After concluding our all-too-brief introductory stay in Ho Chi Minh City, we boarded a bus – and by bus we mean van, although it was a large, spacious and comfortable van – headed back to Phnom Penh. This ride was a bit unusual in that the same vehicle took us the entire way.

Our experience has been that normally whenever you book a ride across an international border, one vehicle dumps you at the border and then a partner vehicle picks you up on the other side. That makes sense in terms of red tape –for example, drivers not having to get excessive stamps on their passports and thus needing new ones in no time. But this time, apparently they worked around such problems, which made it rather more convenient for us lowly passengers.

We had difficulty finding the bus terminal until a man across the street yelled at us and pointed to it. There were five other passengers aboard, mostly European. When we arrived at the border, we pulled into that twilight zone that is not quite Vietnam and not quite Cambodia, and got out of the van to stretch our legs and go to the WC if we needed to and were willing to pay. Meanwhile, the driver collected our passports and went to a special checkpoint where he could get the process expedited even more. It turned out that we supposedly were required to print out our visas, and we only had them on our devices; but somehow, our guide got around that. Phew. All in all, this was just about the most painless border crossing we’ve ever had.

Those of us who already had obtained visas had it even easier; we didn’t have to go inside the building at all. But a couple of the passengers had to apply for visas on arrival, and pay the 20 dollar fee in cash.

This presented a problem for one young fellow, a German, who only had one 20 dollar bill, and it was a bit too worn. Businesses and government entities in some countries can be quite fussy about the condition of currency, especially if it’s not their own. Cambodia is quite happy to accept U.S. dollars (they’re actually preferred) but they, and other nations, want the bills to be in excellent condition– even one tiny tear or too many wrinkles can cause one to be rejected.

Fortunately, we were able to help the guy out; we had some twenties in near-mint condition, so we exchanged one for his. We knew we could always spend the old one back in the States. And then, after no more than half an hour or so, we were on our merry way.

Arriving Phnom Penh

After we were deposited at the little bus terminal in Phnom Penh, we contacted Krou Yeung School, where we’d be volunteering for the ensuing two months. They sent one of their staff with a school van to pick us up.

His name was Kompeak; and he’d turn out to be a real lifesaver on several occasions during the coming two months – as well as during our later year of being paid teachers at the school. A man of many hats, he worked impossibly long hours and was always going the extra kilometer to see that things were taken care of. Any time we had any kind of problem, question or need, he was the one to respond and make arrangements swiftly and cheerfully – often even volunteering to help with something before he was asked. There are sterling employees, and then once in a great while, there is a Kompeak.

He took us to our temporary lodgings, a hotel that the school has a relationship with, often putting up volunteers and other guests there. We were going to have an actual apartment a couple of days later, but in the meantime it was hotelsville. Nothing fancy, but in an interesting neighborhood, which at the moment was being heavily decorated by the monsoons; a place to drop our backpacks and prepare for two months of volunteering in one place, our longest stint yet at that point.

Nov 26, 2022

Tips for Crossing the Border from Vietnam to Cambodia

1. Prepare Your Documents:

• Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Cambodia.
• If you need a visa, obtain it in advance or be prepared to apply for a visa on arrival.
• Have your travel itinerary ready to show border officials.
• If you are paying for a visa at the border in USD, check to be sure your bills are in excellent condition.

2. Exchange Currency:

• While US dollars are widely accepted in Cambodia, it’s a good idea to exchange some of your Vietnamese dong for Cambodian riel to cover smaller expenses.

3. Check Border Crossing Times:

• Border crossings can get busy, especially during peak travel seasons. Check the opening hours and expected wait times to plan your journey accordingly.

4. Be Patient:

• Border crossings can sometimes be slow, so be prepared for potential delays. Bring snacks and entertainment to keep yourself occupied.

5. Consider Group Travel:

• Joining a group tour can often streamline the border crossing process, as tour operators may have arrangements with border officials.

6. Check for Entry Requirements:

• Be aware of any specific entry requirements, such as health certificates or vaccination records, especially during times of health crises.

7. Respect Local Customs:

• Dress modestly and be mindful of local customs and etiquette when crossing the border.

8. Stay Informed:

• Keep up-to-date with any changes in border regulations or travel advisories by checking official government websites or contacting your embassy or consulate.

By following these tips, you can make your border crossing from Vietnam to Cambodia a smooth and hassle-free experience.