You want to go to Phnom Penh, but you don’t know how to get there. Metta Voyage will share with you the necessary information for you to easily get from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh!

1. Introduction to Phnom Penh – the capital of Cambodia

Phnom Penh is the largest city and the most modern economic capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia. Phnom Penh has an area of 290 km2 and a population of 2.2 million people (in 2011). In addition to the name Phnom Penh, this city is also known by many other names, such as Nam Vang, Nam Vinh, etc, or “Pearl of Asia”.

Phnom Penh is a city that blends modern French architecture with ancient Khmer architecture. Therefore, Phnom Penh becomes an ideal place for you to have an interesting trip.

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA – October 16,2019 : A Statue of King Father Norodom Sihanouk with blue and yellow sky in evening sunset background at central Phnom Penh, Capital of Cambodia.

You will have the opportunity to admire the eye-catching colonial architecture, temples and palaces inlaid with iridescent gold, and high-class food without it being expensive at all. Also great for exploring historical sites near Cambodia’s capital and stunning countryside. Magnificent shopping malls have begun to spring up, so this is also a suitable destination for shopaholics, especially those who like fashion and food.

2. How far is from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh?

Although it is the capital of another country, the distance between Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh is not far. Phnom Penh is only about 230 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. Therefore, there are many means of transportation for you to choose from.

3. Documents required for entry into Cambodia 

Normally, when traveling abroad, you will need to apply for a visa to be allowed to enter that country. But Vietnam is one of 44 countries allowed by the Cambodian state to exempt visas. Therefore, you can freely travel in Cambodia without having to worry about visa issues. According to the bilateral visa exemption agreement, Cambodia exempts Vietnamese citizens from 30-day visa-free entry. The conditions for visa-free entry are as follows:

  • Have a valid passport valid for more than 6 months from the date of return to Vietnam.
  • Confirmed return flight ticket to Cambodia (if traveling by plane).
  • Vehicle documents (if traveling by motorcycle by yourself) Note that the vehicle must be the original owner because, when checking, the Cambodian side will compare the information with your passport, so the name of the motorbike owner must be the same.
  • Declare a booking for a hotel or accommodation in Cambodia.
  • Ensure that other entry requirements and conditions are met as prescribed.
  • Cash or bank card, credit card, international payment card, etc.

4. How to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh

Currently, traveling from Vietnam to Phnom Penh is quite easy. Visitors can choose the following means of transport:

4.1. Airplane

An airplane is the fastest way to Phnom Penh. If you want to be as fast and comfortable as possible, you can choose the plane. Airlines operating direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City airport to Phnom Penh airport are Cambodia Angkor Air, Vietnam Airlines, and Lao Airlines.

Airfare to Phnom Penh is from 183 USD to 383 USD. This price includes all taxes and the round trip for the whole flight. However, you can follow ticketing websites to hunt for cheap tickets and save money on the trip.

Flight time from Ho Chi Minh Airport to Phnom Penh: For a direct flight, the total travel time from Ho Chi Minh Airport to Pochentong International Airport (PNH) is approximately 55–60 minutes.

4.2. Passenger car/ open bus

In addition to the plane, you can also go to Phnom Penh by bus or Open Bus for a much cheaper price. The Ho Chi Minh City-Phnom Penh route costs from 8.5 USD to 20 USD one way. You can choose a round-trip fare, so you don’t have to worry about the return journey. Travel time is about 6 hours for daytime travel and 10 hours for nighttime travel.

Suggest some reputable car companies with offices in the center of Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh:

Sorya Express

  • Address: 302 Cong Hoa, Ward 13, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Departure time: Going to Phnom Penh: 6:30 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 13:30 p.m, 15:00 p.m.
  • Ticket price: Ho Chi Minh City – Phnom Penh – Ho Chi Minh City

Large 31-seat car: 24.6 USD

Small car with 16 seats: 37.4 USD

  • Tel: (+84) 938 569 108

Long Phuong:

Address: 315 Pham Ngu Lao, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

Departure time: daily: 7:00 a.m, 9:30 a.m, 11:00 a.m, 15:00 p.m

Ticket price: Ho Chi Minh City – Phnom Penh – Ho Chi Minh City: 23 USD/ticket.

Tel: (+ 84) 838 370 969

Mekong Express: 

  • Address: 275H Pham Ngu Lao, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Departure time: daily: 07:00 a.m, 8:00 a.m, 12:00 p.m và 15:00 p.m.
  • Ticket price: 13-14 USD/ticket/one way.
  • Tel: (+84) 935 507 894

4.3. Motorcycles, personal vehicles

This is a vehicle that not only saves you money but also gives you a memorable experience. You can divide the route into two sections: from Ho Chi Minh City to Moc Bai (Tay Ninh) and from Moc Bai to Phnom Penh. The first section will be 60 km long, and the second part will be 170 km long.

Starting from Ho Chi Minh City, you follow Highway 22 from Tay Ninh to Moc Bai. After being present at the Moc Bai border gate, you have to go through exit procedures. Passing the border gate, you run about 2 km to the Bavet border gate (Cambodia). From here, you just need to run straight to reach the capital, Phnom Penh.

5. Great places to visit in Phnom Penh

After arriving at the “Pearl of Asia”, you can choose the means of transport to move around this city, such as tuk tuk, taxi, or motorbike taxi, at an affordable cost.

Phnom Penh is famous for its beautiful ancient architecture and charming folk dances that captivate travelers. Famous landmarks in Phnom Penh can be mentioned: Silver Pagoda, Royal Palace, Naga World, Wat Phnom, National Museum of Cambodia, Choeung Ek Killing Field, Phnom Penh Independence Monument, Bao Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Phsar Thmei Central Market, Sisowath Quay, Wat Ounalom Temple, Russian Market, Olympic Stadium, etc.

These buildings are built magnificently but are also extremely ancient. In addition, when you come here, you can also explore the city of Phnom Penh at night.

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6. Culinary experience in Phnom Penh:

When you come to Phnom Penh, you will also have great experiences with the unique cuisine here. Food and drink in Phnom Penh are very diverse, from noodle soup and rice dishes to grilled hot pot dishes, fried dishes with insects, etc. You can visit some addresses, such as Khmer Surin restaurant, Phsar Reatrey night market, Khmer Food Village restaurant, Western Quarter, Phsar Thmei night market, etc, to try famous dishes in Phnom Penh.

Coming to Phnom Penh, you should definitely try some famous dishes such as Num Pang sandwiches, Nom Banh Chok noodles, Num Plae Ai, Bai Sach Chrouk, Mi Char fried noodles, Nam Vang noodle soup, etc. Each dish has its own flavor and uniqueness, so if you have enough time, you should not miss this unique cuisine.

7. Conclusion

Hopefully, through the above article on means of transportation from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh, Metta Voyage provides you with the necessary information to help you have an enjoyable and complete trip. You can contact us to schedule your trip to Phnom Penh!

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