The 1,158-kilometer border between Cambodia and Vietnam is a frontier defined by the vast, fertile plains of the Mekong Delta. It is a region where life revolves around the water, and the border itself is a busy conduit for trade and travel between two of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic countries.
The most popular and busiest crossing for you is the Moc Bai (Vietnam) – Bavet (Cambodia) land port. This is the main route for buses and taxis traveling between Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh, making it a well-trodden path for travelers. The facilities are modern and the process is relatively efficient, though it can get crowded.
For a more scenic and unique experience, you can cross the border by boat in the Mekong Delta. A popular riverine crossing is at Vinh Xuong (Vietnam) – Kaam Samnor (Cambodia), often referred to as the Chau Doc crossing. This allows you to travel directly along the Mekong, witnessing life in the delta up close.
Whichever route you choose, you must have your Vietnamese visa secured in advance if you are not eligible for an exemption. The border is a fascinating place to see the economic and cultural connections between the two countries, from the flow of goods to the shared heritage of the Khmer people who live on both sides of the line.