
Ho Chi Minh City, still widely called Saigon, is Vietnam's biggest city, right down in the south. It's a long way from Hanoi, so flying is the quickest way, taking 3h 45m. Overland, the train is the cheapest way to get from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City at $42 (1,100,000 VND). The ride takes 1d 10h - 2d, so bring something to read.
Distance from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh are about 1143 km (710 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 1493 km by road. The quickest way to get from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh is by taking the flight, which takes around 3h 45m.
3 ways to travel from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh
There are three ways to travel from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh. You can choose between the flight, train, and bus. The journey takes 3h 45m–2d and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by flight with tickets starting at $34 (890,000 VND).
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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
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 (395,000 VND) per night.
Golden Tree Hotel and Apartment
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 (820,000 VND) per night.
Silverland Mây Hotel
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 (2,100,000 VND) per night.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Ho Chi Minh?
Ho Chi Minh is Vietnam's largest and probably busiest metropolis. Formerly called Saigon, the city pulsates with energy and organised chaos. Its streets are packed with motorcycles day in and day out, we absolutely have no idea how everyone manages not to bump into each other!
Don’t miss a visit to the War Remnants Museum and Central Post Office, one of the oldest buildings in Ho Chi Minh. Shop (and prepare to haggle) at Ben Thanh Market, and explore the nearby Cu Chi Tunnels. When its bustling streets become too much, know that you can always find solace in one of its many cosy coffee shops.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh, roughly 1143 kilometres (710 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest non-flight fare is $42 (1,100,000 VND), though if you're lucky with timing you might find a flight ticket for even less. The quickest trip takes 3h 45m.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh?
The distance from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh is 1,143 kilometres (710 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh?
The fastest way to get from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh is by flight and takes 3h 45m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh?
The cheapest way to get from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh is by flight with ticket costs starting from 890,000 VND.
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