Vietnam

How to get from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

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

FASTEST
2h
💶
From
18€
📍
Distance
1138 km
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There are 3 way(s) to get from Hanoi 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 Hanoi
📍For buses, the main bus station is Giap Bat or My Dinh, depending on the company. For the Reunification Express train, it's Hanoi Railway Station (Ga Hà Nội), located in the city center. For flights, departure is from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), the largest airport in northern Vietnam.
🚇From Hanoi city center, Hanoi Railway Station is accessible by foot or taxi/Grab (approx. 15-20 min, 50,000-80,000 VND). Bus stations are further, requiring a taxi/Grab (30-45 min, 100,000-150,000 VND). Noi Bai Airport is about 45-60 minutes by taxi/Grab (250,000-400,000 VND) or public bus (line 86, approx. 40,000 VND).
Trains depart several times daily, including morning departures and overnight trains. Buses are very frequent throughout the day and night. Flights between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are numerous, with departures hourly or more, from early morning until late evening.
💸 Transport from 18€ per person
Fastest: 2h
Recommended: Reunification Express — 35€
🗓 Book now Secure payment · via 12go.asia

🛣️ The journey experience

Traveling from __Hanoi__ to __Ho Chi Minh City__ is a must-do for any __Vietnam__ explorer. Don't worry about scams or logistical surprises; we're here to clarify everything. You have three main options, each offering a different experience. The overnight bus, while the longest (around 18 hours for €18), is an economical solution that saves you a night's accommodation. 'Sleeper' buses are equipped with bunks, but comfort varies.

Be sure to book with reputable companies like Futa Bus (Phuong Trang) or The Sinh Tourist. Departures are usually from __Hanoi__'s peripheral bus stations, often with a shuttle included from the city center. The Reunification Train offers a more authentic experience (around 14 hours for €35). Sleeper carriages are comfortable, providing stunning views of the Vietnamese landscape. You depart from Hanoi station and arrive directly at __Ho Chi Minh City__ station, both central and easily accessible points.

Finally, for those in a hurry, flying is the fastest option (2 hours for €75), with reliable airlines like __Vietnam__ Airlines, Vietjet Air, or Bamboo Airways departing from Noi Bai Airport (HAN) to Tan Son Nhat (SGN). Whatever your choice, book online via secure platforms to avoid unpleasant surprises. You'll depart with peace of mind, ready to fully enjoy your next Vietnamese adventure.

Frequently asked questions — Hanoi → Ho Chi Minh City

✨ Why visit Ho Chi Minh City?

  • Visit the Reunification Palace and delve into contemporary Vietnamese history.
  • Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, an historic underground network used during the war.
  • Wander through Cholon (Chinatown) district and its bustling Binh Tay Market.
  • Savor authentic street food at Ben Thanh Market or local eateries.
  • Admire French colonial architecture, such as Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.
🌙
Recommended stay
3 to 4 nights — To explore major sites, enjoy the gastronomy, and soak in the urban atmosphere.

☀️ When to visit Ho Chi Minh City?

TROPICAL HUMID CLIMATE

November to March — This is the dry season, with pleasant temperatures and low rain risk, ideal for sightseeing.

Jan 😊
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 5 days

For an independent francophone traveler, 3 to 5 days are sufficient to explore Ho Chi Minh City. You can visit historical sites and local culture in 3 days. If you have 5 days, add an excursion to the Cu Chi tunnels or the Mekong Delta.

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