Border crossing from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh (Vinh Xung - Kaam Damnor border)

Chau Doc-Phnom Penh border checkpoint: A charming Mekong riverboat route

If you have heard the name of the border checkpointvinh xung – kaam damnorand found it hard to remember, try simply calling it “Chau Doc-Ta Kaew border” which is clearer because it is the border crossing between Chau Doc city in Vietnam and Ta Kaew province in Cambodia. I, mr.hotsia, had the chance to experience this journey once and want to share the full story.

This border crossing is located on the Mekong River. On the Vietnamese side, it is in An Giang province, Chau Doc city, while on the Cambodian side it is in Takeo province, bordering Kandal province. The special feature is that on the Vietnamese side, the border checkpoint is on a floating boat, while on the Cambodian side, you must walk up the riverbank to the land checkpoint. This is one of the few water border crossings still in operation in a world where roads are developing rapidly.

Why is this route interesting?

For mr.hotsia, I see this route as a great opportunity for travelers to experience traditional travel atmosphere with ferry boats still in service before they are replaced by faster roads in the future. Such boat routes are gradually disappearing over time, as I have seen on many international river routes in this region.

I remember before boarding the boat, I stopped to buy some small snacks sold at the Vietnamese border checkpoint, such as fried bananas, crispy bread, and bottled water, which were slightly more expensive than usual, but cheaper on the Cambodian side. Food is often served on the boat, but if not, you can bring your own or buy at the checkpoint before boarding.

Simple border crossing procedures

Crossing this border is not complicated. The boat staff collects all passengers' passports to handle immigration on the Vietnamese side while we just wait. On the Cambodian side, you walk up the riverbank to queue for fingerprint stamping, which takes about 20 minutes, not much time lost.

For Thai tourists like us, no need to worry about visas because Cambodia allows Thais to enter for 30 days using only a passport, making travel much easier. This is suitable for those who like unhurried travel and want to experience local life on both sides of the Mekong.

Connecting travel to Phnom Penh and Takeo province

After crossing into Cambodia, Takeo province is a good starting point for traveling toPhnom Penhor other provinces in Cambodia. I once took a Soray Tour bus from Takeo to Phnom Penh, which took about 2.5 hours. The air-conditioned bus was not very cold but comfortable, with several daily departures according to the Phnom Penh bus station schedule.

For further travel to cities like Phnom Penh, there is alsoPhnom Penh Bus Stationwhich offers buses to various provinces and has a ticketing system through agencies at hotels or accommodations for convenience. I recommend buying tickets in advance to be sure, especially if you want unhurried travel and to see rural life in Cambodia.

Lifestyle and food along the Mekong

When you take the ferry or cross this checkpoint, you will see the close-up lifestyle of riverside villagers along the Mekong, including small fishing boats, villagers' transport boats, and small riverside markets selling fresh goods, local food, and traditional snacks that are hard to find in big cities.

If you want a recommendation to try traditional Cambodian food in Phnom Penh, I have an article aboutCambodian foodwhere I collected my eating experiences in the capital, helping you understand the flavors and food culture of Cambodians better.

Recommended side trips in Cambodia

If you have enough time, traveling from Phnom Penh to Takeo province and continuing to Kampot province is a good idea because Kampot is famous for its fragrant and mildly spicy black pepper, perfect as a souvenir. You can also plan to visit the coastal city of Sihanoukville.

For those who enjoy exploring Phnom Penh city, I recommend strolling throughPhnom Penh fresh marketin the morning to see daily life and taste Cambodian roast duck at the market. If you want to learn history, don't missTuol Sleng Genocide Museuman important historical site in Cambodia.

Summary of impressions from mr.hotsia

For me, crossing the Chau Doc-Ta Kaew border is not just a simple border crossing but an experience of the character of two neighboring countries through the Mekong River, still full of life and cultures that are different yet harmoniously blended.

I encourage all passionate travelers to try this route before it changes in the future, as it is a unique water border crossing still in use, unlike any other in the world, as I experienced myself in January 2012.