Traveling between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (also known as Saigon) offers multiple options, each providing a different experience depending on your time, budget, and travel preferences. Whether you want a quick flight or an adventurous road trip, there are several ways to journey between these two iconic cities in Vietnam. This article covers the best options to consider for both routes: from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City and vice versa.
Route information
Location Hanoi: North Vietnam
Hanoi is located in northern Vietnam, serving as the political and cultural heart of the country. Known for its ancient temples, bustling old quarter, and French colonial architecture, Hanoi is a prime starting point for exploring northern Vietnam. The city is also a major transportation hub with an international airport (Noi Bai), several bus terminals, and train stations connecting to different parts of the country.
Location Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): South Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), located in southern Vietnam, is the country’s largest and most modern city. As the economic center, it’s home to a vibrant nightlife, modern skyscrapers, and historic landmarks like the Cu Chi Tunnels. The city has excellent transport links, with Tan Son Nhat International Airport being Vietnam’s busiest airport, along with a widespread bus network and train connections to other parts of the country.
Distance Between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City:
The distance between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City is around 1,700 kilometers. This is a significant distance that can be covered by air, road, or rail, depending on how much time and money you want to invest.
Option 1: Flights between Saigon and Hanoi
The best and quickest way to travel between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City is a flight. There are many flights, in fact it is the most busy flight route in South EastAsia. Because so many flights and different airlines on this route, mean the competition keep the prices very affordable.
Flight schedule:
- Flights operate almost hourly from early morning until late evening.
- Airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and Bamboo Airways offer regular services on this route.
Travel Time:
- The flight duration is approximately 2 hours.
Price:
- One-way fares typically start at around €50, depending on the season, airline company and even time of day.
Option 2: Train Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City
Traveling by train between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City is a scenic and memorable experience, offering stunning views of Vietnam’s diverse landscapes. The journey on the Reunification Express takes you through mountains, coastline, and rural areas. While it is a long trip, many travelers prefer this option for the slower pace and opportunity to stop at key destinations along the route.
Train Classes:
- Soft seat and hard seat: Soft seats are standard cushioned chairs, offering a more comfortable experience. Hard seats, however, are wooden benches, often chosen by locals for short distances due to their lower cost but not recommended for long trips.
- 4-berth and 6-berth sleeper cabins: These are the best options for overnight travel. The 4-berth cabin offers more space and comfort, while the 6-berth cabin is slightly more budget-friendly but more cramped.
Price:
- 4-berth cabins: Prices typically range from €45 to €75 depending on the time of booking and the class of the train.
- 6-berth cabins: Prices are cheaper, starting around €35 but offer less space.
Tips:
- Privacy in a 4-berth cabin: If you’re seeking privacy, especially if you’re traveling alone or in a small group, you can book all the beds in a 4-berth cabin. This ensures you have the entire space to yourself or with your companions.
- Choosing the 4-berth cabin: For long journeys, it’s highly recommended to opt for the 4-berth cabin, as it offers a better sleeping experience and more comfort compared to the 6-berth cabins.
Tourist Trains
If you’re looking for a more comfortable and enjoyable train experience, tourist trains are an excellent option. These trains are more expensive than regular trains, but they offer several advantages:
- Better facilities: The cabins are often the same size as those on standard trains, but they are cleaner, more comfortable, and better maintained. The bedding is typically of higher quality, and the toilets are usually kept in better condition.
- Less crowded: Tourist trains attract fewer locals, offering a quieter and more relaxing environment.
Breaking the Journey
Given that the train journey between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City can take up to 36 hours, it’s a good idea to break the trip into smaller sections and stop at destinations along the way. Popular stops include:
- Nha Trang: A coastal city known for its beaches and diving spots.
- Hue: Known for its historic citadel and imperial tombs.
- Da Nang: Famous for its beaches and proximity to Hoi An.
Option 3: Bus network
Taking a bus between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City is the most affordable but least comfortable option. A direct bus trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi or vice versa can take more than 35 hours, and it’s not recommended unless you’re willing to endure long hours on the road. However, if you’re stopping at several destinations along the way, it can be a reasonable choice.
Direct Bus (Not Recommended): A direct bus ride between the two cities is possible, but it’s a long and uncomfortable journey due to the extended travel time and limited amenities onboard. Buses are generally sleeper buses, with reclining seats instead of beds, which can still feel cramped and tiring, especially for long distances. The only practical reason to take a direct bus would be for extreme budget travel.
