Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh: 6 Very Different Ways to Travel

Created by Colleen | Updated : 1 October 2024 | ,

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We’ve spent many months travelling through Cambodia and Vietnam, and one of the most frequently asked questions we’re asked is how best to travel from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC).

As with most things in life, there isn’t a single answer, but there are plenty of options to suit all travellers. No matter your travel style, there is a solution for you. 

Certainly buses are the cheapest option but a speedboat might be more thrilling and a cruise offer a touch of luxury.  Read on to find your favourite way to travel between these two amazing cities.

photo taken from our boat whilst cruising the Mekong River in Vietnam

1. Bus : Best For Budget Travellers

If you’re looking for the cheapest way to get from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh, the bus is by far the most economical choice. Several companies travel this route, with Giant Ibis being one of the most popular and most recommended.

However, we travelled around Cambodia with Virak Butham and were always happy with their service, so our recommendation would be for them. Their buses are comfortable, with air conditioning and sometimes reclining seats. You may find Wi-Fi on some services, but we found this more frequent on buses in Vietnam than Cambodia.

Cost : 29€ for Luxury 16-Seater Bus

Time : 6-7 hours

Pros For The Bus

  • Very affordable
  • Frequent departures throughout the day
  • No need to worry about luggage restrictions

Cons For The Bus

  • Border crossings can take time, adding delays
  • The journey is long, around 6-7 hours but could be longer depending on traffic and the border crossing
  • Road conditions can be bumpy, so it might not be the smoothest ride and driving standards aren’t always like we have at home (for example, the drivers frequently use mobile phones!)

Top Tips If Travelling By Bus

  • Book your bus ticket in advance, particularly during high season
  • Bring your own snacks and water
  • The bus runs in all weather unless the roads are flooded or damaged due to heavy rains
  • Arrive early as they are known to overbook seats
  • Avoid sitting directly behind the driver; hot air pumps from the engine, and there is also less legroom
  • There may be many stops en route. As we learned in Zimbabwe, take a photo of the bus registration plate and ensure you can identify your bus.
  • We recommend bringing toilet paper and hand sanitiser
Gerry on a lie-flat bus in Vietnam travelling from Ho Chi Minh

2. Cruise The Mekong : Best For Slow Travel

For those who prefer a slower pace and want to soak up the views, a Mekong River cruise might just be the perfect option. Cruises typically range from two to four days, with more luxury options lasting up to 8 days.  They certainly offer a very different way to travel between Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh.

You get to float through the changing landscapes, stopping at villages along the way and experience life on the Mekong. We took a short Mekong Cruise when in Phnom Penh and a longer 3-day tour of the Mekong Delta in Vietnam and we loved both.  Many cruises include a trip to the floating markets at Can Tho which were very special. 

This option would be a fabulous choice, but it doesn’t necessarily get you to Ho Chi Minh.  If your tour ends in Can Tho you can arrange for a bus or private transfer to move you on to HCMN (we booked a private transfer on 12go).   

Cost : 3-day budget cruises start from around 300€, 4-day mid-range cruises start at around 800€.

Time : 3 – 8 days

Pros For A Cruise

  • A relaxing, scenic way to travel
  • Includes meals, guided tours, and accommodation
  • Opportunity to explore the Mekong Delta and rural Cambodia/Vietnam

Cons For a Cruise

  • Slower than other modes of travel
  • Very high price point for the top end cruises, which may be out of reach for some budgets
  • Cruises maybe weather dependent and not run during the worst of the rainy season

Top Tips For Taking A Cruise

  • Look for cruises that include stops at floating markets and other village tours
  • Check reviews, as not all cruises offer the same itinerary or the same standards
  • Shop around and look out for sales; prices can change drastically if booked at the last minute
Cruising the Mekong on a sunset during our stay in Phnom Penh - Gerry enjoying the view as we pass an enormous Carlsberg sign

3. Flights : Best For Speed

Flying is perhaps the quickest and most conventional way to travel from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City.  We have flown into both cities and getting in and out of them both is easy.

Several airlines, such as Vietnam Airlines, Cambodia Angkor Air, and even Qatar Airlines offer regular flights between the two cities. (We use Google Flights and Skyscanner to find the best deals) The flight itself takes around an hour, although you’ll need to factor in time for getting to and from the airport, arriving at the airport beforehand and going through immigration.

We do recommend booking airport transfers in advance of your arrival as it’s not unknown for taxis to bump up the price for tourists.  We used GRAB in both countries but often we’ll book airport transport in advance for ease.

Cost : One-way flight around 130€

Time : 1 hour

Pros For Flying

  • Fastest option, with the flight only taking about an hour
  • Plenty of flight options throughout the day

Cons For Flying

  • Airports can be busy, especially Phnom Penh with queues at checking and security
  • Higher cost compared to buses
  • Luggage restrictions on budget airlines; we’ve been limited to 7kg carry-on luggage, and we found that Asian airlines can be strict

Top Tips If Flying Between Phnom Penh And HCMC

  • Check visa requirements before heading to the airport, and ensure that you have a paper copy; your hotel should be able to print this for you
  • Book airport transfers in advance to avoid delays and extra cost
  • If paying cash for a taxi, ensure you have change, as drivers often claim not to!
bus travelling through ho chi minh at night

4. Private Transfers: Best For Ease

Hiring a private driver can be a great option if you’re looking for convenience. And if you’re travelling in a small group this might be a very affordable option too.  You’ll have the flexibility to stop along the way, and there’s no need to worry about navigating public transport or managing multiple bags.

