Halong Bay To Ho Chi Minh - Top 3 Optimal Transportations For Tourists

Halong Bay to Ho Chi Minh distance

The distance from Halong Bay to Ho Chi Minh City is approximately 1729 kilometers. However, the distance and travel time can vary based on the mode of transportation you opt for.    

Here is a quick overview of the distance and travel time from Halong Bay to Ho Chi Minh City by different modes of transportation:

When traveling from Halong Bay to Saigon, you have three popular options: flights, trains, and buses. Flying is the fastest option covering 1150 km in just 2 hours, significantly faster than trains and buses, making it the most efficient and convenient choice for travelers.    

In summary, you still have the option to choose from all three popular methods mentioned, ensuring a smooth and swift journey from Halong Bay to Saigon.

3 ways to get to Halong Bay from Ho Chi Minh

Halong Bay to Ho Chi Minh by flight 

Airplane is the fastest and most popular way to travel from Halong Bay to Ho Chi Minh City,especially for travelers looking to maximize their time after enjoying the breathtaking experience of a Ha Long cruise. Customers can choose flights from Van Don or Cat Bi Airports. Both of them provide direct flights to Tan Son Nhat Airport, which is convenient and time-efficient. 

A Halong Bay to Ho Chi Minh flight is expected to cost from US $30 - 60:   

Customers may want to consider the following advantages and disadvantages:

Van Don Airport to Tan Son Nhat Airport

Van Don, also known as Quang Ninh International Airport, is the closest airport to Halong Bay, located 67 km away, which takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to travel. Operational since 2019, this airport offers modern facilities for an excellent check-in experience.

Check-in counters inside Van Don Airport     

How to get to Van Don Airport

To travel from Halong Bay to Van Don Airport, you have several transportation options, with buses being a popular and economical choice. Here is information on bus routes and reputable bus companies you can consider:

There are two free bus routes serving passengers from Van Don Airport to Halong Bay and vice versa, with the specific routes as follows:

• Route 14A: Departs from the Lan Be Flower Park entrance on Tran Quoc Nghien Street and takes passengers to Van Don International Airport. This bus route is very convenient for those starting from the central area of Halong Bay, providing comfort and ease throughout the journey.

• Route 14B: This route departs from the entrance of Sun World Complex HaLong and travels to Van Don International Airport. It is an ideal option for passengers who want to enjoy recreational activities before starting their flight.

For reliable and reasonably priced taxi services, you can consider Phu Binh, Mai Linh, and Van Don Xanh. Here is a list of reputable taxi providers in Ha Long for your reference:

Van Don - Ho Chi Minh flights

Direct flights from Van Don to Ho Chi Minh City are a favored option for travelers from Halong Bay, particularly for those who choose to take a  Halong Bay day cruise. This route is serviced by three major carriers: Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, and VietJet Air. Currently, there are three domestic flights per day from Van Don to Ho Chi Minh City.

Note: Airfare prices are for reference only and may vary depending on the time of booking.

When flying from Van Don Airport, you will enjoy the benefits of less crowding, which reduces waiting times at check-in and security, along with the convenience of being close to Ha Long. However, the downside of the airport is that the flight frequency is quite low and the area around the airport does not have many dining or entertainment services.

Cat Bi Airport to Tan Son Nhat Airport

Cat Bi Airport, located in Hai Phong City, is approximately 40 km from Halong Bay, with a travel time of about 1.5 hours, making it farther than Van Don Airport. 

As a major international airport in northern Vietnam, Cat Bi offers convenient connections, serving numerous airlines with both domestic and international flights, resulting in a higher flight frequency (over 10 flights to Ho Chi Minh City per day) to meet diverse travel needs. 

