Planning to travel from Vietnam to Cambodia to Thailand by bus? Honestly, the land borders are the bit of Southeast Asia backpacking that feels the most intimidating. The visas, the queues, the stories you’ve read online that make you wonder if you should just fly everywhere. But they are also like a right of passage when backpacking.

I’ve done two land crossings: Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap to Bangkok. I flew the rest. So here’s exactly how it went, what it cost, and what I’d tell a friend before they set off.

A quick note before we start: this isn’t a guide to every border in Southeast Asia, just the ones I actually did. If you’re still planning your route, read my guide to onward travel proof for Southeast Asia first, because you’ll want that sorted before you cross anywhere.

HO CHI MINH CITY TO PHNOM PENH BY BUS: COST, JOURNEY TIME AND BORDER EXPERIENCE

This was our first land border, even though it came over halfway through over trip and it was so much easier than I expected.

We booked through a local travel agency shop in Ho Chi Minh City (there are plenty of them) and they handled all the visas for us. That was the part I’d been most nervous about, and I honestly didn’t have to think about it. The bus cost £17 per person (back in December 2024).

We were picked up from the agency at 9:30am, and we didn’t get to our hotel in Phnom Penh until 6pm. So yes, it’s a long day. Treat it as a travel day and don’t plan anything for the evening. Bring snacks, water, a charged phone and something to watch or listen to.

The border feels confusing and there’s a definite lack of communication, but you will be fine. Just make sure you have US dollars with you.

The one thing I wish someone had told me is that you don’t get dropped at your hotel. You get dropped off somewhere in Phnom Penh that is very random, and then you need to grab a tuk tuk to where you’re staying. It’s really not a big deal, but if you don’t have mobile data yet, getting a tuktuk as solo female traveller in Phnom Penh may feel quite intimidating, so definitely get a SIM card at the border (there were people selling them there, even though you will pay a bit more) or get an E-sim in order to order a grab taxi. It’s so much less stressful if you know a taxi is coming to drop you off wherever you need to go next.

If you’d rather book online before you go, you can also look at Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh buses on 12Go Asia. I booked in person, so I can only speak for the agency route, but plenty of people like having it locked in ahead of time.

SIEM REAP TO BANGKOK BY BUS WITH GIANT IBIS

This one was long, but completely straightforward.

We booked with Giant Ibis, and they’re excellent. I’ve written a full review of them here. The short version is that they make the whole border crossing super simple.

There was lots of queuing at the border, so don’t expect it to be quick. But Giant Ibis gave us food and drinks, and there were plenty of stops along the way, so it never felt like a slog. The whole journey took at least 8 hours, but it really depends how busy the border is at Poipet.

We were dropped off at the Giant Ibis office near Khao San Road in Bangkok, which is perfect if you’re a backpacker, because it’s right where most people end up anyway. If you’re still deciding where to stay, my guide to the best areas in Bangkok for backpackers will help.

And the best bit? It was so much cheaper than flying. We paid a fraction of the cost compared to what the flight would have been from Siem Reap.

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Travel Insurance I Always Recommend
Backpacking is full of surprises, sometimes the best adventures come with unexpected hiccups. That’s why I never travel without comprehensive travel insurance. On my trips across Southeast Asia, I relied on True Traveller for peace of mind, whether it was lost luggage, sudden illness, or unexpected flight changes. It’s easy to set up, and I love knowing I’m covered no matter where the journey takes me. If you’re planning a trip, check out  True Traveller here — it’s what I personally use and recommend for fellow backpackers.

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SHOULD YOU FLY INSTEAD? CHIANG MAI TO LUANG PRABANG AND VIENTIANE TO HANOI

I’m going to be honest with you: I flew two of my routes, and I’d happily do it again.

I flew from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang, and from Vientiane to Hanoi. Purely out of convenience, time and comfort. Southeast Asia has some seriously long overland journeys, and sometimes your time and energy are worth more than the money you’d save. If you’re short on time, or you’ve had a few long travel days back to back, flying is completely fine. Nobody gives out medals for the most uncomfortable bus.

TIPS FOR CROSSING LAND BORDERS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

1. Expect the whole day to be taken up. Both of my land crossings took most of the day, so don’t book anything for the evening.
2. Book through someone reliable. The agency in Ho Chi Minh City and Giant Ibis both made the whole thing feel easy, and the agency sorted our visas, which was a huge weight off.
3. Bring snacks, water and a charged phone. Even when food is provided, you’ll be glad you have your own.
4. Save your accommodation address offline, especially for the Phnom Penh drop-off.
5. Be ready for queues at the border. They’re part of the process, so just go with it.
6. Don’t feel guilty about flying. Mix it up and do whatever suits your time, budget and energy.

If you’re planning the rest of your trip, my Southeast Asia budget guide will help you work out what it all costs, and if you need a SIM for when you arrive, I’ve got you covered with my Cambodia SIM card guide.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does the bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh take?
For us, it was a full day. We were picked up at 9:30am and reached our hotel in Phnom Penh around 6pm, including the border crossing.

How much is the bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh?
We paid £17 per person, booked through a local travel agency shop that also handled our visas.

Do you get dropped off at your hotel in Phnom Penh?
No. We were dropped off in a random spot in the city and had to take a tuk tuk to our hotel, so save your address offline.

Is the bus from Siem Reap to Bangkok cheaper than flying?
Yes, it was much cheaper than flying, although it’s a long day with lots of queuing at the border. Giant Ibis gave us food and drinks and there were plenty of stops on the way.

Where does the Giant Ibis bus drop you off in Bangkok?
At the Giant Ibis office near Khao San Road.

Is it worth flying instead of taking the bus?
It depends on your time, budget and comfort. I flew from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang and from Vientiane to Hanoi purely out of convenience, and I’d happily do the same again.

So that’s how my land borders went! Have you done any of these crossings, or are you planning them? Let me know in the comments and I’ll help if I can.

Enjoy your travels!

Em x

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