HCMC-Phnom Penh. Fly vs Coach

The bus is not particularly scenic; it's relatively hassle free but will take most of the day. I did it once.

Personally, I'd fly.

I haven't stayed at Monsoon, a friend of mine stays there regularly, I don't think it's too bad. I recall he told me an amusing story last time though about the staff accusing him of drinking something from the minbar and refusing to believe that he didn't.

It's certainly a good location.

How much is the bus fare from HCMC to PP? The reason I ask is that the fixed USD12 fee from the airport to down town Phnom Penh is probably not far short of the bus fare for the whole trip.

USD$14 or thereabouts.

I am not worried about the cost, moreso the time.

Sorry, but I would disagree. You only save a couple of hours by flying when you consider that you have to be at the airport a couple of hours before the flight, that you have taxi time to/from the airports, and time to clear customs/immigration. I've traveled this route coach a number of times and always enjoy seeing the countryside and the short ferry ride.

sorry that USD12 is for the taxi fare

The taxi fare from the airport to the riverside is $9. $12 is the cost to go to other areas south of St. 240.

There's a bit of a scam going on though at the taxi desk; the dude is handing out the $12 chits to everybody and he'll only give you the $9 chit if you tell him that you know your destination is $9.

Here's more on that:

http://www.khmer440.com/chat_forum/viewtopic.php?t=42447

The roads are ok between HCMC and Phnom Pehn. It is not scenic but is it an easy ride, no rough roads, no traffic. But if you have limited time, just fly. Unless you really want to experience the ride.

Hi,

The journey is hassle free (generally the Border crossing with a good bus operator is convinient and doesn't take more than 20-30 min). The view is green and you will pass through rice fields and water bodies but, given your situation, I don't think that it's worth it as you might get bored within an hour and would just spend next 6 hours waiting to arrive Phnom Penh.

Thanks for the advice all. I decided to fly after all, so I can squeeze in another 1/2 a day in PP. Incidentally, the cheapest flights I could find were with Qatar Airlines! Too bad they fly in the early afternoon and not the morning.