🇻🇳 Ho Chi Minh CityBavet 🇰🇭
Vietnam's HCMC → Cambodia visa run via the Bavet-Moc Bai border is the fastest visa route in SE Asia — often achievable same-day in 8-10 hours. Since 2023 Vietnam has been more restrictive with visa-exempt entries, and expats now typically use e-visa (90-day) OR 3-month Vietnam tourist visa which requires physical exit. This route facilitates that. Agencies handle Cambodia entry visa + return smoothly.
Visa Run Map
🇻🇳 Ho Chi Minh City → 🇰🇭 BavetCurrent restrictions (post-2024)
Vietnam 90-day e-visa costs $25 for single entry, $50 for multiple entry. Must physically exit + re-enter to reset.
What visa does this reset?
90-day Vietnam e-visa reset OR 3-month tourist visa physical exit requirement
Cost breakdown
Agencies + operators
Giant Ibis (HCMC-Phnom Penh direct)
📍 HCMC · ⏱ Same-day possible
Best-known reliable bus operator on this route
Sapaco
📍 HCMC · ⏱ Same-day
DIY (public bus)
📍 HCMC · ⏱ Same-day 10-12h
Requires understanding of border logistics
DIY route guide (step-by-step)
- 107:30 - Depart HCMC via Giant Ibis or Sapaco bus from Pham Ngu Lao
- 210:30-11:30 - Arrive at Moc Bai border
- 311:30-12:00 - Vietnam exit stamp (10-15 min queue)
- 412:00-12:30 - Walk across neutral zone to Bavet (500m)
- 512:30-13:30 - Cambodia entry: pay $30-45 VOA OR use e-visa (~$36)
- 613:30-15:00 - Spend minimum 2 hours in Bavet (lunch + brief tour)
- 715:00-16:00 - Return through Cambodia exit + Vietnam entry (e-visa activated OR new visa-exempt period)
- 816:00-19:00 - Return bus to HCMC
Insider tips
- 💡Apply for Cambodia e-visa online at evisa.gov.kh 3-5 days ahead ($36) to bypass border overcharge
- 💡Apply for Vietnam e-visa online at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn IN ADVANCE for re-entry
- 💡Bring exact USD cash for Cambodia if not using e-visa
- 💡Have return flight from Vietnam as proof of onward travel
Risks + failure modes
- ⚠Cambodian border officials at Bavet may charge $5-10 "processing fees"
- ⚠Vietnam e-visa multiple entry vs single entry — plan accordingly
- ⚠Immigration officer discretion on entry stamps
- ⚠Post-2024 Vietnam has been more restrictive — 3-month tourist visa preferred over exempt
Fly to Bavet
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Frequently asked
Is HCMC-Cambodia visa run still viable in 2026?
Yes — this route is still functional. Best method: hold a 90-day Vietnam e-visa ($25-50) and exit to Cambodia every 90 days to reset. Costs $105-150 total including transport + Cambodia visa. Cheaper than flying out.
How long can I stay in Vietnam on e-visa?
Vietnam e-visa: 90 days single-entry OR 90 days multiple-entry. Costs $25/$50. Vietnam Immigration allows renewal every 90 days by physical exit + re-entry (like this run). No cap on renewals.
Cambodia e-visa vs visa-on-arrival at Bavet?
E-visa online at evisa.gov.kh: $36 total, avoids border scams (Bavet officials demand $5-15 "processing fees"). Visa-on-arrival at Bavet: $30 official + $5-15 unofficial = $35-45. E-visa saves ~$5-10 + border hassle.
Can I stay overnight in Cambodia during this run?
Yes — Bavet has decent-quality hotels ($20-50/night). Some expats extend to 2-3 days for a mini-vacation in Sihanoukville or Kampot (accessible by bus from Bavet in 6-8 hours). Vietnam e-visa is reactivated regardless of Cambodia stay length.