Vietnam

How to get from Ha Long to Ho Chi Minh City

Compare all transport options: bus, ferry, train, flight. Prices, durations and tips from a local expert.

FASTEST
1h 30min
💶
From
18€
📍
Distance
1127 km
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There are 2 way(s) to get from Ha Long to Ho Chi Minh City

Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.

🚌 Departure from Ha Long
📍The journey from Hạ Long to Ho Chi Minh City by bus and plane starts with a transfer to Cat Bi International Airport (HPH) in Hai Phong, which is the nearest and most convenient airport for domestic flights. Buses or taxis depart from major bus stations in Hạ Long, or directly from your hotel for private shuttles.
🚇From Hạ Long city center, you can reach Cat Bi Airport by taxi (approx. 1h30, 600,000-800,000 VND) or shared shuttle/minibus (approx. 2h, 200,000-300,000 VND). These shuttles can be booked through your hotel or local travel agencies and offer a good balance of cost and comfort.
Shuttles and taxis generally operate from early morning until early evening, aligning with flight schedules. It is advisable to book shuttles 24 hours in advance. Taxis are available at any time.
💸 Transport from 18€ per person
Fastest: 1h 30min
🗓 Book now Secure payment · via 12go.asia

🛣️ The journey experience

Planning your journey from Hạ Long to __Ho Chi Minh City__ might seem complex, but we're here to guide you. For this long distance, two main options are available: the overnight bus or the plane. The bus is the most economical solution (around 18€ for a 17-hour journey), ideal for tight budgets. Expect comfortable, albeit older, sleeper buses with stops for meals.

It's a local immersion and a way to save on a hotel night. The landscapes will unfold, offering a glimpse of rural __Vietnam__. Major reliable operators usually depart from central Hạ Long bus terminals (often Mien Dong Bus Station). The plane (around 80€ for a 2-hour flight) is the quick and comfortable option if you prioritize time.

It's a direct flight from Hạ Long (Vân Đồn Airport - VDO) to __Ho Chi Minh City__ (Tân Sơn Nhất Airport - SGN). Prices and availability vary, but early booking through secure platforms is recommended for both modes of transport to avoid unpleasant surprises or local scams. Don't worry about logistics; we'll help you choose and book with complete peace of mind.

Frequently asked questions — Ha Long → Ho Chi Minh City

✨ Why visit Ho Chi Minh City?

  • Visit the Reunification Palace and its secret underground tunnels
  • Explore the War Remnants Museum for a poignant historical immersion
  • Wander through Cholon (Chinatown) and its bustling Binh Tay market
  • Savor local street food: Phở, Bánh Mì, and iced condensed milk coffee
  • Navigate the Mekong Delta and discover the Cu Chi Tunnels for a unique experience
🌙
Recommended stay
3 to 4 nights — Allows exploring major sites and experiencing the city's vibrant atmosphere.

☀️ When to visit Ho Chi Minh City?

TROPICAL HUMID CLIMATE

December to April — Dry and sunny season, pleasant temperatures, ideal for exploring without rain.

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In Ho Chi Minh City — Plan your stay
Accommodation, activities and tips selected for you
🏨 Accommodation
Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City
Compare the best rates available
via trip.com

What to do in Ho Chi Minh City?

Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you

INCONTOURNABLE
🏛️
Cu Chi Tunnels — underground network
75 km of hand-dug tunnels from the Vietnam War — guided tour with the option to crawl through the passages. 40 km from Saigon, reachable in half a day. The most striking experience in the region for understanding Vietnamese resilience.
🕌
Reunification Palace
The site where the Vietnam War officially ended on 30 April 1975. The palace has remained untouched since: period furniture, underground war room and rooftop helipad. A one-of-a-kind time capsule in the heart of the city.
🏮
Ben Thanh Market — food & shopping
Saigon's icon since 1914. The daytime market overflows with textiles, souvenirs and spices. But it's at night that it really comes alive: outdoor food stalls, grilled meats and seafood at affordable prices surround the building. The best place to try banh mi, bun bo hue and com tam.
🍜
District 1 — night street food
Bùi Viện and Nguyễn Huệ streets ignite after dark. Pho, bun bo Hue, banh xeo (crispy pancake) and fresh sugar cane juice: a feast for under €5. Nguyễn Huệ is pedestrianised on weekends — guaranteed atmosphere until 2am.
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War Remnants Museum
Vietnam's most visited museum, and its most moving. Documentary photos, US military equipment, testimonies — an experience that stays with you. Allow 2-3 hours. Morning visit recommended to avoid tour groups.
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Jade Emperor Pagoda
Saigon's most atmospheric Taoist pagoda, built in 1909. Omnipresent incense, red-lacquered deity statues and sacred turtles in the inner pond. Off the tourist trail yet 15 minutes' walk from the centre.
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Rooftop at sunset
Saigon has several accessible rooftops: Level 23 at the Sheraton, the Social Club Rooftop and Chill Skybar (Bitexco Tower) all offer panoramic views over the megacity. Happy hour from 5pm to 7pm for budget-conscious travellers — cocktails from €5-10.
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Mekong Delta — boat excursion
2 hours from Saigon, the Mekong Delta is a network of channels and lush islands. By boat, you drift past floating markets, coconut palm orchards and coconut candy workshops. Day trip from €25 — among the most beautiful in Vietnam.

⏱️ How long to visit Ho Chi Minh City?

3 to 6 days

For an independent traveler, 3 to 4 days are enough to explore Ho Chi Minh City's must-sees. This allows you to visit historical sites, markets, and taste local cuisine without rushing. Add 1-2 days for an excursion to Củ Chi tunnels or the Mekong Delta.

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