Crossing borders procedures to Cambodia
Before embarking on a journey to Cambodia by land, it's essential to equip yourself with the knowledge and tips that will enhance your experience and ensure a smooth and enjoyable adventure.
1. How to Get to Cambodia from Vietnam
Traveling from Vietnam to Cambodia is a popular journey for many travelers exploring Southeast Asia. The most common and convenient ways to make this trip are by plane or by bus.
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By Plane:
Flying is the quickest option, with several daily flights from major Vietnamese cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in Cambodia. This option is ideal for those short on time, as flights usually take about 1-2 hours.
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By Bus:
However, for travelers who want a more immersive experience and a cost-effective option, taking a bus is highly recommended. The bus routes connecting Vietnam and Cambodia are reliable and popular among backpackers and budget travelers. The journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh, for example, is a well-trodden path. This article will focus on crossing the borders by land, particularly via bus.
2. What to Expect When Taking a Bus from Vietnam to Cambodia
Buses frequently travel from Vietnam to Cambodia, especially from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh. These buses are generally comfortable for the 6 to 8-hour journey, depending on the immigration queues.
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One of the advantages of this route is that you don’t need to book your tickets weeks in advance. Typically, you can secure a seat by booking just a day or two before your planned departure directly with the bus companies.
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Several bus companies operate on this route, offering regular services. Later in this article, we will provide recommendations for reliable bus companies.
3. Time to Cross the Borders
Once you board the bus, the driver will collect all passengers' passports and handle the immigration procedures.
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When you reach the Vietnamese exit border, everyone must disembark and go through the Vietnamese immigration office on foot. After exiting Vietnam, you will walk to the Cambodian immigration office, where the bus driver will return your passport, now stamped.
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It is crucial to keep all your valuable belongings with you during this process. Do not leave anything essential on the bus, except for larger luggage items like backpacks or suitcases.
After completing the immigration process, you will reboard the bus.
Welcome to CAMBODIA! Your journey through this fascinating country is about to begin.
4. Other Common Bus Routes from Vietnam to Cambodia
Here are some of the most popular bus routes between Vietnam and Cambodia, along with their approximate durations:
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Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh: 6-8 hours
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Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap: 12-14 hours
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Ho Chi Minh City to Sihanoukville: 10-12 hours
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Hanoi to Phnom Penh: 20-24 hours (usually involves a stopover)
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Da Nang to Phnom Penh: 18-20 hours
5. Our experience
We chose the route from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh, the most popular option with several bus companies operating.
Based on recommendations from our accommodation in Hoh Chi Minh at Jan Hostel, we opted for Danh Danh Express bus.
Our bus departed at 9 AM, and the journey went smoothly, with an arrival in Phnom Penh at around 3:30 PM.
The bus was comfortable, and the border-crossing process was straightforward.
We highly recommend Danh Danh express bus for their reliable service. The price of the ticket was 500,000 VND per person for one way (around 20$)
If you prefer to book in advance to avoid any surprises, you can use the 12Go website, when you can purchase tickets with Danh Danh or you can find other offers for the same route.
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​Traveling by bus from Vietnam to Cambodia is a convenient and budget-friendly option, providing a unique opportunity to see the countryside and experience the border-crossing process firsthand. Whether you choose the popular route from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh or another, you're sure to have an adventure
