Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is one of Southeast Asia\’s most popular cross-border routes — from the temples of Angkor Wat to the energy of Vietnam\’s largest city. You can fly in under 2 hours, or take the overland bus via Phnom Penh and the Moc Bai border crossing in around 10–14 hours.
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Option 1: Flight (Fastest)
Direct flights from Siem Reap (SAI — the new Siem Reap Angkor International Airport) to Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat, SGN) take around 1 hour 10 minutes. Vietnam Airlines, Cambodia Angkor Air, and VietJet serve this route.
- Journey time: ~1 hour 10 minutes
- Price: from ~$60–130 USD one way
- Airlines: Vietnam Airlines, Cambodia Angkor Air, VietJet
- Airport note: Siem Reap now uses SAI (new airport opened 2023)
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Option 2: Bus via Phnom Penh (Overland)
The overland route goes Siem Reap → Phnom Penh by express bus (~5–6 hours), then Phnom Penh → Ho Chi Minh City by bus via the Moc Bai border crossing (~6–8 hours). You can do this in two days with an overnight in Phnom Penh, or take a direct through bus from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City in about 12–14 hours.
Direct Bus Siem Reap → HCMC
- Journey time: ~12–14 hours
- Price: ~$20–30 USD
- Operators: Giant Ibis, Mekong Express, Virak Buntham
- Border: Bavet (Cambodia) / Moc Bai (Vietnam)
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The Moc Bai Border Crossing
The Bavet / Moc Bai crossing is one of the busiest land borders in Southeast Asia. Most bus operators handle the paperwork. You\’ll need a Vietnam visa (e-visa recommended, apply at evisa.gov.vn before travel — $25 USD, valid 90 days). Cambodia exit is straightforward.
Journey Summary
| Method | Time | Cost from | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | ~1 hour 10 min | $60 USD | Most travellers |
| Direct bus | 12–14 hours | $20 USD | Budget / overland |
Vietnam E-Visa
Most nationalities now need a Vietnam e-visa. Apply online at evisa.gov.vn — $25 USD, valid for 90 days, single or multiple entry. Process takes 3 business days. Apply before you travel to avoid issues at the border or airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a direct bus from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City?
Yes — Giant Ibis and other operators run through buses from Siem Reap to HCMC, crossing at Bavet/Moc Bai. Journey takes 12–14 hours. Book online in advance.
Do I need a visa for Vietnam?
Most nationalities need a Vietnam e-visa ($25 USD, valid 90 days). Apply before travel at evisa.gov.vn. Check if your nationality is on Vietnam\’s visa-exempt list — some countries (including many in Southeast Asia) can enter visa-free for 30–45 days.
Related Guides
- Siem Reap to Phnom Penh: Bus and Boat Guide
- Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City: Bus Guide
- Bangkok to Phnom Penh: Flight Guide
- Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc: Flight Guide
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