Choose how to travel from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh: bus, boat, or flight?
Taking a bus is the most practical way to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh, with journeys typically lasting 6-8 hours and several daily departures. Flying saves time, while traveling by riverboat makes sense if you want to visit Chau Doc before entering Cambodia.
By Da Lat LoversPublished Updated
A bus leaving the Pham Ngu Lao area can get you to central Phnom Penh in around 6-8 hours. Flying takes about an hour, but you still need to allow time for airport procedures and the journey into the city. Bus tickets generally cost VND 560,000-910,000, while some direct flights in November 2026 start above VND 2.3 million one way. Traveling by riverboat is a different experience altogether: you first need to reach Chau Doc, then take a morning speedboat across the Cambodian border.
How far is Phnom Penh from Ho Chi Minh City, and how long does it take?
The road distance from central Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh is approximately 230-240 km, depending on your departure and arrival points.
Most international buses travel through Tay Ninh Province, leave Vietnam at the Moc Bai border checkpoint, enter Cambodia at Bavet, and continue along Cambodia's National Road 1 toward Phnom Penh.
This is one of the easiest overland routes between Vietnam and Cambodia because several companies operate direct services between the two cities. You do not need to arrange separate transportation to the border, walk across independently, and find another vehicle on the Cambodian side.
Loading map...
- Pham Ngu Lao area: bus company offices for Phnom Penh
- Tan Son Nhat Airport: direct flights to Techo in 50-75 minutes
- Moc Bai border gate: Vietnam exit, Tay Ninh
- Bavet border checkpoint, Cambodia: Cambodia entry
- Victoria Chau Doc pier: 1 Le Loi Street, 07:00 speedboat
- Phnom Penh Night Market: near the Giant Ibis stop on Street 106
- Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh: riverside, where boats from Chau Doc arrive
- Techo International Airport, Phnom Penh: code KTI, about 20 km south of the center
Here is a comparison of the main transportation options for 2026.
| Transport | Travel time | One-way price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct bus | 6-8 hours | VND 560,000-910,000 | Budget travelers and first-time visitors |
| Limousine van | Around 6-8 hours | VND 690,000-870,000 | Small groups wanting more comfortable seats |
| Riverboat via Chau Doc | 6-7 hours by road, plus about 6-6.5 hours by boat | Around VND 1.85-2 million for bus and boat | Travelers exploring the Mekong Delta |
| Direct flight | 50-75 minutes in the air; around 3.5-5 hours overall | From around VND 2.3 million | Business trips and short holidays |
Bus and flight prices change with the travel date. Hang Chau's riverboat fare applies from June 2026 through June 2027. Check fares and visa rules once more before you travel.
The biggest variable for road travel is the border crossing. A bus scheduled to take six hours may end up taking eight if traffic is heavy or several passengers need visas on arrival.
For most travelers spending three days and two nights in Phnom Penh, a morning bus is the sensible choice. Choose a flight if you have an important appointment or limited time. Consider the riverboat only if you are happy to spend at least one night in Chau Doc.
Taking a bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh
Traveling by bus is the first option worth considering when planning an overland trip from Saigon to Cambodia.
Several established operators provide direct connections between Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh. Depending on the company and departure, vehicles may have standard reclining seats, sleeper berths, or premium seating.
Many departure offices are conveniently located around Pham Ngu Lao Street in central Ho Chi Minh City.
Which bus companies travel from Saigon to Phnom Penh?
These companies offer international services on the route in 2026.
| Bus company | Typical departures | One-way fare | Pickup location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Giant Ibis | 08:00, 09:45, 15:45 | Around VND 730,000-910,000 | 303 Pham Ngu Lao |
| Kumho Samco | From 06:45 to around 13:30 | Around VND 650,000-730,000 | 275F Pham Ngu Lao |
| Phuong Heng | 05:00, 07:00, 08:30, 13:00, 15:30 | From around VND 562,500 | 275C Pham Ngu Lao |
| Long Phuong | 06:00, 07:00, 09:30, 11:00, 13:30, 15:00 | Around VND 620,000-635,000 | Office in the Pham Ngu Lao area |
Actual fares depend on travel dates, vehicle types, and booking channels.
Giant Ibis is a good option for first-time visitors and international travelers who want assistance with border procedures. Staff help passengers navigate immigration, and buses arrive near Phnom Penh Night Market on Street 106.
