This guide outlines the essential steps, documents, and procedures required for your river crossing. Please read the Visa Information section carefully, as specific rules apply to this river border crossing from Chau Doc in Vietnam to Phnom Penh in Cambodia:
Top Best Bike Tours:
- Cycling Saigon to Phnom Penh 3 days
- Cycling Saigon to Phnom Penh 4 days
- Cycling Saigon to Phnom Penh 5 days
- Cycling Saigon to Siem Reap 10 days
📅 Departure Schedule & Location
To ensure a smooth departure, please adhere strictly to the timing below. The boat departs promptly.
📍 Meeting Point: Victoria Chau Doc Pier
Directions: Enter via the side entrance of the Riverside Cafe hotel (located next to the park).
⏰ Required Arrival Time: 6:30 AM – 6:45 AM
Note: Arriving during this window is necessary for passenger manifest checks and luggage loading.
🚀 Departure Time: 7:00 AM
🛂 Crucial Visa & Document Information
This is the most important part of your preparation. The border crossing by river works differently than airports. Please ensure you have the following ready before you board.
1. Leaving Vietnam (Exit Procedure)
You must have your travel documents ready for the Vietnamese border control.
Paper Copy of Vietnamese E-Visa: You must have a printed paper copy of your Vietnamese E-Visa.
Mandatory: This paper copy should already be clipped inside your passport. Do not rely on showing a file on your phone; the border officers require physical papers.
2. Entering Cambodia (Visa on Arrival)
The river border crossing you will use is named Kaam Somnor.
⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING Regarding Cambodian E-Visas:
Cambodian E-Visas are NOT accepted at this specific border crossing.
You must obtain a Visa on Arrival at the border. If you have already purchased a Cambodian E-Visa online, you will unfortunately not be able to use it here and will need to pay for a new visa on arrival.
What you need to prepare for the Cambodian Visa on Arrival:
Original Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months.
Photos: No passport photos are required at this crossing.
Photocopies: No photocopies of the passport are required.
💵 Costs & Payment
Payment for the Cambodian Visa is strictly regulated at the border.
Visa Fees
Year 2025: $36 USD per person
Year 2026: $37 USD per person
Payment Methods
Cash Only: Credit cards are not accepted.
Currency: You must pay in USD.
Currency Exchange
If you do not have USD, passengers can exchange money at the border.
Note: The exchange rate fluctuates depending on the time and market; it is generally recommended to bring USD with you if possible to secure the best rate.
📝 Summary Checklist
Before you leave your hotel in Chau Doc, check your pockets for:
Original Passport
Printed Vietnamese E-Visa (clipped in passport)
USD Cash (Exact change recommended: $36 for 2025 / $37 for 2026)
Arrival at Victoria Pier by 6:30 AM
Our Mekong River is more than just a waterway; it is a legendary force of nature. Originating from the icy heights of the Tibetan Plateau, it winds its way across thousands of miles before blossoming into the vibrant, fertile landscape of Southern Vietnam. Known locally as the Cuu Long (Nine Dragons), the river splits into a complex network of tributaries that feed the "Rice Bowl" of Vietnam—the magnificent Mekong Delta.
To visit the Delta is to step into a world painted in endless shades of green. Towering coconut palms line the riverbanks, emerald rice paddies stretch to the horizon, and lush orchards burst with tropical fruits like dragon fruit, mango, and rambutan. The rhythm of life here is dictated by the water. Vibrant floating markets, such as Cai Rang, come alive at dawn, with boats piling high with goods, trading amidst a symphony of splashing oars and lively bargaining.
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