Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos sit side by side along the Mekong River, and many travellers like to see more than one country in a single trip. The temples of Angkor are a short hop from Saigon, and Luang Prabang is barely an hour’s flight from Hanoi. This guide explains the main ways of travelling from Vietnam to Cambodia and Laos, by air, by river and by road, and how to choose the right one for your trip.
Vietnam to Cambodia
By air
Regular flights link Saigon and Hanoi with Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. From Saigon, the flight takes about an hour. Flying is the quickest option and works well if you have limited time or want to go straight to Angkor.
By boat on the Mekong
Our favourite route. From Chau Doc, at the western edge of the Mekong Delta, a speedboat follows the river upstream to Phnom Penh in about five hours, with a stop at the border for immigration. Along the way you see stilt houses, fishing boats, riverside temples and the slow life of the Mekong. The boats are covered and have a toilet on board.
We usually combine the boat with two or three days in the delta, cycling, visiting the floating market in Can Tho and spending a night in Chau Doc, so the journey becomes part of the holiday rather than a transfer. See our Saigon to Phnom Penh river journey.
By road
The busiest land crossing is Moc Bai (Vietnam) to Bavet (Cambodia), on the main road between Saigon and Phnom Penh. The drive takes around six to seven hours including the border. It is practical and inexpensive, but the scenery is less interesting than the river route.
Vietnam to Laos
By air
The easiest way to reach Laos from Vietnam is to fly from Hanoi to Luang Prabang, which takes about an hour. There are also flights from Hanoi to Vientiane. For most travellers this is by far the best option, as the land routes are long.
By road
Several land borders connect the two countries, including Tay Trang near Dien Bien Phu in the north-west, and Lao Bao and Cau Treo in central Vietnam. Journeys are long, often a full day or more, on mountain roads with basic facilities. We only recommend them for adventurous travellers with plenty of time, as part of a carefully planned route.
Cambodia to Laos
In the south, the Nong Nok Khiene to Trapeang Kriel border connects the 4000 Islands of southern Laos with Stung Treng in north-eastern Cambodia. It makes it possible to travel overland between Angkor and the Mekong islands, though the journey is long. Many travellers prefer to fly between Siem Reap and Pakse or Luang Prabang.
Our tip
Check that your visa is valid for the border you plan to use. E-visas are not accepted at every land or river crossing, so plan the route and the visa together. Our guide to visas for Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos explains the details.
What happens at a land or river border
Land and river borders are less formal than airports. You leave the vehicle or boat, walk through the exit post of one country, fill in an arrival card and get your passport stamped at the next. On the Mekong boat, the crew collects passports and helps with the paperwork. The whole process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, longer at busy times.
- Keep your passport, visa approval, passport photos and some US dollars in clean notes easy to reach.
- Have a pen ready for the arrival card.
- Do not take photos of the border posts.
- Be patient and polite; officers deal with many travellers every day.
Suggested combinations
- Saigon, the Mekong Delta and Angkor: cycle and boat through the delta, take the speedboat to Phnom Penh and continue to Siem Reap and the temples of Angkor.
- Northern Vietnam and Luang Prabang: Hanoi, Halong Bay and Sapa, then a short flight to Luang Prabang for temples, waterfalls and the Mekong.
- The grand tour: our 16-day journey through Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, from Hanoi to Angkor and Luang Prabang.
How many days to add?
Allow at least three days for Phnom Penh and Angkor together, or two to three days for Angkor alone. For Luang Prabang, two days is the minimum and four or five lets you enjoy its slow pace and the countryside around it. Southern Laos, with the Bolaven Plateau and the 4000 Islands, needs about five days.
Comparing the options
| Route | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Saigon to Phnom Penh by air | About 1 hour | Travellers short on time |
| Chau Doc to Phnom Penh by speedboat | About 5 hours | Scenery and a memorable journey |
| Saigon to Phnom Penh by road | 6 to 7 hours | Budget and simplicity |
| Hanoi to Luang Prabang by air | About 1 hour | Almost everyone going to Laos |
| Northern Vietnam to Laos by road | A full day or more | Adventurous travellers with time |
Within Cambodia: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
Once in Cambodia, most travellers continue from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap for the temples of Angkor. A short domestic flight takes under an hour, while the road journey takes around five to six hours. We love the road option when it is turned into a day of discovery: stopping at a pottery village in Kampong Chhnang, the pre-Angkor temples of Sambor Prei Kuk or a stilt village on the Tonle Sap lake. See our rural Cambodia journey.
Luggage and comfort
On flights, check the baggage allowance of regional airlines, which can be lower than on long-haul flights. On the Mekong speedboat, large suitcases travel at the back or on the roof, so pack valuables, medicine and a warm layer for the air-conditioning in a small bag you keep with you. For long road transfers, bring snacks, water and something to read, and plan regular stops for coffee and a stretch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to get from Vietnam to Cambodia?
For speed, fly from Saigon or Hanoi. For the experience, take the speedboat on the Mekong from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh, ideally after a few days in the Mekong Delta.
Can I travel overland from Vietnam to Laos?
Yes, there are several land borders, but the journeys are long and on mountain roads. Most travellers fly from Hanoi to Luang Prabang in about an hour.
How long is the boat from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh?
Around five hours, including the border stop.
Do I need to buy my Cambodia visa before the boat trip?
Many travellers get a visa on arrival at the river border, but check that your chosen visa type is accepted there before you travel.
Plan Your Trip With Us
We plan the flights, boats, transfers and visa checklist for multi-country trips, so you can enjoy the journey.
