Top Border Crossings From Cambodia (And Onward Ticket Tips)

As of December 2025, traveling overland from Cambodia remains a popular option for backpackers, digital nomads, and adventure seekers exploring Southeast Asia. Cambodia shares borders with Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, offering scenic routes through jungles, rivers, and bustling highways. However, current geopolitical tensions have drastically impacted options: all land borders with Thailand are closed due to ongoing conflicts, with no immediate reopening in sight. Travelers must fly if heading to Thailand (direct flights from Phnom Penh or Siem Reap to Bangkok remain operational).

This leaves Vietnam and Laos as the primary overland exits. These crossings are generally straightforward, with visas on arrival or e-visas accepted at most points. Bus services, private transfers, and even boat options make them accessible. Below, we’ll cover the top popular crossings, practical details, and essential tips—including how to handle “proof of onward travel” requirements using services like Fast Onward Tickets.

Important Note On Thailand Borders

All major Thailand-Cambodia land crossings (including the busiest Poipet/Aranyaprathet, Koh Kong/Hat Lek, and others) are closed indefinitely as of late 2025. Military tensions have led to suspensions, and advisories recommend avoiding border areas. If your itinerary includes Thailand, book a flight instead—it’s reliable and often affordable via budget carriers like AirAsia or Cambodia Angkor Air.

Top Border Crossings To Vietnam

Vietnam is the most common onward destination from Cambodia, with multiple well-trodden routes connecting Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and southern beaches to Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, or central Vietnam. Buses are frequent and comfortable (often with VIP options), taking 6–12 hours depending on the crossing.

Bavet/Moc Bai (Most Popular)

Route: Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC).
Why Top?: This is the busiest and most efficient crossing, used by the majority of travelers. Direct buses (Giant Ibis, Virak Buntham) run daily, costing $20–$40, with seamless border stops.
Details: Open daily 8 AM–8 PM. Cambodian visas on arrival available; Vietnam requires an e-visa (apply online in advance). Smooth for foreigners, minimal scams.
Travel Time: About 6–7 hours total.
Tip: Book through reputable companies to avoid middlemen hassles.

2. Prek Chak/Xa Xia (Ha Tien Crossing)

Route: Kampot/Kep/Sihanoukville/Koh Rong islands to Ha Tien (Vietnam), then Phu Quoc Island or Mekong Delta.
Why Popular?: Ideal for beach lovers—ferry from Ha Tien to Phu Quoc. Scenic southern route.
Details: Quieter than Bavet, good for motorbikes or taxis. Vietnam e-visa accepted.
Travel Time: 4–6 hours to Ha Tien.

3. Kaam Samnor/Vinh Xuong (Mekong River Crossing)

Route: Phnom Penh to Chau Doc (Mekong Delta).
Why Popular?: Boat option for a scenic river journey.
Details: Speedboats or slow cruises available. Visas handled on board sometimes.

4. Phnom Den/Tinh Bien or O Yadaw/Le Thanh

Less common but viable for remote adventures or motorbike trips.

Vietnam crossings are reliable and tourist-friendly in 2025.

Top Border Crossing To Laos

Cambodia has only one main international land crossing open to foreigners with Laos.

Tropaeng Kreal/Voeung Kam (or Dom Kralor)

Route: Stung Treng (Cambodia) to Don Det/Don Khon (4000 Islands, Laos).
Why Top (and Only Real Option)?: Connects southern Laos’ relaxed islands directly. Popular for overland loops.
Details: Remote but straightforward—buses from Phnom Penh or Kratie to Stung Treng, then minivan/tuk-tuk to border. Laos visa on arrival ($30–$40); Cambodia e-visa accepted.
Travel Time: Full day from Phnom Penh.
Tip: This crossing is chill and scenic—perfect for slowing down in the 4000 Islands.

No other Laos crossings are reliably open or recommended for tourists.

Onward Ticket Tips: Navigating Proof Of Onward Travel

One common hurdle when leaving Cambodia (or entering neighboring countries) is the “proof of onward travel” requirement. Airlines (more than immigration) enforce this strictly—especially on one-way flights into visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations. Immigration at land borders rarely asks, but it’s better to be prepared.

Why Do You Need It?

Airlines risk fines if they carry passengers denied entry, so they check before boarding.
Countries like Thailand (pre-closure), Vietnam, or Laos may theoretically require it, but enforcement is spotty at land borders.
In practice: Flying out of Cambodia? High chance of being asked. Overland bus/boat? Almost never.

Best Solution: Use A Service Like Fast Onward Tickets

Don’t buy expensive throwaway tickets! Legitimate “dummy” or temporary flight reservations are the smart, affordable fix. These are real verifiable bookings (with PNR codes checkable on airline sites) held for 24–48 hours before auto-cancellation.

Fast Onward Tickets stands out as a reliable, fast option in 2025:

Instant delivery (often under 1 minute) via email PDF.
Verifiable on major airlines—looks identical to a real reservation.
Accepted worldwide for check-in, immigration, and visa apps.
Affordable (around $10–$20), with flexibility for dates/routes.
Positive reviews highlight quick support and peace of mind for spontaneous travelers.

How to Use It:

Before your flight/bus departure, visit fastonwardtickets.com.
Enter your details, desired onward route (e.g., Phnom Penh to Bangkok or HCMC to Hanoi), and date (after your visa allowance).
Pay securely—get the ticket instantly.
Show the PDF/PNR at check-in if asked. (It verifies on the airline’s site.)
The booking expires harmlessly after 48 hours.

Pro Tips:

Book it at the airport if needed (Wi-Fi available).
Choose realistic routes (e.g., cheap AirAsia flights).
For land borders: Bus tickets sometimes suffice, but a flight dummy is foolproof.
Alternatives like BestOnwardTicket or OnwardTicket.com are similar—compare reviews, but Fast Onward Tickets excels in speed and user feedback.
Never use free “fake” generators—they’re not verifiable and risky.

This approach saves hundreds compared to real tickets, letting you keep plans flexible.

Final Advice For Smooth Crossings

Visas: Cambodia e-visa or VOA; Vietnam e-visa mandatory; Laos VOA.
Transport: Book buses via 12Go.asia or Bookaway for reliability.
Cash: Bring USD for fees (borders prefer crisp bills).
Safety: Stick to main routes; avoid night crossings.
Backup: Have digital copies of everything.

With Thailand borders closed, focus on Vietnam or Laos for epic overland adventures. Pair it with a quick onward ticket from Fast Onward Tickets for stress-free exits. Safe travels—Cambodia’s temples, beaches, and vibes are worth every step!