Travel Guide

Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is Vietnam’s largest and most dynamic city. It’s a place where you’ll find modern skyscrapers standing next to old French buildings, busy markets, great street food, and vibrant nightlife. The city has a lot to offer, from history museums and war relics to rooftop cafes and trendy shops. If you’re wondering if it’s worth visiting—yes, absolutely. Many travelers use Ho Chi Minh City as their final stop when traveling from north to south, and it’s a great place to end your journey. In this article, we’ll show you how to get to Ho Chi Minh from Hanoi, Hue, and Hoi An, with detailed information to help you choose the best option for your trip.

How to get to Ho Chi Minh from Hanoi

If you're in the capital, Hanoi, and want to travel south, there are a few ways to get there. The distance between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City is around 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles). 

By flight

If you want to save time and avoid long hours on the road or rail, flying is the best choice. This is the fastest and most convenient option, especially if you’re only visiting Vietnam for a short time.

• Duration: About 2 hours and 10 minutes.

• Cost: Around 1,300,000 VND to 2,000,000 VND (about 50 to 80 USD), depending on the airline, season, and how early you book.

• Airlines: VietJet Air, Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, and Pacific Airlines all operate direct flights.

• Airports: You’ll fly from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City.

Pros:

• Quick and easy.

• Many flights every day.

• Good promotions if you book early.

Cons:

• Airport security and waiting times can take up to 1–2 hours.

• Can be more expensive than other transport options.

• Tan Son Nhat Airport is busy and sometimes crowded.

Our advice: Book your flight early, especially if you're traveling around holidays or weekends. VietJet and Bamboo Airways usually have cheaper prices, but Vietnam Airlines includes checked baggage.

By train

Taking the train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City is a good way to see more of the country. You’ll pass through many towns and landscapes that you can’t see from a plane. It’s long, but the views are worth it if you have time and enjoy slow travel.

• Duration: About 32 to 36 hours.

• Cost:

  • Soft seat: 61-63 USD

  • Hard sleeper (6-berth cabin): 73-86 USD

  • Soft sleeper (4-berth cabin): 78-90 USD

• Train types: The Reunification Express is the main route. There are 4 trains daily: SE1, SE3, SE5, and SE7. The SE3 and SE1 trains are the more expensive ones.

Pros:

• You can sleep on the train and save on one night’s hotel.

• Beautiful views along the coast and countryside.

• Safer and more comfortable than buses for long distances.

Cons:

• Very slow.

• Basic food options onboard.

• Can be boring or tiring.

Our advice: If you’re not in a rush and like slow travel, take the train at least once in Vietnam. Bring snacks, water, and entertainment. Booking a soft sleeper in a 4-berth cabin makes a big difference in comfort.

By road

Traveling from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh by road is the most challenging and time-consuming option. But it can also be the most adventurous if you plan to stop in different places along the way.

You can go by:

• Open bus (multi-day hop-on, hop-off tickets)

• Direct sleeper bus

• Private car or motorbike (for the more experienced travelers)

Sleeper Bus

• Duration: About 35 to 40 hours (usually broken into parts, with overnight stops).

• Cost: ~900,000 to 1,400,000 VND (35–60 USD), depending on the company and stops.

• Companies: Hoang Long My Hanh, A Ba Bus, and Luxury Van Limousine.

Pros:

• Cheap.

• You can stop in cities like Hue, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Da Lat.

Cons:

• Uncomfortable for long stretches.

• Not ideal for people who get motion sickness.

• Road safety is a concern in Vietnam, especially at night.

Private Car or Motorbike

If you’re adventurous, you can drive or ride a motorbike south, stopping at different towns. This is only for experienced riders who know the traffic rules and road conditions in Vietnam.

• Duration: At least one to two weeks, depending on your pace.

• Cost: Varies. Renting a bike can cost around 150,000 VND/day, plus fuel and repairs.

Pros:

• Full freedom to explore.

• Visit lesser-known places along the way.

Cons:

• Not suitable for beginners.

• Traffic can be dangerous, especially in cities and on highways.

• Long and tiring.

Our advice: Take the road only if you’re an experienced driver or biker and want an adventurous route. Otherwise, flying or taking the train is safer and easier.

How to get to Ho Chi Minh from Hue

Hue is a peaceful city in central Vietnam, famous for its royal tombs, the Perfume River, and the old citadel. If you're heading to Ho Chi Minh City from Hue, you have a few transportation choices. The distance is about 1,050 kilometers (650 miles), so it’s not a short trip. Let’s look at each option.

By flight

Flying is the fastest and easiest way to get from Hue to Ho Chi Minh City.

• Duration: About 1 hour and 30 minutes.

• Cost: Around 600,000 to 1,600,000 VND (25–65 USD), depending on the time of booking and airline.

• Airlines: VietJet Air, Vietnam Airlines, and Bamboo Airways all operate direct flights.

• Airports: You’ll fly from Phu Bai International Airport (HUI) in Hue to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City.

Pros:

• Quick and convenient.

• Saves you time for other activities.

• Hue’s airport is small, so check-in and security are usually fast.

Cons:

• Fewer flights compared to bigger cities like Hanoi or Danang.

• Prices go up quickly if you book last-minute.

• You still need transport from the city to Phu Bai Airport (about 30–40 minutes by car).

Our advice: If you're short on time, this is the best option. Book early in busy seasons. If you can’t find a good price, you might want to consider flying from nearby Danang, which has more flights and often better deals.

By train

Taking the train from Hue to Ho Chi Minh City is a long but scenic journey. You’ll pass through beautiful coastal areas and countryside.