Kumho Samco is worth checking if you prefer a conventional coach at a relatively competitive price. The company operates from Pham Ngu Lao Street and has a Phnom Penh drop-off point around Preah Sihanouk Boulevard.
Phuong Heng and Long Phuong offer several daily departures. They are useful when you want more flexibility with departure times.
However, always check the exact pickup and drop-off addresses printed on your ticket. Different departures from the same company may use different locations.
There is little reason to automatically book the most expensive bus. On a journey of less than 250 km, a convenient departure time and a drop-off point near your hotel may matter more than slightly wider seats.
What is the best time to leave Ho Chi Minh City?
Departures between 06:00 and 08:30 are usually the easiest to plan around.
For example, if you leave at 07:00 and the journey takes seven hours, you may reach Phnom Penh around 14:00.
That leaves enough time to check into your hotel, get some local currency, buy a SIM card if needed, and go out for dinner.
Afternoon departures are useful if you do not want an early start. The downside is that you may arrive after dark, particularly if border procedures take longer than expected.
Avoid booking a flight, connecting bus, or important appointment immediately after your scheduled arrival in Phnom Penh.
International buses share roads with other vehicles and depend on immigration processing times. A published arrival time is an estimate, not a guarantee.
Where do buses leave from in Saigon?
Several companies operate offices on Pham Ngu Lao Street, close to Bui Vien, De Tham, and Nguyen Cu Trinh.
If you are staying in this part of District 1, walking to the bus office may be quicker than calling a taxi during busy periods.

Giant Ibis asks passengers to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. Allow a similar margin with other companies so you have time to check your ticket, passport, and luggage.
Do not assume that every bus company offers hotel pickup.
Some operators arrange pickups from selected accommodations, but many require passengers to reach the departure office independently.
Where will the bus drop you off in Phnom Penh?
There is no single international bus terminal used by every operator.
Giant Ibis arrives on Street 106, close to Phnom Penh Night Market and the riverside.

This location is convenient if you are staying in Daun Penh or near Sisowath Quay. It is also useful if you plan to continue traveling with Giant Ibis.
Other companies may stop around Preah Sihanouk Boulevard or at their own city offices.
Before booking, open a map and check the distance between the drop-off point and your hotel.
Two tickets may cost the same, but one can leave you within walking distance of your accommodation while the other requires an additional taxi ride.
Is a limousine from Saigon to Phnom Penh worth it?
On this route, the term limousine often refers to a premium passenger van with fewer seats or a more spacious interior.
It does not necessarily mean a private cabin, massage seats, or door-to-door service.
Meko Limo is one of the operators offering limousine services in 2026, with 9-seat and 19-seat vehicles depending on the departure.
Online fares are approximately VND 690,000-862,500, with departures between around 06:10 and 16:10.
Some Meko Limo departures use pickup locations on Dao Duy Tu Street in Ho Chi Minh City. Confirm the exact address when booking.
What we like
- A limousine can be worth the extra cost if you are traveling as a couple, prefer a smaller vehicle, or want a more comfortable seat for several hours.
Watch out for
- Limousine vans use the same Moc Bai - Bavet border route as regular coaches.
- A premium vehicle does not let you skip immigration procedures, nor does it guarantee a faster arrival.
If you get motion sickness easily, try to choose a seat near the middle of the vehicle and check actual interior photos before paying.
The label VIP limousine tells you very little about the experience unless you know the vehicle layout.
Traveling from Saigon to Phnom Penh by riverboat
There is no widely available direct passenger speedboat service that lets you board in central Ho Chi Minh City and travel all the way to Phnom Penh on a single regular ticket.
The practical option is to travel overland to Chau Doc in An Giang Province, then take an international speedboat to Cambodia.
This route costs more and takes longer than a direct bus, but it offers a completely different journey.
Instead of spending the entire trip on highways, you travel along the Mekong waterways, passing riverside settlements and watching the landscape change as you approach Cambodia.
Step 1: travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Chau Doc
The road journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Chau Doc normally takes around 6-7 hours.
FUTA Bus Lines, also known as Phuong Trang, is among the operators serving destinations in An Giang Province.
FUTA tickets in 2026 cost approximately VND 210,000-320,000, depending on the vehicle.
The sensible plan is to arrive in Chau Doc the day before your speedboat departure.
Choose accommodation in the town center or near the boat terminal.
Do not rely on a night bus scheduled to arrive at 05:00 or 06:00 if your international speedboat leaves at 07:00.
