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 Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh
There are three ways to travel the distance of 435 km (270 miles) from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh: by bus (9 hours), train (7h21m-8h26m) and flight (2h30m). The journey takes between 2h30m - 9h and the quickest way is by flight. The lowest priced tickets start from 286,000 VND ($11.50) for the bus.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.
Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh by Bus
Travelling by bus from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh takes around 9 hours. That’s only an hour longer than taking the train. But buses are nowhere near as comfortable so the bus journey may be a bit exhausting.
Still, the bus is the cheapest option with ticket prices from 286,000 VND ($11.50).
If you take a night train, you can hopefully sleep for the most part of the journey. It’s worth noting that buses operating this route don’t really get good reviews. And if you want a guaranteed pleasant journey, we encourage you to take the train instead.
Departure and arrival station
Buses have varying departure and arrival points, usually at their own headquarters in Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh.
Some buses depart or arrive at the city centre, while others park at bus stations several kilometres away. This is why we highly advise that you pay attention to these details when booking your ride. Otherwise, you might end up taking a bus that departs or arrives miles away from your hotel.
Bus schedules from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh
Because there is no one specific terminal for buses operating from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh, it’s best to book your tickets online beforehand through BookAway. This way, you can easily compare prices and amenities before picking your ride.
Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh by Train
Travelling by train from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh is very scenic, and also quite convenient because trains depart and arrive within the centre of the two cities.
The train journey takes around 7.5 hours, but if you travel during the day, you will be very entertained by the coastal and rural sites along the way.
There are also several trains operating overnight if you prefer to sleep through the journey. Another advantage of this is you can save a night on hotel costs.
It’s still quite a long journey by train, so we recommend booking a 4-berth sleeper for the most comfort. Ticket prices start from 662,000 VND ($27.00). If you’re looking to save on costs, you can also book a soft seat or a bunk in a 6-berth cabin.
Departure and arrival station
You can find Nha Trang Railway Station just within the city centre, about 2 km west of the main beach.
Your arrival point is Saigon Train Station, located in Ho Chi Minh’s District 3. From here, you can take a short taxi ride to Pham Ngu Lao Street, situated 3.5 km southeast.
Train schedules from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh (Sleeper berth)
Book your train ride online via Baolau so that you won’t have to queue for tickets at the train station. Also, train fares are often cheaper when you book early.
Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh by Flight
Taking a flight from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh may seem like the fastest option at 3 hours. However, there is still the extra time to check in, the waiting time for your flight, and then the additional time to claim your luggage.
In reality, this flight journey can easily take 6 hours. And you’ll be walking around to various transfers for a great part of that. With a train ride from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh, you can just sit back and relax, or even enjoy a few hours of sleep, for the direct journey.
If you still want to take a flight, read on for a detailed guide.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: Nha Trang City Centre to Nha Trang Airport (Cam Ranh) by Bus
Nha Trang Airport (also called Cam Ranh) is located some 35 km south of Nha Trang city centre.
You can get to the airport in 2 ways: by airport bus for 1 hour or by taxi for 45 minutes. Rates start from 74,000 VND ($3.00) and 226,000 VND ($9.00), respectively.
You can book your ride online via BookAway, which offers both airport shuttles and private transfers from Nha Trang city Centre to Cam Ranh Airport.
See our page on Nha Trang Airport for more details.
Step 2: Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh by Flight
Vietjet Air often offers the cheapest flights from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh. Other carriers for this route are Bamboo Airways and Vietnam Airlines, although they are usually more expensive.
Airfares range from 630,000 VND ($25.50) to 750,000 VND ($30.50). It’s best to book your flight tickets well in advance to get these rates. Flight fares can go as high as 1,000,000 VND ($40.50) in peak season.
The flight time from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh is a little over an hour.
Step 3: Ho Chi Minh Airport to Ho Chi Minh City Centre by Bus
Ho Chi Minh Airport (Tan Son Nhat) is located 8 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh city centre. You can cross this distance in about 45 minutes by bus or taxi.
If you’re a solo traveller, we recommend taking Public Bus #152, which only costs 6,000 VND ($0.20). This bus offers a good level of comfort and is convenient because it drops you off right smack in the city centre – particularly at Ben Thanh Market. From here, Pham Ngu Lao is just 10 minutes away on foot.
Alternatively, you can book a private transfer with BookAway. Rates start from 211,000 VND ($8.50) for a 3-seater car.
Check out our guide on Ho Chi Minh Airport for more transport options.
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 Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh
What is the distance from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh?
The distance from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh is 435 km (270 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh?
The fastest way to get from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh is by flight and takes 2h30m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh?
The cheapest way to get from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh is by bus with ticket costs starting from 286,000 VND ($11.50).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Nha Trang 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.
