Mekong cruises and ferries
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Mekong Cruises and ferries: 
Need a ferry to get to work or a sunset dinner cruise to wind down, or escape quietly to Vietnam for a few days? read on…
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Vietnam from Phnom Penh by river
28 Sept.23 Update: The passenger terminal in Phnom Penh is very close to the Night Market on Sisowath Quay. Exit the market, cross the main road, and turn left for the 2-minute walk
From here, the services take you to Chau Doc for $35, about 5/6 hours. One departure daily at noon.
Don’t forget your passport or overlook visa issues. Although it may be possible for some nationalities to get a Vietnam visa on arrival, it appears that the Vietnamese authorities prefer that visitors use the online facility. It would also appear that visitors from some countries, including the UK, can enter Vietnam for stays up to 45 days without requiring a visa. However, whatever nationality you are, I would suggest that those wishing to visit Vietnam check with the visa department of the embassy prior to their intended travel.
Check departure times for your return to Phnom Penh or onward travel, and make bookings, etc., while in Chau Doc.
Travelling on to Ho Chi Minh City is about 6 hours by bus for the 250km trip. Around $12 one way, with many daily departures
Both Chau Doc and Ho Chi Minh City have plenty of choices for accommodation, so I suggest checking prices and availability with Booking.com
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Evening Cruises
Update re evening cruises. Many choices, but not so many punters. One man I asked told me that a one-hour trip on the river would cost $35, whereas, five minutes later, another man selling tickets on the riverfront quoted $5 for an hour.
Obviously, check thoroughly as to exactly what you will be getting for your money, and ask the seller to identify the vessel you will travel on. Additionally, make sure of the departure time.
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Mekong cruises and ferries
Pre COVID
April 2023: Introducing Phnom Penh ferries/cruises. For interest, we are leaving our pre-COVID text and images in place, the way things were before the virus.
However, some evening cruises appear to be running. Vessels adorned with dazzling colored lights are clearly visible from the Riverside Walk. Tip: Interested? During the evening, ask the owners of vessels moored along Sisowath Quay. They will be happy to advise on fares and departure times, etc.
They may also be able to advise 0n going to Siem Reap and Vietnam. Ask for details and be aware that services may involve some road transport, and all are subject to weather conditions. Let us know how you get on with any of this.
Otherwise, ask your host or any of the travel agents along the riverfront.
Nonetheless, be aware that services are subject to change, maybe at short notice. Moreover, note also that the weather plays its part, as does the depth of the river in the dry season. Ships will not sail in poor and/or stormy conditions!
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Mekong cruises and ferries
Ferries
Mekong cruises and ferries
However, local ferry services are operating. Services between Kampong Chamlong ferry port to the Sokha Hotel and Akreiy Ksatr village are operating. The ticket is shown for pedestrians. Nonetheless, all services are subject to change, maybe at short notice, in line with Covid regulations. Check with the operators.
23 Feb. 22 Update: Due to traffic congestion in the Monivong Bridge area, a new, albeit temporary, ferry is available between Koh Pich and Koh Norea, while a permanent bridge is under construction. The Phnom Penh Post has the details at this link: https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/koh-pich-koh-norea-ferry-service-launches-feb-21
Ferries. These provide a mix of pedestrian and vehicle services, simply, pay as you go. Note, should you just miss a sailing, another will be along shortly. I recently paid 500 riel for the 15-minute one-way journey, as a pedestrian, to the Sokha Hotel ferry ramp. Excellent value for money for commuters and travellers alike. Moreover, the same price for the one-way trip to Akreiy Ksatr village. I think the last sailings are between 8 and 9pm; nonetheless, check on the day to avoid being stranded on the wrong side of the river!
Mekong cruises and ferries
2022 and Before the Virus
Mekong cruises and ferries
A little history about the waterways
Relaxing on the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers
Brief update: 25 December 2020. Although few foreigners were around, I counted at least eight brightly lit craft sailing on the Tonle Sap. Of course, early days, so for those interested, why not take a walk along Sisowath Quay and make inquiries directly with the ship operators? Moreover, they will be happy to advise fares and timetables etc.
However, for orientation, locate the river on Google’s Phnom Penh City map, on the Play Store, etc.
Mekong cruises and ferries
Nonetheless, further helpful advice for tourists and travellers at our link in the sidebar: https://fuzzykensblog.com/phnom-penh-city-transport/
For general news: https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national