Do you want to travel from Cambodia to Vietnam? The easiest route is to travel from Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh by bus. In this article, you’ll read all about this bus ride and where to best book it.
For most nationalities it is mandatory to apply for a visa for Vietnam beforehand. But, for some nationalities it is possible to get a visa on arrival. The rules change every few months so we advise to apply for the e-visa upfront, just to be sure you can get into the country.
By bus from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh
In Phnom Penh, catch the bus in the morning. You can book the tickets in advance through 12GO.asia. The best bus companies for the route from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh are:
- Long Phuong – from €25
- Giant Ibis – from €31
Both buses are comfortable coaches with spacious seats. After you leave Phnom Penh, the bus runs for 2 hours, then the first stop. Here you can buy some food and go to the restroom. At this stop, you can pay for food or drinks with U.S. dollars, Cambodian riel and Vietnamese dong. After the stop, you continue for another half hour to the border. At the border you have to hand in your passport, then walk 100 meters and get your passport back.
Then the bus continues for 500 meters. This is where you get off again. This time you also have to bring your luggage. You walk with your entire group to the arrival building. Here you wait for your name to be called. You will then get back your passport and your printed visa.
You may now walk to the baggage check. Here, just like at the airport, you have to drop your stuff on the belt and walk to the other side. There is no real look by the customs officers but rules are rules… After this you get back on the bus with all your belongings and continue your journey to Ho Chi Minh. From the border, it is about another 2-hour drive. In total, the trip from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh takes around 7 hours. It is a comfortable bus ride. Especially if you book the Long Phuong or Giant Ibis bus through here.
