Cambodia forum

Phnom Pehn to HCMC

longleat

tourist
Posts: 53

What are the options to get from Phnom Phen to HCMC? Besides flying, is there a bus that you can take all the way without changing at the border? How long does it take? How much does it cost? Would a taxi be able to take you all the way or do you have to find another taxi and negotiate the rate from the border to HCMC? Any idea of cost of taxi? Many thanks!

#1 Posted: 20/4/2007 - 05:25
marianwarren

adventurer
Posts: 270

Hi longleat

The Capital Tours bus from PP to HCMC costs US$12. The bus leaves @ 9.00 am, you stop for lunch on the Cam side, customs about 20mins on Cam side and a little longer on Viet side. 2000 dong for health certificate. The bus driver does most of the stuff for you. I think we arrived at Sinh Cafe in De Tham St (backpacker area) around 3 ish. Very easy. Sorry can't help on taxi fares.

Travel well

Marian

#2 Posted: 20/4/2007 - 13:04
longleat

tourist
Posts: 53

Thanks Marion! Did you stay on the same bus all the way? Best regards, Longleat

#3 Posted: 20/4/2007 - 17:22
jimsparadise

motodop
Posts: 30

Buses are cheaper than $12, try $5-6. Any Phnom Phen guesthouse can arrange for you. Another option, slightly more expensive, is Mekong River cruise from PP to HCMC. Again, most guesthouses have both these options on their boards, as well as $30 Vietnam visas. Enjoy....Jim

#4 Posted: 20/4/2007 - 18:01
marianwarren

adventurer
Posts: 270

Hi longleat

Yes, same bus all the way. Re ticket prices - I always compare prices before I buy them and if possible give the business to the place I am staying (if I like it).

Our tickets and Visas were arranged by Hotel Indochine 2 (riverside) and cost $12 and 1 day visa $35 (as noted in my journal), so while I may have been overcharged a $1-2 - certainly not $6-7. The bus to Siem Reap costs $6.

Regards

Marian

#5 Posted: 21/4/2007 - 04:28
marianwarren

adventurer
Posts: 270

As a addendum to my last post, The Phnom Penh 'Out & About' guide Nov 2006 Issue #3 - Destination Saigon quotes ... "Bus - This is probably the cheapest method, with prices typically around $12 including insurance"

This price included free pickup from our hotel so we saved the tuk tuk fare to the bus departure point. The guide mentions 3 bus companies - Mekong Express, Capitol Tours and Sorya Transport Company. The time you choose to depart will determine the company you use.

These little guides are very handy. They are published by Cambodia Pocket Guide. There is a PP 'Out & About' and 'Dining & Drinking' available from most restaurants. Also a Siem Reap version of both.

Regards

Marian

#6 Posted: 21/4/2007 - 07:51
longleat

tourist
Posts: 53

Dear Marion,
Thanks so very much for all of the detailed information. You, as always, have been a great help!
Regards,
Longleat

#7 Posted: 21/4/2007 - 09:00