Definitely book through a reputable company and ensure that you have a fixed price before you leave. Whilst we didn’t use private drivers in Cambodia (we used Virak Buntham Buses to travel around), but we did use private transfers in Vietnam.  We booked through GRAB or 12GO and the price was always fixed and we were always very happy.

Transport can also be arranged through your hotels but it might be a little more expensive so compare before booking.

Top Tip : I searched for a highly rated driver from Get Your Guide for this journey. The link I’m sharing is for a new route but the company have lots of very positive highly rated reviews for other routes so I’d book this one if I was looking.

Cost : 165€

Time : 6-7 hours (depending on delays at border crossings and traffic)

Pros For Private Transfers

  • Door-to-door service
  • Can stop whenever you like for breaks or sightseeing
  • More comfortable and private than a bus
  • Good value for a group of 3 or 4 travelling together

Cons For Using Private Transfers

  • More expensive for solo travellers or couples
  • Border crossings and traffic can still cause delays. Ho Chi Minh’s rush hour is notorious as we found out when returning from our Cu Chi Tunnel Tour!

Top Tips For Using Private Transfers

  • Always agree on a price beforehand and clarify whether it includes tolls, border fees, and fuel costs.  We found that many do not include tolls and you’ll be handed the receipt from the toll booth!
  • Avoid taxis, as meters often charge ‘tourist’ rates
  • Be mindful of restaurant and stopover prices along the way; sometimes prices can be inflated for tourists
tuk tuk in a quiet street in Phnom Penh

5. Speedboat: Best For An Adventure

For a more adventurous way to cross from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh why not consider travelling by speedboat. I love this option!  The reviews are fantastic and I now want to return to Cambodia just to take this trip!

However, the speedboat won’t take you all the way to Ho Chi Minh. You’ll travel from Phnom Penh to Chau Doc in Vietnam, then you’ll need to take a bus onwards to Ho Chi Minh. While the speedboat gets you into Vietnam quickly, when you add the bus transfer time, it’s not the fastest option.

And as with all these options, the boat crosses an international border, all passengers must disembark for passport and visa checks. I read that passengers usually wait in a nearby café, where toilets, drinks, and snacks are available.

If I were taking this journey, I’d be tempted to spend a night in Chau Doc (at the Victoria Hotel where the boats docks) before continuing to Ho Chi Minh.  After some of our longer bus rides to Mondulkiri and Siem Reap we decided it was better to break the journey and Chai Doc has some interesting sites.

Cost : Boat 42€, Bus 14€, Victoria Hotel 85€

Time : 5-7 hours for the boat and onward bus journey 5-6 hours depending on traffic

Pros For Taking The Speedboat

  • Unique experience combining boat and land travel
  • Great views of the Mekong River
  • Perfect for getting off the beaten track and slow travel

Cons For Taking The Speedboat

  • More complicated as it requires a speedboat and a bus for the final leg to Ho Chi Minh City
  • Sun protection may be needed although the boat is covered
  • Engine noise and the smell of diesel can be unpleasant

Top Tips For Taking The Speedboat

  • Confirm border crossing details before booking, and ensure you have the correct visa entry point on your visa.
hand paddled traditional Vietnamese flat boat with the lady driver

6. Tours: Best For Sightseeing

If you have a bit more time then why not combine your journey with some sightseeing.  We’ve decided this kind of travel is our preferred way to travel and for some joining an organised tour might be a fantastic option.

Tours are a great option who prefer to have everything pre-arranged and usually include stops at popular attractions along the way, such as the Cu Chi Tunnels or the Mekong Delta.  We spent 3 days exploring the Mekong Delta and we’d thoroughly recommend a visit; here are a few ideas we found :

Cost : 150-700€

Time : 3-8 days (depending on the tour)

Pros For Taking An Organised Tour

  • Combines travel with sightseeing
  • Hassle-free, as everything is arranged for you
  • Often includes meals and accommodation
  • Great for solo travellers looking for company

Cons For Taking An Organised Tour

  • More expensive than other options like the bus or even a flight
  • May not suit those in a rush
  • Tours can be too restrictive for those who prefer to travel independently

Top Tips For Taking An Organised Tour

  • Check the tour itineraries; not all tours are equal
  • Check for what’s included and make sure there are no unexpected surprises
colleen and gerry at sunset over the mekong delta in vietnam
Colleen and Gerry at Sunset on the Mekong Delta

Weather Considerations for Travel Between Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh

When planning a journey between Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh, you’ll need to consider the weather. Both Cambodia and Vietnam can experience tropical monsoons and they experience two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy season.

Dry Season (November to April)

The dry season is the best time to travel between Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh. During these months, you can expect warm, sunny weather and more stable road and river conditions.

