Many travelers choose to combine a trip to Vietnam with a visit to Cambodia. The journey can be made via land using a Cambodia-Vietnam border crossing.
Most foreign nationals crossing the border from Vietnam into Cambodia need a visa. Travelers can obtain a Cambodia eVisa online in advance, instead of waiting until they reach the border.
On this page, you can find all the Information you need about how to travel from Vietnam to Cambodia with an eVisa.
Visa to Travel from Vietnam to Cambodia by Land
Travelers need to meet Cambodian visa requirements to enter the country by land.
In general, you must have a valid passport and visa (unless from a visa-exempt country) to travel from Vietnam to Cambodia.
Tourists can apply for a Cambodia visa online from Vietnam, or elsewhere in the world. The Cambodia eVisa application form can be completed and submitted from a smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
The approved eVisa is sent to the applicant by email in 3 to 4 days, ready to be printed and presented to immigration officials.
By obtaining the visa in advance, you do not need to wait in line for a visa on arrival at the land border. Arriving at the border prepared also helps you avoid potential scams.
Where to Cross the Vietnam to Cambodia Border with an eVisa
Tourists with a Cambodia eVisa can use the Moc Bai–Bavet international border gate.
In Vietnam, the crossing is known as the Moc Bai border of Tay Province. In Cambodia, the Bavet of the Svay Rieng Province.
This is the main checkpoint for traveling from Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam to Phnom Penh in Cambodia.
Cambodia eVisa holders present their passport and approved visa to officials at the Cambodia immigration office.
Other Land Border Crossings Between Vietnam and Cambodia
There are several other border checkpoints between Vietnam and Cambodia, listed below.
Foreign nationals have to get a Cambodia visa on arrival at these border crossings.
- Le Thanh in Vietnam to O Yadao in Cambodia
- Tinh Bien in Vietnam to Phnom Den in Cambodia
- Xa Xia in Vietnam to Prek Chak in Cambodia
- Vinh Xnong in Vietnam to Kaam Samnar in Cambodia
However, the most famous border crossing point between Vietnam and Cambodia is the Moc Bai–Bavet checkpoint. This is the most popular route for foreign travelers.
Is the border between Cambodia and Vietnam open?
Cross-border travel between Vietnam and Cambodia was temporarily suspended in 2021 due to COVID-19 entry restrictions.
However, the borders are now fully open, including the checkpoints to enter Cambodia by land from Vietnam
Anyone wishing to enter Cambodia by land from Vietnam must also confirm whether the international border checkpoints are open.
How to Get from Vietnam to Cambodia
Travelers with an eVisa need to travel from Vietnam to Cambodia by the Moc Bai–Bavet land border or by flying.
The Cambodia eVisa is not valid to travel from Vietnam to Cambodia by boat or cruise.
There are several modes of transport available to travelers with an electronic visa.
Vietnam to Cambodia by bus
Travelers can take a direct bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh. The bus journey takes around 6.5 hours.
Passengers do not need to change buses at the border. They should:
- 1. Board the bus at the departure point in Ho Chi Minh City
- 2. Get off the bus to the Moc Bai border
- 3. Get an exit stamp at the Vietnam immigration building
- 4. Return to the bus
- 5. Get off the bus at the Bavet border
- 6. Clear Cambodian immigration, present eVisa, and get a passport stamp
- 7. Continue bus journey to Phnom Penh
From Phnom Penh, visitors can take a connecting bus to their final destination.
Vietnam to Cambodia by train
There is no train connection between Vietnam and Cambodia. Travelers need to take a bus.
There are daily direct bus services between Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh. Bus tickets can be purchased online in advance.
Vietnam to Cambodia by car
Visitors can rent a private car with a driver in Vietnam. The driver takes passengers to the Moc Bai border before continuing the journey to Phnom Penh.
The journey time by car is around 5 hours 35 minutes.
Vietnam to Cambodia by flight
Flying is a quick and convenient way to get from Vietnam to Cambodia.
There are regular flights from Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City to Techo International Airport (KTI) in Cambodia. The flight takes around 1 hour.
The Cambodia eVisa can be used to enter the country through Techo, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville International Airports.
Scams: What to Watch out for at the Border
Most foreigners do not have issues when crossing the border between Vietnam and Cambodia. However, you should be aware of potential scams.
- Border assistants—people approach foreigners at the border and offer assistance filling out the visa on arrival application form, for which they will charge a fee. You should decline the offer of help.
- Unofficial visa fees—immigration officials may demand extra for the visa on arrival, for example, an unofficial processing fee or express fee.
Applying for a Cambodia eVisa is a good way to evade scammers. By arriving at the checkpoint with the printed eVisa, travelers can avoid extra, unofficial charges at the border.
