Contents
Moc Bai is the Vietnamese side of the border crossing that most travelers use between Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh. The Cambodian side is Bavet, and from there the road runs through Svay Rieng province and on to the capital. You can stay on a through bus, or clear the border and arrange a bus or private transfer from the Svay Rieng area.
Moc Bai to Phnom Penh by Through Bus
Giant Ibis runs a bus between Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh. It lists 240 km and about 6 hours, and the bus arrives at its Phnom Penh station on Street 106. The crew helps with Cambodian visas at the border and the bus can wait only a limited time there, so have your e-visa printed before you board. If locals offer to carry your luggage at the border, they expect $1 per bag.[1]
Svay Rieng to Phnom Penh by Bus
If you have cleared the border on your own, booking platforms list a bus from Svay Rieng to Phnom Penh of about 3 hours at about $13 (October 2026).[2]
Moc Bai to Phnom Penh by Private Transfer
For those who value time and privacy, a private transfer from the Svay Rieng area to Phnom Penh avoids waiting for a bus to fill. Booking platforms list the trip at about 3 hours 30 minutes. The fare depends on the vehicle (SUV for 4, van for 7, minibus for 20) and runs from about $63 to about $241 per vehicle (October 2026).[2]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Giant Ibis through bus from Ho Chi Minh City | See Giant Ibis for fares | About 6h[1] |
| Bus from Svay Rieng | About $13[2] | About 3h[2] |
| Private transfer (SUV, van or minibus) | About $63 to $241 per vehicle[2] | About 3h 30min[2] |
Tips for Traveling from Moc Bai to Phnom Penh
- Visa preparation: The Cambodian tourist e-visa costs $30, and Bavet is one of the land checkpoints that accepts it. All travelers must also submit the e-Arrival form online.[3] Check the rules for your nationality.
- Going the other way: Moc Bai is among the Vietnamese border gates open to e-visa holders.[4]
- Currency: US dollars are widely accepted in Cambodia next to the riel. Keep your notes clean and untorn, as many places refuse damaged bills.
- Arrival timing: Try to reach Phnom Penh before the evening rush hour, when traffic in the capital becomes congested.
- Border walk: The border area can be hot, so keep water handy for the walk between the two immigration posts.
Timetable
| Taxi Svay Rieng - Phnom Penh $ 62.96–239.50 3h 30m | |
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Moc Bai to Phnom Penh, including current prices and schedules.
After the border, a bus from Svay Rieng is the least expensive option. Booking platforms list it at about $13 (October 2026). Private transfers are priced per vehicle.
A private transfer from the Svay Rieng area is listed at about 3 hours 30 minutes. It avoids waiting for other passengers, but border queues can still add time.
A through bus from Ho Chi Minh City takes about 6 hours including the border. After the border, booking platforms list about 3 hours by bus and about 3 hours 30 minutes by private transfer.
Giant Ibis offers help with visas at the border for its bus passengers, and the Bavet checkpoint accepts the Cambodian e-visa. Check the current rules for your nationality on the official eVisa website.
You exit Vietnam at Moc Bai, then walk a short distance to Bavet to enter Cambodia. Expect to handle your own luggage and be wary of unofficial helpers who ask for money to carry bags.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Giant Ibis Transport: Bus from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] 12Go: Svay Rieng - Phnom Penh timetable. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [3] Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia: eVisa Kingdom of Cambodia (official government website). Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [4] Vietnam National Electronic Visa system (Immigration Department, Ministry of Public Security): Instruction - Vietnam National Electronic Visa system. 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.