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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 ($57.00) 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 ($31.50), 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.
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 ($1.80) 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 ($34.50) to 970,000 VND ($40.00).
We highly recommend that you book your flight ahead of time. Rates can go as high as 1,500,000 VND ($61.00) 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 ($10.50) 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
Ho Chi Minh is home to around 9 million people. To fit that many people, it has got to be a pretty big city, which can make choosing the right area a little overwhelming.
Here is a quick rundown of the best districts for you to stay in:
- District 1 is the heart of Ho Chi Minh City and is a popular choice for tourists due to its proximity to major attractions like the Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, and the War Remnants Museum.
- Pham Ngu Lao is located within District 1 and is popular amongst budget travellers due to its nightlife, street food and cheap accommodations.
- District 3 is less touristy but still relatively central and offers a more local experience. It’s known for its beautiful tree-lined streets and French colonial architecture.
- District 5 (Chinatown) offers a unique cultural experience with its bustling atmosphere, Chinese temples, and a wide variety of delicious street food.
- District 7 is more modern and upscale. There are plenty of international restaurants, shopping centres and green spaces.
Check out our favourite places to stay in these areas:
Vy Khanh Guesthouse - Budget Friendly
Vy Khanh Guesthouse may not be the fanciest place in Ho Chi Minh, but what it lacks in glitz and glamour, it makes up with its hospitality. Vy is one of the best hosts that you’ll experience in Vietnam, offering you recommendations for not just the city but the entire country.
She’ll make sure you have the best experience and that starts with the guesthouse’s location. It’s situated in the heart of the city in District 1.
- Amazing host
- Great location
- Clean and comfortable rooms
- Good value for money
Double rooms start from $15 per night.
Golden Tree Hotel and Apartment - Mid Range
Golden Tree Hotel stands out amongst the rest due to its perfect ambient lighting both inside and outside. This hotel feels face fancier than its price tag.
The rooms are spacious and modern, with most rooms offering a private kitchen and large colonial-style windows. Stay here and you’ll be located in District 7.
- Spacious and modern rooms
- Great location
- Beautiful decor
- High speed internet
Double rooms start from $31 per night.
Silverland Mây Hotel - Treating Yourself
One look at Siverland Mây Hotel’s swimming pool and you won’t be able to resist booking here. It’s surrounded by lush greenery hanging from the ceiling, hammocks and there’s a pool-side bar.
The rooms live up to this standard boasting a beautiful ultra-modern decor. You’ll never want to leave this place.
- Beautiful swimming pool
- Pool-side bar
- Stunning rooms
- Great location
Double rooms start from $80 per night.
Routes from Ho Chi Minh
Ho Chi Minh Airport (Tan Son Nhat) to Ho Chi Minh City Centre
Most popular routes in Vietnam
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.
