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How to get from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh
Organized chaos. That’s the first thing that comes to mind when we think of Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon. Its streets are fully-packed with motorcycles day in and day out, we absolutely have no idea how everyone manages not to bump into each other!
When in Ho Chi Minh, don’t miss a visit to the War Remnants Museum and Central Post Office. Shop (and prepare to haggle) at Ben Thanh Market, and explore the nearby Cu Chi Tunnels. When its busy streets become too much, know that you can always find solace in one of its many cozy coffee shops!
Flight from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh
Flying is the best option to travel the 1,600 km from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh. The flight itself only takes about 2 hours, but note that you’ll need extra time to get to and from the airports in both cities.
It is also possible to travel directly from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh by train, but this train journey will take at least 32 hours. Such a long journey will be exhausting, which is why we don’t recommend the train for this route. Also, trains are expensive with fares from 1,400,000 VND ($59) for a sleeper berth.
Don’t even think about travelling from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh by bus. This bus journey takes 37 hours! With bus fares from 775,000 VND ($32.50), you don’t really get to save much compared to taking a 2-hour flight.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Itinerary from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh
Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh by Flight
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh are the largest cities in Vietnam and are located almost end-to-end – Hanoi in the north and Ho Chi Minh in the south.
The most sensible way to travel from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh is by flight. You can complete this route by flight in just around 4 hours, already including the transfers to and from the airports.
Step 1: City Centre to Hanoi Airport by Bus
From Hanoi city centre, you’ll have to travel 30 km north to get to Hanoi Airport, also called Noi Bai Airport.
The most cost-efficient way would be to take Express Bus 86, which departs from Hanoi Railway Station and makes several pick-ups around the Old Quarter. A ticket costs 45,000 VND ($1.90) for the 1-hour journey.
You can also take a taxi or catch other buses from Hanoi centre to the airport. Check out our page on Hanoi Airport for a more detailed guide.
Step 2: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh by Flight
You will be spoiled for choice when picking a flight from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh. Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, Vietnam Airlines, and Vietravel Airlines operate dozens of flights for this route daily.
The flight time is around 2 hours and airfares range from 840,000 VND ($35.50) to 970,000 VND ($41).
We highly recommend that you book your flight ahead of time. Rates can go as high as 1,500,000 VND ($63) during peak season and when you book close to the travel date.
Step 3: Ho Chi Minh Airport to City Centre by Bus
Ho Chi Minh Airport (Tan Son Nhat International Airport) is located some 8 km north of Ho Chi Minh city centre.
If you’re heading to the backpacker district at Pham Ngu Lao Street, the cheapest way would be to take Public Bus #152 from the airport. A ticket only costs 6,000 VND ($0.20) and travel time is around 45 minutes.
Public Bus #152 makes its final stop across Ben Thanh Market. From here, you can get to Pham Ngu Lao in about 10 minutes on foot.
Alternatively, you can book a taxi with BookAway with rates from 260,000 VND ($11) from Ho Chi Minh Airport to the city centre.
For more transport options, visit our article on Ho Chi Minh International Airport.
Our favourite places to stay in Ho Chi Minh
Boholand Hostel
Want to enjoy a great atmosphere with a bit more privacy than the typical backpack hostel? Boholand hostel offers lovely decorated private rooms. The super friendly host will give you the best recommendations of where to go. And best of all, she serves a delicious home-made breakfast for a perfect start of the day!
Double rooms from: $24
Chez Mimosa
This boutique hotel is located just oustide of the center, but everything is still in walking distance, or just $1 by taxi to the center. Enjoy a wonderful breakfast at the balcony after a great night of sleep in the comfy beds. The very helpful owners also provide airport shuttle service.
Double rooms from: $32
SGN Living Artist Apartment
This apartment is located a few minutes walk from the backpacker street and offers great value for money. Expect stylish modern rooms with lots of space and very comfy beds.
Double rooms from: $40
Mekong Delta
Mekong DeltaOne of the popular activities from Ho Chi Minh is visiting the Mekong Delta.
We recommend to check out Klook to get a better impression about this tour. Tickets start from 420,000 VND ($17.50) for a full day tour including entrance fees.
More routes to Ho Chi Minh
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About the author(s)
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
