Guide · 7 min read
Vietnam Visa Run from Vung Tau to Moc Bai Border: A Guide for Foreigners
How to get from Vung Tau to Moc Bai and back, what it costs, how long the day takes and what to check before you leave.
Are you a foreigner staying in Vung Tau and looking for a simple way to do a Vietnam visa run? Moc Bai International Border Gate is a practical land crossing for many people in the south. HCM Visa Run arranges the transport from Vung Tau to Moc Bai and back, and helps you check your documents before you go.
- Distance
- About 170 km each way, via Ho Chi Minh City
- Travel time
- About 5 to 6 hours each way by limousine and private car. The bus can take longer
- Transport price
- Round trip per traveller: from VND 1,060,000 by bus, VND 1,960,000 by private car
- Destination
- Moc Bai International Border Gate, Tay Ninh, opposite Bavet in Cambodia
How far is Moc Bai from Vung Tau?
Vung Tau is on the coast, and since July 2025 it has been part of Ho Chi Minh City. Moc Bai is on the Cambodian border in Tay Ninh Province, so the trip runs through or around the city centre:
- Vung Tau to Ho Chi Minh City: about 97 km, roughly 3 hours by limousine.
- Ho Chi Minh City to Moc Bai: about 74 km, roughly 2 to 3 hours by car, or by bus if you prefer the lower fare.
How much does it cost?
The trip uses two connections, which we coordinate for you. For the second one, choose a bus or a private car:
| Transport | Details | Round trip |
|---|---|---|
| Vung Tau – Ho Chi Minh City | 7–11 seat limousine, about 3 hours each way. VND 230,000 per person, one way | VND 460,000 per person |
| Ho Chi Minh City – Moc Bai | Private car for up to 3 travellers, with pickup and drop-off at the bus station | VND 1,500,000 for the car |
| Ho Chi Minh City – Moc Bai | Bus, departing 05:30 or 10:30, with pickup and drop-off in District 1, District 10 or An Suong Bus Station | VND 600,000 per person |
| Total by bus | One traveller, Vung Tau – Moc Bai – Vung Tau | VND 1,060,000 |
| Total by private car | One traveller, Vung Tau – Moc Bai – Vung Tau | VND 1,960,000 |
Travelling together? The private car price is for the whole car, so only the limousine seats add up. Two travellers pay VND 2,420,000 in total by car or VND 2,120,000 by bus. Three pay VND 2,880,000 by car or VND 3,180,000 by bus, so the car is cheaper for three. The car takes up to 3 travellers.
Transport only. Your Vietnam e-visa and any Cambodian visa are separate. See our visa run prices.
Can you do it in one day?
Yes, but plan for a long day of about 15 to 17 hours: 10 to 12 hours on the road, plus time at both checkpoints. Border queues and e-visa approval times vary, so leave as early as you can and tell us your date in advance, so the connections can be arranged and you know the last limousine back to Vung Tau. To catch the 10:30 bus, leave Vung Tau by about 07:00.
Prefer a gentler pace? Take the limousine to Ho Chi Minh City the evening before and join our early or afternoon trip the next day. See the best times to arrive at Moc Bai.
Why choose Moc Bai for your visa run?
- Practical from the south: it is a major land crossing and far closer than any border in central or northern Vietnam.
- Back the same day: you exit Vietnam, enter Cambodia at Bavet and return once your new e-visa is ready.
- Your choice of transport: a limousine, then a bus or a private car, arranged for you instead of booking each connection yourself.
- Help before you travel: we check your passport, Vietnam visa and Cambodian visa options in advance.
Can you get a Cambodian visa at the border?
The Cambodian visa counter is at Bavet, on the other side of the Moc Bai crossing. What you need depends on your passport:
- Visa-exempt nationalities do not need a Cambodian visa. Check the Cambodia visa exemption list.
- Visa on arrival: about USD 35 at Bavet, for eligible nationalities.
- E-visa before the trip: we can arrange this for you, which makes the border day more predictable.
Rules vary by nationality and can change, and the decision always rests with the immigration officers. If you are not sure about your passport, ask us before you book. US passport holders can read our guide for US citizens.
Who is this trip for?
- Foreigners in Vung Tau whose Vietnam visa is close to its end date
- Travellers who need to exit and re-enter Vietnam on a new e-visa
- Residents who prefer private transport to the border
- Anyone who wants their documents checked and the trip planned in advance
Our private car service
- Coordinated transport from Vung Tau to Moc Bai and back, with a private car or a bus for the Ho Chi Minh City part.
- Document check: your passport, Vietnam visa and other travel documents before departure.
- Cambodian visa information for your nationality.
- Border guidance: the steps for exiting Vietnam and coming back.
How to arrange your visa run in 5 steps
- Check your current Vietnam visa: its type, end date and your permitted stay.
- Prepare your new Vietnam e-visa: choose Moc Bai as the entry gate. Short on time? See our express e-visa prices.
- Check the Cambodian visa rules for your nationality and prepare the documents and payment.
- Book your transport with us and agree on your travel date.
- Pack your documents: your original passport and all visa documents, and check that the details match your passport.
Important: a visa run does not guarantee re-entry to Vietnam. You must hold the right documents and meet the immigration requirements, and the border officer makes the final decision.
Book your Vung Tau to Moc Bai visa run
Send us the following and we will advise you on the next steps:
- your nationality;
- your current Vietnam visa type and end date;
- whether you already have a new Vietnam e-visa;
- your preferred travel date;
- whether you need help with the Cambodian visa.
Staying in Vung Tau? Contact us before your visa expires. Message us on WhatsApp to plan your journey to Moc Bai.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Moc Bai Border from Vung Tau?
About 170 km by road: around 97 km from Vung Tau to Ho Chi Minh City and 74 km from Ho Chi Minh City to Moc Bai. With a limousine and a private car, allow about 5 to 6 hours each way.
How much does transport from Vung Tau to Moc Bai cost?
Round trip for one traveller: VND 1,060,000 with the bus or VND 1,960,000 with a private car. That is VND 460,000 for the Vung Tau – Ho Chi Minh City limousine, plus VND 600,000 per person by bus or VND 1,500,000 for the private car between Ho Chi Minh City and Moc Bai. Visa fees are separate.
Can I do a visa run from Vung Tau in one day?
Yes, but it is a long day of about 15 to 17 hours, including the border. Leave early, or stay in Ho Chi Minh City the night before.
Can I get a Cambodian visa on arrival at Moc Bai?
The Cambodian visa counter is at Bavet, just across the border from Moc Bai. Some nationalities are visa-exempt, and others can get a visa on arrival or an e-visa arranged before the trip. Check the rules for your passport before you leave.
Do I need a new Vietnam e-visa before travelling to Moc Bai?
You need a valid way back into Vietnam: a new e-visa with Moc Bai as the entry gate, or a visa exemption for your nationality. Apply before you leave, and check that the details match your passport.
Can all nationalities use Moc Bai for a visa run?
Not necessarily. It depends on your nationality, passport type, visa conditions and current immigration rules. Send us your details and we will check them before you book.