Road Trip Guide: Long Xuyen to Kampong Cham via Vietnam-Cambodia Borders

The drive from Long Xuyen in Vietnam's Mekong Delta to Kampong Cham in Cambodia spans roughly 350 kilometers, crossing the border at Tinh Bien (Vietnam side) and Phnom Den (Cambodia side). This route is notable for its dramatic shift from the rice paddies and canals of the delta to the gently rolling hills and rubber plantations of eastern Cambodia. The journey typically takes 7 to 9 hours by car, depending on border procedures and road conditions. One of the most striking features is the way the Mekong River's tributaries define the landscape, with the Hau River (a branch of the Mekong) visible early on, and later the Tonle Bassac, which the road parallels.

The route primarily follows Vietnam's National Highway 91 (QL91) from Long Xuyen to the border, then transitions to Cambodia's National Highway 1 (NH1) after Phnom Den, continuing to Phnom Penh, then north on NH5 (or NH6) to Kampong Cham. The road quality is generally good on the Vietnamese side, with paved roads that are well-maintained. In Cambodia, NH1 is in fair condition, with some potholes outside urban areas, but it is navigable by standard cars. The border crossing is straightforward; you'll need your passport, vehicle registration, and insurance. It is possible to drive your own vehicle across, but you must obtain a carnet de passage or a temporary import permit.

• Fuel costs in Vietnam are slightly lower than in Cambodia; fill up in Long Xuyen or at the border.
• Toll fees on Vietnam's expressways (if used) are around 100,000 VND (about $4) per toll booth, but there are none on QL91.
• In Cambodia, tolls are negligible, but road quality varies.
• Plan for border formalities to take 30–60 minutes.

Road safety is a primary concern. In Vietnam, expect heavy scooter traffic, especially near towns; drive defensively. In Cambodia, watch for livestock and unlit vehicles at night. Road quality is generally good, but be prepared for occasional potholes and construction zones. For families, there are several child-friendly stops: the Crocodile Farm in Long Xuyen, the Phnom Den hilltop temple with its view of the delta, and the riverside park in Kampong Cham. The route is pet-friendly, but you'll need a pet travel certificate from a veterinarian for crossing the border; keep your pet on a leash at stops.

Fatigue management is key on this long drive. Plan to stop every 2 hours or so. Good rest zones include the highway rest areas near Tinh Bien and the popular tourist stop at the Skun spider market (a tourist attraction of exotic snacks) – though it's slightly off the main route. For a more conventional break, the provincial town of Prey Veng has several coffee shops and restaurants. If you're interested in hidden gems, consider a detour to the village of Kampong Kdei to see the ancient stone bridge, which dates back to the 12th century.

As you leave Long Xuyen, the landscape is dominated by the Bassac River and a network of canals, with rice fields and orchards. Near the border, the terrain becomes slightly elevated with patches of melaleuca forest. Once across, you'll encounter the Mekong Delta's vast floodplain, with villages on stilts and floating markets along the way. A highlight is the town of Neak Loeung, where the new Tsubasa Bridge spans the Mekong River, offering sweeping views. This bridge, opened in 2015, was a major link in the Asian Highway network.

Local commerce thrives along the route, with roadside stalls selling tropical fruits, fried snacks, and Cambodian treats like banana chips and dried fish. In the town of Kampong Cham, the central market is a bustling hub for textiles and crafts. The region is also known for its Khmer-era temples, including the famous bamboo bridge in Kampong Cham (seasonal) and Wat Nokor Bachey, an ancient temple complex integrated with a modern pagoda.