Can Tho to Banlung: Scenic Roads, Markets & Waterfalls

Leaving Can Tho, Vietnam, the Mekong Delta's flat rice paddies give way to the rubber plantations and hill country of Cambodia's Ratanakiri province, ending in Banlung, a town known for its volcanic lakes and ethnic minority villages. The journey spans roughly 300 kilometers and typically takes 7 to 9 hours by car, depending on border crossing times.

For decades, this route was a bumpy afterthought for travelers, but recent road upgrades—especially on the Cambodian side—have transformed it into a viable road trip. One quirk drivers notice immediately: traffic drives on the right in Vietnam but on the left in Cambodia, a switch that demands attention right after the border.

The main route uses National Road 91 from Can Tho to Chau Doc, then crosses the Vinh Xuong border gate into Cambodia, where the road becomes National Route 78, a two-lane highway that climbs toward Banlung. Fuel stations are sparse once you leave Chau Doc, so top up before the border. As of 2025, diesel costs about $0.80 per liter in Vietnam and $0.95 in Cambodia, so fueling on the Vietnamese side can save a few dollars.

• Border crossing at Vinh Xuong (open 7am–5pm) requires a Cambodian visa, obtainable on arrival for $30 plus a passport photo.
• Road conditions: 80% paved, with the last 30 km to Banlung under construction — expect gravel patches and dust in dry season.
• Weather: November to February is cool and dry (20–30°C); March to May is hot (35°C+); monsoon (June–October) brings heavy rain and muddy conditions.

Electric vehicle charging stations are almost nonexistent beyond Chau Doc, so hybrid or petrol vehicles are recommended. International driving permits are recognized in both countries, but check with your rental agency.

The route is generally safe, but watch for livestock and motorbikes, especially near villages. Potholes can appear suddenly on Cambodian sections, so keep your speed between 40–60 km/h. For families, consider a stop at Ka-Tieng Waterfall, a two-tiered cascade with shallow pools safe for children. The nearby O'Pada village offers eco-lodges and a tree-top zipline, but facilities are basic.

For long drives, plan rest stops in Neak Loeung, a midpoint town with restaurants and pleasant riverside views. Here, try a dish of amok fish, a steamed curry in banana leaves. To manage fatigue, take 15-minute breaks every two hours, and use the air-conditioned border casino as a pit stop.

Pet owners should note that both countries require a rabies vaccination certificate and health documents for pets, and border checks may be strict. The journey's scenery—from rice paddies to jungle hills—makes it worth driving, especially for those who enjoy off-the-beaten-path experiences. For more tips on finding unique stops, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Shortly after the border, the terrain changes abruptly: flat delta yields to red-earth hills covered with cashew and rubber trees. Near Banlung, Yeak Laom Lake—a 4,000-year-old volcanic crater filled with crystal-clear water—is a must-see. A downhill path leads to a swimming area, and the lake is considered sacred by the indigenous Tampuan people.

Local markets along the route, especially in Banlung, sell colorful woven textiles and fresh fruit. The Sunday morning market in Banlung is a vibrant hub where hill-tribe communities trade vegetables and crafts. En route, small roadside stalls offer grilled skewers and fruit shakes, but don't expect English menus; learning a few Khmer phrases helps.

For history buffs, a detour to Phnom Dangrek mountain near the border offers ancient temples and war relics, a sharp contrast to the French colonial architecture found in Can Tho's old town.