How to get from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City

Cambodia · Cities & Metropolitan Areas · Urban & Cultural · Vietnam · Ho Chi Minh City · Phnom Penh

Make the leap from Cambodia’s capital to Vietnam’s megacity in one smooth move. Buses and minivans run all day via the Bavet–Mộc Bài border, flights take just over an hour, and a scenic Mekong speedboat via Châu Đốc turns the journey into an adventure. Use the quick table below, then follow the step-by-step playbooks. Bonus: smart links are sprinkled throughout so you can compare prices and lock seats in minutes.

At A Glance (Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City)

Mode Typical Duration Best For
🚌 Direct Bus / Minivan ~6–8 hours (border time varies) Budget, city-center to city-center
🏷️ Cost: ~US$18–$30 » compare & book | more options
✈️ Flight (PNH→SGN) ~1h10 air; ~3–5h door-to-door Fastest, predictable
🏷️ Cost: ~US$80–$180 » find fares | check alternates
🚤 Mekong Speedboat + Bus via Châu Đốc ~9–12 hours total Scenery, delta stopover
🏷️ Cost: ~US$55–$80 » speedboat times
🚗 Private Car / Van ~6–7 hours (border formalities) Door-to-door comfort, groups
🏷️ Cost: from ~US$120/vehicle » get quote

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

  • Fastest / Most Convenient: Fly PNH→SGN, then ride into District 1 with Welcome Pickups or ride-hailing (Grab/Be).
  • Cheapest / No-Transfer: Direct bus/minivan to District 1. Great value if you’re flexible with border queues.
  • Most Scenic: Speedboat to Châu Đốc + road to Saigon; add a delta overnight for markets and river life.
  • Door-to-Door: Private car/van with coordinated border handling—ideal for families or lots of luggage.

How to Book and Practical Tips

  • Visas & documents: Many nationalities need a Vietnam e-visa. Apply in advance, carry a printed/offline copy, and keep passport photos & small USD/VND handy.
  • Peak dates sell out: Book buses and flights 3–7 days ahead on 12Go or Booking.com Flights.
  • Border timing: Bavet–Mộc Bài queues can add 30–90 minutes. Early morning departures are usually smoother.
  • Money matters: Cambodia commonly accepts USD; Vietnam uses VND. ATMs are plentiful in HCMC, but bring small notes for border fees/snacks.
  • Luggage hacks: Keep valuables in a daypack you carry through the border. Sightseeing before departure? Stash bags via Radical Storage Phnom Penh or on arrival via Radical Storage Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Where to stay first night: Center yourself in District 1 or Ben Thanh area—browse options on Booking.com (Ho Chi Minh City).
  • After you arrive: Lock in a next-day Mekong Delta tour or Cu Chi Tunnels visit to kickstart your HCMC time.

🚌 Option #1 — Direct Bus / Minivan (Most Popular, Good Value)

Low cost Central drop-off Border-dependent

  • Overview: Frequent A/C buses/minivans connect central Phnom Penh and District 1 (Pham Ngu Lao area). Operators often assist with border paperwork.
  • Duration: ~6–8 hours gate-to-gate, depending on traffic and border queues.
  • Classes: Standard bus, VIP bus, or minivan (faster, fewer seats). Daytime runs are most common.
  • How to book: Expect ~US$18–$30 one-way. Compare schedules, seat types, and luggage limits on 12Go (PP→HCMC); also see curated listings on Klook.
  • Pros: Budget-friendly, central drop-off, no flight logistics. Cons: Comfort varies by operator; journey time hinges on border traffic.

Step-by-step: Direct Bus

  1. Search your date on 12Go. Read reviews and check luggage policy.
  2. Choose a pickup point (operator office or hotel pickup). Pay and save the e-ticket offline.
  3. Arrive 20–30 minutes early. Tag checked bags; keep passports, cash, and valuables in a small carry-on.
  4. Clear exit at Bavet and entry at Mộc Bài; follow crew instructions and reboard.
  5. Disembark near District 1 (Pham Ngu Lao/Ben Thanh). Use Grab or Be to reach your hotel.

Getting to the main embarking points (Phnom Penh bus depots)

✈️ Option #2 — Flight (Fastest Overall)

Fastest Reliable Baggage fees may apply

  • Overview: Nonstop flights operate between Phnom Penh (PNH) and Ho Chi Minh City (SGN). Expect quick immigration and easy urban transfers in HCMC.
  • Duration: ~1h10 in the air; ~3–5 hours door-to-door including airport transfers and check-in.
  • When to choose: Tight schedules, heat/rain avoidance, or if border-queue unpredictability is a concern.
  • How to book: Expect ~US$80–$180 one-way (promo-dependent). Compare baggage rules and times on Booking.com Flights; cross-check carriers on Omio.
  • Pros: Fast and predictable. Cons: Airport transfers add time; fares spike near holidays.

