How to Travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Cambodia by Land (2026 Guide)

Backpackers, digital nomads, expats, and travelers asking:

• “Can I travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Cambodia by bus?”

• “Which Vietnam–Cambodia land border should I use?”

• “Does Vietnam eVisa work at Moc Bai?”

• “What’s the fastest way from Saigon to Phnom Penh by land?”

What problem this solves:
This guide explains the best land border crossings from Ho Chi Minh City to Cambodia, which visas are accepted, how long the trip takes, and how to avoid common border mistakes in 2026.

Can You Travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Cambodia by Land?

Yes.
You can travel legally and easily from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Phnom Penh or southern Cambodia by land via official international checkpoints.

• There is no land border at Tan Son Nhat Airport

• Travel is done by bus, minivan, private car, or taxi

• The route is widely used for tourism, visa runs, and overland travel

Best Land Border Crossings from Ho Chi Minh City to Cambodia

1. Moc Bai (Vietnam) – Bavet (Cambodia) [Most Popular]

Best for: First-time travelers, visa runs, Saigon → Phnom Penh

• Location: Tay Ninh Province (~70 km from HCMC)

• Travel time: 2.5–3 hours from Ho Chi Minh City

• Transport:

  • Daily buses and vans from Pham Ngu Lao Street

• Visa acceptance:

  • ✅ Vietnam eVisa accepted

  • ✅ Cambodia eVisa accepted

• Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Why it’s recommended:
This is the fastest, easiest, and most reliable border crossing for tourists traveling from Vietnam to Cambodia.

2. Tinh Bien (Vietnam) – Phnom Den (Cambodia)

Best for: Mekong Delta travelers via Chau Doc

• Location: An Giang Province (~220 km from HCMC)

• Travel time: ~6–7 hours

• Notes:

  • Fewer direct bus services

  • Less crowded than Moc Bai

• Visa:

  • eVisas generally accepted (confirm with operator)

3. Xa Xia (Vietnam) – Prek Chak (Cambodia)

Best for: Kep, Kampot, Sihanoukville

• Location: Near Ha Tien, Kien Giang Province

• Travel time: ~7–8 hours from HCMC

• Visa acceptance:

  • Vietnam eVisa + Cambodia eVisa accepted

Border Comparison at a Glance

Visa Requirements (Very Important)

Exiting Vietnam

• Your Vietnam eVisa must list the correct land Port of Exit

• Example: Moc Bai

• You cannot exit through a border not printed on your eVisa PDF

Entering Cambodia

• Apply for a Cambodia eVisa online in advance

• Print 2 copies

• Government fee: USD $36

How to Travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Cambodia (Step-by-Step)

1. Book a bus from Pham Ngu Lao

   • Popular operators: Giant Ibis, Mekong Express, Kumho Samco

2. Prepare:

   • Printed Vietnam eVisa

   • Printed Cambodia eVisa

   • Passport

3. Travel:

   • HCMC → Moc Bai border

   • Exit Vietnam → walk 200m → Enter Cambodia

4. Continue by bus to:

   • Phnom Penh (4–6 hours)

   • Or connect onward to Siem Reap

Total travel time: 6–8 hours door-to-door

Practical Border Travel Tips

• Borders operate daily 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM

• Bring small USD bills for snacks or fees

• Do not overstay your Vietnam visa (fines apply even for 1 day)

• Always carry printed visas and passport ID page

Apply for Your Vietnam eVisa Before Crossing

To exit Vietnam smoothly by land, ensure your eVisa lists:

• Moc Bai, Tinh Bien, or Xa Xia (depending on route)

Many overland travelers use Vietnam Entry Visa, a trusted visa service established in 2010, known for accurate land border selection and traveler support.