Travel from Vietnam to Cambodia by motorbike- Top things to know!

Best time to visit Cambodia

Cambodia’s climate is quite similar to that of southern Vietnam, with two distinctive seasons: rainy and dry seasons. The best time to visit Cambodia is from November to February when it’s cool and sunny with rain sometimes. From November onwards, visitors to Cambodia have the chance to attend the country’s largest and most celebrated festival ” Bon Om Touk (known as Water Festival) with the local people. Besides, April is when Khmer people celebrate their New Year with a diverse range of activities that one shouldn’t miss.

How to travel from Vietnam to Cambodia on the road

It’s easy and convenient to book a flight from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh city to Cambodia, yet traveling on the road will give travelers more interesting and memorable experiences and memories. Previously, the paperwork for tourists who want to travel from Vietnam to Cambodia by motorbike was quite easy and quick, yet now tourists have to register with the travel agency (where they stay) and have a driving license accepted in Cambodia.

Travel from Vietnam to Cambodia by motorbike

As mentioned above, travelers are required to register with the travel  agency in the area where they stay in advance and own a driving license recognized in Cambodia in order to cross the border by motorbike.

Traveling from Vietnam to Cambodia  by motorbike via scenic routes and uncharted places

Working through a professional Vietnam motorbike tour operator with a border-crossing service like BM Travel Adventure will be a smart choice. We have a variety of all-terrain motorcycles for rent like Honda XR150L, Honda CRF250L, and Suzuki DRZ400… (all of which are registered in Vietnam) and host border-crossing motorbike tours with scenic routes which are less visited by tourists. If booking our tour, you won’t have to worry about vehicle papers yet enjoy the trip in your own way.

Travel from Vietnam to Cambodia by bus

It takes only six hours to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh and 10 to 11 hours from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap. Many companies offer bus services from Ho Chi Minh to Cambodia: Sapaco, Mai Linh express, Thesinhtourist, or Kumho Samco Buslines.

Travel to Cambodia through border gates 

Moc Bai (Tay Ninh) ” Bavet (Svay Rieng)

Many buses are departing from this border gate to Phnom Penh. Normally, the bus companies should be in charge of doing the entry and exit procedures for tourists. The procedures at the border gate take around 40 minutes to one hour.

Vinh Xuong (An Giang) ” Khaorm Sam nor

One of the most enjoyable ways to travel from Vietnam to  Cambodia by motorbike is to cross the Vinh Xuong border just northwest of Chau Doc in An Giang along the Mekong river. This is the only border gate in Vietnam that enables you to have a boat journey to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. From here you can also book a bus to the city.

Tinh Bien (An Giang) ” Phnom Den (Takeo)

Chau Doc is about 25 km southwest of the border gate. From here, there are two-way buses from Phnom Den to Chau Doc, costing about 8 U.S dollars each.

Xa Xia (Kien Giang) ” Prek Chak (Kampot)

Ha Tien is only 6 km from the border gate, and there is no bus in between, yet it is easier and more convenient to order xe om (motorbike taxi). From the border gate, travelers can head to Kep or Kampot for only 7$ to 8$ if they use a motorbike taxi, 20-25$ for a taxi, and only 3$ ” 5$ if traveling by bus. You can share the motorbike taxi with your companion if you travel on a budget. The cost is 9$-10$ for two.

There are other international border gates in Vietnam that travelers can use to enter Cambodia, yet it’s not suitable for tourists, so we just recommend the gates mentioned above.

Traveling from Vietnam to Cambodia  by motorbike is  a great way to discover wonderful  places in these two countries

Top things to do and see in Cambodia 

Phnom Penh

This is one of the must-see destinations while you are in Cambodia ” the capital city of Phnom Penh. This is where the three rivers, Mekong (the world’s twelfth largest river), Bassac, and Tonle Sap  meet. Phnom Penh is both peaceful, friendly, and rich in culture, architecture, religion, and cuisine. Don’t miss the following attractions while you are traveling in Phnom Penh:

The Royal Palace of Cambodia with throne hall, moonlight pavilion, silver pagoda, Khemarin palace, gardens, Wat Phnom pagoda, Campuchia National Museum, Independence Monument, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Choeung Ek killing field, Cambodian Living Arts’ theatre show, Phnom  Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center and Olympic stadium.

