Vietnam and Cambodia fast-track a game-changing cross-border expressway link

A major cross-border expressway project is set to improve travel and trade between Vietnam and Cambodia. The plan involves linking two new highways via the existing Mộc Bài-Bavet International Border Gate. Officials expect the full connection to take between five and seven years to complete.

Construction on Cambodia's side began first. The Phnom Penh-Bavet Expressway broke ground in June 2023 under a public-private partnership (PPP). This route will connect the capital, Phnom Penh, with the border city of Bavet.

Vietnam is also building its section, the HCM City-Mộc Bài Expressway, with an estimated cost of over VNĐ19.6 trillion (US$780 million). The Vietnamese expressway will start from Ring Road 3 in Ho Chi Minh City and extend to the border area. Both projects aim to upgrade existing national highways currently used for cross-border travel.

The connection plan has two phases. The first allows early use of the existing border gate infrastructure while long-term arrangements are finalised. Later, a direct expressway-to-expressway link will be established. Phase 1, covering Cambodia's section from Bavet to National Road 1, starts in 2025 and should finish by 2027. Phase 2, on Vietnam's side from Mộc Bài to National Road 22, begins in 2026 and is due for completion by 2029-2030.

Once completed, the expressway link is expected to cut travel time and reduce logistics costs. It will also support trade efficiency and strengthen regional integration. The project marks a significant step in improving cross-border infrastructure between the two countries.