Best Way to Get From Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh (2027)

Sources: airline and Giant Ibis schedules, Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs entry-point list. Times and operators change; check before you travel. Air arrivals also complete Cambodia’s free e-Arrival card – see our Cambodia visa guide. Prefer it all arranged? Our 5-day Siem Reap and Phnom Penh tour starts from US$700 per person (as listed, 2 sharing; final price in your quote).

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.

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.

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3. Documents required for entry into Cambodia 

Most international visitors need a visa for Cambodia. You can apply for a Cambodia e-visa on the official portal evisa.gov.kh before you travel, or get a visa on arrival at the main entry points. Rules differ by nationality, so check the requirements for your passport on the official portal or with a Cambodian embassy before you go.

• Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.
• Complete the free Cambodia e-Arrival Card online at arrival.gov.kh (or in the official app) within 7 days before arrival; check whether it is required at your land border crossing.
• Keep your hotel booking and onward or return ticket handy, as officers may ask for them.
• Bring some cash (US dollars are widely used) and a bank card.

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. Several airlines, including Vietnam Airlines, fly direct from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh; schedules change seasonally.

Fares vary by season and booking date, so compare airline and ticketing websites to find the best price for your 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 Phnom Penh’s Techo International Airport (TIA), which replaced the old Pochentong airport in September 2025, 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. Fares vary by company and bus class. 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.

Some bus companies serving the Ho Chi Minh City – Phnom Penh route (check that the service is running when you book):

Sorya Express

• Check current departure times, fares and pick-up points with the company or on a booking platform before you travel.

Long Phuong:

• Check current departure times, fares and pick-up points with the company or on a booking platform before you travel.

Mekong Express: 

• Check current departure times, fares and pick-up points with the company or on a booking platform before you travel.

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. To cross the border with a vehicle you need its registration papers in your own name (officers compare them with your passport) and a valid driving licence; most international travellers find a bus or private transfer easier.

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!

Contact us

• Website: www.mettavoyage.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Hotline 24/7: + 84 812 247 572