How to get from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City
Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is a classic Mekong crossing. Your main options are direct bus/minivan via the Bavet–Mộc Bài land border, a short flight to Tan Son Nhat (SGN), a scenic speedboat to Châu Đốc plus bus, or a private car charter. Pick based on time, budget, and border comfort.
At A Glance (Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚌 Direct Bus/Minivan (PNH → HCMC via Bavet–Mộc Bài) | ~6–7.5h (border-dependent) | Good value, simple point-to-point |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$16–35 one-way » compare buses & vans | ||
| ✈️ Flight (PNH → SGN) + City Transfer | ~1h flight + ~30–60m city transfer | Fastest border-free option |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$70–200 one-way (seasonal) » search flights | Trip.com fares | ||
| 🚤🚌 Speedboat to Châu Đốc + Bus to HCMC | ~9–12h total (connections) | Scenic Mekong route, slow travel |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$35–70 combined » boat options | Châu Đốc→HCMC buses | ||
| 🚐 Private Car/Charter (Door-to-door) | ~6–8h (border formalities) | Families, lots of luggage, flexible timing |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$150–300 per vehicle » request quotes | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest: Fly PNH→SGN, then taxi/ride-hail to District 1.
- Best value & simple: Direct bus/minivan via Bavet–Mộc Bài (most popular).
- Most scenic: Mekong speedboat to Châu Đốc + bus to HCMC.
- Door-to-door comfort: Private car/charter (often vehicle swap at the border).
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Visas & entry: Ensure Vietnam entry permission (e-visa/visa) is approved for your passport before departure; carry printed copies for the land/river border.
- Border timing: Busiest mid-morning; earlier buses/charters often clear faster.
- Cash & SIM: Bring small USD/VND for stamping fees/snacks; data eSIMs help for ride-hailing on arrival.
- Ride-hailing: Grab is widely used in Phnom Penh & HCMC for short hops. For fixed intercity quotes use GetTransfer.
- Luggage storage: If you have time before departure/after arrival, stash bags via Radical Storage Phnom Penh or Radical Storage Ho Chi Minh City.
🚌 Option #1 — Direct Bus/Minivan (Most Popular, Good Value)
Low cost Frequent daily Border-dependent
- Overview: Multiple operators run Phnom Penh → HCMC via the Bavet (KH) – Mộc Bài (VN) land border, with central drop-offs around District 1 (Phạm Ngũ Lão/Đề Thám).
- How to book (with price): ~US$16–35 one-way depending on class (minivan, coach). Compare times and seat types on 12Go or curated picks on Trip.com activities.
- Pros: Cheapest point-to-point, luggage in hold, simple process. Cons: Queue times vary; short walks at border with bags.
Step-by-step: Direct Bus/Minivan
- Book a morning departure on 12Go. Choose a pickup near your hotel or arrange a short ride-hail to the Phnom Penh departure office/terminal.
- Arrive 20–30 minutes early; have passport, printed Vietnam e-visa (if applicable), and small cash ready.
- Bus drives to Bavet–Mộc Bài. You’ll exit Cambodia immigration, walk a few minutes to Vietnam immigration, then reboard the same/connecting vehicle.
- Continue to District 1 (HCMC). From the drop-off (Phạm Ngũ Lão/Đề Thám area), take a short Grab/taxi to your hotel.
Getting to the main embarking points (Phnom Penh city & District 1)
- Phnom Penh: Most operators depart from central offices along Preah Sihanouk/Preah Monivong; confirm exact address on your voucher.
- Ho Chi Minh City: Common drop zones are around Phạm Ngũ Lão Street in District 1.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
✈️ Option #2 — Flight (PNH → SGN) + City Transfer (Fastest, Border-Free)
Quickest Multiple daily Airport transfers
- Overview: Nonstop flights connect Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) with Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat (SGN). On arrival, it’s a short ride into District 1.
- How to book (with price): ~US$70–200 one-way depending on date/airline. Compare on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com. For meet-and-greet rides in HCMC, browse Welcome Pickups (HCMC).
