How to Get from Phu Quoc to Phnom Penh: 3+ Travel Options for Tourists

Phu Quoc and Phnom Penh are two attractive destinations in Southeast Asia, about 234 km apart. Although there is no direct route, travelers can easily travel between the two places by combining means of transport such as airplanes, high-speed ferries, and buses. In this article, Joytime will summarize the most popular travel options so you can plan your trip.

Comparison table of transportation methods from Phu Quoc to Phnom Penh

Here is an overview of the 3 main transportation methods:

1. Traveling by Air

Traveling by air is the most recommended option when going from Phu Quoc to Cambodia due to its speed and convenience. However, currently, there are no direct flights from Phu Quoc to Phnom Penh. Therefore, you can choose to fly connecting flights Phu Quoc - Ho Chi Minh City - Phnom Penh.

Travel time: Total travel time includes the flight time of both legs and the waiting time between flights.

• Phu Quoc - Ho Chi Minh City leg: Approximately 1 hour flight.

• Ho Chi Minh City - Phnom Penh leg: Approximately 1 hour flight.

• Total actual travel time (including waiting time at the airport) is usually a minimum of 5 - 6 hours, and can be considerably longer depending on the connection time you choose.

Travel route: Phu Quoc (PQC) → Flight → Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) → Flight → Phnom Penh (PNH).

Cost: Air ticket prices fluctuate significantly depending on the booking time, airline, and ticket class. The estimated cost for the entire journey (2 flight legs) can range from approximately 2,800,000 - 5,800,000 VND (~ 120 - 240 USD).

Advantages:

• Short flight time (only about 2 hours total).

• More convenient and comfortable than land travel.

• Suitable for travelers with limited time.

Suggested airlines: You can fly the Phu Quoc - Ho Chi Minh City leg with Vietnam Airlines or Vietjet Air. You can fly the Ho Chi Minh City - Phnom Penh leg with Vietnam Airlines or Cambodia Angkor Air.

Flight Information (Example):

Air travel is the most recommended option when going from Phu Quoc to Cambodia - Image source: Joytime

Travel Tips:

• You should book tickets early, especially during peak season, to get good prices.

• Carefully check the connection time to ensure you have enough time for transfer procedures. The ideal connection time should be 2-3 hours or more.

• Prepare your passport and Cambodian visa (if needed) for immigration procedures at the airport.

• Check the baggage allowance of each airline.

2. Traveling by Land and Sea

This is a popular option for those who want to save costs and have more sightseeing experiences. For this journey, you will need to travel by high-speed ferry or ferry from Phu Quoc to a mainland seaport (usually Ha Tien), then continue your journey by land to Phnom Penh.

Advantages:

• Costs are usually lower than traveling entirely by air.

• Opportunity to see the Mekong Delta scenery.

Route: Phu Quoc → High-speed ferry/Ferry → Ha Tien → Bus/Car → Phnom Penh.

2.1. Ferry from Phu Quoc to Ha Tien

You will need to take a high-speed ferry or ferry from Phu Quoc (usually Bai Vong port) to Ha Tien (Kien Giang province). There are many ferry and high-speed ferry services operating daily.

• Travel time: High-speed ferries are faster, taking about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. Ferries will take longer (about 2.5 - 3 hours). It is recommended to prioritize high-speed ferries to save time on the long journey.

• Cost: High-speed ferry tickets range from about 250,000 - 350,000 VND (equivalent to 10 - 14 USD) depending on the company and seat type.

Suggested popular high-speed ferry companies:

Taking a high-speed ferry from Phu Quoc to Ha Tien is quick, taking only about 1 hour and 30 minutes - Image source: Phu Quoc Express

Travel Tips:

• You should book ferry tickets in advance, especially for holidays or weekends, as tickets may sell out quickly.

• Arrive at the port about 30-45 minutes before departure time for check-in procedures.

• Check the regulations for carry-on and checked baggage.

2.2. Bus from Ha Tien to Phnom Penh

From Ha Tien, you have two main transportation options to Phnom Penh:

Bus

This is the most popular and economical means of transport for the Ha Tien - Phnom Penh leg.

• Travel time: About 4-5 hours, including border crossing procedures.

• Border crossing procedures: You will complete exit procedures at the Ha Tien border gate (Vietnam, also known as Xa Xia) and entry procedures at the Prek Chak border gate (Cambodia). Ensure you have a valid Cambodian visa (e-visa, visa sticker, or are eligible for a Visa On Arrival) and a valid passport. The bus will usually wait for you during the border crossing procedures.