Tourists like Thailand, Laos, and Malaysia should learn some do’s and don’ts of etiquette while visiting religious sites. When you are visiting temples, palaces, and pagodas, you should dress modestly by wearing long pants and covering your shoulders, so shorts or skirts are not allowed. Those who violate the rule will be stopped by the tourism police. We recommend visitors buy a piece of sarong to cover their legs and protect them from the sun and heat at noon.

From the late afternoon, you can start enjoying a more busy and dynamic lifestyle here. Along the breezy Sisowath Quay river shore is a plethora of bars, pubs, restaurants, and coffee shops of various styles for you to choose from. You can sit down, have a beer or a cup of coffee, and try some local dishes while watching the world go by.

Crunchy deep-fried insects, crepes, mango smoothies, durian, and Angkor beer are must-try food and drinks while you are in this exciting city.  If you like shopping, Phnom Penh has a Russian market with big brands like CK, Levis, and Polo… for you to choose from.

Siem Reap

Once the capital of the Khmer kingdom, Siem Reap today is a dynamic and modern city that still preserves the beauty of history and mysterious religion. The ancient city still well beholds its glory. As a city that attracts the most number of visitors in Cambodia, Siem Reap is home to several national treasures like Wat Bo pagoda, Wat Preah Prom Rath, Angkor National Museum, and Angkor silk farm.

While Wat Preah Prom Rath has complicated and delicate sculpture statues, Old Market offers a wide range of products ” from small souvenirs to commodities. Remember to ask about the price and bargain before buying.

Siem Reap is where we can enjoy the nightlight in an exciting way. The pub street with the electronic music performed by Filipino bands, barbecue food, Angkor beer, and endless stories from our travel companions will make our experience in Cambodia memorable. Tourists can also try relaxing foot massages in shops near markets and pub streets. This will be an excellent treat after a long day with a lot of walking.

In Siem Reap, travelers can also rent a bicycle to go around and discover less touristy corners of the city or try the once-in-the-lifetime experience of flying hot air balloons above the fascinating landscape of beautiful rice fields, palm trees, and temples in Siem Reap.

Meanwhile, Angkor Wat, the 7th wonder of the world, about 6 km north of Siem Reap, will mesmerize visitors with its spectacular and mysterious beauty. This complex is divided into different areas, including Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Little Circuit ” Big Circuit, Roluos and a range of temples.

Angkor Wat is Angkor’s most impressive and best-known temple, the best preserved of all the Angkor monuments, with 398 rooms inter-connected by a corridor measuring about 1,500m. Above it sit 5 towers among which the highest is 65m and the other four surrounding towers at 40m height. All along the temple, visitors will be mesmerized by the living artworks, including the giant sculpture reliefs and pillars, doors, windows, ceiling, roof, and corridors with skillful and delicate patterns of ancient Khmer people. With ancient architecture, intricate patterns and exquisite temples, the Angkor Wat complex is an endless inspiration for photographers and photo lovers.

Visitors should take time in this complex in order to fully experience and understand it. One of the highlights of the trip to Angkor Wat is the guide service which enables visitors to learn about legends and engaging stories. This destination opens from 5 am until 5.30 pm so you can go here to watch the sunset or sunrise.

Angkor Thom, covering 9 square kilometers, has five big entrance gates which are all alike so if you travel in a group, remember to stick with the group so as not to get lost. Being well-known as the last capital of the Khmer Empire, this comprises of residences of priests, officials of the palace and military as well as administration buildings of the kingdom. This is home to valuable statues and bas-relief depicting the gods, goddesses and otherworldly beings, actual known animals and creatures along with the ancient Phnom Bakheng temple sitting on the top of a hill, Baphuon temple or Elephant Terrace, Terrace of the Leper King,…

The first impression that one has of Angkor Thom is the giant Buddhist statue with a warm, smiley face that gives visitors a great sense of peace, tranquility, and joy. Along the corridors are the sculpture statues of Apsara women with gorgeous beauty and charming Apsara dance. One would be amazed by the delicateness of these statues.

