The distance between Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, and the country’s largest city, Ho Chi Minh City, is 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles), but it is a very popular route among tourists visiting this Asian country. If you choose to travel from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll travel across the country from north to south, taking in spectacular scenery along the way, although it takes a long time to cover that distance.
How to get from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City?
There are three options for traveling between the two cities: by plane, car or train, and the good thing is that there are many flights from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, as well as numerous trains and some buses. Or, if you want to make your journey more independent, you can rent a car and drive on your own, stopping whenever you want and taking your time to enjoy the sights along the way. Keep in mind that while there are big price differences between some of these options, if you do a little research and book in advance, you can find good deals.
Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City flights
VietJet Air plane at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City © withGod / Shutterstock.com
Let’s start with the fastest way to get from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. Traveling by plane is very fast compared to land based options. Even adding the waiting time at the airport, the trip will be much faster than if you travel by train or bus. The flight to Ho Chi Minh City from Hanoi takes only 2 hours, so this is definitely the best option if you are going to be in Vietnam for a limited period of time and want to visit the country’s largest cities.
The cost of airline tickets varies greatly depending on the airline you choose, and there are several that serve this route. Finding a flight to travel between the two cities should not be a problem as the route from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City is one of the busiest air routes in the world with around 50 daily flights. And during the holiday season there are even more trips.
Airlines operating this route include Jetstar Pacific, VietJet and Vietnam Airlines. The first two are low-cost airlines, so if you’re looking for the lowest prices, have a look at their flights. A seat on these airlines doesn’t cost much more than a train ticket, so if you’re short on time, a plane can be a very good option. Vietnam Airlines is something completely different. As the flagship airline in Vietnam, this company offers more luxurious services than low-cost ones, but at four times the price, it’s worth paying so much for a flight of several hours.
From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City by train
If time is not an issue, taking the train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City is the perfect way to travel and enjoy the scenery of Vietnam. In fact, many people say it’s the only way to see some parts of the country they otherwise wouldn’t be able to see. The train makes several stops along the way, so theoretically you can get off, spend some time at this point and catch the next train to continue. But while traveling by train is somewhat romantic and relatively inexpensive, traveling by train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City also has its downsides.
The first disadvantage is the length of the journey. Depending on the Vietnam Railways train, the journey will take anywhere from 29.5 hours to 34 hours and 40 minutes. It is obvious that being on a train takes a long time, although you can opt for a compartment with a bed to sleep at night. Ticket prices are divided into different categories: you can buy a seat ticket, a 2nd class sleeper ticket or a 1st class sleeper ticket. All options should include air conditioning, but remember that it can be too high and even make you feel cold. Another thing that travelers on the train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City mention are cockroaches. These trains abound, especially in bathrooms and at night.
If you want to travel by train but would like a more luxurious option, albeit at a higher price, you can travel in a private carriage. Violette Express Trains tickets are more expensive, but their carriages are cleaner and more comfortable.
By bus from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
Mien Dong Bus Station in Ho Chi Minh City © xuanhuongho / Shutterstock.com
The journey between the two cities is very long by train, but even longer by bus. If you plan to take the bus to Ho Chi Minh City, it will take approximately 37.5 hours to get there. The price is almost the same as a second class ticket on a train, but keep in mind that you don’t have as much room to move around on the bus. The good thing about these buses operated by Hoang Long is that they have “beds”. The beds are simple and not too big but allow you to lie down and stretch out a bit. The buses also have a bathroom, air conditioning and something to eat. In addition, there are stops along the way so that you can eat something more substantial and stretch your legs for a moment.
When planning a trip from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, the first thing to consider is the weather. The flights will save you a day and a half of travel, but even if you see something through the window, you won’t be enjoying Vietnam’s spectacular landscapes. Buses and trains give you this option, but you may be overwhelmed by the lack of space and perhaps not meeting all standards of cleanliness and comfort.