You don’t need an expensive flight for a change of scenery. One of the easiest international getaways in southern Vietnam is right here at the Ha Tien International Border Gate.
Located in Ha Tien, on Vietnam’s southwestern edge, this crossing (also known by its older name, Xa Xia) connects directly to the Prek Chak border checkpoint in Kampot Province, Cambodia. More and more travelers are choosing this route to reach the coastal towns of Kep and Kampot — it’s affordable, the paperwork is simple, and the whole trip feels more like a weekend adventure than a hassle.
From central Ha Tien, the border is only a 15-20 minute drive away. The crossing itself is a lively mix of cargo trucks, local traders, and backpackers heading out to explore. And once you’re through, Ha Tien Vegas Entertainment Resort sits right at the doorstep — making it the natural place to rest before you cross, or unwind after a day of exploring on the Cambodian side.
Ha Tien Border Gate: The Basics
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Operating hours | 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily |
| Vietnam exit fee | Free (passport required) |
| Cambodia entry fee | Around $35 USD (visa on arrival) or free for ASEAN nationals |
| Distance to Kep | 25 km |
| Distance to Kampot | 50 km |
| Distance from Ha Tien Vegas | Just 10 km |
Crossing the Border: What First-Timers Should Know
The process at Ha Tien has gotten a lot faster in recent years thanks to digital check-in. On the Vietnam side, you’ll show a passport valid for at least 6 months, and border staff will process a quick biometric scan.
Vietnamese citizens can enter Cambodia visa-free under the agreement between the two countries. If you’re holding another nationality without visa exemption, bring a 4×6 photo and be ready to pay the visa fee.
From there, you’ll walk or drive across to the Prek Chak checkpoint on the Cambodian side and fill out an arrival card. Passport stamping fees on the Cambodian side typically run between 50,000 and 100,000 VND, depending on the day and your mode of transport — it’s worth carrying small denominations of Riel or USD. Hold on to your departure card too; you’ll need it on the way back.
Bringing your own motorbike across? You’ll need the vehicle registration in your name and a temporary export-import declaration. Fees are reasonable, and riding your own bike along the coastal road from Kep to Kampot is genuinely one of the best ways to see the region.
Getting to the Border
Most travelers start their journey in Ha Tien city. Overnight buses from Ho Chi Minh City take around 7-8 hours and cost roughly 250,000-350,000 VND depending on seat class. From the bus station, it’s just a short taxi or motorbike-taxi ride of about 7 km to the border.
Coming from Phu Quoc is even quicker — the express ferry takes only about 1 hour 15 minutes, and once you dock, the border crossing (and Ha Tien Vegas) is close by. It’s an easy combo trip: morning on Vietnam’s coast, afternoon sipping coffee in Kampot.
Once you’re through the gate, tuk-tuks and 7-seater vans are readily available to take you straight to your hotel in Kep or Kampot. Agree on the price before you get in — a tuk-tuk from the border to Kep typically runs $10-15 USD for the whole group.
What to Do in Kep & Kampot
Kep: Blue Crab and Quiet Beaches
Once a seaside retreat for the French elite, Kep still carries that relaxed, old-world charm. The Crab Market is the heart of the town — don’t miss the famous crab with Kampot green pepper, a dish that pairs sweet, fresh seafood with the region’s signature spice. Beachside restaurants let you eat while watching the sun go down over the Gulf of Thailand.
Beyond the food, Kep’s white sand beach is a great spot to relax, and the 8km trail through Kep National Park offers sweeping coastal views for those who want to stay active. Before you leave, stop by the mermaid statue (Srey Sor) right at the water’s edge.
Kampot: Pepper Fields and Colonial Streets
About 25 km from Kep, Kampot sits peacefully along the Praek Tuek Chhu River and is famous worldwide for its pepper. Visiting a pepper farm during harvest season shows you exactly why it’s so prized. Wander the old French colonial quarter and stop into a local café for a slower pace of travel.
One experience not to miss: an evening firefly-watching boat trip through the mangroves, drifting under the stars with thousands of tiny lights blinking around you.
If you have extra time, rent a motorbike and head up Bokor Mountain. The cool air feels almost like Dalat, and the old stone church ruins at the top make for an unforgettable stop.
Estimated Trip Budget
| Expense | Unit | Estimated Cost (VND) |
|---|---|---|
| HCMC – Ha Tien bus | Round trip | 600,000 -800.000 |
| Border to Kep/Kampot transfer | Tuk-tuk/motorbike | 400,000 |
| Accommodation (2 nights) | Average | 1,000,000 |
| Meals (3 days) | Local specialties | 1,500,000 |
| Border fees & misc. | Buffer | 500,000 |
| Total | Per person | ~4,000,000 |
These figures are just a rough guide for a 3-day, 2-night trip starting from the Ha Tien border. Costs will vary depending on your travel style, but going independent is generally more flexible and affordable than a packaged tour — especially with Ha Tien Vegas as a comfortable, affordable base right at the border.
A Few Tips Before You Cross
Timing matters. The border closes at 6:00 PM sharp. If you arrive late, you’ll need to stay overnight in Ha Tien and try again the next morning — which can throw off any hotel bookings on the Cambodian side. Build in 1-2 hours of buffer for travel and processing.
Internet drops at the border. Vietnamese SIM cards typically lose signal right after Prek Chak. Pick up a local SIM at the crossing, or plan ahead with a Cambodia travel eSIM before you go.
Pack a power bank. Between GPS navigation and photos, your phone battery will drain fast.
Dress appropriately. Kep and Kampot have an easygoing vibe, but modest clothing is expected at the border checkpoint and at any temples you visit. It’s a small courtesy that goes a long way. Sunscreen and insect repellent are also worth packing — mosquitoes pick up in the evening along the coast and highlands.
Make Ha Tien Vegas Part of Your Journey
Whether you’re heading out early to beat the border rush or coming back late after a day in Kampot, Ha Tien Vegas Entertainment Resort is just 10 km from the crossing — the perfect place to rest, recharge, and continue your adventure. With comfortable rooms, a casino, entertainment options, and dining all in one place, it’s an easy stop to build into any Kep or Kampot itinerary.
📞 +855(0) 87 258 581 | www.hatienvegas.com