Forms of Transportation from Cambodia to Vietnam

The historic port of the ancient town of Hoi An

Throughout the 9 day-journey from Cambodia to Vietnam, different forms of transportation were utilized.

Of course, the first form was our airplane ride from Manila to Siem Reap via CebuPacific Air. Then we rode a cab towards our inn in Siem Reap.

Quick Travel Essentials Shot at the airport

The new form of transportation we used was the Cambodian version of the tuktuk. It's like a large tricycle that can accommodate around 6 pax. The tuktuk is the main form of transportation in Siem Reap. Thus, it was what we used when transferring to and from the inn. It can be a really chilly ride during the wee hours in the morning. But as the sun rises, it's usually windy and a bit dusty.

The transfer from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh would have to be the roughest and longest 8 hour-public bus ride of my life. We left Siem Reap at around 1 in the afternoon, and it was really hot inside the bus, as if there were no air-conditioning units at all. I slept for less than half of the journey, and was wide awake during most of it because the bus moved very fast and would stop abruptly when dropping off or boarding passengers. The seat belts were broken, as well as the button for reclining the back rest. It was also very dusty because of the unpaved roads! You would most definitely want to cover your face during the journey. Come nighttime, the air-conditioning units seemed to have suddenly appeared out of nowhere because it was insanely and inhumanely cold for the rest of the ride. We had 2 bus stops along the way. However, in both stopovers, we didn't want to try our luck with the food they were serving. And mind you, the water closets are really dirty, wet and of the old Asian style, which is basically urinating or defecating by squatting on the floor.

When touring in Phnom Penh, tuktuk was still the primary form of transportation. Although, there were also a few taxis available.

Mekong Express Private Van interior

During our transfers to Ho Chi Minh from Phnom Penh, we boarded a Mekong Express private van with a maximum capacity of 11 pax. It was a really comfortable ride. Read more about it here at Crossing the Boarder.

Mai Linh Taxi

At Ho Chi Minh, taxis are the more common form, although people there prefer walking. Two of the taxi companies we tried were Mai Linh (with the iconic green and white body paint) and Vina (with the iconic yellow body paint) taxis, which were also the two most recommended taxi companies in Vietnam. Tourists are usually the ones who avail of the services of the modified rickshaw, in which Vietnam is known for. We tried riding one only once just so we could get to experience it. It's pretty hard to describe, so just refer to the photo below.

Modified Rickshaw - suggested for short distances

Traditional Rickshaw

From Ho Chi Minh, we took a flight to Hue, where taxis are still the common form of transportation, apart from tourist buses. Or you could rent a bicycle for a whole day for 15 USD.

Private Boat cruise along Perfume River

Groufie with the boat

In Hue, we tried the famous river cruise along the Perfume River. We hired a private boat to take us to different tourist destinations which can be accessed from the river for 150,000 VD. It's a must try for tourists who are willing to enjoy the slow cruise along the river than go through the city on board taxis.

Reunification Express Train - soft berth

We booked a nighttime schedule at the Reunification Express Train to Danang. A ticket for the soft berth costs 66,000 VD/pax. We took the 19.55 schedule, but was delayed for about an hour. The train was relatively old. The seats we were in had broken recliners and faulty seat belts. To make matters a little worse, the passengers behind us both had their feet resting on our arm rests, and they smelled. There was a small table in front of our seats, but it was dirty and had trash in it. It was kind of hot, too. Thankfully, I was still able to fall asleep the whole time. I did not dare use the loo. The journey took us roughly 3 hours, and we arrived at Danang before midnight.

Danang Station

At Danang, you can rent a bicycle to go around the city or just ride a cab/taxi. But we chose to walk around the city since we really wanted to take in the new environment and not always be at a rush to go places. We hired a cab we found just along Danang Beach to take us to the ancient town of Hoi An with a short stopover at Marble Mountains. We paid 117,500 VD/pax.

Rickshaw at Hoi An

Hoi An is known as the Walking and Cycling City. So, you just basically stroll around, or rent a bicycle for 25,000 VD/pax for 1 hour. Don't fret with the couple of zeros, because I promise you, it's all worth it!

Cycling around Hoi An

We then had our flight back to Ho Chi Minh City from Danang, and there we stayed for another night, then back to the Philippines.