Book a flight direct to Ho Chi Minh from Cat Bi Airport

How to get to Cat Bi Airport

To travel from Halong Bay to Cat Bi Airport, you have the following options:

• Bus Service: The only bus route available from Halong Bay to Cat Bi Airport is Route 07 (Cong Den - Uong Bi). Ticket prices range from 7,000 to 15,000 VND (approximately US $0.28 - $0.59) depending on the distance of each segment. The bus operates daily starting at 05:45 with a frequency of every 15-20 minutes.
• Private Car or Taxi: Renting a private car or taking a taxi from Halong Bay to Cat Bi Airport is recommended. This method offers greater flexibility and saves time, ensuring you don’t miss your flight. See taxi price here:

Cat Bi - Tan Son Nhat flight

Every day, there are about 11-16 flights from Cat Bi International Airport (HPH) to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN). To refer to the airfare, you can read the information in the following table:

Note: The above ticket prices are for reference only, ticket prices will change at any time.

In short, Cat Bi is a larger airport with more flight frequencies and a variety of airlines to choose from. There are also plenty of dining options and amenities nearby. But the trade-off is longer travel times, and crowded check-in and security lines, requiring early arrivals.

Noi Bai Airport to Tan Son Nhat Airport

Noi Bai Airport, located in Hanoi, is the largest and most important airport in Northern Vietnam, about 170 km from Ha Long, with a travel time of around 3 hours. It features modern infrastructure with two main terminals: Terminal 1 for domestic flights and Terminal 2 for international flights. 

To travel to Ho Chi Minh City, you'll use Terminal 1. The airport operates frequent flights to Ho Chi Minh City every 15 to 30 minutes, ensuring convenience for passengers.

You can travel to Noi Bai Airport to catch a flight to Ho Chi Minh City

How to get to Hanoi

To learn how to travel from Halong Bay to Hanoi, check out the detailed guide here. Here's a summary of transportation options:

• By Bus: Numerous bus companies operate between Halong and Hanoi, with travel times ranging from 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
• By Train: You can take a train from Halong Station to Hanoi Station. Although this option takes longer, around 5 to 6 hours, it offers a different experience.
• By Private Car: This is the most flexible and comfortable option, allowing you to control your schedule and route. Travel time is approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
• By Shuttle Bus: Regular shuttle bus services are available between Halong and Hanoi, with travel times similar to those of buses.

For a comfortable and flexible journey, consider choosing a private car or a shuttle bus. A private car offers optimal convenience and comfort, while a shuttle bus provides consistent service at a reasonable cost.

Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh flight

There are more than 60 flights from Noi Bai Airport to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) every day. You can see detailed information about airlines, flight frequencies, and ticket prices in the table here.

Note: The above ticket prices are for reference only, ticket prices will change at any time.

Noi Bai Airport, with its large size and presence of many airlines, offers dense flight frequencies and diverse options for passengers. However, travel time from the city center can be long, and you need to arrive at the airport early to check in and go through security.

How to book

To book direct flights from Van Don, Cat Bi and Noi Bai to Ho Chi Minh, you can go to the flight operator's website. Fill up all your information (departure, destination, date, number of passengers, etc.), submit, and wait for the airline to confirm, then finish paying.

>> After experiencing Ho Chi Minh City, if you want to return to Halong Bay, you can check out these blogs for more information:

• Ho Chi Minh to Halong Bay
• Ho Chi Minh to Halong Bay flight

Halong Bay to Ho Chi Minh by train 

There is no direct train from Halong to Ho Chi Minh, so you will need to travel to Hanoi to catch a train to Ho Chi Minh. 

Traveling by train from North to South is one of the unique ways to travel, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the whole country. This is a suitable choice for tourists who want to experience an interesting and cost-saving journey.

You can get to Ho Chi Minh City from Hanoi by train

You can refer to the train ticket price list from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, divided by seat types:

Take these pros and cons into account before booking:

Pros

• Traveling by train is generally more affordable than flying, especially for those who aren't in a rush. 
• It offers the opportunity to enjoy Vietnam's diverse landscapes from north to south, making for a unique travel experience. 
• Additionally, trains typically have more lenient luggage restrictions compared to airplanes.
• With numerous stops along the way, trains provide passengers with the convenience of getting off at different cities during their journey if needed.

