The largest city in Vietnam is also the most visited city. Ho Chi Minh City is still known by its old name of Saigon and is home to nearly 9 million people. This vibrant city lives 24 hours a day and offers many opportunities to learn about Vietnamese culture and history. Famous for its French colonial architecture, bustling markets and street food stalls, and its role in the Vietnam War, Ho Chi Minh City is a city not to be missed. Once you’ve explored the city, head north to Da Nang. It also has a colonial touch, and due to its location on the coast, it has charming beaches where you can relax. Da Nang is surrounded by fantastic scenery, including the Marble Mountains, where you’ll find pagodas and secret caves.
Travel options from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang
The route from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang is very popular, so there are many options for traveling between the two cities. You will meet many travelers along the way, and depending on how you travel, you may also encounter many locals. If you are traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang by road, there are two main routes you can follow: the inland route is a shorter distance but may take more time, and the coastal route is longer but can be completed in less time. The distance is between 850 and 965 kilometers by land, while the flight, which follows a more direct route, covers a shorter distance and takes you to Da Nang in less time. Interestingly, flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang are an inexpensive alternative, although you can always save money by taking the bus. The price of a train ticket will depend on the class you are traveling in.
Train from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang
Vietnam Railways provides train services throughout the country, so you can be sure that the price will be fair and the service will meet certain standards on various routes. The route from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang is one of the most popular, so often the trains run through the countryside and sometimes skirt the coast to treat passengers to fantastic views. If you are not in a hurry to get to Da Nang, we recommend taking the train as you can enjoy the scenery along the way and get to know the Vietnamese people and their culture better.
There are six trains daily from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang. Depending on which one you choose, the journey will take between 16 and 17.5 hours. If you leave Ho Chi Minh City in the morning by the 6:00 AM train, you should arrive in Da Nang around 11:00 PM. The advantage of this train is that when traveling during the day you can contemplate the landscape through the window throughout the journey. There are also trains at 9:00, 11:50, 14:40, 19:55 and 21:55. Keep in mind that if you take the 9am bus, you’ll arrive in Da Nang around 2am the next day, which is not a very convenient time.
You have three options for train tickets from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang: a second-class seat, a second-class sleeper seat, and a first-class sleeper seat. We recommend going to bed, even if you are traveling during the day, to have more space and travel more comfortably than in a seat. Armchairs can be a good option if you’re on a tight budget.
From Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang by plane
Ho Chi Minh City Tan Son Nhat International Airport © AsiaTravel / Shutterstock.com
Traveling by train is an ideal option if you have enough time as traveling can be very enjoyable. However, if you need to get to Da Nang as soon as possible, flight is the best option. VietJet Air, Jetstar Pacific and Vietnam Airlines offer regular flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang. The duration is 1 hour and 20 minutes, so you can leave Ho Chi Minh City in the morning and arrive in Da Nang at lunch time.
Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air at Da Nang Airport © Nils Versemann / Shutterstock.com
Prices vary between the three airlines. VietJet Air is usually the cheapest followed by Jetstar Pacific. If you choose to travel with Vietnam Airlines, expect to pay much more as their tickets are the most expensive, although they include 20 kilograms of checked baggage, unlike the other two airlines. Departures run throughout the day, from 5:35 AM to 10:05 PM. Prices also vary depending on the departure time from Ho Chi Minh City. Usually, early morning and late night flights are cheaper. If you want to save, try to book in advance to find deals on certain days of the week. Book tickets via 12Go.asia easily compare the options and prices of the three airlines. You can also compare them with train and bus prices. It is possible to book any of the three available transportation options from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang via 12Go.
Bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang
Traveling so long by bus can be uncomfortable and a bit claustrophobic. Therefore, if you do not like to close yourself in a small space, we recommend choosing a train or plane. That said, the Hoang Long Bus Company operates buses with berths that allow you to stretch your legs and lean back more than on a conventional bus.
If you want to save money, taking the bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang is the easiest way to make the trip. But remember that for a little more you can buy a train ticket in a second-class seat.
The bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang takes around 20 hours, making it the slowest option. The buses are quite well equipped, as they have a bathroom, televisions, stewardess, air conditioning and snacks on board. In addition, there are several stops along the way to stretch your legs a bit.
Since all the available transportation options from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang are reasonably priced, it can be difficult to make a decision. We advise you to travel by train if you have enough time. On the contrary, if you have a tight schedule, it is better to choose a plane.