Phan Thiet to Prey Veng Drive: Full Route Guide

Begin in Phan Thiet, the coastal hub of Vietnam's Binh Thuan province, and end in Prey Veng, a Cambodian province straddling the Mekong Delta. The 470-km route via QL1A and NR1 crosses two international borders and multiple climatic zones.

This is not a leisurely coastal drive; it's a full-day expedition through agricultural heartlands and rapidly developing provincial towns. The drive typically takes 9-10 hours including border formalities.

The route uses Vietnam's QL1A (National Route 1) from Phan Thiet to Ho Chi Minh City, then QL22 and Cambodian NR1 to Prey Veng. Expect varied road quality: smooth four-lane sections near HCMC, but narrower two-lane stretches in Cambodia with occasional potholes.

Fuel is cheaper in Vietnam (≈24,000 VND/liter) than in Cambodia (≈4,000 KHR/liter) – fill up before crossing. Toll fees on QL1A total about 120,000 VND for a car. No road tolls in Cambodia.

• Key border crossing: Moc Bai (Vietnam) / Bavet (Cambodia), open 07:00–22:00 local time.
• Required documents: vehicle registration, insurance, passport for driver, carnet if applicable.
• Traffic congestion in HCMC is severe during peak hours; plan to leave Phan Thiet by 05:00.

Both countries drive on the right. Observe speed limits: 60-80 km/h in populated areas, 90 km/h on highways. Motorcyclists weave unpredictably, so stay alert. Checkpoints exist near borders; have documents ready.

For families, rest stops are abundant. Vietnam has well-maintained service areas with clean toilets and playgrounds. In Cambodia, state-run rest areas are scarce; use gas stations like Tela or Sokimex for breaks.

• Recommended rest stop: Binh Duong service area (km 170) for coffee and snacks.
• Pet-friendly: Vietnamese hotels and restaurants are accommodating; Cambodian eateries are less so, but 'Pet Friendly' signs are appearing.
• Fatigue: Plan a short nap break at the border town of Bavet before continuing.

Leaving Phan Thiet, the coastline gives way to sandy scrublands and dragon fruit plantations. By the time you reach HCMC, you've passed through the rubber and cashew belts of Dong Nai. North of Moc Bai, the landscape flattens into Cambodia's rice bowl, with endless paddies and sugar palm trees.

Stop at the how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities guide for tips. In Cambodia, small roadside markets sell Kampot pepper, palm sugar, and fresh fruit.

• Best stop for lunch: a Vietnamese pho stall in Trang Bom (km 160) or a Cambodian amok in Bavet town.
• Photography: the Cai Lay market in Vietnam (floating market) is worth a detour.
• Local currency: Dong accepted in border towns, but Riel is standard once inland.