It’s a great time for cruises and speedboats, as the water levels in the Mekong River are higher but calmer. This season is also a great time for sightseeing tours, as outdoor activities are more pleasant without the risk of heavy rains.

We visited Cambodia in February and Vietnam in January through to March and for the most part the weather was hot and humid but dry.

Rainy Season (May to October)

The rainy season can bring heavy downpours, often in the afternoons, and the risk of flooding in some areas. While buses and flights continue to run, river cruises and speedboat journeys may be affected.

Water levels in the Mekong Delta rise during the rainy season, which can sometimes make the cruise more scenic, but it can also lead to cancellations or delays. Speedboats might also be less reliable during this time and some companies may not operate during periods of severe weather.

If you’re travelling during the rainy season, be prepared for potential delays on the roads and at border crossings, as heavy rainfall can lead to slower journeys.

tuk tuk driving in heavy rain

Visa Requirements For Entry Into Cambodia And Vietnam

Before making any journey between Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh, you’ll must ensure you have the correct entry visas.

Cambodia Visa

There are a few options depending on how you plan to enter the country:

  • eVisa (Recommended): Apply online before your trip for a 30-day stay. It’s valid for tourism purposes and usually straightforward to get.
  • Cost: Around $36 USD
  • Processing Time: 3 business days
  • Where to apply: Cambodian Government eVisa Website
  • Visa on Arrival: Available at airports and some land borders. You’ll need:
  • A passport valid for at least 6 months
  • One passport-sized photo
  • Around $30 USD in cash for the visa fee
  • Visa Exemptions: Citizens from ASEAN member states and some other nationalities can enter visa-free for up to 30 days.

Top Tip: We recommend getting your eVisa in advance to avoid delays at the border. And don’t forget to carry a printed copy of your visa!

is Phnom Penh worth visiting? Yes. and it's easy to get around, you can walk or take a tuk tuk but maybe not like the simple tuk tuk in this photo

Vietnam Visa

Visa requirements for Vietnam can be a bit more complex depending on your nationality and how you enter the country:

  • eVisa (Best Option): Available for single-entry, up to 30 days, and can be used at land borders, airports, and seaports.
  • Cost: Around $25 USD
  • Processing Time: 3-5 business days
  • Where to apply: Vietnam eVisa Portal
  • Visa Exemptions: Some nationalities (like UK, France, Germany) can enter visa-free for short stays (usually 15-30 days). However, some border officials may still request a visa, so it’s safest to check in advance.
  • Visa on Arrival: Once available for air travel, this option is now limited. For land crossings, an eVisa or a pre-arranged visa is essential.

Top Tip: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months and have a printed copy of your visa. For those entering via land, Moc Bai (for buses) and Chau Doc (for speedboats) are common entry points.

Important Visa Notes

  • Processing Time: Allow at the very least 3 business days for visa processing.
  • Documents: Carry a printed copy of your visa and ensure your passport has at least six months of validity remaining.
  • Onward Travel Proof: Some border officials may ask for proof of onward travel or sufficient funds for your stay.
  • Entry Port : Ensure that you have the correct point of entry for your visa.  Check with your travel operator if you are unsure.
Tet celebrations in Saigon. Around 100 Vietnamese on bikes liked up in colourful national dress in front of government building

How Best To Travel From Phnom Penh To Ho Chi Minh?

The best way to travel between Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh will totally depend on your timescales, preferences, priorities, and budget.

Personally, we’re not the biggest fans of flying and will usually opt for trains or buses where we can; unfortunately, there’s no train for this route.  If you’re short on time, flying is the quickest option but with all the different options there really is something for everyone.

We like to think that we’re a little adventurous and we do enjoy taking our time. If I were doing this journey now, I’d probably opt for the speedboat, and some time spent exploring the Mekong Delta before continuing on to Ho Chi Minh. But that’s us.  What route will you take?

interior of our Virak minibus - travelling between Phnom Penh and Mondulkiri

Are You Travelling Around Cambodia or Vietnam?

We spent several months exploring both Cambodia and Vietnam. If you’ve enjoyed this post you may also like to read :

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Whenever you travel, you should have a great travel and medical insurance policy.  None of us expect anything bad to happen, but in the event of an incident, you want to be sure that your insurance will be there for you.

I’ve ended up in hospital in Peru, Indonesia, Portugal, Japan and Ireland! Every time my insurance took care of everything. I would never leave home without full and comprehensive insurance.

TrueTraveller : We have this policy and we are very happy with the cover, especially considering our ages and pre-existing conditions.

Globelink : We have used and recommended Globelink for years and we’ve not heard of any issues. They are a great choice for European and UK Residents.

Safety Wing : Many of my travelling buddies from the USA have recommended this company to me, although we’ve not used them personally.

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Author : Colleen Sims

Hey I’m Colleen. I’m married to Gerry, we’ve three fabulous kids and been living in France for almost two decades. I fell in love with Spain in the 1980s and I’ve walked 1000s of miles along the Camino de Santiago. Now we’re exploring and walking the world and I can’t wait to share what we’ve learned!

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