Bus from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon, Vietnam) to Phnom Penh. Is it safe?

A Vietnam–Cambodia adventure trip starts here. This detailed guide walks you through how to cross from Saigon to Phnom Penh by bus and what to prepare for the requirements at the border checkpoints.

The truth is, there's no passenger train from Ho Chi Minh City (also called Saigon) in Vietnam to Phnom Penh in Cambodia, so many travelers choose the bus — it's the cheapest option and a great way to take in the scenery of both countries along the 280 km route. In this blog, Threeland Travel guides you step by step on how to get from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh and what documents you'll need at the border.

Note: If you'd prefer something faster than a bus, direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh are also a solid choice.

How long does it take to travel from Saigon to Phnom Penh by bus?

So, how many hours is the Ho Chi Minh to Cambodia bus? The Saigon to Phnom Penh journey usually takes around 6 hours or more, depending on the bus company, traffic, and the wait at the border between Vietnam and Cambodia. There's a stopover along the way, giving you about 20 minutes to rest and grab something to eat or drink. You'll also find a money-changer at the cafeteria there.

Which is the best bus to take from Saigon to Phnom Penh? Conditions of buses?

There are plenty of bus companies to choose from — just be sure to pick a reliable one. Here are our top suggestions:

• Giant Ibis bus: great reviews, comfortable berth beds, an onboard toilet, plus free bottled water, moist tissues, and snacks. Print your e-ticket and arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.
• Mekong Express bus: regular seats, an onboard toilet, free snacks, and bottled water. Print your e-ticket and arrive at least 60 minutes before departure.
• Kumho Samco bus: a local favorite. Print your e-ticket and arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. It's cheaper than both Mekong Express and Giant Ibis.

Ticket prices range from $11 to $18 per passenger. Overall, the buses running from Saigon in Vietnam to Phnom Penh City in Cambodia are clean, air-conditioned, and comfortable, with armrest seats or berth beds.

Most bus companies in Saigon have their ticket offices on Pham Ngu Lao Street, where you can buy your tickets for the trip. The bus terminal sits at the western end of Pham Ngu Lao Street, and that's where you'll board.

Tip note: Ideally, book and buy your e-tickets from Saigon to Phnom Penh in advance (for example, on www.12go.asia). Your e-tickets arrive by email, ready to print or download to your phone or tablet so you can present them before boarding in Saigon.

Limousine from Saigon to Phnom Penh

For a more comfortable ride, consider a luxury limousine or minivan from Saigon to Phnom Penh, costing only around $15–20. Contact Threeland Travel at help@threeland.com, message us on WhatsApp at +84342620068, or call +842439262056 to book a limousine or minivan seat.

Road condition update from Saigon (Ho Chi Minh city) To Phnom Penh

On the whole, the highways from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh are well paved and the ride is smooth. Highway 22, which connects Saigon to the Moc Bai border gate between Vietnam and Cambodia, has been congested for a while due to rising traffic demand.

The good news is that over the next few years, a new expressway will run from HCMC to the Moc Bai border gate in Tay Ninh Province, with more lanes. This will significantly shorten travel time from HCMC to the international Moc Bai border gate.

Bridge crossing the Mekong River from Saigon to Phnom Penh

Ferries to cross Mekong River, in the past

The scenery along the road is mostly flat plains framed by distant mountains. In the past, before the Mekong River bridge was built, every vehicle had to board a ferry to cross — a more rustic and cultural experience. Today, the bridge makes the crossing far quicker, with no waiting around.

Moc Bai border gate in Vietnam

Before you board the bus in Saigon, make sure you have all of the following with you:

• Your passport, valid for at least 6 months.
• A visa to Cambodia, unless you're exempt.
• You can apply for an e-visa beforehand on your own or through a travel/visa agency in Vietnam. Just be sure to choose a reliable, reputable agency.
• While you're on board, the bus steward collects all passengers' passports and hands them to the Vietnamese immigration officer at the checkpoint when the bus reaches the Moc Bai exit gate. This saves time and is more efficient than everyone presenting passports individually. Don't worry — your passport is returned to you once the officer has processed it at the Vietnam border gate.

If you don't yet have your Cambodia visa or visa letter, let the bus steward know. You'll need to get a visa-on-arrival at the Moc Bai passport checkpoint, or you can ask the steward to help arrange one — expect to tip at least US$5 for the service.

Tip note:

• If you need a visa-on-arrival and it might take a while, tell the bus steward to wait for you.
• Be careful not to board the wrong bus after finishing your border procedures. Many similar-looking buses park near the exit, so it's smart to note or memorize your bus's plate number.

The same advice applies if you're heading the other way — travelers taking the bus from Phnom Penh to Vietnam should plan their documents just as carefully.

Even so, we strongly recommend applying for your Cambodia visa or e-visa in advance. Threeland Travel is a trusted company with offices in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, and our operators can quickly help you arrange both your bus and your visa. This overland crossing is also one of the most popular legs of combined Vietnam and Cambodia tours, so if you'd rather travel hassle-free, we can build it into a wider Vietnam tour package or a multi-country itinerary spanning Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand.