Traveling between Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand offers an incredible adventure through diverse cultures, historical landmarks, and stunning landscapes. Whether you’re exploring the Angkor Wat temples, cruising the Mekong River, or soaking up the energy of Bangkok, understanding your travel options will ensure a smooth journey. In this guide, we’ll cover various ways to travel between these three fascinating countries, including flights, buses, trains, and river cruises. We’ll also provide useful tips on visas, border crossings, and itinerary planning to make your Indochina adventure hassle-free.
Best Ways to Travel Between Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand
1. By Air – The Fastest and Most Convenient Option
If you’re short on time, flying between Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand is the best choice. Major airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Cambodia Angkor Air, and Thai Airways operate frequent flights between major cities.
Key Flight Routes:
-
Hanoi – Bangkok (Approx. 2 hours)
-
Ho Chi Minh City – Phnom Penh (Approx. 1 hour)
-
Siem Reap – Bangkok (Approx. 1 hour)
-
Ho Chi Minh City – Bangkok (Approx. 1.5 hours)
Most international travelers will find flights affordable and time-saving, especially when booked in advance. Budget airlines like AirAsia, VietJet Air, and Nok Air also offer low-cost options.
2. By Bus – Budget-Friendly, but Time-Consuming
For budget travelers, long-distance buses are a cost-effective way to travel. Various companies offer direct routes between major cities.
Popular Bus Routes:
-
Ho Chi Minh City – Phnom Penh: 6-7 hours
-
Phnom Penh – Bangkok: 12-14 hours (via Poipet border)
-
Siem Reap – Ho Chi Minh City: 12 hours
Most buses provide air conditioning, reclining seats, and WiFi, making long journeys more comfortable. However, border crossings can be slow, so patience is required.
3. By Train – Scenic and Comfortable
Although there is no direct train between Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand, a combination of train and bus travel can be an exciting way to see the countryside.
Suggested Train Routes:
-
Ho Chi Minh City – Phnom Penh (Train to Moc Bai, then bus to Phnom Penh)
-
Bangkok – Poipet (Cambodia border), then bus to Siem Reap
Trains offer a comfortable and scenic journey but require multiple transfers, making them less convenient than flights or buses.
4. By Mekong River Cruise – A Unique Experience
For a relaxing and immersive experience, consider a Mekong River cruise between Vietnam and Cambodia. These cruises often travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap.
Highlights of a Mekong River Cruise:
-
Luxury riverboats with comfortable cabins
-
Stops at floating villages and cultural sites
-
Hassle-free border crossings on the water
For those who love slow travel, this is an excellent way to explore the region while enjoying local culture and landscapes.
Visa Requirements and Border Crossings
Vietnam Visa
Most travelers require a visa to enter Vietnam. You can apply for an e-visa or get a visa on arrival (VOA) if arriving by air.
Cambodia Visa
Cambodia offers visa on arrival for most travelers and an e-visa for convenience. Border crossings like Moc Bai – Bavet and Poipet – Aranyaprathet allow visas to be issued on-site.
Thailand Visa
Thailand offers visa exemptions for many nationalities, allowing stays of up to 30 days without a visa. Travelers entering by land can get a 15-day visa exemption.
Best Itinerary for Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand
Our Best Selling Tours:
For a well-rounded trip, consider this two-week itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Hanoi (-)
- Day 02: Hanoi Half-day walking private city Tour (B) (Tour Option: Hanoi Street Food Tour (D))
- Day 03: Hanoi – Halong bay on Cruise (B/L/D)
- Day 04: Halong – Hanoi – night train to Da Nang – Hoi An (B/L)
- Day 05: Pick up at the train station – transfer to Hoi An (B) (Tour Option 1: Hoi An Ancient town & My Son holyland (L) / Tour Option 2: Bay Mau coconut forest boat- learning fishing – Cooking in Hoi An (L))
- Day 6: Hoi An freeday (B) (Tour Option: Visit Marble Moutain & Ba Na Hills Tour (L))
- Day 7: Hoi An – Da Nang – Flight to Ho Chi Minh (B)
- Day 8: Ho Chi Minh city & Cu Chi Private tour (B)
- Day 9: Ho Chi Minh freeday (B) (Tour option: Mekong Delta Private Tour (L))
- Day 10: Ho Chi Minh – PhnomPenh by Bus (B)
- Day 11: Half Day Phnom Penh City Private Tour (B)
- Day 12: Phnompenh – Siem Reap by Bus (B)
- Day 13: Angkor Wat Private Tour (B)
- Day 14: Siem Reap – Bus to Bangkok (B)
- Day 15: Bangkok Freeday (B) (Tour option 1: Bangkok city tour full day / Tour option 2: Bangkok – Salt Farm – Train Market – Coconut Sugar Farm – Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Half Day)
- Day 16: Bangkok Freeday (B)
- Day 17: Bangkok – Departure (B)
1. What is the cheapest way to travel between Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand?
The cheapest way is by bus, with fares starting from $10-30 per trip.
2. How long does it take to travel from Vietnam to Cambodia?
By bus, it takes 6-12 hours, depending on the route. By flight, it takes 1-2 hours.
3. Can I travel without a visa between Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand?
Thailand offers visa-free entry for many nationalities, while Vietnam and Cambodia require visas.
4. Is it safe to travel between Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand?
Yes! These countries are safe for tourists, but always be mindful of scams and pickpockets at border crossings.
5. What is the best time to travel to Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand?
The best time is from November to March, when the weather is dry and pleasant.
Experience the best of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand with our expertly crafted tours! Enjoy seamless travel, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural wonders.
Book your dream Indochina adventure today!