Even a small delay could leave you without enough time to reach the pier and complete the required check-in procedures.
Staying overnight makes the trip considerably easier.
You can walk around Chau Doc in the afternoon, have dinner in town, and head to the pier early the following morning.

Step 2: take the Chau Doc - Phnom Penh speedboat
Hang Chau Tourist operates an international passenger speedboat service between Chau Doc and Phnom Penh.
The 2026 service details include the following.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Route | Chau Doc - Phnom Penh |
| Departure | 07:00 daily |
| Expected arrival | Around 13:30 |
| Total journey | Approximately 6-6.5 hours, including immigration |
| Ticket price | VND 1,640,000 per person, one way |
| Departure pier | Victoria Chau Doc Hotel, 1 Le Loi Street |
| Arrival | Sisowath Quay area, Phnom Penh |
Hang Chau's VND 1,640,000 fare applies from June 2026 to June 2027.
Passengers are asked to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.
The journey includes approximately four hours of travel on the water and around two hours for border formalities, although processing can take longer.
The vessel provides drinking water, light refreshments, and a toilet.
This is a route to choose for the river experience, not because it is the quickest way to reach Phnom Penh.
Important visa rules for the riverboat
The Chau Doc - Phnom Penh boat does not cross at Moc Bai - Bavet.
It uses the river border route associated with Vinh Xuong in Vietnam and Kaam Samnor in Cambodia.
This distinction matters for foreign passport holders.
In 2026, Hang Chau charges USD 37 for its Cambodia visa-on-arrival service, including its processing charge, for eligible passengers.
Vietnamese citizens who qualify for visa-free entry do not need to purchase this tourist visa.
Victoria Chau Doc also offers a separate speedboat service.
Its 2026 fare is VND 4,590,000 per person, subject to a minimum of seven passengers per departure.
This is not a particularly economical choice for an individual traveler.
Should you choose the riverboat?
What we like
- Choose it if you already want to explore the Mekong Delta or have at least four or five days available for the wider journey.
Watch out for
- For a three-day, two-night trip focused on Phnom Penh, a direct bus is much more practical.
- Traveling through Chau Doc adds another travel day and usually another hotel night.
Flying from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh
Direct flights connect Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City with Techo International Airport (KTI) in Cambodia.
Flight time is generally around 50-75 minutes.
Airlines operating direct services include Vietnam Airlines and Air Cambodia. Schedules and fares vary by date, so make sure you select a nonstop flight when booking.
Examples of one-way prices in November 2026 include:
- Air Cambodia: Approximately VND 2,334,000 for November 10, 2026.
- Vietnam Airlines: Approximately VND 2,868,000-2,930,000 on selected dates in mid-November 2026.
Check baggage allowances, ticket changes, and additional charges before payment.
Phnom Penh now uses Techo International Airport
Techo International Airport began operations on September 9, 2025, replacing the former Phnom Penh International Airport as the capital's main aviation gateway.
Techo is located south of Phnom Penh, approximately 20 km from the city center in a straight line.
The actual road distance depends on your destination.
Allow approximately 45-90 minutes to reach central Phnom Penh, particularly during busy traffic periods.
How to get from Techo Airport to Phnom Penh
Your main choices include taxis, ride-hailing services, and public buses.
Phnom Penh City Bus Authority operates the Airport Express Bus, identified as route AEB.
Service details:
- Operating hours: 05:30-20:30 daily.
- Expected frequency: Every 10-15 minutes.
- Fare: 1,500 Cambodian riel per person.
The public bus is useful if you have relatively little luggage and are not in a hurry.
Check the route and stops before choosing it, especially if your hotel is not near the bus corridor.
If you have several suitcases or arrive late, a taxi or app-booked car may be more convenient.
Enter your hotel's exact location, review the fare, and verify the vehicle information before getting in.
When is flying better than taking the bus?
A one-hour international flight still requires time to reach Tan Son Nhat Airport, check in, complete departure immigration, wait for baggage in Cambodia, and travel into Phnom Penh.
From central Ho Chi Minh City to central Phnom Penh, the overall journey commonly takes around 3.5-5 hours or longer.
Flying can save several hours compared with traveling by bus, but the difference is smaller than simply comparing one hour in the air with seven hours on the road.
A flight makes sense for business travelers, people with limited holiday time, and those who prefer not to sit on a bus for most of the day.