• Cost: Bus tickets from Ha Tien to Phnom Penh range from about 300,000 - 500,000 VND (~ 12 - 20 USD).

Suggested bus company:

Buses are the most popular and economical means of transport for the Ha Tien - Phnom Penh leg - Image source: Ha Tien To Cambodia Bus

Travel Tips:

• Research and choose reputable bus companies. You may be able to buy combined ferry + bus tickets from agencies in Phu Quoc or Ha Tien.

• Prepare your passport, passport photos (if applying for a visa at the border), and US dollars to pay for the visa and any incidental expenses (if any) at the border.

• Bring snacks and drinks for the trip.

• You should check the latest information on Cambodian visa regulations before your trip.

Private car or car rental

You might consider driving yourself or renting a private car from Ha Tien to Phnom Penh. However, this is a complex and not popular option for most international travelers because it involves procedures for the car to cross the border, an international driving license, insurance, and the traffic laws of both countries.

• Advantages: Privacy and schedule flexibility.

• Travel time: Actual driving time may only take about 3-4 hours if the road is clear and there are no traffic jams at the border. However, border crossing procedures for the car can take significantly longer.

• Cost: Very expensive, ranging from 100 - 200 USD, including car rental costs, fuel, road tolls, parking fees, and most importantly, the costs for the complicated paperwork and procedures for the car to be allowed to cross the border and circulate in Cambodia.

• How to go: You need to complete exit procedures for the car at the Vietnam border and entry procedures for the car at the Cambodia border.

Suggested car rental service:

Traveling by private car or renting a self-drive car provides privacy and schedule flexibility from Ha Tien to Phnom Penh - Image source: Ha Tien To Cambodia Bus

Border crossing procedures and visa:

• Entering Cambodia:

  • You need a Cambodian visa. Most nationalities can apply for an e-visa in advance through the official website of the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or obtain a Visa On Arrival (VOA) at the Prek Chak (Ha Tien/Xa Xia) or Bavet (Moc Bai) border crossing.

  • If applying for a VOA, you need to prepare your original passport (valid for at least 6 months), 1-2 passport photos (4x6 cm), and the visa fee (usually around 30-40 USD for a tourist visa, depending on the policy at the time).

  • Fill out the entry/exit declaration and visa application form (if applying for a VOA).

  • Entry procedures for people are usually quite quick if the documents are complete.

• Exiting Vietnam:

  • At the Xa Xia (Ha Tien) border crossing, you need to present your passport and exit declaration form (if required) to the Vietnamese customs and border guard officers.

  • For cars, the exit procedures for the car are extremely complicated, requiring many special documents and an international transport permit.

Travel tips:

• If you really need to travel by private car (with a driver), use the services of professional travel companies with experience in organizing cross-border tours.

• Be in good health if you are the driver (in case of force majeure).

• Thoroughly research traffic laws and driving culture in Cambodia.

3. Traveling by Air and Land

In addition to the two methods above, you can also choose to travel from Phu Quoc to Phnom Penh by combining air and land travel. This method combines the advantage of air travel speed and the reasonable cost of buses for the long-distance leg.

Advantages:

• Faster than traveling by ferry from Phu Quoc.

• Cheaper than flying both legs.

Route: Phu Quoc → Flight → Ho Chi Minh City → Bus → Phnom Penh.

3.1. Flight from Phu Quoc to Ho Chi Minh City

This is the fastest way to leave Phu Quoc Island. Many airlines operate this route with high frequency daily. Detailed information about the flight route is as follows:

• Departure point: Phu Quoc Airport (PQC)

• Arrival point: Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN), Ho Chi Minh City

• Flight time: About 1 hour

• Cost: About 40 - 80 USD (depending on the time)

• Suggested airlines: Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air.

Flying from Phu Quoc to Ho Chi Minh City and then taking a connecting flight to Phnom Penh is quick - Image source: Joytime

3.2.

This is the most popular and cost-effective way to travel between these two cities. Many reputable bus companies operate this route, and you can easily book bus tickets at the company's representative offices in the central area of Ho Chi Minh City or book online through the company's website or ticket agencies.Bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh

• Travel time: About 6-7 hours, including border crossing procedures (usually at the Moc Bai border crossing, Tay Ninh - Vietnam side, and the Bavet border crossing - Cambodia side).

