Vietnam

How to get fromPhnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh

Want to explore the 3 best ways to travel from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh? In this guide, we'll explain how to travel this 230 kilometers (143 miles) distance and compare each option by duration, price, and comfort. For each transport method, we'll help you pick the best provider and show you where to book your tickets.

Written by Ela - Senior Travel WriterReviewed by Maarten - Trip Planning ExpertLast updated: September 22, 2024

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Bus Shared Minivan Flight

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What to expect when visiting Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh is Vietnam’s largest and probably busiest metropolis. Formerly called Saigon, the city pulsates with energy and organised chaos. Its streets are packed with motorcycles day in and day out, we absolutely have no idea how everyone manages not to bump into each other!

Don’t miss a visit to the War Remnants Museum and Central Post Office, one of the oldest buildings in Ho Chi Minh. Shop (and prepare to haggle) at Ben Thanh Market, and explore the nearby Cu Chi Tunnels. When its bustling streets become too much, know that you can always find solace in one of its many cosy coffee shops.

3 ways to get from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh

The 3 ways to travel the distance of 230 kilometers (143 miles) from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh are by: bus (5 hours 30 minutes to 7 hours 30 minutes), Shared minivan (12 hours 30 minutes) and flight (2 hours 15 minutes). The journey duration ranges between 2 hours 15 minutes to 12 hours 30 minutes and the quickest way is by flight. The lowest priced tickets start from €21 for the bus.

Transport

Duration

Pricing

Transport Options

Bus

5h 30m - 7h 30m

From €21

Book Tickets

Shared Minivan

12h 30m

From €33

Book Tickets

Flight

2h 15m

From €110

Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh?

Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Ho Chi Minh at the bottom of this page.

Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh by Bus

Duration: 5h 30m - 7h 30m

Costs: €21

Duration: 5h 30m - 7h 30m

Costs: €21

Travelling from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh by bus isn’t too difficult. In fact, many travellers prefer this method because it’s cheaper than flying.

Another advantage of taking the bus is that it produces fewer emissions and is, therefore, more eco-friendly. You can choose from eleven companies operating on this route.

Prices start from €21 for the 5 hours 30 minutes to 7 hours 30 minutes bus ride.

Kumho Samco and Giant Ibis are a bit more expensive, but they also get good reviews — both for their professional staff and comfortable buses. Also, Giant Ibis offers free hotel pick-up in Phnom Penh city centre.

Departure and arrival stations

Long Phuong departs from its headquarters in Phnom Penh city centre, beside the National Olympic Stadium. It arrives at Long Phuong Tours in Ho Chi Minh’s Pham Ngu Lao. Kumho Samco leaves from its office in Phnom Penh city centre and parks at its terminal in Ho Chi Minh tourist centre.

Giant Ibis picks up passengers from any hotel in the centre of Phnom Penh. It arrives at Giant Ibis Transport, also along Pham Ngu Lao.