- Pros: No land border queue; fastest overall. Cons: Higher price than bus; airport transfer needed on both ends.
Step-by-step: Flight (PNH → SGN)
- Get to PNH by taxi/ride-hail; check in online via Booking.com Flights or your airline app and arrive 2 hours before departure.
- Fly to SGN; clear immigration (visa/e-visa as required) and collect bags.
- Arrange your city transfer: prebook Welcome Pickups, use Grab at the ride-hail zone, or take an airport taxi to District 1 (20–40 minutes).
Getting to the main embarking points (PNH & SGN)
- Phnom Penh Airport (PNH): 10–30 minutes from central riverside depending on traffic.
- Tan Son Nhat (SGN): 6–8 km from District 1; clear signage for taxis/ride-hail.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚤🚌 Option #3 — Speedboat to Châu Đốc + Bus to HCMC (Scenic Mekong Route)
Scenic Cultural route Longest
- Overview: Morning speedboat down the Mekong from Phnom Penh to Châu Đốc (border formalities handled at river posts), then bus/minivan to Ho Chi Minh City.
- How to book (with price): Boat ~US$25–45; Châu Đốc→HCMC bus ~US$10–25. Search boats on GetYourGuide and onward buses on 12Go.
- Pros: River scenery, unique border experience. Cons: Slowest; luggage handling between pier and bus station in Châu Đốc.
Step-by-step: Boat + Bus
- Book an early speedboat (Phnom Penh pier) on GetYourGuide; arrive 30 minutes before departure with passport/e-visa printout.
- Arrive Châu Đốc; take a short taxi/Grab to the bus station or your minivan pickup point.
- Ride bus/minivan to Ho Chi Minh City (District 1); walk or short taxi to your hotel.
Getting to the main embarking points (Phnom Penh pier / Châu Đốc / District 1)
- Phnom Penh pier: Along Sisowath Quay—confirm exact pier in your voucher.
- Châu Đốc: Boats land near central piers; bus offices are a short ride away.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚐 Option #4 — Private Car/Charter (Door-to-Door, Flexible)
Comfort Custom schedule Costlier
- Overview: Door-to-door car/van from Phnom Penh to HCMC, often with a vehicle change at the border (driver assists you through formalities) or with licensed cross-border providers.
- How to book (with price): From ~US$150–300 per vehicle depending on size/waiting time. Request quotes via GetTransfer. For HCMC airport/hotel legs only, see Welcome Pickups.
- Pros: No bus stations, luggage stays with you; ideal for families/elderly. Cons: Highest cost; border still requires you to exit with passports.
Step-by-step: Private Car/Charter
- Enter pickup/drop addresses and preferred time on GetTransfer; request “border assistance” or note if a vehicle swap is required at Mộc Bài.
- Driver collects you at your Phnom Penh hotel; ride ~3–4h to Bavet–Mộc Bài.
- Complete exit/entry procedures; meet your driver (same or connecting) on the Vietnam side and continue ~2–3h to HCMC.
Getting to the main embarking points (Hotel pickup & District 1)
- Pickup: Any Phnom Penh address; confirm parking/access if on a narrow street.
- Drop: Any HCMC district (most stay in D1/D3); airport drop at SGN also possible.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City)
How long does the land border take?
Typically 30–90 minutes depending on queues and group size. Early departures often clear faster.
Which district should I stay in HCMC?
District 1 (Ben Thanh/Pham Ngu Lao) is central for first-timers; compare hotels on Booking.com.
Is there a train between Cambodia and Vietnam?
No cross-border train. The nearest Vietnam rail hub is Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) for onward travel north.
Can I take motorbike rentals across the border?
Generally not with standard tourist rentals; check specialist operators. For local riding at destination, compare scooters on BikesBooking (HCMC).
Are there night buses?
Yes—some late buses exist, but most travelers prefer morning/midday departures to avoid late border crossings.
What if my visa/e-visa is not accepted at this border?
Use a route/visa explicitly valid for Bavet–Mộc Bài or choose the flight option to SGN if your visa type requires airport entry.