Battambang to My Tho Road Trip Guide: Best Stops

The Battambang-to-My-Tho corridor is one of Southeast Asia's most underrated overland routes, but it's not for the faint of heart. This 700-kilometer drive crosses two international borders, three distinct climatic zones, and a patchwork of roads ranging from freshly paved highways to weathered rural byways. The journey typically takes 15 to 18 hours of pure driving time, often split over two days to avoid fatigue.

Before you commit, consider this: the route includes the UNESCO-listed Temple of Preah Vihear (a slight detour near the Cambodian-Thai border) and the vast Tonle Sap lake, which you skirt for the first stretch. The drive also passes through Phnom Penh's sprawling outskirts, where traffic is chaotic but manageable, and then enters Vietnam's rice-bowl region with its endless green paddies. If you love authentic road trips with ever-changing scenery, this drive is worth it; if you prefer smooth, fast motorways, you might be disappointed.

Your route begins on National Highway 5 (NR5) heading southwest from Battambang, which has been upgraded in recent years but still has potholes in rural stretches. You'll pass through Pursat and Kampong Chhnang before hitting the capital, Phnom Penh. From there, you take National Highway 1 (NR1) east towards the Bavet border crossing. After clearing customs, you join Vietnam's QL22 highway, which leads to Ho Chi Minh City, but you'll bypass its center via the Ben Luc – Long Thanh expressway (toll road) and continue south on QL50 to My Tho.

Fuel costs are a major consideration: as of 2025, diesel runs around 4,300 riel ($1.05) per liter in Cambodia and 22,000 VND ($0.90) in Vietnam. A mid-size SUV with a 60-liter tank can cover about 600 km, so you'll need to refuel at least twice. Plan for a full tank before leaving Battambang, and fill up again in Phnom Penh (many stations accept credit cards) and again before crossing into Vietnam to avoid higher prices near the border. Total fuel expenses for the trip are roughly $80–$100, depending on your vehicle's efficiency.

• Driving permits: International Driving Permit (IDP) recommended; mandatory for some rental companies.
• Toll roads: Several on the Vietnamese side, including the expressway near HCMC; total tolls about $15–$20.
• Border paperwork: Vehicle importation requires a carnet de passage; allow 1–2 hours per crossing.
• Restroom stops: Adequate but basic; carry toilet paper and hand sanitizer.

Road quality varies dramatically. Cambodian NR5 is decent but narrow in places, with motorbikes and tractors hogging the lane. The stretch from Kampong Chhnang to Phnom Penh is busier and requires extra caution, especially around dusk. In Vietnam, QL22 is well-maintained but congested with trucks and scooters. The expressway near HCMC is a welcome relief, but be prepared for high tolls. Always buckle up, use headlights even during the day, and avoid night driving on unlit rural roads.

For families, the route is challenging but manageable. Plan for frequent stops (every 2–3 hours) to let kids stretch. Notable rest points include the town of Skuon (famous for its fried spiders, a risky snack for kids) and the Vietnamese city of Tay Ninh, where you can visit the Cao Dai Temple—a colorful, unique religious site that even children find fascinating. On the Vietnamese side, the Ben Duc floating market near My Tho is a highlight, but it's busiest at dawn, so consider an early start.

Fatigue is the biggest hazard. The total driving time is long, so split the journey over two days, stopping overnight in Phnom Penh or Tay Ninh. Use the how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities guide to identify interesting detours. Also, remember that your co-driver should rest while you drive, and vice versa. If you're traveling with pets, note that Cambodia allows dogs and cats with basic health certificates, but Vietnam imposes a 10-day quarantine at the border, so plan accordingly. For a smoother experience, consider flying or taking a bus, but if you crave true road freedom, the journey from Battambang to My Tho offers unforgettable snapshots of rural life.

As you leave Battambang, the flat, arid plains of Battambang province give way to the winding Sangker River and scattered sugar palm forests. Near Pursat, you'll see the Cardamom Mountains on your left, which are home to Cambodia's largest remaining forested area and several ecotourism projects. Along this stretch, you'll encounter floating villages on the Tonle Sap lake if you take a short detour to Kampong Luong, where stilted houses and fish farms flourish.

After Phnom Penh, the landscape transforms into endless emerald rice fields, punctuated by the occasional buffalo herd. Once you cross into Vietnam's Long An Province, you'll drive through the Plain of Reeds, a vast wetland that is a biodiversity hotspot. The final approach to My Tho is lined with fruit orchards and vegetable farms, a testament to the fertile Mekong Delta. Local commerce along the way is vibrant: roadside stalls sell tropical fruits, fresh coconut water, and, in Cambodia, fried crickets and noodles. In Vietnam, you'll find banh mi stands and coffee shops with plastic chairs—perfect for a caffeine break.