Getting from Phnom Penh to Chau Doc

About the ride from Phnom Penh to Chau Doc

After getting to know Cambodian culture, history, and lifestyle, it’s time for the next country on your list. Chau Doc is the perfect base for the start of your adventure in Vietnam.

When traveling the 110 kilometer (69 mile) distance between Phnom Penh and Chau Doc, 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.

The most popular way to travel between Phnom Penh and Chau Doc is on a ferry boat. It’s a faster and more scenic ride, compared to traveling on a minivan. You can choose between standard ferry tickets, or booking an entire boat for your family or a group of friends. There are private ferry rides available for groups of 6, 8, 12, 16, or 22 travelers.

You’ll also be crossing the border at the Kaam Samnor - Vinh Xuong border crossing. In order for your trip to go seamlessly, it’s best if you arrange all documents before you board the ferry.  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 Chau Doc 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. Chau Doc is busiest during January when the weather conditions are nice, sunny, and not too warm.

 

What to see when traveling from Phnom Penh to Chau Doc

If you’re traveling between Phnom Penh and Chau Doc on a ferry, you’re in for a scenic ride. You’ll be traveling along 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.

Chau Doc is a small, pastel-colored town, but it doesn’t mean you won’t have fun during your stay here. The top attraction around here is the Sam Mountain, located 7 kilometers outside of the city. The mountain is considered a pilgrimage site because there are several shrines and temples scattered around the hills. The most important place is the Ba Chua Xu temple, which is also home to a festival that’s held here every year between April and June.

One historically significant spot is the Tuc Dup Hill, where the US forces failed to stop small-scale attacks in the delta. This hill was dominated by the Viet Cong during the US assault, which lasted for four months. Below the hill, you’ll find the graves and memorials.

Tra Su Bird Sanctuary is a place you should visit if you want to admire the beauty of this area. There’s a 23-meter high observation tower, where you can enjoy a view over the entire reserve and the beautiful countryside around it.

Similar to many other small, rural towns in Vietnam, Chau Doc also has a floating market where you can do almost anything you can think of. The market expands to a couple of streets outside of the water and you can find local products, spices, and handicrafts.

 

How to get from Phnom Penh to Chau Doc

Taking a ferry

The fastest and most convenient way to travel between Phnom Penh and Chau Doc is on a ferry boat. You can choose between a variety of options suitable for different budgets. You can also book a private ferry boat transfer for a family or group of friends. There are private ferries available for groups of 5, 8, 12, 16, or 22 passengers. All ferries are equipped with A/C, reclining seats, and toilets on board. They usually take around 5 hours to arrive in Chau Doc. 

Taking a minivan 

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