Going from Vietnam to Cambodia
Here, you'll find information that might be useful if you plan on travelling from the VLX to the CLX (Cambodia Lindy Exchange) in the mighty city of Phnom Penh.
Option 1: Bus
There are two types of buses that ply the rugged roads from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh. The first of which is the “VIP” bus which is usually well air-conditioned and often serves a complementary bottle of water and an occasional snack. They also have toilets on board. The most popular carriers are The Sinh Tourist, Sapaco and Mekong Express. These carriers will take your passport en route to the Vietnam-Cambodian border at Moc Bai-Bavet and charge $20-$25 per person. (See visa considerations section below). Transportation time is usually between 6 or 7 hours. This option is recommended. Ticket prices range from $10 to $15US.
The second (and cheaper) bus offers a more ‘authentic, local experience.’ Carriers such as Capitol Tours, TM Brothers and a plethora of others provide no-frills bus rides which may or may not arrive as scheduled. If the bus does not fill up at the departure point, the conductor may stop along the way to pick up passengers and, in some instances, their livestock. The cues and procedures at the borders are also left to the passengers but are still relatively straight-forward. Transportation time ranges from 6 to 10 hours, often depending on the level of chaos at the border crossing. Prices range from $5-$8US.
Either of these options may be found in HCMC’s backpacker area, along Pham Ngu Lau St., De Tham St., and Bui Vien St., in District 1. Departure times range from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and most leave from their respective shop fronts.
The second (and cheaper) bus offers a more ‘authentic, local experience.’ Carriers such as Capitol Tours, TM Brothers and a plethora of others provide no-frills bus rides which may or may not arrive as scheduled. If the bus does not fill up at the departure point, the conductor may stop along the way to pick up passengers and, in some instances, their livestock. The cues and procedures at the borders are also left to the passengers but are still relatively straight-forward. Transportation time ranges from 6 to 10 hours, often depending on the level of chaos at the border crossing. Prices range from $5-$8US.
Either of these options may be found in HCMC’s backpacker area, along Pham Ngu Lau St., De Tham St., and Bui Vien St., in District 1. Departure times range from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and most leave from their respective shop fronts.
Option 2: Boat
The more adventurous may consider the speed boat from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh. For this, you will have to first make your way to Chau Doc (by local or tourist bus) and from there, take the boat to Phnom Penh. The ferry leaves Chau Doc at 8 a.m. and takes about 5 hours. The cost of the boat floats around $20-$25US per person. Besides this DIY approach, there are a number of tour options which will take care of all arrangements including accommodation, meals, transport and visas.
Option 3: Air
Vietnam Airlines offers regular flights between HCMC and Phnom Penh for around $200US (one way). Most travel agencies will be able to assist you with these arrangements or you may book for yourself online. Flight time is around 40 minutes.
Taxis from the new-ish Phnom Penh international airport (IATA: PNH / ICAO: VDPP) to the city should cost roughly $10, however, a hop over the fence and a daring run across the street will find you a taxi for about half that. Tuk-tuks tend to be more accommodating to bargaining or a motodop (motorbike taxi) will get the same job done for about $2U
Taxis from the new-ish Phnom Penh international airport (IATA: PNH / ICAO: VDPP) to the city should cost roughly $10, however, a hop over the fence and a daring run across the street will find you a taxi for about half that. Tuk-tuks tend to be more accommodating to bargaining or a motodop (motorbike taxi) will get the same job done for about $2U
Visa Considerations
Applicants must have a passport which will remain valid for an additional 6 months from date of arrival and 2 passport photos. These are not often used but may incur an additional charge if the border officials whim it to be so. It’s a case of “better to have and not need….”
Most nationalities can get a tourist visa on arrival, either at the border (if crossing by land, or boat) or at the airport (if flying in). The cost of the visa is $20US plus an additional $5 “processing fee”. Cambodian tourist visas are valid for 21 days from date of entry.
Visa exemptions apply for Malaysian, Vietnamese, Singaporean, Filipino, Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesia, Brunei and Laotian passport holders. These applicants may obtain a free visa on arrival which is valid for 21 days from date of entry. Additional passport photos are not required.
In most cases, your travel agent (i.e. the pretty young lady who sold you your ticket) will inform you of the requirements and make necessary arrangements if needed.
Most nationalities can get a tourist visa on arrival, either at the border (if crossing by land, or boat) or at the airport (if flying in). The cost of the visa is $20US plus an additional $5 “processing fee”. Cambodian tourist visas are valid for 21 days from date of entry.
Visa exemptions apply for Malaysian, Vietnamese, Singaporean, Filipino, Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesia, Brunei and Laotian passport holders. These applicants may obtain a free visa on arrival which is valid for 21 days from date of entry. Additional passport photos are not required.
In most cases, your travel agent (i.e. the pretty young lady who sold you your ticket) will inform you of the requirements and make necessary arrangements if needed.
