Getting from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh

About the ride from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh

After exploring Vietnam, you are ready for your next country. It’s time to start exploring Cambodia, and is there a better place to start doing so than Phnom Penh?

When traveling the 110 kilometer (69 mile) distance between Chau Doc and Phnom Penh, you have two options to choose from:

• A unique 5-hour ferry ride on the Mekong River
• A cozy 7-hour minivan ride through the Cambodian countryside

Traveling on a ferry is the most popular way to get from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh, and it’s also a lot more scenic than the minivan ride. You can choose standard ferry tickets, or opt for a private ride. You can book the entire ferry for 5, 8, 12, 16, or 22 passengers and arrive in Phnom Penh in style!

If you’re traveling on a ferry, you’ll be crossing the border at the Vinh Xuong - Kaam Samnor border crossing. It’s best if you have all your documents ready before you go on your trip. Some operators will allow you to get the visa on the crossing, but some require you to arrange all papers before you board the ferry. Make sure to check all details before you book your trip to avoid uncomfortable situations.

The best time to visit Cambodia is between November and April when the weather is nice and sunny and there’s not much rainfall. At other times of the year, humidity is high and the rain falls often.

 

What to see when traveling from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh

If you’re traveling between Chau Doc and Phnom Penh, you’re in for a scenic ride. You’ll be gliding through the waters of the Mekong River, with green scenery all around you. The ferries also have reclining seats, so in case you feel tired, you can grab an hour or two of sleep during your trip.

Even though Phnom Penh is very energetic and exotic to visit, the city has a turbulent and dark history. If you really want to understand Cambodia, there are several sites where you can learn about the brutal Khmer Rouge regime. Some of them are the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields. This won’t be an easy experience for you, but it’s an essential part of Cambodian history.

Even though the city has seen some very difficult times in its recent history, it’s rebuilding itself and the culture. Once you learned enough of the recent difficult history, you can get to know other parts of the local culture. There are several beautiful temples scattered all around town with beautiful golden roofs. A must-see attraction in Phnom Penh is the magnificent Royal Palace.

A great place to learn more about the country’s diverse history is the National Museum, where Khmer dances are often organized. You can also see statues of warriors, clothing, and accessories worn by modern-day farmers, Buddhist figures, and much more.

The city’s street food scene is very interesting and tasty. To really get a feel of the authentic spices and dishes, visit the Phnom Penh Night Market, where you’ll find lots of noodle soups, dried seafood, fruit shakes, grilled meat on sticks, and so much more.

 

How to get from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh

Taking a ferry 

The easiest and fastest way to get from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh is on a ferry. There are several different options suitable for different budgets. You can also book a private ferry transfer for a family or a group of friends. All ferries are equipped with A/C, reclining seats, and toilets on board. They usually take around 5 hours to arrive in Phnom Penh.

 

Taking a minivan

You can also make the journey between Chau Doc and Phnom Penh in a minivan. The minivan journey usually lasts for around 7 hours.