Moc Bai to Bavet Border Crossing: Vietnam to Cambodia Guide 2026
Moc Bai to Bavet is the main crossing between southern Vietnam and Cambodia, on the highway between Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh. It is the standard visa run for people living in Saigon, and the only pairing where both countries’ e-visas are accepted.
Quick Facts
- Vietnam side: Moc Bai, Tay Ninh province, about 70 km from Ho Chi Minh City
- Cambodia side: Bavet, Svay Rieng province
- Hours: 06:00 to 22:00
- Visas: Vietnam e-visa and Cambodia e-visa both valid; Cambodia also offers visa on arrival
Getting There
International buses run several times a day from District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh, stopping at the border while everyone clears immigration. The full trip takes about six to seven hours. For a quick visa run, take a local bus or a car to Moc Bai, cross on foot, and return from Bavet.
Crossing Step By Step
- Clear Vietnamese exit immigration at Moc Bai
- Walk or ride through to the Cambodian checkpoint at Bavet
- Show your Cambodian e-visa, or apply for a visa on arrival, and get stamped in
- To return, stamp out of Cambodia and back into Vietnam with an e-visa listing Moc Bai, or a visa exemption
Bus conductors often collect passports and handle the Cambodian visa for a fee. It is convenient, but you can do it yourself for the official price.
Vietnam Entry Rules For Land Borders
Vietnam does not issue visas on arrival at land borders. You need either a visa exemption for your nationality or an e-visa. The e-visa costs US$25 for a single entry or US$50 for multiple entries and is valid for up to 90 days. The port of entry on your e-visa must match the crossing you actually use, so select it carefully when you apply. Vietnam generally does not allow tourists to extend in-country, so a border run or a new e-visa is the usual way to stay longer.
A multiple-entry e-visa is the smart choice for a visa run, since it lets you leave and re-enter without applying again. See Vietnam visa runs by city and nationality.
Cambodia Entry
Cambodia offers an e-visa (about US$36 in total) or a visa on arrival (about US$30) for a 30-day tourist stay. Most visitors must also complete Cambodia’s e-Arrival card within seven days before arriving. At some land borders, officers ask for small extra payments. Paying the official fee in exact US dollars and asking for a receipt helps.
Bring Proof Of Onward Travel
Border officers on a visa run are deciding one thing: will you leave again on time? A confirmed onward or return booking is the quickest way to answer that. It matters most when you are re-entering a country you only just left, and on the flight leg if your run involves one. See whether Vietnam asks for proof of onward travel.
If you do not want to commit to a real ticket yet, Fast Onward Tickets issues an onward flight reservation in minutes. See our complete guide to proof of onward travel for what officers and airlines accept.
FAQs
Can I do Moc Bai as a same-day visa run?
Yes, if your Vietnamese visa or exemption allows re-entry. Leave early to avoid afternoon queues.
Can I get a Vietnam visa at the border?
No. Arrange an e-visa beforehand.
Do I need to stay in Cambodia overnight?
No, but some travelers prefer a night in Phnom Penh to make the trip less rushed.
Planning another run? See all our border run and land crossing guides, organized by region.
The Bottom Line
Moc Bai to Bavet is the most practical land run from Ho Chi Minh City. Get the right e-visas before you go, and carry proof that you will leave Vietnam again.