Do you need a passport and visa to visit Cambodia?
Vietnamese citizens need a valid passport to enter Cambodia for ordinary tourism.
A Vietnamese national ID card or driving license cannot replace a passport for a standard tourist crossing at Moc Bai - Bavet.
For Vietnamese travelers planning a short holiday in Phnom Penh, the entry requirements are relatively straightforward.
Do Vietnamese citizens need a visa for Cambodia?
Vietnamese ordinary passport holders are eligible for visa-free entry to Cambodia for stays of up to 30 days, provided their passports have at least six months of remaining validity.
This comes from the bilateral visa exemption agreement between Vietnam and Cambodia.
Children must also have valid travel documents under the applicable immigration rules.
Families should check children's documents before buying tickets, particularly when a child is traveling with only one parent or another accompanying adult.
Visa-free entry does not mean unlimited permission to remain in Cambodia.
Check the permitted duration of stay recorded at immigration and leave before it expires.
What about foreign tourists traveling from Vietnam to Cambodia?
Your visa requirements depend on the nationality shown in your passport, not on the fact that you are currently staying in Vietnam.
Some nationalities can enter Cambodia without a visa.
Others may need an e-Visa or visa on arrival, depending on their eligibility.
Cambodia operates an official e-Visa system.
The tourist e-Visa, Type T, has a visa fee of USD 30, is valid for use within three months of issue, allows one entry, and permits a stay of up to one month.
Check the official portal for any applicable processing or payment charges.
Normal processing time for the Cambodian e-Visa is three working days.
Bavet is among the Cambodian border checkpoints that accept the official e-Visa.
For foreign visitors traveling by bus from Saigon through Moc Bai - Bavet, arranging an e-Visa before departure can reduce uncertainty at the border.
Keep the approved visa available in the required printed or electronic format.
Not every nationality qualifies for the same visa-on-arrival arrangements.
Check the rules for your passport before buying a nonrefundable international bus ticket.
What is Cambodia e-Arrival?
Cambodia e-Arrival is an electronic arrival declaration system. It is separate from your visa.
Travelers entering Cambodia by air must complete the required arrival information through the official system.
The declaration can be submitted free of charge within seven days before arrival.
You may need to provide passport details, flight information, accommodation details, and relevant declarations.
For travelers crossing by road or river, the process may differ depending on the checkpoint.
Travelers are encouraged to complete e-Arrival, but implementation at land and river checkpoints is not identical to airport entry.
Before traveling, confirm the procedure for your specific border crossing with the transport company or Cambodian immigration authorities.
The official e-Arrival declaration is free.
Avoid third-party websites that demand payment simply to submit the form.
What if you want to return to Vietnam after visiting Cambodia?
This is an important point for foreign tourists planning a Vietnam - Cambodia - Vietnam itinerary.
Suppose you are visiting Vietnam on a single-entry visa and decide to spend three days in Phnom Penh.
Once you leave Vietnam, that single entry has been used. The fact that your visa's printed expiration date is still in the future does not automatically give you permission to enter Vietnam again.
Before leaving Ho Chi Minh City, check whether you qualify for Vietnam's visa exemption arrangements or have an appropriate visa for re-entry.
Vietnam offers e-Visas to eligible foreign travelers, including single-entry and multiple-entry options.
Moc Bai is among the approved Vietnamese entry checkpoints for eligible e-Visa holders.
If you intend to return from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City by bus, prepare your Vietnamese entry documents before departing Saigon.
Vietnam visa applications, arrival declarations, and currency exchange are separate parts of trip preparation and should be checked according to your nationality and travel dates.
How to cross the Moc Bai - Bavet border
Most road journeys from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh cross at Moc Bai International Border Gate in Vietnam and Bavet in Cambodia.
Although they form one continuous travel route, they are controlled by two different countries.
You must complete departure procedures in Vietnam and entry procedures in Cambodia.

- Step 1
The bus company checks your documents
Before departure or as the bus approaches the border, staff may inspect passengers' passports and visa arrangements.
Some companies collect passports temporarily to help process passengers as a group.
On Giant Ibis, for example, staff assist passengers at the border and may hold their passports during part of the process.
Ask when your passport will be returned, verify that you receive the correct document, and keep a photograph of your passport information page on your phone.
- Step 2
Complete Vietnam exit immigration at Moc Bai
When the bus reaches Moc Bai, passengers complete Vietnam's departure immigration formalities.
