How to Get from Kampot to Ho Chi Minh City
Contents
Leaving Kampot for Ho Chi Minh City means crossing from southern Cambodia into southern Vietnam by road. The usual crossing for this route is near Ha Tien, one of the Vietnamese border gates that accept the e-visa.[1] Plan for a full day of travel.
Kampot to Ho Chi Minh City by Bus
In October 2026, booking platforms listed minibus departures from Kampot to Ho Chi Minh City at 07:30, 08:00, 08:30, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30, 13:30 and 15:00. The listed travel time is 10 to 12 hours and the fare is about $25 to $36.[2] These services are usually run as a combination of vehicles, with a smaller shuttle or minibus on the Cambodian side and a larger vehicle after the border.
Kampot to Ho Chi Minh City by Van
A van and bus combination is listed at about 10 hours and about $28, with departures at 08:30, 10:30 and 15:00.[2] The initial leg uses a 16-passenger van.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration | Departures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus (Minibus) | $25 - $36 | 10 - 12 hours | 07:30 - 15:00[2] |
| Van (16pax + Bus) | about $28 | 10 hours | 08:30, 10:30, 15:00[2] |
Tips for Traveling from Kampot to Ho Chi Minh City
- Visa preparation: Sort out your Vietnamese visa before you reach the border. The Vietnamese e-visa system lists Ha Tien among the border gates where e-visas are accepted, and the e-visa fee is 25 USD for a single entry.[1] Check that your nationality needs one.
- Currency: Carry a little US dollars or Cambodian riel for small costs on the Cambodian side, and some Vietnamese dong for after the border.
- Luggage: Minibuses and vans have limited luggage space, so tell the operator in advance if you carry a very large bag.
- Border formalities: Expect to complete exit and entry checks in person at both border posts.
Timetable
| Bus Kampot - Ho Chi Minh City $ 21.16–23.24 9h – 12h 30m | |
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| Van Kampot - Ho Chi Minh City $ 23.16 10h | |
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| Van Kampot - ZzNOTUSEHo Chi Minh $ 30.24 10h 30m – 11h | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Kampot to Ho Chi Minh, including current prices and schedules.
The minibus is the cheapest option, with fares listed from about $25 in October 2026. Prices vary with the operator and the departure.
The van and bus combination is listed at about 10 hours, and some minibus departures are listed at the same 10 hours. The border crossing strongly influences the total time.
The journey typically takes 10 to 12 hours. This includes the drive from Kampot to the border, the immigration procedures and the final leg into Ho Chi Minh City.
Many travelers need a visa for Vietnam. If you use an e-visa, check that it is valid for the land crossing you will use. The Vietnamese e-visa system lists the Ha Tien border gate among the accepted ones.
Services are usually long enough to include at least one stop. Carry some water and light snacks in case the stops are short.
No, there is no direct train between Kampot and Ho Chi Minh City. You travel by road, using a bus or van.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Vietnam National Electronic Visa system (Ministry of Public Security): Instruction - Vietnam National Electronic Visa system. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] 12Go: Kampot - Ho Chi Minh City timetable. 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.