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How to Get from Kep to Ho Chi Minh City

Compare through bus, minibus and sleeper options from Kep to Ho Chi Minh City, from about $21, with the border crossing at Prek Chak and Ha Tien.

Last updated: October 28, 2026

How to Get from Kep to Ho Chi Minh City
Contents

From Kep's crab shacks and sunset walks on the Gulf of Thailand to Ho Chi Minh City's sea of motorbikes, towers and street-side coffee is a day on the road. The route crosses the border at Prek Chak on the Cambodian side and Ha Tien on the Vietnamese side, then runs through the Mekong Delta.

Train, Bus, Flight and Ferry tickets

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You can compare and book through tickets for this cross-border trip on GoAsia.cc.

Kep to Ho Chi Minh City by Bus

Road is the way to travel between the two. Through tickets take from about 8 hours to 12 hours, depending on the service and the queue at immigration. On booking platforms, they cost about $21 to $32 (October 2026).[1]

Minibus, Van + Bus and Minivan + Sleeper Bus

Three ticket types are sold.[1] The minibus runs the whole way in one vehicle. The Van + Bus ticket changes to a larger bus at some point along the way. The Minivan + Sleeper Bus ticket ends on a bus with reclining berths, so you can lie back and watch the Delta roll by in daylight.

Via Phnom Penh

You can also split the trip. Giant Ibis connects Kep and Phnom Penh in about 4 hours,[2] and its buses from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City leave at 04:45, 08:00 and 09:45.[3]

Comparing Your Options

ModePrice (USD)Duration
Through ticket (minibus, van + bus, minivan + sleeper bus)$21 - $32[1]8h - 12h[1]

Tips for Traveling from Kep to Ho Chi Minh City

  • Border formalities: Vietnamese e-visas are valid at the Ha Tien international border gate.[4] Cambodian e-visas are not accepted for entry at Prek Chak, so use another entry point if you plan to come back this way.[5]
  • Currency: Carry a little Vietnamese dong for your arrival in Ho Chi Minh City. US dollars are widely used in Cambodia.
  • Snacks and water: The buses stop for toilets and meals, but roadside food varies. Carry a bottle of water and a few snacks for the long ride.
  • Book ahead around holidays: Tet (Vietnamese New Year) and Khmer New Year fill the buses, so book a few days before.

Timetable

Bus Kep - Ho Chi Minh City $ 24.44–25.04 8h 30m – 12h
  • →  Van + Bus 09:00, 11:30, 16:00
  • →  Minivan + Sleeper Bus 09:00, 11:00, 15:00
Van Kep - Ho Chi Minh City $ 24.44 9h
  • →  Minivan 09:00, 11:00, 15:30

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I book tickets from Kep to Ho Chi Minh?

Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Kep to Ho Chi Minh, including current prices and schedules.

What is the cheapest way to get from Kep to Ho Chi Minh City?

A through bus or minibus ticket, from about $21 on booking platforms. Prices for the different ticket types stay within about $21 to $32.

What is the fastest way to get from Kep to Ho Chi Minh City?

Booking platforms list through tickets at 8 to 12 hours. The queue at the Prek Chak and Ha Tien border and the traffic into Ho Chi Minh City decide where in that range you land.

How long does it take to get from Kep to Ho Chi Minh City?

From about 8 hours to 12 hours, depending on the ticket type, the stops and the time at the border.

Do I need a visa to cross from Kep to Vietnam?

Check the Vietnamese entry rules for your nationality before you travel. If you need a visa, an e-visa is valid at the Ha Tien international border gate.

Are there stops for food and restrooms along the way?

Yes, buses and minibuses make rest stops at roadside stations where you can use the toilet and buy snacks or simple meals.

Is the sleeper bus available for daytime travel?

Yes. The Minivan + Sleeper Bus ticket uses a bus with reclining berths on the later part of the trip, and it runs during the day, so you can rest while you travel.

Sources and background

Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.

  1. [1] 12Go: 12Go Timetable: Kep - Ho Chi Minh City. Retrieved October 28, 2026.
  2. [2] Giant Ibis Transport: Bus from Phnom Penh to Kep. Retrieved October 28, 2026.
  3. [3] Giant Ibis Transport: Bus Schedule. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  4. [4] Vietnam National Electronic Visa system: Instruction - Vietnam National Electronic Visa system. Retrieved October 28, 2026.
  5. [5] Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Berlin: Cambodia Border Entry Points (e-Visa status). Retrieved October 25, 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.