About the ride from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
After wandering the French colonial charm and riverside cafés of Phnom Penh, it's time to swap it for big-city energy.
Ho Chi Minh City is a fast-moving, neon-lit metropolis that's loud, chaotic, and always buzzing. You don't go there to relax. You go there for rooftop bars, legendary street eats, and history.
There are three ways to get between the two destinations:
Flight
Bus
Minivan
Overland, it's a 145-mile/232-km drive that takes about five to seven hours. Alternatively, a flight is only one. But there is a massive price difference, so if you don't want to shell out the cash, you're taking the slow route.
All the details below will help you make the decision a no-brainer.
Five unmissable things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant, chaotic, and delicious mix of old and new. It's a hive of activity and culture that could take months to explore. But since you might not have that kind of time, here are the top five things to do while you're there.
Explore the Ben Thanh Market. Markets in Vietnam are epic. And this one is no different. Dive into the heart of the city's hustle and bustle. It's a great place to shop for souvenirs, sample street food, and experience local life in action.
Visit the War Remnants Museum. Such a sobering but essential stop on any itinerary. It's a deep dive into Vietnam's war history with powerful exhibits and photographs. But be warned, it's a shocker.
Wander around District One and Nguyen Hue Walking Street. This is the area for rooftop bars, cafés, and colonial-era landmarks like the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.
By night, Nguyen Hue Street becomes a social hub full of music, performers, and people-watching.
Eat your way through the city. Ho Chi Minh City is a street food paradise. Try a bowl of pho, a banh mi from a street cart, or fresh spring rolls dipped in peanut sauce. Want to go deeper? Join a motorbike food tour!
Pro tip: Take a tour near the beginning of your trip to return and eat at all your favorite stops.
Take a Mekong Delta day trip. Escape the city for a day to explore floating markets, coconut candy workshops, and peaceful waterways in Vietnam's "rice bowl."
How to get from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City
You've got a couple of choices — overland or through the clouds. Overland saves you money and, through the clouds, saves you time.
This is an international route, so you'll need to have all your visa paperwork and passport info in order.
Flight: The fastest way to get to Ho Chi Minh City
Duration: One hour
Starting price: $114
It may be the quickest way between the large cities, but it's also the most pricey.
A one-hour flight is nearly too short for drink service, but remember that you'll need to arrive at the airport early, which extends your total travel time.
There are multiple carriers, from small regional airlines to large commercial jets, flying the route numerous times a day. It won't be hard to find the proper schedule if you choose to fly.
You'll fly out of Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) and into Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City (SGN).
Bus: The most affordable transportation option
Duration: 6-7 hours
Starting price: $22
Bus travel is the most affordable way to get between Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City.
There are dozens of departures per day from various points throughout the city. The earliest departure is usually around 5 a.m., and they go well into the night.
Pro tip: Take an overnight bus to save money on a night's accommodation. But make sure you get a ticket on a sleeping bus. Those seats recline nearly flat, so it'll be the most comfortable ride.
All the buses are modern and have A/C and reclining seats. But some recline much more than others — pay attention when booking.
Some buses have bathrooms, privacy curtains, USB chargers, and drinks that can be purchased onboard. The driver will make a few rest stops along the way.
Minivan: The most comfortable way to get to Ho Chi Minh City
Duration: 6-7 hours
Starting price: $34
There isn't a huge difference between a bus and a minivan except for size. There are fewer people in a minivan, which might mean you'll get through the border quicker.
Additionally, it is your responsibility to have all your paperwork in order. Don't expect the van or bus driver to sort it out for you. Their job is to get you to Ho Chi Minh City safely, not hold your hand through the visa process. Have it all done beforehand because you don't want to be left behind.
When is the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City?
For ideal weather and the best exploring experience, December to March is the sweet spot! It's during the dry season when the weather is warm (77-95°F/25-35°C) with low humidity and little rain, making it ideal to be there. April is the hottest month.
Go for Tet (Vietnamese New Year) in late January or early February. While some businesses are closed, it's a really festive time with decorations, celebrations, and traditional performances.
The rainy season (May to November) brings heavy but short-lived downpours as well as high humidity. Still, prices for hotels tend to be lower.
How many days should you spend in Ho Chi Minh City?
Is there ever enough time to explore massive cities like Ho Chi Minh City?
You could tick off most of the activities in a couple of days. But you won't get a true handle on its vibe. If you have the time, stick around for 5-6 days and soak more of it in.
Where to visit after Ho Chi Minh City?
After so much chaos and big-city energy, a lovely, quiet beach town is just what the doctor ordered. You can head to coastal Nha Trang for some R&R in as little as a one-hour flight.
Prefer charming mountain towns?
How about Dalat? In an hour, you could be breathing the fresh hilltop air in the "City of Eternal Spring." It's perfect if you're craving a peaceful retreat with a touch of French colonial charm.
