How to get from ho chi minh city to phnom penh
Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital, is renowned for its historic architecture and the upset past as well as the famous Apsara dance that enchants travelers worldwide. Planning a trip here after exploring Vietnam? This guide highlights the best ways to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh, offering tips to enhance your journey and enjoy stunning landscapes along the way.
Vietnam and Cambodia, two neighboring Southeast Asian countries, boast must-see destinations like Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh. Many travelers visit Ho Chi Minh City before heading to Cambodia’s capital city, Phnom Penh. You can choose from buses, private cars, flights, or boats (No Train from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh, or even Siem Reap). This guide focuses on boat transfers from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh, perfect for those planning a scenic border-crossing adventure. Check out Halong Bay To Angkor Wat 14 days tour
How far is it from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh?
Is Ho Chi Minh City far from Phnom Penh, Cambodia? Not at all—it’s just 230 km between the two destinations. This close distance offers travelers several routes and transportation options to reach Phnom Penh easily.
Many tourists visit Ho Chi Minh City and then continue their journey to Phnom Penh. You can choose from several transportation options, including bus, private car, plane, or boat.
Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh by speedboat
Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh offers more than just a journey between two destinations. It provides an opportunity to explore the vast Mekong Delta by sailing through intricate waterways, visiting vibrant markets, admiring stunning landscapes, and connecting with local people.
No direct boat operates from Saigon, so you need to travel to the Mekong Delta where the boat docks and then take a boat to Phnom Penh. You can choose between two types of boats for this journey:
- A speedboat from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh takes 5 hours and costs between $20 and $35. To reach Chau Doc, you’ll need to travel by car from Ho Chi Minh City, which takes another 5 hours. Many tourists opt for a 2-day tour from Ho Chi Minh to Chau Doc before boarding the speedboat to Phnom Penh.
- Overnight Mekong River cruises offer an ideal choice for those seeking a blend of local experiences and luxurious relaxation on a boat. Most cruises are rated 4 or 5 stars, making them a pricier option. The journey typically lasts 3–4 days, providing ample time to explore and unwind.
Saigon to Phnom Penh Boat Schedule & Price
From the two types of boats that are available for traveling from Saigon to Phnom Penh, with prices and schedules varying based on the option chosen. Let’s dive into the details of each choice below.
Speedboat to Phnom Penh
For the speedboat option, you can combine a short trip from Saigon to Chau Doc, typically taking about three days. The cost for this journey, including the boat ride to Phnom Penh, starts at approximately $300-400 per person. Prices may increase if you choose luxury accommodations or a high-end speedboat.
Here’s a suggested 3-day itinerary, from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City – Cai Be – Can Tho
Day 2: Can Tho – Cai Rang Floating Market – Chau Doc
Day 3: Chau Doc – Phnom Penh
Some companies run small boats with 15 to 30 seats, including Hang Chau, Mandarin Cruise, and Blue Cruiser. These boats provide amenities like toilets, life jackets, and designated seating areas for sightseeing and photo opportunities. We recommend the Hang Chau speedboat for its great value. However, if you prefer higher-end services, consider the Blue Cruiser or Mandarin, though they are pricier, often costing two to three times more.
Overnight Luxury Cruises
This option however is usually included a package that start from Ho Chi Minh City and or even from Hanoi for longer tour. This is typically requires a total of four days. A luxury cruise provides a romantic, relaxing, and scenic slow journey, all aboard the luxury cruise which making it an ideal choice for honeymooners or older travelers seeking comfort. The cost for a luxury Mekong cruise to Phnom Penh starts at around $1200 per person.
Here is a 12 days example trip: Mekong Cruise 12 days from Siem Reap to Saigon
Fly from Saigon to Phnom Penh
Flying from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh offers the quickest travel option, with a flight duration of just one hour from Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) to Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH).
Vietnam Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air provide flights on this route. Prices start at $120-140, depending on the airline, flight schedule, and how far in advance you book. You can make reservations through official website of the airlines.
In addition, once at the Phnom Penh International Airport, you can reach the city center by taxi for $10 or by tuk-tuk for $6.
By bus
If you’re on a budget and have flexible time, consider taking an open bus. A one-way trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh costs between $26 and $28, with an option for a round-trip ticket. Daytime travel takes around 6 hours, while nighttime trips last about 10 hours. Reputable bus operators like Mai Linh, Sapaco, Kumho, and Mekong Express offer services, all with offices in the city center, making it easy to contact them and arrange pick-up.
By car
You can also drive from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh as the distance is manageable. The route consists of two parts: from Ho Chi Minh City to Moc Bai land border, approximately 60 km, and from Moc Bai to Phnom Penh, about 170 km.
To reach the border in Moc Bai, take National Road No. 22, passing through Go Dau town. Then, turn left at Go Dau to reach Ben Cau, Moc Bai. Keep in mind the speed limit is 40 km/h, so take breaks and have a meal for the next leg of the journey.
At the Moc Bai border gate, complete the exit procedures, then drive 100 meters to reach the Bavet border in Cambodia. From there, you can head straight to Phnom Penh. Pay attention to speed limits of 40-80 km/h, as indicated by road signs.
Additionally, driving to Phnom Penh requires customs registration and an approved Cambodian driver’s license.
What are reliable cruise companies from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh?
If you’re seeking a relaxing way to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh, explore various boat / cruise options between Vietnam and Cambodia, ranging from luxury to deluxe to private cruises.
Here are some top luxury Mekong cruises to Phnom Penh:
- Heritage Line – Jahan Cruise: Experience luxury with a romantic ambiance, influenced by Indian art and Khmer and Cham cultures, starting at $1,100 per person.
- Mekong Princess Cruise: Features international design and safety standards, elegant French colonial style, and exciting shore excursions, starting at $710 per person.
- Pandaw Cruise: Enjoy spacious ships, a wide promenade deck, a large dining hall, and numerous public spaces, starting at $1,600 per person.
These cruises offer an incredible opportunity to witness Cambodia’s beauty and culture, sailing through the heart of the Mekong Delta. Enjoy views of floating villages, rice paddies, lush forests, and daily life along the riverbanks. You’ll also visit local markets, temples, and pagodas.