What to expect when visiting 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.
3 ways to get from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh
There are three ways to travel the distance of 940 km (584 miles) from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh: by bus (24 hours), train (17h34m-20h38m) and flight (6h45m). The journey takes between 6h45m - 24h and the quickest way is by flight. The lowest priced tickets start from 731,000 VND ($30.00) for the flight.Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Ho Chi Minh at the bottom of this page.
Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh by Flight
Hoi An does not have its own airport, but there is one in the nearby city of Da Nang, which you can find 30 km north.
Including the transfers to and from the airports, a flight from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh takes only 3.5 hours.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: Hoi An to Da Nang Airport by Bus
From Hoi An, you can take a shuttle bus or taxi to get to Da Nang Airport. Travel time is around 1 hour.
Travelling solo? We recommend taking a shuttle bus. This will pick you up from Hoi An city centre and take you straight to Da Nang Airport for around 155,000 VND ($6.00).
For couples and groups, it is more convenient to take a taxi. Rates start from 320,000 VND ($13.00).
You can book your shuttle or taxi ride beforehand through BookAway. Also check out our page about Da Nang Airport for more details.
Step 2: Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh by Flight
From Da Nang Airport, a flight to Ho Chi Minh takes about 1.5 hours. Vietjet Air usually offers the cheapest flights, but you can also choose from a few other carriers like Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways and Jetstar.
Airfares start from 570,000 VND ($23.00) to 830,000 VND ($33.50). It’s best to book your tickets early to secure those prices. If you’re travelling during the peak season (December to April), rates can go as high as 1,500,000 VND ($61.00).
Step 3: Ho Chi Minh Airport to Ho Chi Minh City Centre by Bus
From Ho Chi Minh Airport, it’s a 45-minute bus or taxi ride to the city centre.
Public bus #152 is the cheapest option at only 6,000 VND ($0.20). This drops you off at the roundabout across Ben Thanh Market, which is just a 10-minute walk from Ho Chi Minh’s Pham Ngu Lao Street.
See our page on Ho Chi Minh Airport for more info.
PRO TIP: Use the free N26 debit card to avoid the extra fees charged by your bank. This N26 debit card is becoming very popular among travellers, because they don't charge any fees on payments in foreign currencies (most banks charge 3%-5%). New members can order one for free on the N26 website
Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh by Bus
We do not recommend travelling this long distance by bus because it will be a really exhausting journey from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh. The bus ride takes at least 24 hours and the company operating on this route don’t always get the best reviews.
Do you still want to take a bus? If yes, read on for a step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Hoi An to Da Nang by Taxi
There are no direct buses from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh so you’ll first go to Da Nang Bus Station. When travelling in a group or carrying bulky luggage, the best way to do this is by taxi. Rates start from 440,000 VND ($17.50) when you book your private transfer through BookAway.
Travelling light? A motorbike taxi is a cheaper option at about 150,000 VND ($6.00). You can hail a moto taxi from the street or you can book one via Grab.
IMPORTANT: Public Bus #1 no longer operates from Hoi An to Da Nang the last time we checked (February 2023). Some tourists, who did not know this, have fallen victim to drivers offering overpriced taxis. This is why it’s best to pre-book your ride with a company or agency that you already trust.
Step 2: Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh by Bus
Futa Bus is the sole bus operator for the Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh route.
Again, we don’t see any good reason why you should travel this long journey by bus. On top of that, Futa Bus has gotten complaints about dirty buses and rude staff — something you don’t want to endure in a 23-hour journey.
Bus fares start from 513,000 VND ($20.50), just a few dollars cheaper than a plane ride.
Bus options from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh
Futa Bus departs from Da Nang Central Bus Station and arrives at Ho Chi Minh’s Eastern Bus Station (Mien Dong). This is still 19 km away from Pham Ngu Lao so if you’re heading to Saigon city centre, you can take a 30-minute taxi for around 370,000 VND ($15.00).
Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh by Train
Hoi An also does not have its own railway station. When travelling by train from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh, you can also take one from Da Nang.
Travel time by train takes around 17.5 hours, including transfers. This is much longer than a flight, but all trains operate overnight so you won’t lose a lot of daytime on the journey. Also, while train fares are often more expensive, you can save a night on accommodation.
Step 1: Hoi An to Da Nang Railway Station by Minivan
There are 2 ways you can get to Da Nang Railway Station from Hoi An: by minivan for 155,000 VND ($6.00) or by taxi with fares from 440,000 VND ($17.50).
Minivans are available daily from 06:00 to 20:00. Pick the minivan schedule that arrives at the station closest to your train’s departure time then pre-book your ride via BookAway to avoid any hassle on the day of your trip.
Visit our guide on Da Nang Railway Station for more info.
IMPORTANT: Pre-pandemic, cheap public buses operated from Hoi An to Da Nang. But the last time we checked (February 2023), these were no longer available.
Step 2: Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh by Train
You can choose from 4 trains operating daily from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh. Travel time is 16.5-19.5 hours, so all of these are overnight trips. Just pick a schedule that fits well with your itinerary.
But if you ask us, SE1 has the best departure and arrival times. You can check out of your hotel in Hoi An at noon, travel an hour to Da Nang, have a quick lunch, and then board your train. Enjoy the journey, have a good night’s sleep and wake up in Ho Chi Minh the next morning!
Because this is quite a long journey, we recommend that you get a bunk in a 4-berth sleeper. Fares start from 897,000 VND ($36.50). Cheaper 6-berth sleepers are also available, but may not be as comfortable.
Train options from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh
Step 3: Ho Chi Minh Train Station to City Centre by Taxi
You are to get off the train at Saigon Station, 3.5 km north of Pham Ngu Lao. To get to Ho Chi Minh’s tourist centre, you can take a 10-minute taxi for 75,000 VND ($3.00).
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh
What is the distance from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh?
The distance from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh is 940 km (584 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh?
The fastest way to get from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh is by flight and takes 6h45m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh?
The cheapest way to get from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh is by flight with ticket costs starting from 731,000 VND ($30.00).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
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.
