Prek Chak & Xa Xia Border Crossing

The Prek Chak-Xa Xia Crossing: The Southern Coastal Gateway

The border crossing at Prek Chak in Kampot Province, Cambodia, which connects to the Vietnamese post of Xa Xia, near the town of Ha Tien, is the southernmost official land gateway between the two nations. This is the premier coastal crossing, a route that runs right along the beautiful shoreline of the Gulf of Thailand. It is a popular and relatively busy border, serving as the main link for travelers moving between the charming Cambodian coastal towns of Kampot and Kep and the Vietnamese island of Phu Quoc and the Mekong Delta. The landscape is a stunning mix of limestone mountains, salt pans, pepper plantations, and the sea. The atmosphere at the crossing is relaxed and scenic, a world away from the dusty, chaotic inland borders. It is a border that feels like part of a holiday, a beautiful and convenient passage between two of Southeast Asia’s most charming coastal destinations.

A History of a New Coastal Road

For most of its history, this was a very remote and undeveloped frontier. The road was a rough dirt track, and the crossing was a tiny, informal post. The main connection between the two regions was by sea. The transformation of the Prek Chak-Xa Xia crossing into a major international gateway is a very recent development, a direct result of the boom in tourism on both sides of the border. The paving and upgrading of the Cambodian coastal road from Kampot to the border and the development of the Vietnamese town of Ha Tien as the main ferry hub for Phu Quoc island created a new and highly desirable tourist route. Both governments invested in building modern, efficient immigration and customs facilities to serve this new flow of travelers. The crossing is a testament to the power of tourism to drive infrastructure development and to create new connections. It is a border that was essentially created by the demand from backpackers and holidaymakers for a scenic coastal route.

The Border Crossing Procedure: A Smooth and Scenic Process

The border is open during daylight hours. The process is very straightforward, well-accustomed to tourists, and generally free of the hassles and scams found at some other regional borders.

Exiting Cambodia (Prek Chak): The Cambodian immigration and customs post is a modern, clean, and quiet facility located a few kilometers before the actual border line. You will present your passport to the immigration officer and receive your exit stamp. The customs check is usually a very brief formality. The process is typically very quick.

The No-Man’s-Land: After clearing the Cambodian post, you will proceed a short distance through a scenic, coastal no-man’s-land to the Vietnamese side.

Entering Vietnam (Xa Xia): The Vietnamese border post at Xa Xia is also a modern and efficient facility. You will enter the immigration hall and present your passport and your pre-arranged Vietnamese visa (or e-visa printout). The officer will process your entry and give you a stamp. After immigration, your luggage will be passed through an X-ray scanner for a customs check. The Vietnamese officials are professional and the process is generally efficient and hassle-free. Once you are cleared, you are officially in Vietnam.

Route, Onward Travel, and the Phu Quoc Ferry

The most convenient way to navigate this crossing is by taking one of the direct bus or minivan services that run from Kampot and Kep in Cambodia to Ha Tien in Vietnam. Numerous guesthouses and travel agencies in Kampot and Kep sell tickets for this route. The journey takes about 1-2 hours, including the border stop, and the company will guide you through the formalities. If you are traveling independently, you can hire a tuk-tuk or taxi to the border. On the Vietnamese side, from the Xa Xia border, it is a very short taxi or motorbike taxi ride (about 10-15 minutes) to the town of Ha Tien. Ha Tien is a pleasant coastal town and, most importantly, it is the main departure point for the fast ferries to Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest and most famous island resort. The ferry terminal is right in the center of Ha Tien. This makes the crossing the perfect choice for any traveler wanting to combine a visit to the charming towns of Kampot and Kep with a beach holiday on Phu Quoc.

Final Planning Advice for the Coastal Route

The Prek Chak-Xa Xia crossing is a fantastic, scenic, and highly recommended route for traveling between the Cambodian coast and southern Vietnam. It is modern, efficient, and relaxed. 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 land border. Taking one of the direct minivan services from Kampot or Kep is the easiest and most stress-free option. This crossing is a beautiful and enjoyable part of the journey itself, a passage through a stunning coastal landscape. It is the perfect gateway from the pepper plantations and national parks of Cambodia’s coast to the beautiful beaches and vibrant markets of Ha Tien and the tropical paradise of Phu Quoc island.