How to Get from Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap
How to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap by flight, bus, minivan or private transfer, with travel times and border crossing tips.
Last updated: November 3, 2026
Contents
- 1. Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap by Flight
- 2. Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap by Bus
- 2.1 Seater, VIP and Sleeper Options
- 3. Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap by Minivan and Private Transfer
- 4. Comparing Your Options
- 5. Tips for Traveling from Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap
- 6. Timetable
- 7. Frequently Asked Questions
- 8. Sources and background
Trade the high-octane energy of Saigon's motorbikes for the ancient sandstone of Angkor Wat. The trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap crosses the border from Vietnam into the heart of Cambodia and ends in the gateway town to one of the world's greatest archaeological sites. You can choose between a quick hop by air or a long haul through the Mekong Delta and the Cambodian countryside. You can compare and book tickets on GoAsia.cc.
Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap by Flight
If you want to spend your time at the temples instead of on the road, fly. It is the most comfortable way to cross the border, and it avoids the Moc Bai and Bavet land checkpoints. Flights from Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) to Siem Reap (SAI) leave throughout the day and take about 1 hour.[1] Vietnam Airlines round-trip economy fares start at about 6,380,000 VND.[2]
Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap by Bus
The overland bus is a rite of passage for many travelers in Southeast Asia. It is a long day on the road, taking from about 13 to 14 hours, and it is the most economical choice. On booking platforms, tickets start at about $44 (November 2026). Buses leave in the morning from about 06:00 to 09:30, and a sleeper bus leaves at midday.[1] The route passes the Moc Bai border, where you leave Vietnam and enter Cambodia.
Seater, VIP and Sleeper Options
Seater and VIP buses suit travelers who prefer to see the scenery during the day. Many operators run a "Bus + Bus" or "Bus + Van" service, where you change vehicles at the border or in Phnom Penh, and the change is part of the ticket.[1]
Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap by Minivan and Private Transfer
A shared minivan leaves in the morning and takes about 10 hours. On booking platforms, a seat starts at about $47 (November 2026).[1]
For groups, a private transfer gives you door-to-door service and room for luggage. You can choose an SUV for 4 passengers or a Premium Van for 5. The drive takes about 12 hours, and on booking platforms private transfers start at about $290 (November 2026).[1] You still cross the border on foot, but with your own vehicle you do not wait for a full bus to clear immigration.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Duration | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Flight | About 1h | Flights through the day[1] |
| Bus | 13h - 14h | Morning departures, one sleeper at midday[1] |
| Minivan | About 10h | One morning departure[1] |
| Private Transfer | About 12h | SUV for 4, van for 5[1] |
Tips for Traveling from Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap
- Visa preparation: Check Cambodia's entry requirements for your passport before you leave, and keep your passport at hand at both border posts.
- Border protocol: On the bus, be ready to get off at the Vietnamese border with all your luggage, walk through immigration and re-board on the Cambodian side. Keep valuables in a small daypack that stays with you.
- Currency: Small US dollar bills in good condition are handy on arrival in Siem Reap.
- Snacks and water: Buses stop for food and restrooms, but pack water and light snacks for the long overland haul.
- Booking: This is a busy route, especially in the dry season. Book your flight or bus seat a few days ahead.
Timetable
| Flight Ho Chi Minh City - Siem Reap $ 67.65–254.71 1h – 1days 2h 44m | |
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| Bus Ho Chi Minh City - Siem Reap $ 44.26–51.61 13h – 14h | |
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| Taxi Ho Chi Minh City - Siem Reap $ 288.93–517.56 12h | |
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| Van Ho Chi Minh City - Siem Reap $ 47.06 10h | |
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| Bus ZzNOTUSEHo Chi Minh - Siem Reap $ 45.10–47.06 14h | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap, including current prices and schedules.
The bus is the cheapest option, with tickets starting at about $44 on booking platforms (November 2026). Some services combine a bus and a van.
Flying is fastest, at about 1 hour. Overland trips take from about 10 to 14 hours, including the border crossing.
A flight takes about 1 hour. The bus takes about 13 to 14 hours, the minivan about 10 hours and a private transfer about 12 hours.
Buses on this route leave in the morning, and a sleeper bus leaves at midday, so you arrive in the evening or night.
Yes. Private transfers are available as an SUV for 4 passengers or a Premium Van for 5, and they start at about $290 for the whole vehicle on booking platforms (November 2026).
Many operators use a Bus + Bus or Bus + Van service, so you may change vehicles at the border or in Phnom Penh. The change is part of your ticket.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] 12Go: 12Go timetable Ho Chi Minh City - Siem Reap. Retrieved November 3, 2026.
- [2] Vietnam Airlines: Flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap. Retrieved November 3, 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.