Are you planning a trip from Phu Quoc to Cambodia? This guide will help you understand the distance, what to expect in both places and the best ways to travel between them. Let’s dive into this exciting journey!
How far is it from Phu Quoc to Cambodia?
Phu Quoc, a beautiful island that you shouldn’t miss on your Vietnam tour, sits close to the Cambodian coast. The distance between Phu Quoc and Cambodia depends on your exact destination in Cambodia. Here are some key distances:
- Phu Quoc to Sihanoukville (Cambodia): approximately 120 km (75 miles)
- Phu Quoc to Phnom Penh (Cambodia’s capital): roughly 330 km (205 miles)
- Phu Quoc to Siem Reap: around 568 km (353 miles)
What can you expect in Phu Quoc?
Phu Quoc is a tropical paradise known for its stunning beaches and rich culture. Before you leave for Cambodia, here’s what you can enjoy on this Vietnamese island:
- Beautiful white sand beaches with clear blue waters
- Fresh seafood and traditional Vietnamese cuisine
- Night markets with local crafts and street food
- Phu Quoc National Park for hiking and wildlife spotting
- Pearl farms where you can learn about pearl cultivation
- Fish sauce factories to see how this famous condiment is made
What can you expect in Cambodia?
Cambodia offers a mix of ancient history and modern attractions. Here’s what awaits you in this fascinating country:
- Angkor Wat and other ancient temples in Siem Reap
- The bustling capital city of Phnom Penh with its royal palace
- Beautiful beaches in Sihanoukville and Koh Rong
- The tragic history of the Khmer Rouge at the Killing Fields
- Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia
- Traditional Khmer cuisine with unique flavors
>>> Maybe you want to read more about Cambodia: Best Cambodia Travel Guide Book 2024: Must read for an Unforgettable Journey
How to get from Phu Quoc to Cambodia?
By Flight
- Time: 4-6 hours (including layover)
- Cost: $150-$450
- Suitable for: Time-conscious travelers, those with a higher budget, business travelers
Your journey begins with a flight from Phu Quoc (PQC) to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN). This leg lasts about 1 hour and 20 minutes, with multiple daily flights operated by Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air.
Once you land in Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll have a layover typically lasting 1-4 hours, depending on your flight schedule. During this time, you can explore Tan Son Nhat International Airport, which offers various dining and shopping options.
The second leg of your journey takes you from Ho Chi Minh City to your Cambodian destination. Flights to Phnom Penh (PNH) take about 55 minutes, while those to Siem Reap (REP) last around 1 hour and 10 minutes. You can choose from several daily flights operated by Vietnam Airlines, Cambodia Angkor Air, and Bassaka Air.
Upon arrival in Cambodia, you’ll go through immigration, which usually takes 15-30 minutes. Both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports offer visa-on-arrival services.
Helpful Tips:
- Book both flights together if possible for better prices and to ensure sufficient layover time.
- Check visa requirements for Vietnam if you plan to leave the airport during a long layover.
- Allow at least 2 hours between flights to account for any delays and airport procedures.
- Sign up for airline newsletters to get notified of sales and promotions.
- Consider spending a night in Ho Chi Minh City if flight times don’t align well, turning your journey into a bonus city break.
- Remember that budget airlines may have strict baggage limits – check these when booking.
- Check baggage allowances – they may be limited on smaller planes.
- If you’re planning to visit Angkor Wat, flying directly to Siem Reap can save you a day of travel.
While this route doesn’t offer a direct flight, it’s still faster than sea or land travel. The layover in Ho Chi Minh City also offers a glimpse of another major Vietnamese city, adding to your travel experience.
By Ferry and By road
- Time: 6-10 hours
- Cost: $25-$45
- Suitable for: Budget travelers, those who enjoy scenic routes, backpackers
Your journey starts with a ferry ride from Phu Quoc to Ha Tien. This part of the trip lasts 1-1.5 hours and costs around $10-$15. Ferries depart multiple times daily, usually from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Reliable operators include Superdong and Ngoc Thanh. The ferry ride treats you to beautiful views of the Gulf of Thailand, and the vessels are generally comfortable, and equipped with air-conditioning and seating areas.
Once you reach Ha Tien, you’ll go through immigration at the border. This process typically takes 30 minutes to 1 hour. You’ll need to pay visa fees, which are around $30 for a tourist visa. While the immigration process is straightforward, you should be ready for potential queues during peak season.
From here, you will have 2 options to reach Cambodia: by bus or by private car
- If you travel by bus, this part takes 4-8 hours, depending on where you’re heading, and costs about $15-$30. Buses depart multiple times daily, usually from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You can choose from operators like Virak Buntham, Kampot Express, and Paramount Angkor Express.
- As an alternative, you might choose to go to Cambodia from Ha Tien Pier by private car. You may now have a more convenient and adaptable travel, taking your time and creating a unique experience.
This travel option gives you a chance to see more of the countryside and experience local transportation. It’s a great choice if you’re not in a hurry and want to save some money on your journey from Phu Quoc to Cambodia.
FAQs
Do I need a visa to enter Cambodia from Vietnam?
Yes, most travelers need a visa to enter Cambodia. You can get a visa on arrival at many entry points, including airports and some land borders. Alternatively, you can apply for an e-visa online before your trip.
When is the best time to travel to Phu Quoc?
Phu Quoc is affected by the tropical features of Mekong Delta weather, so the best time is during the dry season, from November to April. The weather is more pleasant, and travel conditions are generally better. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so prices may be higher.
Is it safe to travel from Phu Quoc to Cambodia?
Yes, this route is generally safe for travelers. However, always take normal travel precautions, such as watching your belongings and being aware of your surroundings, especially in busy areas.
How long should I plan to stay in Cambodia?
A stay of 7-10 days allows you to see major attractions like Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh, and perhaps a beach area. However, you could easily spend two weeks or more exploring the country in depth.
What’s the currency situation in Cambodia?
Cambodia uses two currencies: the US dollar and the Cambodian riel. US dollars are widely accepted, and ATMs often dispense them. Riel is used for small purchases and as a change for dollar transactions.
Mo Nguyen – From Luxury Cruise Mekong
