How to Get from Phnom Penh to Saigon by Bus (Without Getting Scammed)
Bus from Phnom Penh to Saigon
As seasoned Southeast Asia travelers who have done multiple land border crossings, we’re sharing our firsthand experience traveling from Phnom Penh to Saigon by bus. This comprehensive guide contains everything we’ve learned—from choosing the right bus company to navigating immigration checkpoints without stress. Having documented this journey for our travel channel, we’ve gathered insights that will help you avoid common pitfalls and travel confidently between these two capitals.
Phnom Penh to Saigon: Comparing Your Transportation Options
When traveling from Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh to Vietnam’s bustling southern hub, you have several options to consider:
| Option | Time | Price | Notes |
| Plane | ~1 hr | $$$$ | Fast but significantly more expensive |
| Bus | ~6-6.5 hrs | $15-$35 | Budget-friendly, scenic countryside views |
| Train | Not available | – | No direct rail connection exists between these cities |
Based on multiple trips between these cities, we’ve found the bus offers the best combination of affordability, comfort, and experience. The journey takes approximately 6-6.5 hours (including border procedures), giving you the opportunity to witness the changing landscapes as you transition from Cambodia to Vietnam—something you’ll miss entirely if flying.
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Why Giant Ibis Is Our Recommended Bus Company
After reviewing different companies, we consistently choose Giant Ibis for this route. Their service stands out for several key reasons:
- Professional border crossing assistance – Their staff handles all passport logistics, significantly reducing anxiety around immigration procedures.
- Comfortable, modern buses – Spacious seating with adequate legroom, clean onboard facilities.
- Reliable air conditioning – Essential for Southeast Asian travel (though sometimes quite strong—we recommend bringing a light layer).
- Multilingual staff – English-speaking guides who clearly explain each step of the journey.
- Included refreshments – Complimentary water and morning coffee/snack.
- USB charging ports – Keep your devices powered throughout the journey.
- Safety record – The company maintains a strong reputation for driver training and vehicle maintenance.
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On our most recent crossing, the staff expertly guided our group through both border checkpoints, helping us retrieve luggage for scanning and ensuring everyone had proper documentation ready. This level of support is invaluable for first-time crossers who might otherwise feel intimidated by border procedures.
Essential Planning: Before You Travel Phnom Penh to Saigon
Giant Ibis Bus Schedule
Giant Ibis operates daily departures from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City:
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | 14:30 | ~6.5 hrs | $35-40 |
| 9:45 AM | 16:15 | ~6.5 hrs | $35-$40 |
Pro tip: Check in time is 30 minutes prior to departure so be sure to show up on time. The morning bus comes with complimentary coffee and a light snack. Based on our experience, the morning departure is ideal as it gets you to Saigon with plenty of daylight hours remaining.
Purchasing Bus Tickets Online
We recommend securing your ticket in advance, especially during high season (November-February). The most reliable booking options are:
- Direct through Giant Ibis – Often the best rates.
- 12Go Asia – User-friendly platform with excellent customer service.
- Bookaway – Offers comparable rates with clear cancellation policies.
When we booked for our last trip, we paid $70 for two passengers through the Giant Ibis website, which included a $2 credit card processing fee.
Buying Bus Tickets at the Office
If you’re already in Phnom Penh, purchasing directly at the Giant Ibis terminal is straightforward:Giant Ibis Main Office (Riverside):
- Address: Mohasat Treiyani Kossamak Street 106, Phnom Penh 120211, Cambodia
- Payment options: Cash (USD accepted) or major credit cards
- Booking window: Ideally 1-2 days before travel
The riverside office is conveniently located near many popular accommodations and offers the benefit of speaking directly with staff about any special requirements.
Vietnam Visa Requirements: Crucial Information
Vietnam’s visa policy is strict for land border crossings. Based on personal experience and assisting fellow travelers, here’s what you absolutely need to know:
- E-visa is mandatory for most nationalities entering by land (unless you’re from an exempt country)
- Apply online through the official Vietnam Immigration Portal (https://thithucdientu.gov.vn/)
- Processing time: 3-5 business days (We recommend applying at least 7-10 days before travel)
- Cost: Approximately $25 USD per person
- Print your approval – Digital copies are not accepted at land borders
- Visa on arrival is NOT available at land crossings (only at airports)
During our crossings, we’ve witnessed travelers being denied entry for not having proper visa documentation. Don’t make this costly mistake—ensure your visa is arranged well before departure.