Bus schedules from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh

315 Preah Sihanouk Blvd (274)

Luxury

315 Pham Ngu Lao, District 1

05:00

12:00

06:30

13:30

08:30

15:30

11:00

18:00

15:30

22:30

Long Phuong

€21

Get Your Tickets

Phnom Penh Danh Danh

Sleeping

Ho Chi Minh Danh Danh

06:30

12:30

11:30

17:30

15:30

21:30

Danh Danh Bus

€22

Get Your Tickets

Phnom Penh Danh Danh

Tourist

Ho Chi Minh Danh Danh

05:00

11:00

07:30

13:30

09:30

15:30

10:30

16:30

13:30

19:30

Danh Danh Bus

€22

Get Your Tickets

VP Phnôm Pênh

Tourist

Sai Gon Office

05:00

6h 30m

11:30

08:00

6h 30m

14:30

11:00

6h 30m

17:30

13:00

6h 30m

19:30

Hoang Gia

€23

Get Your Tickets

Phnom Penh Office

Tourist

Sai Gon Office

07:00

14:00

08:30

15:30

13:00

20:00

15:30

22:30

Phuong Heng

€23

Get Your Tickets

VP Phnôm Pênh

Tourist

VP 09 Dang Thai Tran

05:00

7h 30m

12:30

08:00

7h 30m

15:30

11:00

7h 30m

18:30

13:00

7h 30m

20:30

Hoang Gia

€23

Get Your Tickets

Sangkat Tuol Svay Prey Ti Muoy

Standard

Thai Duong office

15:00

5h 45m

20:45

Thai Duong Limousine

€23

Get Your Tickets

Cambodia Office

Tourist

Saigon office

06:00

5h 30m

11:30

08:00

5h 30m

13:30

12:30

5h 30m

18:00

Phy Phy Transport

€24

Get Your Tickets

Phnom Penh Virak Buntham

Tourist

Ho Chi Minh

05:00

12:00

19:00

Khai Nam Transport

€25

Get Your Tickets

Kumho Samco Phnom Penh Bus Station

Standard

Kumho Samco Ho Chi Minh Office

07:30

14:30

07:30

14:30

10:15

17:15

10:15

17:15

Kumho Samco

€25

Phnom Penh Virak Buntham

Sleeping

Ho Chi Minh

04:30

11:30

07:00

14:00

08:00

15:00

09:00

16:00

10:30

17:30

13:30

20:30

14:30

21:30

15:30

22:30

Khai Nam Transport

€25

Get Your Tickets

Phnom Penh Virak Buntham

Coaster

Ho Chi Minh

11:00

6h 30m

17:30

Airbus

€27

Get Your Tickets

Phnom Penh Virak Buntham

Seater 41

Ho Chi Minh

08:45

6h 15m

15:00

Airbus

€27

Get Your Tickets

Khainam Phnom Penh Bus Station

Standard

Khainam Ho Chi Minh Office

05:00

12:00

19:00

Khai Nam Transport

€28

Get Your Tickets

Kumho Samco Phnom Penh Bus Station

Luxury

Kumho Samco Ho Chi Minh Office

06:45

13:45

08:45

15:45

13:30

20:30

Kumho Samco

€28

Get Your Tickets

Kumho Samco Phnom Penh Bus Station

VIP Sleeping

Kumho Samco Ho Chi Minh Office

06:45

13:45

08:45

15:45

13:30

20:30

Kumho Samco

€28

Get Your Tickets

Khainam Phnom Penh Bus Station

Sleeping

Khainam Ho Chi Minh Office

04:30

11:30

07:00

14:00

08:00

15:00

09:00

16:00

10:30

17:30

13:30

20:30

14:30

21:30

15:30

22:30

Khai Nam Transport

€29

Get Your Tickets

Khai Nam Bus Station

Sleeping

Khai Nam Bus Station

04:30

11:30

07:00

14:00

08:00

15:00

09:00

16:00

10:30

17:30

13:30

20:30

14:30

21:30

15:30

22:30

Khai Nam Transport

€29

Get Your Tickets

Sangkat Tuol Svay Prey Ti Muoy

VIP

Thai Duong office

06:30

6h 45m

13:15

06:30

6h 45m

13:15

06:30

5h 45m

12:15

10:30

6h 45m

17:15

10:30

6h 45m

17:15

10:30

5h 45m

16:15

Thai Duong Limousine

€31

Phnom Penh Giant Ibis

VIP

Ho Chi Minh Giant Ibis

08:00

6h 30m

14:30

09:45

6h 30m

16:15

Giant Ibis

€33

Get Your Tickets

Cannon Rifle Roundabout Park

Luxury Coaster

301 Pham Ngu Lao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh

07:00

6h 30m

13:30

11:00

6h 30m

17:30

15:00

6h 30m

21:30

GoEz Travel

€34

Get Your Tickets

Cannon Rifle Roundabout Park

Airbus Limousine

301 Pham Ngu Lao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh

08:45

6h 15m

15:00

GoEz Travel

€34

Get Your Tickets

Show 17 more operator(s)

Immigration Stop and Bathroom Breaks

Most of the buses from to cross the border at the Bavet–Moc Bai Checkpoint. The immigration stop at the border isn’t very organised or modern, but the staff of the bus companies will explain to you what to do and how to obtain your entry stamp.

Depending on your nationality, you need to apply for an e-visa to enter Vietnam through the Moc Bai border. Your e-visa should specify “Moc Bai landport” as your port of entry. If you choose the wrong entry port, you will be refused entry at the Moc Bai border.

The bus normally makes one bus stop just before the Vietnamese border. This serves as your last chance to spend your remaining Cambodian Riel!

TIP: Always keep a lookout for the bus personnel or fellow travellers from your bus so you don’t get lost.

Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh by Shared Minivan

Duration: 12h 30m

Costs: €33

Duration: 12h 30m

Costs: €33

A minivan ride from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh costs around €33. The minivan journey takes about 12 hours 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Vibol Express is the only company operating on this route.

Shared Minivan options from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh

Vibol Express Phnom Penh

Standard

Mien Tay Bus Station (Western Bus Station)

08:00

12h 30m

20:30

Vibol Express

€33

Get Your Tickets

Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh by Flight

Duration: 2h 15m

Costs: €110

Duration: 2h 15m

Costs: €110

If you don’t want to make the 7-hour border crossing via land, you can also take a flight.

Airfares from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh are quite expensive, though. Even during off-peak season, rates are at least 4x that of the bus. Also, when you add the waiting time for your flight, this option doesn’t really save you a lot of time compared to the bus.

TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.

Step 1: City Centre to Phom Penh Airport

Duration: 30 minutes

Costs: €8.50

Duration: 30 minutes

Costs: €8.50

You can find Phnom Penh Airport some 11 km west of the city centre. There are 3 ways you can get there: a €0.40 bus, a €10.40 taxi or a €8.50 tuktuk.

Travel time is 30 minutes to 1 hour. If you’re already short on time, we recommend taking either a taxi or a tuk-tuk. Buses make too many stops and often get stuck in traffic.

For more details, check out our guide on Phnom Penh Airport.

Step 2: Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh by Flight

Duration: 1 hour

Costs: 2,700,000 VND (€100)

Duration: 1 hour

Costs: 2,700,000 VND (€100)

Cambodia Angkor Air and Vietnam Airlines operate direct flights from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh daily.

Flight time is about 1 hour. Ticket prices start from 2,700,000 VND (€100). Book your tickets in advance to get the best rates.

TIP: Skyscanner also gives an indication if flights are more eco-friendly. Choosing a more eco-friendly flight can make a big difference!

Check Flights on Skyscanner

Step 3: Ho Chi Minh Airport to City Centre by Bus

Duration: 45 minutes

Costs: 6,000 VND (€0.20)

Duration: 45 minutes

Costs: 6,000 VND (€0.20)

From Ho Chi Minh Airport, you can take a taxi or bus for about 45 minutes to cross the 8 km distance to the city centre.

On a budget? Take public bus #152. A ticket only costs 6,000 VND (€0.20). The bus drops you off at the roundabout across Ben Thanh Market, from where it is only a 10-minute walk to Pham Ngu Lao.

You can also get a taxi to take you straight to your hotel’s doorstep in Ho Chi Minh. Rates start from 150,000 VND (€5.60).

To help you navigate to your hotel from Ho Chi Minh Airport, read our article on Ho Chi Minh International Airport (Tan Son Nhat).

Best places to stay in Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh is home to around 9 million people. To fit that many people, it has got to be a pretty big city, which can make choosing the right area a little overwhelming.

Here is a quick rundown of the best districts for you to stay in:

District 1 is the heart of Ho Chi Minh City and is a popular choice for tourists due to its proximity to major attractions like the Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, and the War Remnants Museum.
Pham Ngu Lao is located within District 1 and is popular amongst budget travellers due to its nightlife, street food and cheap accommodations.
District 3 is less touristy but still relatively central and offers a more local experience. It’s known for its beautiful tree-lined streets and French colonial architecture.
District 5 (Chinatown) offers a unique cultural experience with its bustling atmosphere, Chinese temples, and a wide variety of delicious street food.
District 7 is more modern and upscale. There are plenty of international restaurants, shopping centres and green spaces.

Check out our favourite places to stay in these areas:

Vy Khanh Guesthouse - Budget Friendly

Vy Khanh Guesthouse may not be the fanciest place in Ho Chi Minh, but what it lacks in glitz and glamour, it makes up with its hospitality. Vy is one of the best hosts that you’ll experience in Vietnam, offering you recommendations for not just the city but the entire country.

She’ll make sure you have the best experience and that starts with the guesthouse’s location. It’s situated in the heart of the city in District 1.

Amazing host
Great location
Clean and comfortable rooms
Good value for money

Double rooms start from $15 per night.

Check Available Rooms

Golden Tree Hotel and Apartment - Mid Range

Golden Tree Hotel stands out amongst the rest due to its perfect ambient lighting both inside and outside. This hotel feels face fancier than its price tag.

The rooms are spacious and modern, with most rooms offering a private kitchen and large colonial-style windows. Stay here and you’ll be located in District 7.

Spacious and modern rooms
Great location
Beautiful decor
High speed internet

Double rooms start from $31 per night.

Check Available Rooms

Silverland Mây Hotel - Treating Yourself

One look at Siverland Mây Hotel’s swimming pool and you won’t be able to resist booking here. It’s surrounded by lush greenery hanging from the ceiling, hammocks and there’s a pool-side bar.

The rooms live up to this standard boasting a beautiful ultra-modern decor. You’ll never want to leave this place.

Beautiful swimming pool
Pool-side bar
Stunning rooms
Great location

Double rooms start from $80 per night.

Check Available Rooms

Frequently Asked Questions about Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh

What is the distance from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh?

The distance from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh is 230 kilometers (143 miles).

What is the fastest way to get from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh?

The fastest way to get from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh is by flight and takes 2 hours 15 minutes.

What is the cheapest way to get from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh?

The cheapest way to get from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh is by bus with ticket costs starting from €21.

Rounding it up

We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.

PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!

About the author(s)

Ela

Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.

Maarten

Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.

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