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Ho Chi Minh City, still widely called Saigon, lies 213 kilometres (132 miles) southeast of Phnom Penh. It's Vietnam's biggest city, packed with street food, war history and rooftop bars. Flying is the quickest way to get from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh, taking 2h 15m. By road, the bus is the cheapest at $23 (590,000 VND), and the shared minivan costs more.
Distance from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh
Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh are about 213 km (132 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 239 km by road. The quickest way to get from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh is by taking the flight, which takes around 2h 15m.
3 ways to travel from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh
There are three ways to travel from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh. You can choose between the bus, minivan, and flight. The journey takes 2h 15m–12h 30m and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $23 (590,000 VND).
Reach out to our Community
2Could you please clarify what you mean by "letter of approval" needed to enter Vietnam at Moc Bai?
I have an evisa with Moc Bai as the specified port of entry. Is this sufficient?
Hello Richard, apologies for the confusion. The "letter of approval" is required in order to obtain a visa on arrival at the airport. Since you're travelling by land through Moc Bai border, your e-visa specifying this port as your port of entry is sufficient. We now clarified this in the route. Thanks for bringing it to our attention!
Hello. Do you know if Spanish citizens need a visa approval to pass through the land border between Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh crossing at Bavet/Moc Bai?
Hello Yolanda, if you enter Vietnam as a Spanish citizen, you are "visa-exempt for up to 15 days in Vietnam if your arrival date is at least 30 days from the departure date of your last visa-exempt stay in Vietnam." If you intend to stay more than 15 days in Vietnam, you must apply for a visa.
You can consult VisaIndex (visaindex.com) for more details. I hope this helps!
“Thanks, a very good and informative insight to all buses travelling to Saigon and consequent flights and fares.”
Our favourite 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
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 (395,000 VND) per night.
Golden Tree Hotel and Apartment
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 (820,000 VND) per night.
Silverland Mây Hotel
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 (2,100,000 VND) per night.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit 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.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh, roughly 213 kilometres (132 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $23 (590,000 VND). The quickest trip takes 2h 15m.
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 Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh?
The distance from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh is 213 kilometres (132 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 2h 15m.
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 590,000 VND.
About the Authors
Senior Travel Writer
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.
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.
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