Step-by-step: Flight

  1. Pick a departure on Booking.com Flights. Check carry-on allowance and whether checked bags are included.
  2. Head to PNH about 2 hours early by taxi, Grab, or a prebooked car via GetTransfer.
  3. Land at SGN, clear immigration, collect bags.
  4. Transfer to District 1 with Welcome Pickups or rideshare (Grab/Be).
  5. Check in and consider a quick tour (Cu Chi or food tour).

Getting to the main embarking points (PNH & SGN)

  • Phnom Penh International (PNH): 10–30 minutes from Riverside depending on traffic.
  • Tan Son Nhat (SGN): 20–45 minutes to District 1; app rides and prebooked transfers available.

🚤 Option #3 — Mekong Speedboat + Bus via Châu Đốc (Most Scenic)

Scenic Cultural stopover Longer travel day

  • Overview: Cruise the Mekong from Phnom Penh to Châu Đốc by speedboat, clear border formalities en route, then continue by bus/van to Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Duration: Boat ~5–6.5 hours (including border stop) + road ~5–6 hours to HCMC. Many travelers overnight in the delta.
  • How to book: Expect ~US$55–$80 total. Check Hang Chau times on 12Go; arrange Châu Đốc→HCMC bus locally or via your guesthouse.
  • Pros: Unique river scenery, cultural detours. Cons: Longer and weather-dependent; a transfer is required.

Step-by-step: Boat + Bus via Châu Đốc

  1. Book a morning speedboat on 12Go. Confirm the Sisowath Quay pier and baggage allowance.
  2. Keep passport and e-visa handy for the mid-river border stop; crew guide formalities.
  3. Arrive Châu Đốc. Decide to continue same-day by bus/van to HCMC or stay overnight for floating markets/Sam Mountain.
  4. Purchase bus tickets and board at the advised stand; carry VND cash for snacks.
  5. Arrive HCMC and use Grab/Be to your hotel.

Getting to the main embarking points (Riverside pier & Châu Đốc)

  • Phnom Penh Riverside (Sisowath Quay): Taxi, Grab, or PassApp tuk-tuk; arrive 30 minutes before check-in.
  • Châu Đốc bus stands: Hotels can book your seat and advise pickup time; keep small notes for tickets.

🚗 Option #4 — Private Transfer (Door-to-Door Comfort)

Door-to-door Flexible Higher cost

  • Overview: A dedicated car/van picks you up at your Phnom Penh address and drops you at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Some providers swap vehicles at the border per regulations.
  • Duration: ~6–7 hours, depending on traffic and border queues.
  • When it shines: Families, groups, lots of luggage, or odd-hour departures/arrivals.
  • How to book: Expect from ~US$120–$180 per vehicle (class/size-dependent). Enter pickup/drop details on GetTransfer to compare quotes and inclusions (waiting time, baggage).
  • Pros: Zero hassle, flexible stops. Cons: Pricier than buses; confirm border handling in advance.

Step-by-step: Private Transfer

  1. Request quotes on GetTransfer; check ratings and included wait time.
  2. Confirm whether a vehicle change occurs at the border; you should always carry passports/visas yourself through control.
  3. Be ready 10–15 minutes before pickup with passports, e-visa printouts, and small cash accessible.
  4. Follow driver instructions at Bavet–Mộc Bài for stamps; rejoin your vehicle afterward.
  5. Arrive in HCMC; for late-night arrivals consider Welcome Pickups to your hotel.

Getting to the main embarking points (Hotel → Border)

  • Hotel pickup: You’ll be collected at your door—no extra transfers needed. For multi-stop pickups, share exact addresses in advance.
  • Arrival in HCMC: Plan a light activity next day (e.g., Cu Chi Tunnels) after a border day.

FAQ (Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City)

Do I need a visa to enter Vietnam on this route?
Most travelers require a Vietnam e-visa obtained in advance. Print or save it offline; carry passport photos and small cash for contingencies.

Is there a direct train?
No. There’s no cross-border rail service between Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City.

Can I go all the way by boat?
Not directly. Boats serve Phnom Penh↔Châu Đốc; from there continue by road to Ho Chi Minh City.

What’s the smoothest time to cross the border?
Early morning mid-week typically has shorter lines. Avoid major holidays when possible.

Are buses comfortable?
Varies by operator. Check reviews and seat layouts on 12Go and consider minivans for smaller groups and slightly faster trips.

How do I get from SGN airport to my hotel?
Prebook a meet-and-greet with Welcome Pickups or use Grab/Be from the arrivals area.

Where can I store luggage in either city?
Use partners near transport hubs via Radical Storage Phnom Penh and Radical Storage Ho Chi Minh City.

What’s a great first activity after arrival?
A half-day Cu Chi Tunnels tour or an evening street-food tour—easy pickups in District 1 and minimal planning needed.

Related posts:

  1. How to get from Bali to Gili Islands