• Cost: Bus tickets from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh range from about 300,000 - 600,000 VND (~ 12 - 24 USD) depending on the bus company and seat/bed type.

Suggested reputable bus companies:

Travel tips:

• Choose reputable and well-rated bus companies (for example, Giant Ibis is often preferred by foreign tourists for its comfort and professionalism).

• It is recommended to book tickets in advance online or at the company's office.

• Prepare your passport, Cambodian visa (if needed), passport photos, and US dollars for procedures at the Moc Bai/Bavet border crossing.

• Bring necessary personal belongings for the long trip.

4. Important Travel Tips

To make your trip from Phu Quoc to Phnom Penh smoother and more enjoyable, please note the following:

4.1. Currency and Costs

• Currency exchange: Prepare US Dollars (USD) as this is the currency widely used in Cambodia. You can also exchange a small amount of Cambodian Riel (KHR) for small expenses. You can exchange money at banks, airports, or currency exchange points in Vietnam and Phnom Penh.

• Expenses: Budget for travel, accommodation, transportation, and entertainment expenses in Phnom Penh. Costs can vary depending on your choice of transportation, type of service, and travel season.

4.2. Language and Communication

• Khmer: The main language in Phnom Penh.

• English: English is used quite commonly in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and attractions. However, in local areas, Khmer will be more prevalent. It is advisable to prepare a translation app or learn a few basic Khmer phrases for easier communication.

• Vietnamese: In some areas near the Vietnam border or where many Vietnamese people live in Phnom Penh (for example, the New Market area), you can communicate in Vietnamese.

4.3. SIM Cards and Internet

• Phone SIM: You can easily purchase SIM cards from popular local mobile carriers such as Smart, Cellcard, or Metfone at Phnom Penh airport, convenience stores, or carrier stores. It is recommended to buy a SIM card with a data package for convenient internet access.

• Internet/Wifi: Free Wi-Fi is provided in most hotels, restaurants, cafes, and tourist areas.

• Mobile internet: If you need frequent internet access, you should buy a 4G/5G SIM card.

4.4. Arrival in Phnom Penh

• Transportation: Research popular means of transportation in Phnom Penh (tuk-tuks, motorbike taxis, taxis, buses) and choose the one that suits your needs.

• Accommodation: Confirm your hotel or guesthouse booking information and know the exact address to provide to the driver.

• Security: Be cautious of pickpocketing and theft, especially in crowded tourist areas. Avoid carrying too much cash and expensive jewelry.

• Respect for culture: Cambodia is a Buddhist country. Dress modestly when visiting temples (cover shoulders and knees). Remove shoes before entering homes or temples. Show respect for local culture, customs, and the Cambodian Royal Family.

5. FAQs about Traveling from Phu Quoc to Phnom Penh

Here are some common questions that travelers often ask when planning their trip from Phu Quoc to Phnom Penh, along with detailed answers from Joytime:

5.1. Is there a direct route from Phu Quoc to Phnom Penh?

Answer: No. Currently, there are no direct means of transport (airplane, ferry, or bus) from Phu Quoc to Phnom Penh. You must combine at least two types of transport (for example, airplane and bus, or high-speed ferry and bus) to make this journey.

5.2. What is the fastest way to travel?

Answer: Traveling by airplane (connecting through Ho Chi Minh City) has the shortest flight time (about 2 hours of flight time in total). However, the total actual travel time (including waiting time for the connecting flight at Tan Son Nhat Airport) can be considerably longer, usually a minimum of 5-6 hours or more.

5.3. Are transportation options accessible for people with disabilities?

Answer: In general, traveling by bus and high-speed ferry in this region still has many limitations in terms of facilities to support people with disabilities (access ramps, specialized toilets, etc.). Airports do provide assistance services for people with disabilities, but transferring from airplanes to buses or high-speed ferries at transfer points can be difficult. You should contact the transport companies (airlines, ferry companies, bus companies) directly before your trip to inquire about their ability to provide assistance and plan carefully. Renting a private car can be a more flexible option (but complex and expensive).

Hopefully, with the detailed information compiled in this article, you have a clearer picture and feel ready and confident to plan your upcoming adventure. Pack your bags, necessary documents, and an open mind to embrace the exciting things that await you. We wish you a smooth, safe, and memorable journey as you explore the beauty and charm of both Phu Quoc and Phnom Penh!

In addition, for more detailed information on travel programs and comprehensive travel itineraries, please contact Joytime for detailed advice!