Phnom Penh to Long Xuyen Road Trip Guide: 2025

The drive from Phnom Penh to Long Xuyen follows the Mekong River for much of the way, and it's a journey that reveals the rhythm of delta life. You'll cross the Cambodia–Vietnam border at the Kaam Samnor–Vinh Xuong crossing on the Tien River, a little-known alternative to the busier Moc Bai crossing. This route is approximately 190 kilometers (118 miles) and can be done in about 4 hours, depending on border procedures and road conditions.

Along this corridor, you'll share the road with buses, motorbikes, and livestock-laden trucks, so patience is key. The road surface is mostly pothole-free asphalt, but sections near the border are temporarily patched, so expect sudden bumps.

The route passes through flat, fertile landscape, with the Mekong's arms branching off in every direction. Historically, this area was part of the Khmer Empire, and you'll see remnants of that influence in the architecture and place names. One quirky local driving habit: many Cambodian drivers use their horn as a courtesy signal rather than a warning, so don't be alarmed.

Here's how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities – we'll dive into some of those below.

The scenery is dominated by the Mekong's flat floodplain, crisscrossed by canals and shrimp farms. As you approach Long Xuyen, you'll see orchards and rice paddies, but the most striking feature is the vast water lily fields that bloom from December to February, usually around the Chau Doc area. These bright purple flowers blanket the canals, making for great photo stops.

Along the route, you'll find local markets that operate on the water – the Tonle Bati market, just 30 km south of Phnom Penh, is a start. In Vietnam, the Cai Be floating market is a detour east, but the Vinh Xuong market is a smaller, less touristy alternative where you can buy fresh fruits and Khmer-influenced snacks.

In the things to do between Phnom Penh and Long Xuyen category, consider a stop at the Phnom Da historical site, about 10 km west of the border. This hilltop temple offers views of the delta and is a throwback to pre-Angkorian times. Another hidden gem is the Tra Su Bird Sanctuary, a flooded forest accessible by boat, about 20 km from Long Xuyen – a haven for birdwatchers.

Local commerce is lively, with floating gas stations and small groceries. Traditional Khmer Khmau villages along the Cambodian side still practice ancestral basket weaving – you can buy a simple woven pallet for about $3.

Road safety is generally good, but hazards include livestock crossings and unmotorized vehicles. Keep an eye out for water buffalo on the Cambodian sections. The road is almost entirely flat, so fatigue can creep in quietly – plan a rest break every two hours. The Kampong Ro bridge area, about 50 km from Phnom Penh, has a small rest area with shaded benches.

For families, there are several child-friendly stops: the Sokimex petrol station complex near Neak Leung has a clean playground, and the Vinh Xuong border area has a riverfront park. On the Vietnamese side, the My Tho Riverfront in Long Xuyen offers boat rides and fresh coconut drinks.

Pets are relatively easy to travel with, but keep in mind that vaccination certificates are required at the border. Some hotels in Long Xuyen are pet-friendly, but check in advance. At rest stops, keep pets leashed to avoid encounters with stray dogs.

For fatigue management, it's vital to drink enough water and take short walks. The town of Tan Chau, about 30 km before Long Xuyen, has a welcoming market area with energy drinks and street food.

Local cuisine: try the famous Long Xuyen thot not (coconut) dishes, particularly the coconut noodles, a regional specialty.

The route uses Cambodia's National Road 1 (NH1) from Phnom Penh to the border, then Vietnam's QL91 and QL80 to Long Xuyen. NH1 is a major artery, well-maintained and marked, but expect heavy truck traffic near the border. The border post is open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Cambodia time), and you'll need a visa or eVisa for Vietnam; process takes about 30-60 minutes.

Fuel costs are lower in Cambodia, so fill up before crossing; as of 2025, gasoline is around $1.10/litre in Cambodia vs. $1.30 in Vietnam. The total fuel cost for this drive (in a small car) is roughly $15-20.

• Driving time: ~4 hours without border waits
• Road quality: Good overall, minor undulations
• Border crossing: Kaam Samnor (Cambodia) / Vinh Xuong (Vietnam)
• Ferry crossing: None on this route

Many drivers ask: is it worth driving Phnom Penh to Long Xuyen? Yes, because it lets you explore the Mekong Delta at your own pace, with quick access to off-beat villages. If you're wondering how long to drive Phnom Penh to Long Xuyen, the answer is 4 to 5 hours including stops.

Tolls on the Vietnam side are minimal – under 100,000 VND ($4) for a small car. You'll also need to purchase Vietnamese mandatory insurance at the border if your vehicle isn't already covered.