Travel from Vietnam to Cambodia: A Travel Guide by Threeland Travel

Cambodia is a small country in Southeast Asia, but it offers a rich and diverse cultural and natural heritage. If you are traveling from Vietnam, you have three main ways to get to Cambodia: by boat, by flight, or by road. Each way has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on your budget, time, and preferences. In this guide, we will explore the different options for traveling from Vietnam to Cambodia, and what to expect from each one. 

1. By Boat

1.1. The pros and cons of traveling by boat

One of the ways to travel from Vietnam to Cambodia is by boat. This option has its advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before booking your trip. 
Imagine traveling from Vietnam to Cambodia by boat. How would you feel? You would probably enjoy the scenic and interesting journey along the Mekong Delta, where you can see how the locals live and work on the water. You would also appreciate the relaxing and comfortable ride with river views and breeze. You would also save some time by getting to Phnom Penh faster and more directly than by road. 
But you would also have to pay more money for this option than for road or flight. You would also have to spend a night in Chau Doc before boarding the boat. And you would also have to check if the boat is available during the low water season (March to July). 

1.2. The different options for boat trips: ferry, river cruise, etc.

• Ferry: This is a fast and direct way to get from Chau Doc in Vietnam to Phnom Penh in Cambodia. It takes about 5 hours and costs between US$25 and US$65. You can enjoy the views of the Mekong Delta and its floating markets, villages, and pagodas along the way.
• River cruise: This is a more relaxing and comfortable way to travel from Vietnam to Cambodia by boat. You can choose from different cruises that last from 3 to 7 days and cover various destinations along the Mekong River. You can experience the culture and nature of both countries, visit the Angkor Wat temples, and enjoy the on-board facilities and services.
• Speedboat: This is an exciting and adventurous way to travel from Vietnam to Cambodia by boat. You can take a speedboat from Can Tho or Cai Be in Vietnam to Phnom Penh in Cambodia. It takes about 6 hours and costs around US$50. You can see the changing landscape of the Mekong River and its wildlife along the way.

1.3. How to book and prepare for a boat trip

• You need to decide which option of boat trip you want to take: ferry, river cruise, or speedboat. You can compare the prices, durations, and destinations of each option and choose the one that suits your budget, time, and preferences.
• You can book your boat trip in advance, either online or through a travel agency. You can check the availability, departure times, and locations of each option and make your reservation accordingly. CTA 
• You need to prepare your visa for Cambodia. You can either apply for an e-visa online before your trip or get a visa on arrival at the border. You will need a passport valid for at least six months, a passport-sized photo, and a visa fee of US$30.
• You need to pack your luggage and documents for your boat trip. You should bring your passport, visa, booking confirmation, cash (US dollars or Vietnamese dong), sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water bottle, snacks, camera, and any other personal items you may need.
• You need to arrive at your port of embarkation in Vietnam at least 30 minutes before your boat departure time. You should check in with your boat operator and follow their instructions. You should also be ready for the border crossing procedures and immigration checks when you enter Cambodia.

2. By Flight

2.1. The advantages and disadvantages of traveling by flight

Traveling by flight from Vietnam to Cambodia is a popular option for many travelers who want to visit both countries in a short time. However, flying has its pros and cons that you should consider before booking your tickets.
One of the main advantages of flying from Vietnam to Cambodia is speed. You can get from Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap in just 1–2 hours, saving you time and energy. Another advantage is comfort. You can enjoy a pleasant flight with spacious seats, in-flight entertainment, and snacks and drinks. Flying is also convenient, as you can choose from various flight schedules and connections that suit your needs. Threeland Travel can help you find the best deals and arrange your flights with ease.
However, flying also has some disadvantages that you should be aware of. One of them is cost. Flying can be expensive, especially during peak seasons or holidays. You may also have to pay extra fees for luggage, taxes, or visas.

2.2. The best airlines and routes for flying from Vietnam to Cambodia

If you are planning to fly from Vietnam to Cambodia, you may wonder what are the best airlines and routes to choose. There are many airlines and routes that you can choose from, depending on your needs and wants. Some of the best ones are Cambodia Angkor Air and Vietnam Airlines. You can also search for other options online or offline.
Some of the other airlines that fly from Vietnam to Cambodia are Jetstar Pacific, VietJet Air, AirAsia, Thai Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and Qatar Airways. However, these airlines may not have direct flights or may have longer layovers or transit times. You can compare the prices and schedules of different airlines on Skyscanner. 

2.3. How to book and prepare for a flight

Flying from Vietnam to Cambodia is a fast and easy way to travel between the two countries, but it also requires some planning and preparation. Here are some tips on how to book and prepare for a flight from Vietnam to Cambodia: 

• Use Skyscanner to compare the prices and schedules of different airlines that fly from Vietnam to Cambodia. 
• Book your tickets online or through Threeland Travel. They can help you find the best deals and arrange your flights with ease. We also provide you with other services such as visa, airport transfer, accommodation, and tours in both countries. Contact Threeland Travel today and book your flight from Vietnam to Cambodia with confidence. 
• Prepare for your flight from Vietnam to Cambodia. Check the visa requirements, baggage allowance and fees, and weather forecast for your destination. Bring your passport, tickets, confirmation emails, and other documents that you may need for your trip.

