Crossing the borders between Cambodia and Vietnam is a hassle-free experience, with various entry points on offer. You can take the well-known bus service between Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City or opt for the Chau Doc ferry ride. It’s essential to acknowledge that when traveling from Cambodia to Vietnam, there are many border checkpoints to choose from. However, if you’re a foreign traveler entering Vietnam, you must have a valid e-visa. It’s important to note that not all border gates accept e-visas, but five popular ones do, ensuring a trouble-free entry into Vietnam. Therefore, be confident that as long as you hold a valid e-visa, you can comfortably select one of these well-liked border crossings for your journey.
Border Crossing: Cambodia – Vietnam
When traveling from Cambodia to Vietnam, it is essential to choose the right border crossing point. Here are the five recommended border crossings:
1. Ha Tien Border Crossing
Access to Phu Quoc Island & southern Mekong Delta
The Ha Tien Border Crossing is a well-known entry point for travelers who want to explore the southern part of the Mekong Delta or visit Phu Quoc Island. If you’re starting from Ha Tien, you can take a ferry to Phu Quoc and enjoy its stunning beaches and resorts. Furthermore, various bus options are accessible, such as direct buses from Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho to Ha Tien. On the Cambodian side, there are buses that connect Ha Tien to Kampot, Kep, Sihanoukville, and the islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem. For those interested in this route, there are tour packages available that provide opportunities to experience the Mekong Delta, visit floating markets, and stay at a local homestay along the way. These tours start either in Ho Chi Minh City or Cambodia. Have a look at the tour here.
2. Moc Bai Border Crossing
Most popular route between Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City
The Moc Bai Border Crossing is a well-known border crossing point that is frequently used by travelers who are journeying between Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City. Many reputable bus companies, such as Mekong Express, Khải Nam, and Giant Ibis, offer services for this route. The trip usually lasts between 6 to 8 hours and the cost of tickets varies from $25 to $35 depending on the comfort level and the bus company. During the trip, passengers will stop at the border where they will need to go through both Vietnamese and Cambodian border control. The border gate is accessible every day from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.
3. Song Tien Border Crossing
Connects Chau Doc (Mekong Delta) – Cambodia’s Phnom Penh
The Song Tien Border Crossing is situated in Vietnam’s An Giang province and provides easy access to Cambodia. One of its notable features is the rapid ferry service from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh, which is both quick and effective. You can take in the picturesque scenery along the Mekong River while traveling and reach Cambodia’s capital city in only a couple of hours. Additionally, tourists who want to explore the Mekong Delta area frequently use this border crossing. Buses running directly from Chau Doc to Ho Chi Minh City are also available.
4. Tinh Bien Border Crossing
Convenient route from Cambodia’s Takeo province
The Tinh Bien Border Crossing is situated in Chau Doc, Vietnam, and acts as a substitute for the Song Tien border crossing that connects Vietnam and Cambodia. When journeying from Cambodia to Chau Doc, it’s crucial to confirm that the bus route passes through either Tinh Bien or Song Tien. This arrival information is necessary when obtaining a Vietnam eVisa. This border crossing offers a convenient entry point to explore Chau Doc region which is part of the Mekong Delta. Check out some of the top activities to engage in while in Chau Doc.
5. Xa Mat Border Crossing
Easy access from Cambodia’s Svay Rieng province
The Xa Mat Border Crossing is not commonly visited by international travelers because of its location outside of the usual tourist paths. However, this can offer an unusual and less busy opportunity for those who are seeking a distinctive travel experience.
Vietnam Visa Procedure
Apply Vietnam Visa in Cambodia
Obtaining a visa for Vietnam from Cambodia is a simple procedure. At present, the only type of tourist visa available is the e-visa, which can be effortlessly obtained through the official website of the Vietnamese Immigration Service. When filling out the application, it’s crucial to be meticulous and select the appropriate arrival destination since this cannot be changed later. Additionally, the e-visa will only be valid at the designated border checkpoint.
Typically, it takes about 3 to 4 business days to process your visa application, and the fee for obtaining an e-visa is $25. Once you have obtained your e-visa, make sure to print a hard copy of it. You’ll need to present both your passport, which should remain valid for at least another 6 months, as well as your e-visa when arriving at the border. There are no extra charges that need to be paid beyond the initial fee.
To obtain extensive information on the process of applying for an e-visa and preventing typical errors, kindly refer to our detailed guide on Vietnam e-visa.
Apply Cambodia visa in Vietnam
Getting a Cambodian visa while traveling from Vietnam is quite simple. Tourists have two options of obtaining visas: in advance or upon arrival. If someone wants to get the visa beforehand, they can either go to the Cambodian Embassy or Consulate in Vietnam or their own country.
Another option available to you is to choose a visa on arrival when you reach the border. It’s crucial to confirm that your passport has a validity of no less than six months and to verify the exact requirements and charges for the visa before embarking on your journey.
Flights between Cambodia & Vietnam
Cambodia Angkor Air and Vietnam Airlines provide easy non-stop air travel options connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh, with a flight time around 1 hour. The cost for these flights may vary between $70 to $150. Additionally, both airlines offer flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap, which takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes and has ticket prices ranging from $100 to $200.
There is a non-stop flight available from Hanoi to Siem Reap that takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes for travelers. The cost of these flights varies from approximately $140 to $270. It’s important to keep in mind that flights between Cambodia and Vietnam are generally pricier than domestic flights with similar durations or flights between Vietnam and Thailand.
In conclusion, crossing the border from Cambodia to Vietnam is a relatively straightforward process as long as you have a valid e-visa for Vietnam. With several border crossings available, including Ha Tien, Moc Bai, Song Tien, Tinh Bien, and Xa Mat, you can choose the one that suits your travel plans best. Whether you prefer exploring the Mekong Delta, visiting Phu Quoc Island, or experiencing the vibrant cities of Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City, the border crossings provide convenient access between these two fascinating Southeast Asian countries.