Keep your passport and any necessary travel documents with you.
You may need to carry your luggage through an inspection or screening area, depending on instructions at the checkpoint.
Do not leave your passport inside a suitcase stored under the bus.
After processing, check your departure record or passport stamp where applicable.
- Step 3
Enter Cambodia at Bavet
The next stage is Cambodian entry immigration.
Procedures vary according to your nationality and visa status.
Vietnamese travelers eligible for visa exemption: Present a valid passport and complete the required entry checks.
Travelers holding an approved Cambodia e-Visa: Keep the approval document, passport, and supporting information ready.
Travelers requiring a visa on arrival: Follow the visa application process if their nationality is eligible at Bavet.
Some bus companies offer visa-processing assistance for an additional fee.
Giant Ibis, for example, charges USD 35 for a tourist visa at the border plus USD 5 for group-processing assistance.
This is a company service price, not a universal official visa fee for every traveler.
Vietnamese citizens eligible for visa-free entry do not need to buy a Cambodian tourist visa merely because other passengers on the bus require one.
Always ask what a payment covers before agreeing to an optional processing service.
- Step 4
Collect your belongings and continue to Phnom Penh
After immigration, return to the bus at the location indicated by the staff.
Before leaving the checkpoint, verify that you have your passport and that your entry permission and allowed stay are correct.
The bus then continues through areas including Svay Rieng, Prey Veng, and Kandal before reaching Phnom Penh.
Border processing may be relatively quick when there are few travelers.
However, it can also take more than an hour when buses are full or passengers have different visa requirements.
How to make the border crossing easier
Save your bus booking, hotel address, visa confirmation, and other travel documents to your phone.
Keep copies that can be accessed without an internet connection.
It is useful to carry some US dollars or Cambodian riel for food, drinks, or transport after entering Cambodia.
US dollars remain commonly used in Cambodia, but banknotes should be clean and undamaged.
There is no need to exchange your entire travel budget before leaving Saigon.
Phnom Penh has banks, ATMs, and numerous businesses that accept card payments.
Where to stay and how to get around Phnom Penh
For a first visit, choose accommodation based on where your bus arrives and what you plan to do the following day.
Daun Penh and the riverside
Near the Giant Ibis stop on Street 106

The Sisowath Quay area is convenient if your Giant Ibis bus arrives on Street 106.
From this neighborhood, you can visit Phnom Penh Night Market, walk along the waterfront, and take a tuk-tuk to the Royal Palace.
There is a wide selection of accommodation and restaurants.
The riverside can be lively in the evenings, particularly around streets close to the water.
BKK1 and the southern central districts
Cafés, restaurants and easy ride-hailing
BKK1 is a good choice if you prefer an area with cafés, restaurants, and convenient ride-hailing services.
It is farther from the Giant Ibis riverside drop-off, so allow for an additional transfer.
Getting around the city
Tuk-tuks are widely used for short journeys.
Apps such as Grab and PassApp can help you check prices and pickup locations before traveling.
Verify the vehicle details before getting in.
If you have one full day in Phnom Penh, you could spend the morning around the Royal Palace and the riverside, then visit Tuol Sleng in the afternoon if you are interested in Cambodian history.

Tuol Sleng documents the Khmer Rouge period and includes distressing historical material, so it may not be suitable for younger children.
Avoid planning too many attractions on the day you arrive from Saigon.
After seven or eight hours of travel, checking in and exploring the nearby streets is often enough.
How to travel from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
Siem Reap is one of the most popular destinations after Phnom Penh, particularly for travelers planning to visit Angkor Wat.

The two cities are approximately 320 km apart by road.
You can travel by coach, passenger van, private vehicle, or domestic flight.
By bus: the most practical option
Buses usually take around 5.5-6.5 hours, depending on the operator and road conditions.
Giant Ibis runs daytime departures from Phnom Penh at 08:45, 09:45, and 12:30 in 2026.
There are also overnight departures at 22:30 and 23:00.
Giant Ibis fares are approximately USD 17-25 per journey in 2026, depending on the vehicle and departure time.
Buses leave from Street 106 near Phnom Penh Night Market.
In Siem Reap, Giant Ibis uses a stop behind the Old Stadium in the Khmer Pub Street area.
Other operators, including Larryta Express and Seila Angkor, provide van or bus services between the two cities.
Some fares in 2026 are around USD 15-19.
