Kratie to Long Xuyen Drive: Best Stops & Routes Guide

Kratie, Cambodia’s sleepy Mekong riverside town, sits opposite Long Xuyen in Vietnam’s An Giang province. The drive between them covers roughly 320 kilometers (200 miles) and normally takes six to seven hours, depending on border crossing time and traffic. This route cuts across the flat, fertile floodplain of the Mekong Delta, crossing the Cambodian-Vietnamese border at the Vinh Xuong/Xa Mat checkpoint.

The landscape transitions from Kratie’s deep-green riverine backdrop to the vast emerald rice paddies of southern Cambodia, then into Vietnam’s canal-laced delta. Temperatures typically range from 25°C to 35°C year-round, with a November-to-February dry season that offers the most comfortable conditions. The wet season (May to October) brings heavier rains that can flood some sections, so plan accordingly.

Geographically, this journey skirts the western edge of the Mekong Delta, a region shaped by the river’s silt. In Cambodia, the dominant feature is the Mekong’s main channel, which you parallel for the first hour out of Kratie. Keep an eye out for the Irrawaddy dolphin habitats near Kampi, a conservation area that can be visited as a detour. Crossing into Vietnam, the landscape morphs into a grid of canals and channels, with floating markets and water hyacinths floating by.

Commerce along the route is small-scale but authentic. In Cambodia, roadside stalls sell fresh coconuts, sticky rice on bamboo, and 'num banh chok' (Khmer noodles). In Vietnam, the delta’s specialties—'bánh xèo' (crispy pancakes), 'hủ tiếu' (noodle soup), and fresh tropical fruit—appear at market towns like Chau Doc, which is well-known for its Cham Muslim community and floating fish farms. Near Long Xuyen, the local specialty is 'cá linh' (a small freshwater fish) and 'bánh phồng tôm' (shrimp crackers). These local economies rely on the river; don't be surprised to see boats as the primary 'transport' for produce.

Road conditions in Cambodia are generally acceptable, but in Vietnam, some cement roads can be narrow with wooden bridges that are one-lane. Park in designated areas at populated towns; while crime rates are low, petty theft at stalls isn't unheard of. For families, the route offers several child-friendly spots: the Kratie dolphin pool is a gentle off-road stop, and the Hung Kings Temple in Long Xuyen has a plaza for kids to run. For those traveling with pets, note that vaccinations are required at the border; bring the vet certificate. Many local guesthouses accept pets, but policy varies—contact ahead.

Fatigue is the biggest risk on this long stretch. Rest stops are sparse between Snuol and the border—roughly 2.5 hours without significant cafes. Plan to stop in Snuol (if coming from Kratie) or in Chau Doc on the Vietnamese side. In both countries, traffic generally flows slower in the wet season and during harvest times (when tractors share the road). Also, observe local driving quirks: Cambodian drivers often use horns to signal overtaking, while Vietnamese motorcyclists weave without signals. If you want to discover additional hidden gems, check out our guide on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The journey begins in Kratie on National Road 7, which starts as a two-lane highway wide enough for trucks. After 90 kilometers, at Snuol, you merge onto National Highway 1 toward Phnom Penh. The section from Snuol to the border is mostly in good shape but may have potholes near truck stops. After crossing into Vietnam at Vinh Xuong, the road becomes Provincial Road 945, which runs southward through rice fields and small villages to Long Xuyen. Road surfaces vary: asphalt in Cambodia, with some gravel stretches in the delta. In Vietnam, cement-concrete sections are the norm.

Fuel costs differ notably: Cambodia leans on US-dollar pricing, while Vietnam sells per liter in Vietnamese dong. As of recent months, gasoline runs about 4,000 riel (1 USD) per liter in Cambodia, while Vietnamese fuel is around 20,000-23,000 dong (roughly 1 USD) per liter. Given the 320 km distance, expect a full-tank stop before the border or right after into Vietnam. Both sides have ample stations, but hours can vary at night; the major stops like Snuol and Chau Doc (on the Vietnamese side) are reliable. No tolls apply on this route, aside from nominal border road fees—Cambodia charges a 'visa on arrival' fee for some nationalities, and Vietnam may require a vehicle entry fee. Carry USD or dong for incidentals, but credit cards are rarely used at border stalls.

• Cambodia: National Highway 7, then National Highway 1
• Vietnam: Provincial Road 945
• Border checkpoint: Vinh Xuong (Vietnam) / Xa Mat (Cambodia)
• No motorway tolls, but border processing fees apply
• Fuel stations available every 30–50 km