scenic river journey; relaxed pace. Cons: Longest total time; weather-dependent.
Step-by-step: Châu Đốc + Boat
- Book HCMC→Châu Đốc bus on 12Go; consider an overnight in Châu Đốc (optional).
- Head to the Châu Đốc pier in the morning for your speedboat. Operators assist with exit formalities, then Cambodian entry upriver.
- Arrive at Phnom Penh pier (Sisowath Quay); walk or tuk-tuk to your hotel.
- If staying overnight in Châu Đốc or Phnom Penh, compare hotels on Booking.com (Châu Đốc) or Booking.com (Phnom Penh).
Getting to the main embarking points (Châu Đốc bus station & pier)
- Châu Đốc bus arrivals: Short taxi/Grab bike to riverside hotels/pier.
- Phnom Penh pier: Along Sisowath Quay—tuk-tuks available.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚖 Option #5 — Private Car/Charter (Door-to-Door, Most Comfortable)
Door-to-door Flexible timing Higher cost
- Overview: A prebooked car/van collects you from your HCMC address and drives straight to Phnom Penh with stops for exit/entry at Mộc Bài–Bavet. Some providers assist at the border.
- How to book (with price): From ~USD 160–320 per vehicle (size/time). Compare quotes and vehicle sizes on GetTransfer. For local hops to/from pickup points use Grab.
- Pros: Most comfortable; ideal with kids/elderly or lots of luggage. Cons: Costly vs. bus; still subject to border queues.
Step-by-step: Private Car
- Request a quote with your exact pickup/drop addresses on GetTransfer; confirm border assistance and what’s included (fuel, tolls, waiting).
- Depart HCMC; your driver will stop at Mộc Bài for Vietnam exit and at Bavet for Cambodia entry.
- Continue directly to your Phnom Penh hotel/residence.
Getting to the main embarking points (Door-to-door & Border)
- Pickup in HCMC: Any hotel/address in Districts 1/3/4/Phú Nhuận etc.
- Drop in Phnom Penh: Any hotel/address (Riverside, BKK1, Russian Market).
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh)
Do I need a visa for Cambodia?
Many nationalities can apply for an eVisa in advance or get a visa on arrival at Bavet; always check your nationality’s rules and carry passport photos just in case.
How long does the land border take?
Typically 45–90 minutes total (exit + entry), longer on weekends/holidays.
Is the bus comfortable?
Most international coaches are A/C with reclining seats; some include snacks/water. Minivans are faster to board but tighter inside.
What’s the safest/most reliable option?
Flying is most predictable. For overland, reputable bus brands/minivans via 12Go have the most consistent timing.
Can I bring lots of luggage?
Yes on buses and private cars—confirm limits when booking. Minivans have smaller holds; pack compactly.
Should I change money at the border?
You can, but rates aren’t great. Phnom Penh widely accepts USD cash; withdraw from ATMs on arrival if needed.