Destinations / Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh

Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh

1 itinerary · 0 open departures · 0 missions

The Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh route is one of Southeast Asia's most popular overland journeys, connecting Vietnam's largest city with the capital of Cambodia — a distance of roughly 230 kilometres. Travellers typically make the trip by bus, minivan, or boat along the Mekong River, passing through the Mekong Delta and crossing the border at Mộc Bài–Bavet or via the scenic waterway route. Along the way, there are opportunities to stop at riverside towns and rice paddy landscapes before arriving in Phnom Penh, known for its Royal Palace, riverside promenade, and complex history tied to the Khmer Rouge era. The route attracts backpackers, overlanders, and independent travellers keen to explore two culturally rich countries in a single cross-border adventure.

What travellers are doing

Itineraries

-81%

Save £977 (81% off)

£1,200 retail with G Adventures → £223 self-launched

Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh · 5 days

Copycat

Self-Launched Mekong River Adventure – Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh

Skip the riverboat package and do the Mekong your way — independently. This self-launched version of G Adventures' classic Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh river route follows the same highlights: floating markets at Cai Be, pagodas in Sa Dec, Sam Mountain at sunset, and Phnom Penh's sobering Khmer Rouge memorials. Instead of a live-aboard cruise, you'll use a mix of budget guesthouses, shared local ferries, and public buses — saving a significant chunk while getting closer to real local life. Estimated costs are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.

culturebackpackerbudget

Travel Crew

~£223

Missions

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