Cambodia is one of Vietnam's closest trading partners, and most goods between the two countries move by road. If you are shipping from Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong or the Mekong Delta to Phnom Penh or elsewhere in Cambodia, this guide covers what you need to know.
1. Choose the right border gate
There are several international road border gates between Vietnam and Cambodia. For commercial cargo the most important are:
- Moc Bai – Bavet: the main corridor on National Highway 22 / Cambodian NR1. Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh is roughly 230 km.
- Xa Mat – Trapeang Phlong: convenient for Tay Ninh and north-eastern Cambodia.
- Tinh Bien – Phnom Den: for cargo from An Giang and the Mekong Delta to Takeo and Phnom Penh.
- Ha Tien (Xa Xia) – Prek Chak: the coastal route to Kampot, Kep and Sihanoukville.
The best gate depends on your pickup point, delivery point and cargo type, because customs capabilities differ between gates.
2. Prepare the right documents
For a standard commercial export from Vietnam to Cambodia you will usually need:
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Sales contract or purchase order
- Certificate of Origin Form D, so your buyer can claim preferential duty under the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA)
- Specialised licences or certificates for regulated goods (food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, plants)
Errors in HS codes, quantities or consignee details are the most common causes of delays at the border. Having your forwarder check the documents before pickup saves time and money.
3. FTL or LTL?
If you have a full load, a dedicated truck (FTL) is fastest. For smaller shipments, less-than-truckload (LTL) consolidation lets you share space and cost with other shippers.
4. How long does it take?
Driving time from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh is around 6–8 hours. Including export clearance in Vietnam and import clearance in Cambodia, door-to-door delivery typically takes 1–3 days. Regulated goods that require inspection can take longer.
5. What affects the cost?
- Truck type and whether you book a full truck or share space
- Pickup and delivery locations
- Customs services required on each side and Cambodian import duties/VAT
- Special handling: temperature control, dangerous goods, oversized cargo