3. By Road

3.1. The advantages and disadvantages of traveling by road

If you are looking for a more adventurous and economical way to travel from Vietnam to Cambodia, you may consider traveling by road. 
Advantages:

• Cost: Traveling by road can be cheaper than flying or taking a boat, especially if you take a bus or share a taxi with other travelers. You can also save money on accommodation by staying in guesthouses or homestays along the way.
• Scenery: Traveling by road can give you a chance to see more of the scenery and nature of both countries, such as the rice fields, mountains, rivers, and villages. You can also stop at some interesting places that are not accessible by other means of transportation.
• Culture: Traveling by road can give you a chance to interact with the local people and learn more about their culture and lifestyle. You can also try some local food and drinks that are not available in tourist areas.

Disadvantages:

• Time: Traveling by road can take longer than flying or taking a boat, depending on the traffic, road conditions, and border crossings. It can take up to 6 hours to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh by bus, or up to 12 hours to travel from Hanoi to Siem Reap by car.
• Comfort: Traveling by road can be less comfortable than flying or taking a boat, especially if you take a public bus or a crowded taxi. You may have to deal with bumpy roads, noisy horns, hot weather, and limited facilities.
• Safety: Traveling by road can be less safe than flying or taking a boat, especially if you drive yourself or hire an unknown driver. You may have to deal with reckless drivers, poor road signs, animals on the road, and potential scams or thefts.

3.2. The main border crossings and visa requirements

Main border crossings:

• Moc Bai – Bavet: This is the most popular and convenient border crossing, connecting Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam with Phnom Penh in Cambodia. It takes about 6 hours by bus or car to travel between the two cities.
• Tinh Bien – Phnom Den: This is a scenic and less crowded border crossing, connecting Chau Doc in Vietnam with Kampot or Kep in Cambodia. It takes about 4 hours by bus or car to travel between Chau Doc and Kampot.
• Xa Xia – Prek Chak: This is a coastal border crossing, connecting Ha Tien in Vietnam with Kep or Sihanoukville in Cambodia. It takes about 2 hours by bus or car to travel between Ha Tien and Kep.
•  Le Thanh – O Yadao: This is a remote and adventurous border crossing, connecting Pleiku in Vietnam with Banlung in Cambodia. It takes about 8 hours by bus or car to travel between Pleiku and Banlung.

Visa requirements:

• For Vietnam: Most nationalities need a visa to enter Vietnam, which can be obtained online (e-visa) or at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate. The visa fee varies depending on the type and duration of the visa. You can check if you need a visa and how to apply for one here.
• For Cambodia: Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival at the border crossings, which costs $35 and requires one passport photo. You can also apply for an e-visa online, which costs $40 and requires a digital photo. You can check if you are eligible for an e-visa and how to apply for one here.

3.3. The best bus companies and routes for traveling by road

There are several bus companies and routes that you can choose from, depending on your departure and arrival points, budget, and schedule. Here are some of the best ones to consider: 

• Kumho Samco: 

This is one of the most popular and reliable bus companies that operate between Vietnam and Cambodia. They have modern and comfortable buses with air-conditioning, wifi, and reclining seats. They also have a good reputation for safety and punctuality.
Kumho Samco operates a bus from Pham Ngu Lao Kumho to Phnom Penh Kumho 4 times a day. The journey takes about 6 hours and costs $33 per person. You will also have a stop at the border for immigration and customs clearance.

• The Sinh Tourist: 

This is another reputable and professional bus company that offers high-quality service and value for money. They have spacious and clean buses with air-conditioning, wifi, and snacks. They also have friendly and helpful staff who can assist you with visa and immigration procedures. The Sinh Tourist operates a bus from Ho Chi Minh - Sinh Tourist Office to Phnom Penh Cambodia - Sinh Tourist Office hourly. The journey takes about 7 hours and costs $29 per person. You will have a short stop at the border for immigration and customs clearance.

• Phnom Penh Sorya: 

This is a local bus company that provides cheap and convenient transportation between Vietnam and Cambodia. They have basic but functional buses with air-conditioning and luggage storage. They also have frequent departures and flexible schedules.
Phnom Penh Sorya operates a bus from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh Sorya. The journey takes about 8 hours and 20 minutes and costs $13 per person. You will have a stop at the border for immigration and customs clearance.

You can book your tickets from all of these bus companies online on their website or at their office in Ho Chi Minh City.

Best routes:

• Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh: This is the most common and convenient route to travel from Vietnam to Cambodia by road. It takes about 6 hours by bus or car to travel between the two cities. The main border crossing is Moc Bai in Vietnam and Bavet in Cambodia.
• Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap: This is another popular route to travel from Vietnam to Cambodia by road, especially if you want to visit the famous Angkor Wat temple complex. It takes about 12 hours by bus or car to travel between the two cities. The main border crossing is Xa Xia in Vietnam and Prek Chak in Cambodia.
• Hanoi to Siem Reap: This is a more adventurous and scenic route to travel from Vietnam to Cambodia by road, but also longer and more challenging. It takes about 24 hours by bus or car to travel between the two cities. The main border crossing is Le Thanh in Vietnam and O Yadao in Cambodia.

3.4. How to book and prepare for a road trip

• Choose your route and bus company. You can ask Threeland Travel for their suggestions or use the ones we mentioned before.
• Book your tickets online or through Threeland Travel. We can help you find the best deals and arrange your tickets and other services with ease.
• Check the visa requirements, baggage allowance and fees, and weather forecast for your destination. Pack your bags and bring your essentials and some snacks, drinks, and entertainment for the journey.

Vietnam and Cambodia are two amazing countries to visit in Southeast Asia. You can travel between them by boat, by flight, or by road, and enjoy their culture and nature. If you need a travel agency to help you plan and book your tour to Cambodia, choose Threeland Travel. Contact Threeland Travel today and get a free quote for your trip. You will have a wonderful time!