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Leaving behind the salt fields and pepper plantations of Kampot for the labyrinthine waterways of the Mekong Delta marks a transition from Cambodia's sleepy riverside charm to the bustling aquatic life of Vietnam. While these two destinations are geographically close, crossing the border at Prek Chak and Xa Xia requires a bit of patience and a sense of adventure as you navigate the changing landscapes and customs procedures.
The journey takes you through rural coastal scenery before diving into the heart of Vietnam's rice bowl. Most travelers find this route a fascinating way to see the transition between Khmer and Vietnamese cultures without the chaotic pace of a flight through a major capital. You can easily secure your seat for this international journey through GoAsia.cc, ensuring your transport is waiting for you on both sides of the border.
Kampot to Can Tho by Bus
Taking a minibus is the most common and cost-effective way to reach the floating markets of Can Tho. Some of these services involve a vehicle swap at the border: you clear immigration on both sides and may continue in a different vehicle for the final leg into Vietnam.
On booking platforms, the minibus is listed at about $25 to $26, with a journey time of 6 hours 10 minutes to 9 hours depending on border traffic, and departures between 08:00 and 15:00 (October 2026).[1] Minibuses are compact; if you are carrying large surfboards or oversized hiking packs, check space availability in advance. The ride offers a front-row seat to the changing architecture and the sudden increase in motorbike traffic as you cross into Vietnam.
Kampot to Can Tho by Van
For those looking for a slightly different logistics setup, the combined Van and Bus service offers a structured way to cross the border. This option typically utilizes a 16-pax van for the initial segment of the trip. The listed price is about $28 (October 2026).[1]
The listed journey time is about 7 hours, with departures at 08:30, 10:30 and 15:00.[1] Like the bus option, it covers the Prek Chak border crossing, which leads to the Ha Tien border gate on the Vietnamese side.[2]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus (Minibus) | $25 - $26 | 6h 10m - 9h[1] | Standard |
| Van (16pax + Bus) | $28 | 7h[1] | Moderate |
Tips for Traveling from Kampot to Can Tho
- Visa Preparation: Ensure you have your Vietnamese visa sorted before you arrive at the border. Vietnam does not offer a visa on arrival for all countries, and travelers from several European and Asian countries are exempt for 14 days.[3] The e-visa costs USD 25 for a single entry,[2] and the Ha Tien border gate is among those open to e-visa holders.[2] Have a printed copy of your e-visa ready to show the border guards.
- Currency: Carry some small denominations of US Dollars or Cambodian Riel for the border area, but try to have some Vietnamese Dong ready for when you arrive in Can Tho for taxis or snacks.
- Snacks and Water: While there are usually stops at local roadside eateries near the border, the selection can be limited. Pack some water and light snacks in Kampot to keep you going through the immigration process.
- Patience is Key: Border crossings can be unpredictable. Sometimes the process is a breeze, and other times there might be a queue of freight trucks or a slow computer system. Factor in a little extra time if you have a non-refundable hotel booking in Can Tho.
- Luggage: Keep your valuables and passport in a small daypack that stays with you at all times, especially during the vehicle transfers at the border.
Timetable
| Bus Kampot - Can Tho $ 25.27–25.94 6h 10m – 9h | |
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| Van Kampot - Can Tho $ 27.79 7h | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Kampot to Can Tho, including current prices and schedules.
The cheapest way to travel this route is by minibus, with ticket prices listed on booking platforms from about $25. Prices are relatively stable across operators, but the minibus has the lowest entry price.
The fastest scheduled duration is 6 hours and 10 minutes by minibus, though most trips take closer to 7 or 8 hours depending on border processing times. The van service offers a consistent 7-hour schedule.
The journey typically takes between 6 and 9 hours. This includes the time spent driving through the Cambodian countryside, stopping for exit and entry stamps at the border, and the final drive into the Mekong Delta.
Some services do. The van option is listed as a 16-seat van plus a bus, which means a change of vehicle. You walk through the immigration checkpoints with your luggage and continue on the other side.
Vietnam's e-visa site lists the Ha Tien international border gate, the Vietnamese side of this crossing, among the gates open to e-visa holders. Make sure your visa type and nationality are valid for this land port.
Services usually include at least one stop near the border or shortly after entering Vietnam, but the location depends on the operator. Carry water and a snack.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Kampot to Can Tho. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] Vietnam National Electronic Visa system (Immigration Department, Ministry of Public Security): Instruction - Vietnam National Electronic Visa system. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [3] Giant Ibis Transport: Bus from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.