• Duration: About 18 to 22 hours, depending on the train.

• Cost:

  • Soft seat: 40-46 USD

  • Hard sleeper (6-berth cabin): 54-55 USD

  • Soft sleeper (4-berth cabin): 62-63 USD

• Train types: There are 5 trains on this route – SE1, SE3, SE5, SE7, and SE21 – which are all part of the Reunification Express.

Pros:

• Safer and more relaxing than a long road trip.

• Nice views, especially along the coast south of Hue.

• You can sleep onboard and save on a night’s hotel.

Cons:

• Long ride.

• Cabins can feel cramped if you’re in a 6-berth sleeper.

• Food sold onboard is basic and not always great.

Our advice: Book a soft sleeper if you plan to take the train. Bring snacks, drinks, and maybe some music or a book. You’ll arrive more rested than after a bus trip.

By road

You can also travel to Ho Chi Minh City from Hue by bus or private vehicle, but it’s a long ride.

Sleeper Bus

• Duration: Around 24 to 28 hours.

• Cost: Around 600,000 to 900,000 VND (23–36 USD).

• Companies: Futa Bus and Queen Cafe offer this route.

Pros:

• Cheapest option.

• You can sometimes stop in cities like Nha Trang or Da Lat on the way.

Cons:

• Very uncomfortable for such a long journey.

• Buses in Vietnam are often packed, especially during holidays.

• Drivers may rush or drive at night, which some travelers find stressful.

Private Car or Motorbike

This route is not recommended unless you're doing a long road trip through Vietnam. It would take several days and include multiple stops.

• Duration: At least 4 to 5 days with breaks.

• Cost: Varies. Renting a motorbike starts at about 150,000 VND/day, plus gas and repairs.

Pros:

• Freedom to explore other towns.

• Great for adventurous travelers.

Cons:

• Dangerous if you're not used to Vietnam’s traffic.

• Long and exhausting.

Our advice: Only consider the road if you’re experienced with driving in Vietnam or doing a full north-to-south road trip. For most travelers, the bus is better if you’re on a tight budget, and the train or flight is better for comfort and safety.

How to get to Ho Chi Minh from Hoi An

The Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh distance is about 900 km (about 560 miles). The best way to get from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh depends on your situation. If you want speed and comfort, we recommend flying from Danang (the nearest city). If you’re on a tight budget or prefer a scenic journey, the train is a good choice. The bus works if you’re saving money and don’t mind long hours on the road.

By flight

Since Hoi An doesn’t have an airport, you’ll first need to travel 30 kilometers to Danang International Airport (DAD). It takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour by car or shuttle. From there, you can catch a direct flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

• Flight duration: About 1 hour and 20 minutes.

• Cost: Around 40–98 USD, depending on airline and booking time.

• Airlines: VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, Vietnam Airlines.

Pros:

• Fastest and most comfortable.

• Many flights every day.

• Danang Airport is modern and easy to navigate.

Cons:

• You’ll need to arrange transfer from Hoi An to Danang.

• Price goes up quickly if you book late.

Our advice: Book your ticket a few days ahead. A private car from Hoi An to Danang costs around 300,000–400,000 VND, but shared shuttles are cheaper.

By train

Hoi An has no train station. The nearest one is in Danang, about 45 minutes away. You’ll first travel from Hoi An to Danang Railway Station, then board a train to Ho Chi Minh City.

Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh Sleeper Trains include soft sleepers, hard sleepers, and soft seats. For a trip this long, we strongly recommend a soft sleeper in a 4-berth cabin.

• Train duration: About 17 to 20 hours.

• Cost:

  • Soft seat: 37-59 USD

  • Hard sleeper (6-berth cabin): 49-55 USD

  • Soft sleeper (4-berth cabin): 56-60 USD

• Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh Train Time:

There are 5 trains that operate this route: SE2, SE4, SE6, SE8, and SE22. The earliest train departs at 6 AM and arrives at 12:44 AM the next day. The last train departs at 8:35 PM and arrives at 1:36 PM the next day. Check the Vietnam Railway website for more details.

Pros:

• Safer and more relaxing than bus.

• You can sleep and wake up close to your destination.

• Nice views along the way.

Cons:

• Long journey.

• Noisy if your cabin mates are loud.

• Food on the train is limited, so bring your own.

Our advice: Take a daytime train if you enjoy looking out the window. If not, an overnight train saves time and a night’s hotel bill.

By road

Buses also leave from Hoi An (or nearby Danang) to Ho Chi Minh City. These are sleeper buses that travel overnight and sometimes stop in Nha Trang or other cities.

• Duration: Around 15 to 22 hours.

• Cost: Around 800,000 to 1,100,000 VND (31–43 USD).

• Bus companies: Hoi An Hanh Cafe, Dinh Nhan.

Pros:

• Cheap.

• May include hotel pickup in Hoi An.

Cons:

• Very long and tiring.

• Not comfortable for tall travelers.

• Not much room for luggage.

Our advice: Use the bus only if you’re traveling on a very low budget. Try to get a bottom bunk on the sleeper bus—it’s a bit more stable.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to get to Ho Chi Minh from Hanoi, Hue, and Hoi An, you can plan your journey with more confidence. Whether you choose to fly, take the train, or go by road, each route offers a different experience. Ho Chi Minh City is waiting for you with its energy, flavors, and stories. If you want to make your trip easier and more enjoyable, consider booking a tour with us. We’ll help you discover the best of Vietnam without the stress. Reach out anytime—you’re always welcome.

>>> What To Do In 4 Days In Ho Chi Minh City ?