Kaam Samnor & Ving Xuong Border Crossing

The Kaam Samnor-Ving Xuong Crossing: The Mekong River Route

The border crossing at Kaam Samnor in Kandal Province, Cambodia, which connects to the Vietnamese post of Ving Xuong in An Giang Province, is the main riverine gateway between the two nations. This is the “fast boat” route, a journey taken entirely on the waters of the mighty Mekong River. It connects the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh with the Vietnamese Mekong Delta city of Chau Doc. This is not a road crossing; it is a journey by water, a classic Southeast Asian travel experience. The crossing is popular with tourists looking for a more scenic and adventurous alternative to the main highway crossing at Bavet-Moc Bai. The atmosphere is one of river life, a passage through a landscape of floating villages, fishing boats, and lush riverbanks. The border posts themselves are simple piers on the side of the river, and the entire process feels deeply connected to the great waterway that has been the lifeblood of this region for millennia.

A History Defined by the River

The Mekong River has always been the primary artery of Cambodia and southern Vietnam. It is a source of food, a highway for transport, and the heart of the culture. The cities of Phnom Penh and Chau Doc have been important river ports for centuries. The modern border, which cuts across the river, is a legacy of the French colonial period. For many years after the conflicts of the 20th century, the river border was tightly controlled. The re-establishment of a regular, international fast boat service in the post-conflict era was a major step in reopening the region to tourism and normalizing relations. The Kaam Samnor-Ving Xuong crossing became the official point for these boats to clear immigration. It is a border that exists because of the river, a place where the formalities of two nations are conducted on the banks of a waterway that has always connected the people who live along it. The journey itself is a trip through the heart of the Khmer and Vietnamese delta cultures.

The Border Crossing Procedure: A Journey by Fast Boat

The only way for a traveler to use this crossing is by taking one of the scheduled “fast boat” services that run between Phnom Penh and Chau Doc. You cannot cross here independently with a private boat. The boat companies handle the border formalities, making the process very smooth. You must have a valid visa for the country you are entering, obtained in advance.

The Boat Journey: The journey begins from the tourist boat pier in Phnom Penh. The trip down the Mekong takes several hours and is very scenic. The boat will make a stop at the Cambodian immigration post at Kaam Samnor.

Exiting Cambodia (Kaam Samnor): The boat will moor at a floating pontoon or a simple pier on the riverbank. The boat’s crew will collect all the passengers’ passports and take them to the small immigration office to be stamped for exit. You will typically wait on the boat or on the pier while this is done. It is a very relaxed process.

Entering Vietnam (Ving Xuong): The boat will then continue a short distance downriver to the Vietnamese immigration post at Ving Xuong. Again, the boat will dock at a pier. You will disembark and go into the Vietnamese immigration office. Here, you will present your passport and your pre-arranged Vietnamese visa (or e-visa printout) to the officer. They will process your entry and give you a stamp. The customs check is usually a brief formality. Once everyone is cleared, you will re-board the boat for the final short leg of the journey to the city of Chau Doc.

Route, Onward Travel, and the Mekong Delta

The fast boat services are the route. Several companies run daily services, which can be booked through any travel agent in Phnom Penh or Chau Doc. The journey is comfortable, and the boats are designed for tourists. Chau Doc, the arrival city in Vietnam, is a vibrant and fascinating Mekong Delta hub. It is famous for its floating markets, the nearby Sam Mountain with its many temples and panoramic views, and the Tra Su Cajuput Forest, a beautiful submerged forest that you explore by boat. Chau Doc is a fantastic introduction to the Mekong Delta. From Chau Doc, you can get buses to all other parts of the delta, including the city of Can Tho, and on to Ho Chi Minh City (a 5-6 hour journey). This river crossing allows for a wonderful travel itinerary, combining the capital of Cambodia with the heart of the Vietnamese Mekong Delta, all by water.

Final Planning Advice for the River Route

The Kaam Samnor-Ving Xuong river crossing is a highly recommended and very memorable way to travel between Cambodia and Vietnam. It is far more scenic and relaxing than the busy highway route. The key to a smooth journey is to have your Vietnamese visa or e-visa sorted out well in advance. Visas on arrival are not available at this river border. Booking your boat ticket a day or two in advance is also a good idea, especially during the high season. The boat companies make the border process itself completely hassle-free. It is a journey that is as much about the experience of traveling on the great Mekong River as it is about getting from one country to another. It is a perfect choice for the traveler who wants to slow down and appreciate the journey.