Day of Departure: What to Expect
Essential Packing for the Bus Journey
Based on multiple trips with Giant Ibis, these items have proven indispensable:
- Passport with printed e-visa
- Cambodia departure card (the yellow slip given upon entry to Cambodia)
- Light jacket or sweater (the air conditioning can sometimes be genuinely powerful)
- Power bank and charging cables
- Headphones and entertainment
- Additional snacks and water
- Cash in both currencies (USD works in Cambodia, Vietnamese Dong needed in Vietnam)
- Hand sanitizer and tissues
Important document tip: Keep your Cambodia departure card with your passport! As we learned through a moment of panic on our recent crossing, border officials require this document when exiting, and forgetting it can lead to delays or “unofficial fees.”
Arriving at the Departure Point
The Giant Ibis buses depart from their main terminal:
- Location: Mohasat Treiyani Kossamak Street 106, Phnom Penh 120211, Cambodia
- Arrival time: 7:30 AM for 8:00 AM departure
- Transport options: Grab app (Southeast Asia’s Uber), tuk-tuk ($2-3 from most central areas)
When checking in, the staff will tag your larger luggage for storage in the compartment beneath the bus, while smaller items can remain with you. We recommend keeping valuables and documents in your personal bag.
The Bus Experience
The Giant Ibis buses offer notable comfort compared to many regional operators:
- Seating: Semi-reclining seats arranged in 1 and 2-2 configurations.
- Amenities: Individual air vents, USB ports, reading lights.
- Onboard facilities: There are no restrooms in the bus so we recommend using rest stops when possible.
- Entertainment: Occasional onboard Wi-Fi (unreliable) and TV screens.
- Storage: There’s plenty of under-seat space and if other seats are open, you can place your belongings there.
During our journeys, we’ve found the seats comfortable enough for even a 9-hour ride, with sufficient legroom even for taller travelers like Waseem. The vehicle quality has been consistent across multiple trips.
Road Conditions and Rest Stops
The journey includes:
- Good-quality highways through most of Cambodia
- Some rougher sections near the border area
- Generally smooth roads on the Vietnamese side
The bus typically makes two to three stops:
- Mid-morning break (approximately 1.5-2 hours into the journey) – 10-15 minutes at a roadside rest area with basic facilities.
- Border area restaurant – 30-45 minutes for lunch while staff assists with immigration procedures.
On our recent crossing, the border restaurant offered decent meals priced at $4-5 per dish, with both Cambodian and Vietnamese options available. While slightly more expensive than local establishments, the convenience makes it worthwhile during the border crossing process.
Navigating the Cambodia-Vietnam Border
The Border Crossing Process
Having crossed this border multiple times, we can confirm that the procedure with Giant Ibis is streamlined:
- Bus arrives at Bavet/Moc Bai border (approximately 3-4 hours after departure).
- Collect all belongings – Everything must come off the bus for immigration.
- Exit Cambodia – Present passport and departure card to Cambodian officials.
- Walk to Vietnam immigration – A 200-meter walk through the border zone.
- Submit entry documents – Giant Ibis staff often collect passports to expedite processing.
- Luggage scanning – All bags go through X-ray machines (Vietnam side only).
- Receive stamped passport – Wait and have lunch in designated area (30-45 minutes typically).
- Reboard the bus – Staff will direct passengers back to the same vehicle.
Important note on immigration assistance: The Giant Ibis staff collect passports to streamline processing, which is standard practice with reputable companies. On our last crossing, this saved considerable time as they organized documents by visa type and nationality, allowing for faster processing.
Avoiding Border Scams
Border areas attract opportunistic scammers. Based on personal experience, be aware of:
- Unofficial “helpers” offering to expedite your crossing (for a fee).
