Traveling from Chau Doc in Vietnam to Phnom Penh in Cambodia is a popular route for tourists exploring Southeast Asia. This journey takes you along the mighty Mekong River, offering beautiful views and a unique experience. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making this trip, including distance, transportation options, and helpful tips.
How far is it from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh?
The distance between Chau Doc and Phnom Penh is about 170 kilometers (106 miles) if you travel by river. By road, the distance is slightly longer at around 210 kilometers (130 miles). The trip usually takes between 5 to 7 hours, depending on your mode of transportation and border crossing procedures.
Chau Doc is a small city in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. It sits near the border with Cambodia and is known for its floating markets, fish farms, and nearby Sam Mountain. The city has a mix of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Cham cultures, which you can see in its temples and mosques.
Phnom Penh is the capital and largest city of Cambodia. It sits at the meeting point of three rivers: the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Bassac. The city has many historical sites like the Royal Palace and National Museum. You’ll also find busy markets, tasty restaurants, and lively nightlife. Phnom Penh mixes old and new, with ancient temples next to modern buildings.
How to get from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh?
There are several ways to travel from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh. The most popular options are by speed boat, private car, or a combination of private car and train. Let’s look at each option in detail.
Speed boat from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh
Taking a speed boat from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh is the most common and enjoyable way to make this trip. The boat ride takes about 5 to 6 hours and lets you see life along the Mekong River up close.
Tickets for the boat trip usually cost between $30 to $65 per person. The price depends on which company you choose and what kind of boat you take. Two well-known companies that run this route are Hang Chau Tourist and Blue Cruiser.
- Hang Chau Express Boat: It departs from the port in Chau Doc daily at 07:30, takes 4.5 – 5 hours to arrive in Phnom Penh, and arrives at 12:30.
- Blue Cruiser: for the same route, this cruise is a higher quality boat, leaving Victoria Hotels pier at 07:00 and arriving pier in Phnom Penh at 12:00 including the border check.
Before you leave, you can check out the local market or try some tasty Vietnamese food. As you travel down the river, you’ll see floating villages, farms, and lots of green scenery.
If you want to book your tickets ahead of time, you can use websites like Baolau or 12go.asia. These sites let you check schedules and buy tickets online, which can make planning your trip easier.
Important things to know about your boat trip:
- Check-in early: Get to the boat office at least 30 minutes before departure to change your boarding ticket.
- Show your e-ticket: You can show your ticket on your phone, but having a printed copy is a good backup.
- Bring your bags: There’s no limit on how much luggage you can bring.
- Be flexible: Sometimes the schedule or departure place might change due to weather. The boat company will help you if this happens.
- Read carefully: Make sure you understand all the instructions when you book your ticket.
By private car
You can also hire a private car to drive you from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh. This option gives you more flexibility in your schedule, but it can be more expensive than the boat.
- Distance: Approximately 170 kilometers (106 miles) by road
- Time: 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and border crossing time
- Route: You’ll travel from Chau Doc to the Vinh Xuong border crossing, then continue through Kandal province in Cambodia before reaching Phnom Penh
- Cost: $50 to $100, depending on the type of car and service level
Remember, you’ll need to handle your own visa process at this land border crossing.
By private car and train
Chau Doc to Takeo Station by private car
- Distance: 79 kilometers (49 miles)
- Time: About 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Cost: $11 to $15
You’ll start by hiring a private car in Chau Doc. The driver will take you across the Vietnam-Cambodia border and to Takeo Station in Cambodia. This part of the journey gives you a chance to see the countryside and small towns along the way. Remember, you’ll need to handle border crossing procedures, so have your passport and visa ready.
Takeo Station to Phnom Penh Station by train
- Distance: Approximately 75 kilometers (47 miles)
- Time: About 2 hours and 10 minutes
- Cost: $5 to $8
- Frequency: Once daily
From Takeo, you’ll board a train to Phnom Penh. The train service in Cambodia has improved in recent years, offering a comfortable and scenic ride. You’ll get to see rural Cambodia from a different perspective. The train usually has air conditioning and comfortable seats.
This option combines road and rail travel, offering a unique way to get from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh. It will take you around 3 hours and 30 minutes, plus time for border crossing and waiting for the train, and cost $16 to $23, plus any border fees.
Is a visa required while traveling between Chau Doc and Phnom Penh?
Yes, you need to get a visa at the border. You can’t use an e-visa when crossing from Vietnam to Cambodia on the Mekong River. Here’s what to do:
- Bring $35-40 in clean, crisp US dollar bills.
- Have a passport-sized photo ready.
- Fill out the visa application form on the boat or at the border.
- Give the border officials your passport, photo, form, and money.
- Wait for your visa to be processed (usually takes about 30 minutes).
Mekong Delta boat trip from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh
If you want a more luxurious and extended trip, you can take a multi-day cruise from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh. These cruises offer a slower, more relaxed way to travel, with stops at interesting places along the way. Here are some popular cruise options:
| Cruise | Highlight | Route | Price from |
| Dragon Eyes Mekong Cruise | Perfect for couples, families, or small groups, 2–3 days, cozy rooms with air conditioning and private bathrooms | Cai Be- Can Tho – Chau Doc – Phnom Penh | $262 |
| Mekong Gecko Eyes cruise | Private trip for two people or a small family, three beautiful vessels, private houseboats | Saigon – Cai Be – Can Tho – Chau Doc – Phnom Penh | $335 |
| Mekong Eyes Explorer & Classic Cruise | 1-3 nights, 12 nice rooms that all face outside, a restaurant, a bar, and a big sun deck | Saigon – Cai Be – Can Tho – Chau Doc – Phnom Penh | $185 |
Either means of transportation you choose to travel from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh, you will need to stay overnight in Chau Doc town to wait for the early morning speedboat. So please choose the one inside the city center or near the picking point, depending on the Mekong Delta Cruise you choose to ensure you catch the boat on time.
Traveling from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh can be an exciting part of your Southeast Asia trip. Whether you choose a quick speed boat ride or a leisurely river cruise, you’ll get to see beautiful scenery and experience life along the Mekong River. Remember to prepare your visa documents, bring enough cash, and be ready for an adventure. Safe travels!
Mo Nguyen – From Luxury Cruise Mekong Team!
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