Open Bus Tickets (Better Option): A much better option than taking a direct bus is to use an “open bus ticket.” This flexible ticket allows you to break your journey into smaller legs and stop at destinations along the way. It’s a hop-on-hop-off system, which means you can stop at popular tourist destinations such as Hue, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Da Nang, exploring each for a few days before continuing your journey.
Benefits of Open Bus Tickets:
Availability: There are several reliable bus companies that offer this service, such as Sinh Tourist and Phuong Trang (Futa Bus), which are popular among travelers.
Flexibility: You can decide where and when to stop along the way.
Budget-friendly: Bus tickets are cheaper than flights and trains, with the added benefit of visiting several destinations.
Option 4: Rondreis von Nord nach Süd
The absolute best way to experience Vietnam is by doing a full round trip from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (or vice versa), visiting incredible destinations along the way. This option allows you to immerse yourself in Vietnam’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty while breaking up the long journey into manageable segments. Traveling this route offers the chance to explore everything from ancient cities to scenic coastal towns, national parks, and vibrant metropolises. You can use a combination of buses, trains, and domestic flights to connect each destination.
Here are the top destinations from north to south (or south to north) that you should include on your itinerary:
- Ninh Binh: Known as the “Halong Bay on land,” this region features limestone karsts and rivers winding through lush rice fields. You can explore famous spots like Tam Coc and the ancient capital of Hoa Lu.
- Phong Nha: Home to the famous Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, this area is a paradise for caving enthusiasts. You can visit some of the world’s largest and most impressive caves, such as Son Doong and Paradise Cave.
- Hue: The former imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue is rich in history with the ancient citadel, royal tombs, and pagodas. The city lies along the Perfume River, providing scenic boat trips.
- Hoi An: This charming ancient town is famous for its well-preserved architecture, lantern-lit streets, tailor shops, and riverside cafes. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Nha Trang: A lively coastal city known for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and island-hopping tours. Nha Trang is perfect for water sports and relaxing by the sea.
- Dalat: Located in the central highlands, Dalat is a cool mountain town with French colonial architecture, waterfalls, and stunning natural landscapes. It’s a great escape from the tropical heat.
- Mui Ne: Known for its unique sand dunes and kite surfing, Mui Ne is a popular beach destination with a laid-back vibe. You can visit the Red and White Sand Dunes or enjoy fresh seafood by the coast.
These stops offer a perfect mix of culture, adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty. You can plan your route based on how much time you have and what interests you the most. Whether you prefer historical sites, national parks, or coastal getaways, this round trip offers something for everyone.
Option 5: Driving motorbike
For the true adventure seekers, traveling by motorbike from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (or the other way around) is one of the most exciting and immersive ways to experience Vietnam. This journey offers freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to explore lesser-known places along the way. However, it’s not for the faint of heart, as this trip requires good preparation, enough time, and a sense of adventure.
The journey: The distance between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City is around 1,700 km, and it’s best to break the trip into several segments, allowing you to rest and fully enjoy the sights along the way. Most travelers who choose this option spend at least three weeks on the road, making frequent stops to explore attractions, towns, and scenic landscapes.
Motorbike options:
- Buying a motorbike: Many travelers choose to buy a motorbike at their starting point and sell it at their final destination. This is a popular choice for those planning to take their time, as it offers complete flexibility. Common models include the Honda Win and semi-automatic scooters. If you choose this option, make sure to check the bike carefully or buy from a reliable source.
- One-way rental: If you’re not comfortable buying and selling a bike, you can opt for one-way motorbike rentals. Some companies offer this service, meaning you can rent a bike in Hanoi (or Ho Chi Minh City) and return it in the other city. This option can save time and effort in dealing with purchasing and selling, as well as ensuring the bike is well-maintained.
Popular routes: There are multiple routes you can take depending on your interests. You could stick to the coastal roads for beautiful beaches or take the inland route through mountainous regions for more challenging roads and breathtaking scenery. Both offer rewarding experiences. A typical route might include destinations like Ninh Binh, Phong Nha, Hue, Hoi An, and the central highlands like Dalat before reaching Ho Chi Minh City.
