Returning to Vietnam?
If you plan to return to Vietnam, make sure you have a multiple-entry visa or can get a new visa. Vietnam e-visas are single entry. Check your visa type before leaving Vietnam!
Bavet – Moc Bai
The main border crossing between Vietnam and Cambodia. All HCMC-Phnom Penh buses use this route.
📍 Route
Vietnam: Moc Bai (Tay Ninh)
Cambodia: Bavet → Phnom Penh
🕐 Hours & Best For
Open: 6am - 10pm
Best for: Phnom Penh, most travelers
📋 Crossing Process
- Take bus from HCMC (Pham Ngu Lao area) – 6-7 hours total
- Bus stops at Vietnamese immigration – get exit stamp
- Walk to Cambodian side (same building complex)
- Get visa on arrival or show e-visa
- Re-board bus and continue to Phnom Penh
💡 Tips
Direct buses handle everything smoothly. Giant Ibis and Mekong Express are best.
💵 Costs
HCMC-Phnom Penh bus: $15-25. Cambodia visa: $30.
Kaam Samnor – Vinh Xuong
Boat crossing on the Mekong River. Popular scenic alternative to the bus route.
📍 Route
Vietnam: Vinh Xuong (Chau Doc)
Cambodia: Kaam Samnor → Phnom Penh
🕐 Hours & Best For
Open: 7am - 5pm
Best for: Scenic Mekong river route
📋 Crossing Process
- Take boat from Chau Doc early morning
- Cross Mekong to Cambodian immigration
- Get visa on arrival (VOA only, no e-visa)
- Continue by speedboat to Phnom Penh
💡 Tips
Book through reputable agent in Chau Doc. Full journey takes 4-5 hours.
💵 Costs
Chau Doc-Phnom Penh boat: $25-35. Visa: $30.
Phnom Den – Tinh Bien
Alternative crossing south of the river route. Less developed but functional.
📍 Route
Vietnam: Tinh Bien (Chau Doc)
Cambodia: Phnom Den → Takeo / Phnom Penh
🕐 Hours & Best For
Open: 7am - 5pm
Best for: Avoiding main border crowds
📋 Crossing Process
- Arrange transport from Chau Doc to Tinh Bien
- Cross border on foot
- Visa on arrival at Phnom Den
- Taxi or bus to Takeo, then Phnom Penh
💡 Tips
Very few tourists. May need to negotiate transport on Cambodian side.
💵 Costs
Higher taxi costs due to remote location.
Xa Mat – Trapeng Phlong
Remote crossing for adventure travelers heading to Mondulkiri province.
📍 Route
Vietnam: Xa Mat (Tay Ninh)
Cambodia: Trapeng Phlong → Sen Monorom
🕐 Hours & Best For
Open: 7am - 5pm
Best for: Eastern Cambodia, Mondulkiri
📋 Crossing Process
- Bus from HCMC to Tay Ninh, then taxi to Xa Mat
- Cross border on foot
- Visa on arrival
- Arrange transport to Sen Monorom (rough roads)
💡 Tips
For experienced travelers only. Infrastructure very basic. Roads may be impassable in wet season.
💵 Costs
Variable. Expect to negotiate all transport.
Recommended Bus Companies
Giant Ibis 🏆
Best service. Modern buses, WiFi, snacks. HCMC-Phnom Penh: $18-22. Book at giantibis.com
Mekong Express
Reliable and comfortable. Good value option. $15-20. Multiple departures daily.
Sapaco / Kumho
Budget options. Basic but functional. $12-15. Depart from Pham Ngu Lao area.
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