Best Bus Companies from HCMC to Phnom Penh: Ultimate Guide & Eco-Tours

Epic Bus Journey to Phnom Penh’s Riverside Majesty

Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s bustling capital and cultural heartbeat, attracts over 3 million travelers each year with its stunning Royal Palace, poignant historical sites like the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, and lively Sisowath Quay along the Mekong River. Nestled at the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, Phnom Penh’s central districts such as Daun Penh and Chamkar Mon are mere steps from iconic landmarks like the Independence Monument, just 1-2 km from the main bus terminals. Opting for the best bus companies from HCMC to Phnom Penh delivers a 6-8 hour adventure across the Vietnam-Cambodia border, passing through lush rice paddies and rural vistas, with affordable fares ranging from $15–$35 (375,000–875,000 VND or 60,000–140,000 KHR). This route is ideal for savvy adventurers, cultural enthusiasts, and those prioritizing low-emission travel, making Phnom Penh an essential stop for immersive Southeast Asian experiences.

Choosing bus travel supports sustainable mobility by reducing individual carbon footprints through shared rides, complementing Phnom Penh’s emerging “Eco-Capital” initiatives like river cleanups and green markets. As a trailblazer in sustainable tourism across Southeast Asia with over 17 years of expertise, Legend Travel Group curates eco-conscious tours that begin right at Phnom Penh’s bus stations. Reach out to us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to secure your green exploration and turn your arrival into a seamless adventure!

Administrative Note

As of 2025, cross-border bus services from HCMC to Phnom Penh require valid passports and visas (e-visas available for most nationalities), with streamlined customs at the Moc Bai-Bavet border. Phnom Penh’s transport hubs in Daun Penh District now feature upgraded facilities for easier ward-level navigation, including digital maps for areas like Prampi Makara Ward near key attractions.

Legend Travel Group stands as the premier local travel ambassador in Southeast Asia, dedicated to unveiling the wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia, and beyond to global explorers while fostering responsible tourism. Our sustainable tours in Phnom Penh emphasize low-impact activities, utilizing electric tuk-tuks, community-led guides, and carbon-offset programs that benefit local artisans and conservation efforts. With English-fluent experts providing insider tips on the best bus companies from HCMC to Phnom Penh, historical narratives, and eco-practices, we ensure every journey enriches both you and the destinations. Enjoy hassle-free bookings, complimentary cancellations up to 48 hours prior, and round-the-clock assistance. As your bridge to authentic Southeast Asia, we invite you to register for a free account on our platform to track personalized itineraries, receive exclusive updates on new guides, and follow our latest eco-adventures—making it effortless to stay connected and inspired!

Cross Borders Effortlessly with Top Bus Services

The journey with the best bus companies from HCMC to Phnom Penh spans about 240 km, taking 6-8 hours via Highway 1 and the Moc Bai-Bavet border crossing (based on 2025 regional transport updates). Daily services from reliable operators make this a favored choice for efficient, scenic travel. Here’s your comprehensive overview:

• Bus Operators & Types:
  • Giant Ibis/Sokha Express: Premium tourist buses with reclining seats, Wi-Fi, A/C, and onboard snacks ($20–$35 or 500,000–875,000 VND/80,000–140,000 KHR); ideal for comfort-focused travelers.
  • Local Operators (Mekong Express): Standard economy buses, frequent and affordable ($15–$25 or 375,000–625,000 VND/60,000–100,000 KHR); every 1-2 hours from HCMC’s Mien Tay Station.
  • Luxury Minivans (Virak Buntham): Small-group vans with faster border processing ($25–$35 or 625,000–875,000 VND/100,000–140,000 KHR); smoother rides via direct routes.
  • Tip: Premium options for long-haul ease; locals for authentic vibes and savings.
• Schedules & Duration:
  • Departures: From HCMC’s Mien Tay or Eastern Bus Stations, or hotel pickups; runs from 6:00 AM–10:00 PM daily.
  • Duration: 6 hours in good traffic; up to 8 with border delays.
  • Arrival: Phnom Penh’s Central Market Bus Station in Daun Penh or Night Market terminals; tuk-tuks to city center $3–$5 (12,000–20,000 KHR).
  • Tip: Aim for morning departures to avoid peak border waits; book through trusted apps with minimal fees ($2–$4 or 50,000–100,000 VND).
• Booking & Tips:
  • Online: Via operator platforms or aggregators; in-person at HCMC stations.
  • Cost: $15–$35 (375,000–875,000 VND/60,000–140,000 KHR); discounts for kids.
  • Practical: Pack passports ready; border snacks provided; eco-hint: Opt for digital tickets to cut paper waste.
  • For Legend Travel Group tours, we sync with bus arrivals for immediate eco-pickups.