Choose a morning departure if you want to arrive in Siem Reap during the early or middle part of the afternoon.
That should leave enough time to check in and explore the Old Market or Pub Street area.
If you have just arrived in Phnom Penh from Saigon in the afternoon, staying overnight before continuing to Siem Reap is a more comfortable plan than spending another six hours on the road immediately.
By plane: faster in the air
Air Cambodia operates domestic flights between Techo International Airport (KTI) and Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI).
Flight time is approximately 45-55 minutes.
However, Siem Reap Angkor International Airport is a considerable distance from central Siem Reap.
You must include ground transfers and airport procedures when comparing flying with traveling by bus.
The full door-to-door time advantage may be smaller than the flight duration suggests.
Flying is worth considering if you have only a few days in Cambodia, are comfortable spending more, or need to connect with another flight.
Should you take an overnight bus to Siem Reap?
Night buses save daytime hours, but not everyone sleeps comfortably on a moving vehicle.
Before booking, check whether you are getting a proper sleeper berth, the dimensions of the sleeping space, the arrival time, and the terminal location.
A bus arriving in Siem Reap very early in the morning may leave you waiting several hours before hotel check-in.
For a short trip focused on Angkor Wat, a daytime bus followed by a good night's sleep is often the better choice.
Can you travel directly from Saigon to Siem Reap?
Giant Ibis runs a Ho Chi Minh City - Siem Reap service, including a 15:45 departure in 2026.
This is a long journey.
Check the actual itinerary, arrival time, and whether a vehicle change or connection is involved before booking.
If you do not plan to explore Phnom Penh, a direct journey to Siem Reap or a flight to the Siem Reap area may save time.
If you want to experience both cities, allow at least one night in Phnom Penh.
A practical 3-day, 2-night Saigon - Phnom Penh itinerary
This itinerary is designed for first-time visitors traveling by bus who want to explore Phnom Penh without constantly moving between destinations.
- Day 1
Ho Chi Minh City - Moc Bai - Phnom Penh
- 06:30: Arrive at your bus company's office, depending on your booked departure.
- 07:00: Leave Ho Chi Minh City by bus.
- Around midday: Cross the Moc Bai - Bavet border, depending on traffic and immigration processing.
- 14:00-16:00: Expected arrival in Phnom Penh under reasonable travel conditions.
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel and rest.
- Evening: Walk along Sisowath Quay, have dinner, and visit the night market if you still have energy.
Do not book a fixed 15:00 tour just because your bus ticket shows a 14:00 arrival.
Border delays can change your schedule.
- Day 2
Explore Phnom Penh
In the morning, visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda area after checking opening hours and visitor requirements.
In the afternoon, choose between the National Museum of Cambodia and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, depending on your interests.
These museums provide very different experiences.
For families with young children, the National Museum is generally the easier choice.
Spend the evening eating around BKK1 or returning to the riverside.
There is no need to rush through extra attractions simply to complete a sightseeing checklist.
- Day 3
Phnom Penh - Ho Chi Minh City
Have breakfast near your hotel, check out, and head to the bus company's departure office.
If you leave in the morning, you may reach Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon or evening, depending on border processing and road conditions.
Avoid arranging a domestic flight from Tan Son Nhat too close to your bus's scheduled return.
Even a gap of several hours may not be enough for a connection that cannot be changed. For an important onward flight, staying overnight in Ho Chi Minh City is safer.
How many days do you need for Saigon, Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap?
If you want to visit both Phnom Penh and Angkor Wat, five days and four nights is a reasonable minimum when traveling mainly by bus.
A basic plan would look like this:
| Day | Itinerary |
|---|---|
| 1 | Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh, overnight in the capital |
| 2 | Explore Phnom Penh |
| 3 | Morning bus from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap |
| 4 | Visit Angkor |
| 5 | Return using your pre-booked transport |
The main difficulty is the final day.
Traveling all the way from Siem Reap back to Ho Chi Minh City by road takes a long time.
Consider flying back or adding another travel day.
With six or seven days, you have more flexibility and can spend two days around the Angkor temples without rushing long road journeys.
If you only have three days, choose either Phnom Penh or Siem Reap as your main destination.
Trying to fit both into a short overland holiday leaves you spending too much time on buses.
How much does a trip from Saigon to Phnom Penh cost?
Transport tickets are relatively easy to budget for.