- Currency exchange operators offering poor rates.
- Individuals claiming additional “fees” are required for entry.
With Giant Ibis, these risks are minimized as staff clearly explain legitimate procedures and costs. During our crossings, we’ve appreciated their transparency about what to expect, particularly for first-time travelers who might otherwise feel vulnerable to scams.
Border Photography Restrictions
Security at international borders is taken seriously:
- Photos are generally prohibited in immigration areas.
- Officials may ask you to delete images or confiscate devices.
- Save your photography for once you’re officially in Vietnam.
Arriving in Ho Chi Minh City
Final Destination in Saigon
The Giant Ibis bus terminates at their Ho Chi Minh City office:
- Location: 303 Đ. Phạm Ngũ Lão, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
- Arrival time: Typically between 3:00-4:40 PM
- Neighborhood: Central tourist district, walking distance to many accommodations
On arrival, the area surrounding the terminal offers immediate access to currency exchange services, SIM card vendors, and transportation options. We can attest to the convenience of this drop-off point compared to the more distant main bus terminal used by some other companies.
Getting Around Saigon
Your transportation options from the terminal include:
- Grab app: Most convenient and reliable option (download before arrival).
- Vinasun taxis: Reputable company with metered fares.
- Walking: Feasible if your accommodation is in the Phạm Ngũ Lão area.
During our most recent arrival, we used the Grab app to reach District 2, which cost approximately 150,000 VND ($6) and took about 25 minutes. The app works exceptionally well in Vietnam and eliminates language barrier issues.
First Impressions of Saigon
Prepare for sensory overload! Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) immediately distinguishes itself with:
- Motorcycle traffic: The sheer volume is extraordinary—millions of bikes flowing in seemingly chaotic but organized patterns
- Urban energy: Noticeably more fast-paced than Phnom Penh
- Architectural contrasts: French colonial buildings alongside modern skyscrapers
- Street food culture: Vendors and small restaurants lining virtually every street
Our first impressions upon arriving was amazement at the motorcycle traffic—bikes moving in all directions, often carrying entire families or improbable loads. Despite appearing chaotic to newcomers, there’s a rhythm to the madness that becomes fascinating to observe.
Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh
Recommended Accommodation Areas
Based on multiple stays, these neighborhoods offer the best balance for visitors:District 1 (Central):
- Advantages: Central location, walkable to major attractions, abundant dining options
- Best for: First-time visitors, shorter stays, those wanting to maximize sightseeing
- Notable accommodations: Christina’s Hotel & Cafe, Hotel Nikko Saigon
Check out some of these dreamy Saigon hotels below.
District 2 (Thao Dien):
- Advantages: More residential feel, expat community, better value
- Best for: Longer stays, digital nomads, those seeking local immersion
- Notable accommodations: Serviced apartments, boutique guesthouses
Staying in District 2 provided a welcome respite from the intensity of central Saigon while still offering excellent dining options and easy city access via Grab.
Check all District 2 Stays here.
Pham Ngu Lao Area:
- Advantages: Budget-friendly, backpacker hub, vibrant nightlife
- Best for: Solo travelers, social atmosphere, tight budgets
- Notable accommodations: The Common Room Project, numerous hostels
Check all Pham Ngu Lao Stays here.
Phnom Penh to Saigon Bus Journey
The bus journey from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City offers more than just transportation—it’s an opportunity to witness the transitioning landscapes, architecture, and pace of life between Cambodia and Vietnam.
While flying might save a few hours, the overland route provides context and connection that enhances your understanding of both countries. From the rice fields and water buffalo of rural Cambodia to the increasingly dense development approaching Saigon, the visual journey tells the story of two nations with shared histories but distinct identities.
We’ve traveled with Giant Ibis multiple times and we continue to notice new details with each crossing. If you’re considering this route, don’t be intimidated by the border procedures or duration. With proper preparation—particularly regarding visa requirements—the journey becomes a fascinating component of your Southeast Asian experience rather than a travel hurdle to overcome. Safe travels, and enjoy the adventure that awaits in vibrant Ho Chi Minh City!
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