Vietnam-Cambodia

Border Crossing: Vietnam and Cambodia

If you are eager to explore Cambodia, home to the magnificent Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious complex, and to a country where Buddhism is practiced by approximately 96% of the population, consider a trip from Vietnam to Cambodia. The two nations share six international border crossings that are generally accessible to all foreign travelers, provided they possess a valid passport or visa. The most popular and longest of these crossings is Moc Bai - Bavet, situated on the main bus route between Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh. This makes it the most convenient option. Among the other border crossings, Vinh Xuong/Kaam Samnor is favored by independent travelers, offering efficient boat services. For the remaining crossings, including Tinh Bien/Phnom Den, Xa Xia/Prek Chak, and Le Thanh/O Yadao, traveling by motorbike is highly recommended.
Photo: cungphuot.info

Route

Travelers typically cross between Vietnam and Cambodia via the following well-known national highways:

• Highway No. 22 from Ho Chi Minh City, via Moc Bai International Checkpoint — this remains the most frequented checkpoint.
• Provincial Highway No. 952 from Tan Chau (Vietnam), crossing Vinh Xuong International Checkpoint to Kaam Samnor (Cambodia). (Node B on the map)
• Xa Xia (Vietnam) to Prek Chak (Cambodia) crossing Ha Tien International Checkpoint, which is mainly open to international travelers. (Node C on the map)

Moc Bai - Bavet Crossing

The travel distance between the bustling cities of Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City is roughly 150 km. Regardless of your preparation, whether it be transportation, money, or health, one significant challenge remains: crossing the Moc Bai–Bavet Border.

The Moc Bai–Bavet Border is one of three international border gates of Cambodia: Moc Bai–Bavet, Poipet, and Koh Kong. On the Vietnamese side, the gate is recognized as Moc Bai Border of Tay Ninh Province. Conversely, Bavet is its counterpart in Cambodia, located in Svay Rieng Province. Overall, this is the preferred border crossing for those traveling between Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City.

The border gate operates daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Numerous daily buses can be accessed quickly and conveniently from both cities. Except for minor construction on certain stretches between Neak Loung and Phnom Penh, the recently refurbished roads and services are quick and cost-effective. Buses are a common mode of crossing the border, with many companies offering direct routes from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh for fares starting around $10, without the need to change buses at the border. Typically, the bus ride lasts about 6 hours, making it a practical choice for travelers looking to economize on their next journey. Note that there is no central bus station in Phnom Penh, so it’s advisable to verify your bus's departure point in advance. In Ho Chi Minh City, most bus stations and offices are conveniently located in the Pham Ngu Lao area, making departures and arrivals straightforward.

It's essential to remember that a Cambodian visa on arrival is available at Moc Bai Border, while a Vietnamese visa is not. Therefore, if you plan to enter Vietnam at this crossing, you must arrange your visa in advance through the Vietnamese embassy in Cambodia.

A bonus fact before your trip: In Vietnam, the Moc Bai Border is more than just an international crossing; it is part of a larger area known as the Moc Bai Economic Zone, encompassing 21,284 hectares, which includes the Ben Cau and Trang Bang districts of Tay Ninh province!

Visa Procedure

The process of crossing the Cambodian international checkpoint from Vietnam is simple and efficient. Immigration officers at these checkpoints typically only require Vietnamese travelers to present their passports for crossing, while international tourists need a Cambodian visa, which can be obtained on arrival. E-visas, acquired online from the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, are also accepted at these checkpoints.

When returning to Vietnam, ensure that you have a visa ready to present at the immigration office at the border checkpoint, as a Vietnam visa on arrival is not available for border crossings.

Transportation

Buses from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh are often the preferred mode of transport for crossing the Vietnam-Cambodia border, with no additional stops along the route.

Recommended bus operators include Vietnamese firms like Mai Linh, Sapaco, and GSG, along with Cambodian providers such as Mekong Express, Capitol Tour, and 168 Bus. Mekong Express also offers a tour guide to assist passengers during their journey. Below are updated addresses where travelers can purchase bus tickets to Cambodia:

• Mekong Express: 275F Pham Ngu Lao Street, District 1 – (+84-28) 35 293 388
• Sapaco Tourist: 500 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, Ward 4, District 3 – (+84-28) 38 320 200
• Mai Linh Express: 292 Dinh Bo Linh Street, Ward 26, Binh Thanh District – (+84-28) 39 292 929

Ticket prices can vary depending on the provider and travel season but typically remain affordable, ranging from $13 to $25 for standard seat buses and $20 to $35 for sleeper buses.