Note: Info drawn from 2025 transport insights; verify for real-time adjustments. Our tours integrate these top bus options for a greener start.

These budget-friendly, sustainable pursuits, ranging $0–$15, kick off from bus terminals:

1. Wander the Royal Palace

Stroll through the opulent Royal Palace in Daun Penh District, optimal at 8:00 AM, entry $10 (40,000 KHR).

• Cost: $10; reduced for groups.
• Hours: Daily, 7:30 AM–5:00 PM (closed during royal events).
• Eco-Friendly Note: Walkable from terminals (2 km tuk-tuk $3 or 12,000 KHR).
• Tip: Featured in Legend Travel Group’s Phnom Penh Heritage Quest ($80–$120).

2. Stroll Sisowath Quay

Enjoy riverside vibes at Sisowath Quay, best at sunset around 5:00 PM, free with optional boat rides $5–$10 (20,000–40,000 KHR).

• Cost: Free; rides $5–$10.
• Hours: Open 24/7; peak evenings.
• Eco-Friendly Note: Support low-emission electric boats.
• Tip: Part of Legend Travel Group’s Mekong Riverside Eco-Walk ($70–$100).

3. Explore Central Market (Psar Thmei)

Bargain at the art deco Central Market in Daun Penh, ideal mornings from 9:00 AM, souvenirs $2–$8 (8,000–32,000 KHR).

• Cost: Free entry; items $2–$8.
• Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–6:00 PM.
• Eco-Friendly Note: Choose artisan goods with sustainable sourcing.
• Tip: Taxi from station $4 (16,000 KHR).

4. Visit Wat Phnom Temple

Cycle to the hilltop Wat Phnom in Wat Phnom Ward, best early at 7:00 AM, entry $1 (4,000 KHR).

• Cost: $1; bike rental $3/day (12,000 KHR).
• Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.
• Eco-Friendly Note: Bike for emission-free travel.
• Tip: Included in Legend Travel Group’s Phnom Penh Cycling Discovery ($60–$90).

5. Taste Khmer Cuisine at Night Market

Savor amok and lok lak at the Night Market in Daun Penh, evenings from 6:00 PM, meals $2–$5 (8,000–20,000 KHR).

• Cost: $2–$5.
• Hours: Daily, 5:00 PM–11:00 PM.
• Eco-Friendly Note: Vendors using reusable plates.
• Tip: Highlighted in Legend Travel Group’s Phnom Penh Food Safari ($50–$80).

Prime visiting window is November to February (cool, dry season) for pleasant temps and festivals like Water Festival. Steer clear of April-May (hot) or July-October (wet), though off-peak means fewer crowds and deals. March or June shoulders provide mild weather and value.

Phnom Penh, with its international airport 10 km from Daun Penh, offers multiple access points:

• By Air: Direct flights from HCMC ($50–$100 or 1,250,000–2,500,000 VND/200,000–400,000 KHR, 1 hour). Airport transfer: Tuk-tuk $8–$12 (32,000–48,000 KHR, 30 minutes) or eco-ride shares.
• By Train: Limited services; consider bus for direct HCMC links.
• By Bus: Top choice from HCMC (6-8 hours, $15–$35 or 375,000–875,000 VND/60,000–140,000 KHR) to central stations in Daun Penh.
• By Private Car: From HCMC (5-7 hours, $80–$120 or 2,000,000–3,000,000 VND/320,000–480,000 KHR). Arrange via Legend Travel Group.
• By Boat (Seasonal): Mekong ferries from nearby ($20–$40 or 500,000–1,000,000 VND/80,000–160,000 KHR).
• Local Mobility: Rent e-bikes in Daun Penh ($4–$6/day or 16,000–24,000 KHR). Navigation Tip: Use offline apps like Maps.me for “Royal Palace, Daun Penh, Phnom Penh.” Parking: $0.50–$1 (2,000–4,000 KHR).
• Eco-Friendly Note: Bus or e-tuk-tuks for minimal impact.
• Travel Tip: Bus excels in affordability and views.

