jet2dresq

Hi!

I'd like to go from Phenom Phen, Cambodia into HCMC, Vietnam by land crossing.
I am an American. What should I expect as far as land crossing border regulations and fees? Any tips on what to bring, what to avoid, and what to do will help greatly!

Also, whats the best way to do the border crossing? Is there a direct bus, train, boat? Thanks!

jet

jet2dresq

Sorry, please let me clarify: I meant tips on what to bring as far as documentation/paperwork to whatever border control office.

Kathie

Take a look at www.talesofasia.com for info on transport.

In terms of documentation, you will, of course, need your passport and you will need to have your VN visa in your passport. You cannot get a visa at the border.

crellston

I have crossed at quite a few land borders in the regions over the years and have noticed that as the years have gone by the regularity of actual and attempted scams at land border has increased dramatically. This has ranged from an "admin" fee of $1 which is quite common in and out of some crossings in Cambodia, Lao and Vietnam, to more exhorbitant amounts , usually for real or invented E&O,s in paperwork. They tried to charge us $200 each to get out of Laos! We negotiated hard but still ended up paying $50 just because the customs official "forgot" one of the stamps on entry.

Going into Cambodia @ Poipet we were told that the fee had to be paid in Thai baht at about 4x the true fee in $ - when we refused the official ripped up our forms nad sent us to the back of the queue. When we reappeared with new forms he stamped them but did not date stamp them. Waiting in line at the actual border post we noticed this and had to walk all the way back to immigration to get them stamped by the same official who found it highly amusing.

My advice is to check stamps, dates & everything as and when it happens. Scams at land borders are a fact of life in the region and whilst it is irritating sometimes it is better just to pay the unofficial fee of $1 just for a smooth transit. Any more and it is worth getting firm but take care not to cause any loss of "face" and keep smiling - pretending it is all a big joke is sometimes the easiest way.

No trains from Cambodia to Vietnam but plenty of boats and buses - easy to arrange once there. In addition to the excellent tales of asia Kathie has recommended, check out http://www.travelfish.org/ for some good info

Scotters

There are two ways to get there. By Bus or by a combination of boat/bus. The cheapest way is bus. Take the Mekong Express (the best of several) and it takes around 6-7 hrs including the boarder stop. Cost about $22. The bus is quite comfortable, has a toilet and there is no bus change at the border.

The other way is to take a boat to Chau Doc and then continue to Saigon by bus or boat/bus. There are 3 boats making the trip to CD. ranging in price from $25-95. My clients say the the mid price boat the Blue Cruise is just fine at $40. All boats leave in the early afternoon and it takes about 5 hrs.

You must have a Vietnam visa and it is a straight forward boarder routine.and I have heard of no scams in crossing over. In both cases (bus or boat) the personnel will help you though.

rtw0910

In order to avoid scams such as the ones detailed above- try to cross borders on week days between the hours of 9am and 5pm if possible...in order to avoid "overtime" fees! The Lao-Camdodian Border and the Thai/Camodian borders seem to be the worst for overcharging, but the bus crossing between Phnom Penn and HCMC is well oiled and you should not encounter any huge upsets. Often these buses wont arrive on time, so dont make any plans in that regard.

Also- bring along some ear plugs as Im not sure you'll warm to the Cambodian/ Vietnamese Kareoke thats played on these buses!!!

Other than that- make sure your Vietnam Visa is in order! You can get this in Phom Penn- but you must know the dates you plan to enter / exit Vietnam!