Can Gio to Poipet: A Cross-Country Drive Guide

Can Gio's mangrove forests, a UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve, lie on the coast, while Poipet sits at the Cambodia-Thailand border, separated by over 700 km of shifting landscapes. This guide covers the road trip across southern Vietnam and Cambodia, focusing on practical details like driving times, fuel costs, and must-see stops.

The route takes you through the Mekong Delta, across the border at Moc Bai, and then along National Road 5 and National Road 6 in Cambodia. Driving times vary with border procedures and road conditions, but the total trip is typically 16-18 hours of pure driving.

Starting in Can Gio, the landscape transitions from salty mangroves to the rice paddies of the Mekong Delta. Once past Phnom Penh, you'll see flat farmland dotted with sugar palms - a classic Cambodian scene. Along the way, consider a short detour to Angkor Basset Temple near Krailanh, an underrated ruin on NH5.

For food, stick to local markets and roadside stalls to try regional specialties like Cambodian amok or Vietnamese hu tieu. In urban areas, restaurants cater to many tastes, but in rural stretches, options are limited.

Road conditions are generally safe, but be cautious of livestock and unlit vehicles at night. Avoid driving after dark, especially on NH6 between Sisophon and Poipet. For families, major towns like Phnom Penh have parks and child-friendly attractions (e.g., the Riverside), but longer stretches offer few dedicated rest areas. Pet-friendly options exist in larger hotels, but restaurants rarely accommodate pets.

Plan rest stops every 2-3 hours; designated rest zones are rare, so use petrol stations and markets as de facto stops. To beat fatigue, carry snacks and change drivers if possible. Hidden gems off the main route include Kampong Speu's mountain streams and the quirky Poipet border market.

For planning, use our guide to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

To drive from Can Gio, you must first take a ferry across the Soai Rap River - the only vehicle access. From there, follow QL50 to My Tho, then QL1A toward Phnom Penh. The border crossing at Moc Bai (Vietnam) and Bavet (Cambodia) is straightforward, but expect paperwork for vehicle import. After Cambodia's capital, continue on NH5 to Sisophon, then NH6 north to Poipet.

• Vietnam national roads QL50 and QL1A are well-paved but busy with motorbikes.
• Cambodia's NH5 and NH6 are two-lane highways with moderate traffic; road conditions are good but deteriorate near Poipet.
• Fuel costs in Vietnam are higher than Cambodia; fill up before crossing the border.

Currency exchange: use Vietnamese dong up to the border, then switch to Cambodian riel or US dollars, which are widely accepted.