Essential packing for a responsible escape:

• Clothing: Breathable outfits, modest covers for temples; rain poncho ($3–$6 or 12,000–24,000 KHR) for showers; sandals.
• Sun Protection: High-SPF lotion, wide-brim hat.
• Travel Essentials: Refillable bottle, compact fan ($4–$8 or 16,000–32,000 KHR), insect spray ($1 or 4,000 KHR), masks.
• Tech Gear: Phone with translation apps, power bank ($15–$25 or 60,000–100,000 KHR); local SIM ($5–$10 or 20,000–40,000 KHR).
• Documents: Passport, e-visa printouts; secure wallet ($6–$10 or 24,000–40,000 KHR).
• Eco-Friendly Items: Cloth bag for markets; natural toiletries.
• Extras: Light meds; energy bars.
  Tip: Pack minimally for easy bus hauls.

Costs for Best Bus Companies from HCMC to Phnom Penh & Exploring

Bus Costs

• Economy: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND/60,000–100,000 KHR).
• Premium: $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND/80,000–120,000 KHR).
• Luxury Vans: $25–$35 (625,000–875,000 VND/100,000–140,000 KHR).

Entry and Activity Fees

• Royal Palace: $10 (40,000 KHR).
• Wat Phnom: $1 (4,000 KHR).
• Market Buys: $2–$8 (8,000–32,000 KHR).
• Street Food: $2–$5 (8,000–20,000 KHR).
• River Cruise: $5–$10 (20,000–40,000 KHR).
• Bike Rental: $3–$6/day (12,000–24,000 KHR).
• Local Beverages: $0.50–$2 (2,000–8,000 KHR).
• Souvenirs: $3–$10 (12,000–40,000 KHR).
• Eco-Guided Tour: $15–$30 (60,000–120,000 KHR).

Total Daily Cost (Per Person, Post-Arrival)

• Budget: $20–$40 (bus fare, food, bike).
• Mid-range: $50–$80 (tuk-tuk, cruise, tour).
• Luxury: $100–$150 (private rides, premium experiences).
  Tip: Bus $15–$35; activities $1–$10; our tours add eco-value.

• Operators: Giant Ibis for reliability; Mekong Express for frequency.
• Schedules: Daily; 6-8 hours with border.
• Booking: Advance online; prepare for customs.
• Sustainability: Bus shares reduce emissions.
• Navigation: Terminal to center $3–$5 tuk-tuk.
• Weather: Dry season for smooth rides.
• Cultural Note: Learn basic Khmer greetings.
• Legend Tours: Station meet-and-greets available.

Dive into our green offerings upon Phnom Penh arrival:

• Phnom Penh Heritage Quest ($80–$120/person, 1 day): Electric tuk-tuk to Royal Palace, Central Market, with ethical lunch ($3–$6 or 12,000–24,000 KHR). Guide, bus coordination included.
• Mekong Riverside Eco-Walk ($70–$100/person, 1 day): Quay stroll, Wat Phnom visit, river cleanup insight, sustainable meal. Features expert, eco-transfers.
• Cambodia Explorer with Siem Reap ($250–$400/person, 4 days): Phnom Penh highlights to Angkor Wat, eco-lodges. Meals, green transports covered. Prices encompass guides, low-impact moves, entries. 20% discount for groups of 6+! Register an account to bookmark and follow for tailored alerts.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant riverside capital drawing millions annually, is perfectly accessible via the best bus companies from HCMC to Phnom Penh, such as Giant Ibis ($20–$35 or 500,000–875,000 VND/80,000–140,000 KHR, 6-8 hours), where the border-crossing route through verdant landscapes sets the stage for royal discoveries and cultural immersion. Premium buses ensure a comfortable gateway to this Southeast Asian treasure. Legend Travel Group’s Phnom Penh Tours weave eco-responsibility with expert guidance, ensuring a sustainable Phnom Penh Travel experience that connects you deeply with Cambodia while supporting local vitality. From bus-integrated pickups to bespoke adventures, Phnom Penh awaits as a gateway to enriching explorations. Sign up for your free account today to follow our guides, track favorites, and unlock exclusive eco-journeys—contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to start your sustainable story!

By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group