The Small Circuit comprises several big and small temples with the most popular one being Ta Prohm. It was used as the film set for Angelina Jolie’s movie “Tomb Raiderâ€, therefore attracting a large number of visitors nowadays. The structure is covered by the roots of giant ancient trees, making it look like a surreal painting where sacred snakes are embracing and protecting the temple.

Meanwhile, the Big Circuit is less crowded with interesting places like the Preah Khan temple with similar tangled trees above like in Ta Prohm, Neak Pean (situated in the middle of a water reservoir, served as a healing spa), Ta Som, and Pre Rup,… With the ancient wall carved with meticulous patterns, this serves as a perfect background for a shot of the sunset.

Rolous is a small town and an archeological site some 13 km away from Siem Reap. It was once home to Hariharalaya, the first capital of the Khmer Empire. This amazes visitors with the Bakong, Preah Ko, and Lolei temples and Buddhist monasteries with unique architecture.

Other temples and archeological sites which are quite far away from Angkor Wat yet still worth a visit for their exquisite architectural features include Phnom Krom, Ben Mealea and Kbal Spean.

Banlung town 

Banlung is among the various hidden gems of Cambodia that locate just off the beaten path. This dusty, laid-back town lies some 600 km from the capital city of Phnom Penh and is known by locals as “dey kratom†(red earth) for its coating of dusty red soil.

Here we can try exciting local street dishes, including grilled banana, grilled chicken or coconut shake. Visiting spectacular waterfalls, scenic Boeng Yeak Lom crater lake or mines is also worthwhile in this charming town.

Sihanoukville

Cambodia is famous not only for its religious sites but also for its picturesque and serene beaches. From the coastal city of Sihanoukville, visitors can travel to the heavenly resorts and islands, including Koh Rong, Song Saa, and Koh Ta Kiev.  Beautiful beaches with turquoise and clear water, and soft white sand along peaceful atmosphere here will be a perfect treat for travelers to refresh themselves.

Koh Rong has been one of the top destinations in Cambodia for young travelers with wonderful wilderness, soft sand, serene resorts by the shore and the peaceful Koh Tuch village. Just 20km from the busy  Sihanoukville, Koh Rong is a magnificent place and heaven for those who want to have a memorable beach vacation.

Its sister Koh Rong Samloem with a smaller size, is also a charming place to explore. Relaxing in a swing or a hammock under a tree on the beach, a house in the tree will bring you back to nature and give you joy and a great sense of romance.  Song Saa is also known as the island of love, thus drawing a great number of couples coming to visit and experience it.

Experience Cambodian cuisine 

Thanks to a dense network of rivers, Cambodia is rich in fish. Its cuisine is thus heavy on fish and meat (pork and chicken). Ingredients like coconuts, banana, palm sugar, or shallots are also widely used in local dishes.

Some of the must-try dishes while you are on a tasty food tour include fish amok (steamed curried fish), Samlor Karkoo (soup of vegetables mixed with fruits); Samlor Machu Youn (sour soup with fresh fish and tamarind), Bok Svay (green mango salad, usually served with dried fish or prawn) and Num Banchok (cold rice noodles with Cambodian curry).

Check out:  10 Best Vietnamese Vegetarian Dishes You Must Try

Besides, you can also find diverse types of snacks and drinks like fresh fruits, smoothies, and cakes at an affordable price.  It is best to try food in traditional markets because the experience is authentic and interesting yet tourists also need to care about hygiene and safety while eating here.

Travel from Vietnam to Cambodia by motorbike with BM Travel Adventure 

BM Travel Adventure offers various motorbike tours from Vietnam to Cambodia. You just need to contact us to book a tour, and our staff will care for the rest, including route, entry, and exit… Our high-quality tour with exciting routes and authentic experience will leave tourists with lasting memories of beautiful Cambodia.