Accommodation, food, sightseeing, and local travel depend much more on your preferences.
For one Vietnamese traveler spending three days and two nights in Phnom Penh by bus, the following is a useful starting budget.
| Expense | Estimated budget |
|---|---|
| Return bus ticket, Ho Chi Minh City - Phnom Penh | VND 1,200,000-1,800,000 |
| Hotel, two nights | VND 800,000-1,600,000 |
| Food for three days | VND 600,000-1,000,000 |
| Tuk-tuks and local transportation | VND 200,000-500,000 |
| Attractions and miscellaneous expenses | VND 300,000-700,000 |
| Estimated total | VND 3,100,000-5,600,000 |
Bus costs use the 2026 fares listed above.
Hotel, food, and local spending figures are planning allowances rather than quotes from specific establishments.
Sharing a double room can reduce the cost per person.
Traveling alone during a busy weekend or choosing an upscale hotel will increase the budget.
Vietnamese citizens who qualify for visa-free entry do not need to add a Cambodian tourist visa fee for a short permitted stay.
Foreign passport holders should include any applicable Cambodian visa expenses and the cost of arranging permission to re-enter Vietnam.
Common mistakes to avoid when traveling from Saigon to Cambodia
Bringing only a national ID card
Ordinary international tourist travel through Moc Bai - Bavet requires a valid passport.
Vietnamese citizens cannot substitute a national ID card for a passport simply because Cambodia is a neighboring country.
Check your passport's expiration date before booking.
Booking a bus without checking the drop-off point
Some operators stop near Phnom Penh's riverside, while others use offices in different parts of the city.
Arriving late at night and discovering that your hotel is several kilometers away can be inconvenient.
Check the exact drop-off location before purchasing your ticket.
Assuming Cambodia e-Visas work at every border
Cambodia accepts e-Visas at Bavet, but the river checkpoint used by boats from Chau Doc has different arrangements.
Choose your visa according to the checkpoint you will actually use.
Forgetting about re-entry to Vietnam
This is particularly important for foreign visitors combining Vietnam and Cambodia in one trip.
Before leaving Ho Chi Minh City, confirm which visa or exemption will allow you to return.
Exchanging too much money at the border
Cambodian riel and US dollars are both useful in Cambodia, and Phnom Penh offers several other payment options.
Carry enough cash for immediate expenses, then use established exchange services or ATMs where fees and exchange rates are clearly displayed.
Planning connections too close to your bus arrival
An international bus journey includes immigration procedures in two countries.
Border processing can take longer than expected, even when the road itself is clear.
If you have an important onward flight, allow a substantial time buffer or spend the night before continuing.
The same planning approach works for a Saigon - Siem Reap trip or a longer journey connecting Vietnam and Cambodia: decide which border you will use, check your documents for both departure and return, and only then book transportation. For a first visit to Phnom Penh with a few days available, a morning bus remains the easiest option to organize.
FAQ
How long does it take to travel from Saigon to Phnom Penh?
A direct bus or limousine normally takes around 6-8 hours through the Moc Bai - Bavet border crossing. A nonstop flight takes approximately 50-75 minutes, but you must add airport check-in, immigration, and transfers. Traveling by riverboat through Chau Doc is best planned over two days to allow a comfortable connection.
How far is Ho Chi Minh City from Phnom Penh?
The road distance is approximately 230-240 km, depending on your pickup and drop-off locations. Most buses travel through Tay Ninh Province, cross the Vietnam - Cambodia border at Moc Bai - Bavet, and continue to Phnom Penh.
Do Vietnamese citizens need a passport to visit Cambodia?
Yes. Vietnamese travelers need a valid passport for ordinary tourist entry into Cambodia. Ordinary passport holders meeting the requirements, including at least six months of passport validity, can enter Cambodia without a visa for stays of up to 30 days.
Which bus company is best from Saigon to Phnom Penh?
Giant Ibis is a good choice for first-time travelers who want clear assistance with border procedures. Kumho Samco, Phuong Heng, and Long Phuong also offer different departure times and price options. Compare departure schedules, pickup and drop-off points, and the actual vehicle type rather than choosing solely by ticket price.
What is the best way to travel from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap?
A bus or passenger van is usually the most practical and economical option, taking approximately 5.5-6.5 hours. Giant Ibis operates daytime and overnight services, with 2026 fares around USD 17-25. Flying is faster in the air, but you must include airport transfers at both ends.



