Buying VND for short trip to Vietnam (and bus?)

[SlackWaster]

Hello All.

I am taking my GF to Vietnam next week and I haven't got a clue what to do. I've actually been before and managed to sort it all out, but now I'm an old man and it seems to evaporated from my brain, with a lot of other things.

Anyway, the questions I hope someone can answer.....

1 - Can I buy VND in Phnom Penh - or is it better to buy in Vietnam? If I can buy in PP - where is a reputable place?

2 - Where is a good place to book bus tickets and can I get returns, we're only there for 5 days.

Thank you, in advance.

[John Bingham]

You can easily get Dong in Phnom Penh, any of the changers around markets.

[Bluenose]

There are three or four bus companies serving HCMC on Sihanouk near the Olympic traffic lights. I use Danh Danh now as their buses have 2+1 seating and only 10 rows instead of 12 so there's loads of room, they can book you both ways.
https://goo.gl/maps/Axj1wiwBN1io76ef7

[Stravaiger]

Dong at moneychangers in PNH or take $100 bills and exchange in banks in VN. Avoid ATMs.

On a recent Danh Danh ride to Saigon I was in seat 3 and the driver was watching tiktok videos all the way. At one point he took both hands off the wheel to reply to a text message. Price is $22 one way and slightly less if you book return.

Better than the hell I just experienced of an economy seat to Dubai with Emirates.

[Alex]

Personally I'd just get $100 exchanged to VND at one of Phnom Penh's money changers and otherwise carry USD to Vietnam to exchange more as needed. Not because the rates in Phnom Penh aren't competitive, but because carrying around large wads of VND is inconvenient and I often don't really know how much I'll need anyway.

I've used Giant Ibis, their buses leave from their night market office. Quite pricey last year compared with their pre-Covid prices, but painless as per usual.

[SlackWaster]

Thank you all - all the info I required in those replies. This forum saves the day again.

I need a fair bit of Dong (fnarr!) because I am paying for the hotel in VND as it was the cheaper offer.

Really appreciated. (map was a great touch, thanks)