Crossing borders by land is always an adventure. There’s something thrilling about watching the landscapes change, experiencing the shift in culture, and getting a taste of what lies ahead. Our journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh was no different.

With plenty of bus services available, booking a ticket online was easy. It allowed us to pay safely with a credit card and secure our ride without any hassle. If you’re planning to take this trip, I highly recommend booking in advance, especially during peak seasons.

Before we dive into the details of the journey, let me take you through our last morning in Vietnam—a country that had been our home for a while.

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A Hearty Vietnamese Breakfast Before the Journey

No trip is complete without enjoying a good meal, and our last morning in Vietnam was no exception. We started the day with a hearty Vietnamese breakfast, fueling up for the long journey ahead.

• Bò Kho (Vietnamese beef stew): A rich and flavorful beef stew, served with a warm baguette. The beef was tender, the broth was slightly spicy, and the fresh herbs made it even better.
• Phở: A classic Vietnamese noodle soup that needs no introduction. The fragrant broth, thinly sliced beef, and fresh toppings made it the perfect goodbye meal.
• Vietnamese Coffee: The famous cà phê sữa đá (iced coffee with condensed milk) gave us the caffeine boost we needed before heading to the bus station.

With full bellies and satisfied hearts, we were ready to cross into Cambodia.

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Starting the Journey: Boarding the Bus to Phnom Penh

After breakfast, we headed to the pick-up point for our bus. Many bus companies offer direct routes from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh, so choosing one depends on your budget and preference.

Here are some popular bus operators for this route:

• Giant Ibis (highly recommended for comfort)
• Mekong Express
• Kumho Samco
• The Sinh Tourist

Each company has different pick-up locations, but most buses leave from Pham Ngu Lao Street, the backpacker district of Ho Chi Minh City.

Our bus arrived on time, and we were surprised at how comfortable it was. The seats were spacious, and the air conditioning was perfect for the warm weather. The bus also provided a bottle of water and a wet towel—small gestures, but much appreciated.

The journey began, and soon, the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh faded behind us.

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Arriving at the Cambodia Border: Moc Bai – Bavet Crossing

After about an hour, we reached the Moc Bai border checkpoint, Vietnam’s exit point. The process was simple:

1. We got off the bus with our passports.
2. Immigration officers stamped us out of Vietnam.
3. We walked to the Cambodian side to enter the country.

At the Bavet border checkpoint, the Cambodian officials checked our passports and visas. Some nationalities require a Cambodian visa on arrival, so it’s best to check before traveling.

The process took less than an hour, and we were officially in Cambodia!

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The Road to Phnom Penh: What to Expect

Even though we had crossed into Cambodia, the journey was far from over. We still had three more hours on the road before reaching Phnom Penh.

Here are some things to expect on this part of the trip:

• The roads are less developed compared to Vietnam.
• You’ll pass by rural villages, rice fields, and small roadside markets.
• There are occasional traffic slowdowns due to road construction.
• You might see cows lazily crossing the highway, so the ride can get bumpy.

Despite the simple landscape, the changing scenery made the ride interesting. Eventually, we reached Phnom Penh, and the city welcomed us with tuktuks, motorcycles, and warm evening air.

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First Impressions of Phnom Penh: Tuktuks and Riverside Views

One thing that surprised us the moment we arrived? Phnom Penh has Grab tuktuks! We were amazed that we could book a ride via the Grab app, just like we did in Vietnam.

We checked in at our hotel and quickly freshened up. Then, we took another tuktuk ride to Riverside Park, where the Tonlé Sap River and Mekong River meet.

The view was stunning.

The sunset painted the sky in golden hues, reflecting beautifully on the water. Locals and tourists strolled along the promenade, street vendors sold snacks, and the cool evening breeze made everything feel so relaxing.

Cambodia felt different but familiar—a perfect mix of new experiences and warm hospitality.

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Ending the Night with Fish Amok and Local Beer

After a long journey, it was time for dinner and drinks. We wanted to try something truly Cambodian, so we ordered Fish Amok, a national dish. What is Fish Amok? It’s a creamy, coconut-based curry with freshwater fish, steamed in banana leaves. The flavors were mild but incredibly rich and satisfying.

To wash it down, we enjoyed a cold glass of Angkor Beer, a popular Cambodian beer. It was light, refreshing, and perfect for the humid evening.

Sitting by the riverside, watching the city lights shimmer over the water, we soaked in the moment. Tomorrow, we would explore Cambodia’s dark history under the Khmer Rouge, but for now, we were simply grateful to be here.

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Would I Recommend Taking the Bus to Phnom Penh?

Absolutely! Taking the bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh is:
✔ Affordable: Much cheaper than a flight.
✔ Scenic: You see the countryside up close.
✔ Convenient: Plenty of buses operate daily.

If you’re in Ho Chi Minh City and planning a trip to Cambodia, consider taking the bus. It’s a fantastic way to experience the journey, not just the destination.

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Final Thoughts on Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is a city full of history, culture, and hidden surprises. The bus ride from Ho Chi Minh made the arrival even more memorable, allowing us to see both urban and rural Cambodia.

Whether you’re coming for the rich history, delicious food, or vibrant culture, Phnom Penh welcomes every traveler with open arms.

Next stop? Exploring the Killing Fields, Choeung Ek Genocide Museum, and learning more about Cambodia’s past.But for tonight, we’ll sip our Angkor Beer, watch the rivers meet, and enjoy the peaceful Phnom Penh evening.