How to Get From Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh
Bus · Shared Minivan · Flight · Private Transport
%2Cpin-s-a%252B356151(106.52487469838273%2C10.842063602160545)%2Cpin-s-b%252B8B4513(104.91556981%2C11.56126274)%2F105.72022225419136%2C11.201663171080273%2C6%2F560x280%402x%3Faccess_token%3Dpk.eyJ1IjoiZ2Vja29yb3V0ZXMiLCJhIjoiY2plc2p0NmQ4MHh1cDJ4bXI3aWlraGh3YyJ9.ftb9bE1kUJiddMRbmZblQQ&w=3840&q=75)
Phnom Penh is Cambodia's capital, at the meeting of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers. It lies 213 kilometres (132 miles) northwest of Ho Chi Minh City across the Vietnamese border. Flying is the quickest way, taking 2h 30m - 3h 30m. By land, the bus is the cheapest way to get from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh at $22 (90,000 KHR), with journey times of 5h 45m - 9h.
Distance from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh
Ho Chi Minh and Phnom Penh are about 213 km (132 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 240 km by road. The quickest way to get from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh is by taking the flight, which takes around 2h 30m - 3h 30m.
4 ways to travel from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh
There are four ways to travel from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh. You can choose between the bus, minivan, flight, and private transport. The journey takes 2h 30m–7h and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $22 (90,000 KHR).
Reach out to our Community
4Hi
Do you know if it is necessary to buy the tickets in advance? Or can we just arrive to the bus stop before departure and buy tickets?
Beause when trying to buy tickets by the links here the prices are much higher (35$ and up)...
Thanks a lot!
Hello, Jasmin! Thank you for bringing this to our attention. It seems though that bus rates from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh have increased a lot since we last updated this post. See here a bus schedule for Giant Ibis (giantibis.com), where a bus ticket costs $41. If you book the same bus with BookAway (bookaway.com), it only costs $36. So it's actually cheaper on BookAway.
But to answer your question, we would still recommend booking your tickets beforehand. You will need to get an e-visa beforehand anywayws so why not book the bus ticket at the same time. We hope this helps! Safe travels!
Hi,
we would like to take a bus from HCMC to Phnom Penh tomorrow and get a visa on arrival at the border. Will the bus be waiting for us? How long does it take to get a visa (we are German and Austrian citizens). Thank you for your information!
Hello Claudia! The bus is a pretty easy way to cross the border. You can read the exact details on the booking page as it can vary slightly per bus company. When I did this border crossing a couple of years ago, it went very easy. The bus will wait till everyone gets the visa stamp so no need to worry about that. It normally shouldn't take much more than 30 minutes. Be sure to get the e-visa prior to departure tho. You can apply for the e-visa and find the official requirements on Cambodia's government e-Visa portal (evisa.gov.kh). Safe travels!
Hi. Are land borders now open for Cambodia? My friend and I are planning to travel from HCMC and would like to the bus?
Hello Sudarthi, in the latest info I can find, I read that the land borders with Cambodia and Vietnam are still closed (gov.uk). This means you won't be able to obtain a visa and therefore you cannot enter Cambodia from Vietnam via land.
Although Cambodia announced they will resume visas on arrival for people entering by land, I couldn't find an official update about this yet.
Hi Marteen! We are planning to travel to Cambodia from Ho Chi Minh City, can you please tell us more about the visa process? Can you pay directly at the boarder in Vietnamese Dong? Is it worthy to apply for a e-visa instead? Many thanks!!
Hello Alice! If you travel from Cambodia to Vietnam (geckoroutes.com), you cannot get a visa on arrival at the border. This means you need to have an e-visa or letter of approval to get the stamp. If your country is eligible for a Vietnamese e-visa (geckoroutes.com) and you stay less than 30 days, you can order this online.
Our favourite places to stay in Phnom Penh
- Daun Penh is the city centre and historic area of Phnom Penh. It's where you’ll find the Royal Palace, government buildings and the most colonial architecture. Here is the place to stay if you want to be close to the top things to do in the city.
- BBK1 boasts a vibrant and lively atmosphere. It's close to the city centre, without being as hectic. There are plenty of nightclubs, bars, restaurants and hipsters cafes here.
- Riverside is, as the name suggests, along the river. You'll wake up to river views and be close to plenty of cafes, bars, restaurants and street food.
White Corner Hotel
As the name suggests, White Corner Hotel has a very white colour scheme both inside and out, giving it a clean and modern feel. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, providing everything that you need.
If you stay here, you'll be located in the BBK1 neighbourhood, a very fun place to be staying. It's also within walking distance of the must-visit S-21 prison.
- Clean and modern
- Great location
- Comfortable and spacious rooms
- Bikes are available
Private rooms start from $21 (85,000 KHR) per night.
Stay Sweet Homestay
With only four rooms available in this intimate homestay, you'll need to book Stay Sweet in advance if you want to guarantee yourself a room. The almost perfect rating is mainly down to the incredible owner, Panha, who provides a friendly welcome and the best recommendations.
Staying here you'll also receive a discount at the local swimming pool and gym. The onsite restaurant is also a must-try, the food is delicious!
- Gets booked up
- Amazing owner
- Access to local swimming pool and gym
- Delicious onsite restaurant
Private rooms start from $30 (122,000 KHR) per night.
TAO Riverside Residence
TAO Riverside Residence is located right on the river offering spectacular views. Most of the rooms have private balconies where you can relax after a long day of exploring and just watch the boats gliding along the river.
The rooms are mainly studio style with most rooms having their own kitchenette and seating areas. They're beautifully designed and super modern, creating an environment you won't want to leave. On top of that, the Wi-Fi is great!
- Amazing river views
- Private balconies
- Large and modern rooms
- Great Wi-Fi
Deluxe double studios start from $60 (242,000 KHR) per night.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Phnom Penh?
Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s buzzing capital, can feel a bit hectic at first glance. It doesn’t have the same easy-going charm as Siem Reap, but it has a character all of its own.
It’s definitely not a place you want to skip! In fact, it’s probably the most important place to learn about the country’s devastating genocide and traumatic history. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Killing Fields will open your eyes to what humanity is capable of.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh, roughly 213 kilometres (132 miles) apart. In all, there are 4 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $22 (90,000 KHR). The quickest trip takes 2h 30m.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh?
The distance from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh is 213 kilometres (132 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh?
The fastest way to get from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh is by flight and takes 2h 30m - 3h 30m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh?
The cheapest way to get from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh is by bus with ticket costs starting from 90,000 KHR.
About the Author
Founder & Trip Planning Expert
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.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep Gecko Routes free and up to date.