Cons

• Although trains offer basic services, they may not be as complete or convenient as those on airplanes or other modern transportation options. 
• Despite the spaciousness, passengers might feel uncomfortable during long journeys, especially without sleeper berths.
• Additionally, the facilities on some carriages can be quite outdated.

How to book

Passengers can conveniently book train tickets online through the official website of the Vietnam Railways Corporation at https://dsvn.vn/#/. Alternatively, tickets can be purchased directly at the train station. It's advisable to arrive early to secure your preferred seat, especially for long journeys.

Halong Bay to Ho Chi Minh by bus 

This is a popular option with reasonable prices, comfortable seats, and air conditioning. However, be aware that traveling from Halong Bay to Ho Chi Minh by bus is a long journey.

The bus interior is fully equipped with comfortable seats and air conditioning

Note: Prices may change on holidays or special days.

A bus trip will require a minimum of 30 hours and will include multiple stops. Option for a well-regarded bus company and make sure to reserve your tickets ahead of time. Consider the following advantages and disadvantages before booking:

Pros

• Taking a bus is often more affordable than flying or taking a train, making it a suitable option for budget-conscious travelers. 
• Numerous bus companies operate the Ha Long - Ho Chi Minh City route, offering a variety of prices and services to choose from. 
• A long bus journey also provides passengers the opportunity to enjoy diverse scenery along the route from North to South.

Cons

• While buses offer both seats and sleeper berths, long hours of sitting or lying down can become tiring and uncomfortable.
• Bus services may not be as comprehensive or convenient as those on airplanes or trains, lacking amenities like restrooms, meal service, and entertainment options.
• Moreover, the confined space on a bus is often more restrictive compared to trains, and being in close proximity to other passengers in a small area can lead to discomfort.

How to book tickets: Tickets are easily purchased online through reputable bus companies or travel agencies.

Which transportation method should you choose to travel from Halong Bay to Ho Chi Minh City?

Consider the following pros and cons to make your trip smoother:

Based on cost, travel time, and comfort, the best option depends on your priorities. If you value speed and convenience, flying is ideal. For a more economical option with more time, taking the train may be suitable. If cost is a major factor and you don’t mind a long journey, taking the bus may be the right choice. You can choose flexibly based on your personal goals and needs.

Travel Tips

When planning your trip, you should pay attention to the following to ensure a smooth and economical journey:

• You should book tickets 2 weeks in advance to avoid sold-out tickets and high prices.
• Air tickets should be purchased on holidays and best sale days to help you save more money. Additionally, it’s a good idea to purchase extra luggage allowance when booking your tickets rather than waiting until airport check-in to get a better price.
• Follow the weather forecast to avoid delays due to bad weather, helping you to promptly adjust your plan.
• When coming to Ho Chi Minh City, be careful with taxi scams. Use Grab or Xanh SM (similar to Uber) for a car ride to ensure safety and easy route tracking.
• Avoid carrying valuables when going out to reduce the risk of pickpockets and protect personal property.

>> Find out more about Halong Bay: Ho Chi Minh to Halong Bay Cruise: Long or Short Cruise?

What to Explore in Ho Chi Minh City?

When visiting Saigon, you should plan your time frame from December to April, when the dry season is taking place. This is the ideal time with dry, warm weather, favorable for sightseeing and tourism activities. On the contrary, you should avoid the time from May to November because this is the rainy season, with heavy rainfall and wet weather that can affect your plans. 

Top places to visit and things to do in Saigon:

War Remnants Museum: War Remnants Museum is one of the famous and important destinations when you want to learn about the history of the Vietnam War and its effects. This place displays many artifacts, documents, and images about the stages of the war.

• Address: 28 Vo Van Tan, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
• Entrance Fee: US $1.59 (40,000 VND/ticket)

Remnants Museum: Key site for Vietnam War history through artifacts and images

Reunification Palace: Reunification Palace, also known as the Reunification Hall, is a historical and cultural symbol of Saigon. The place witnessed the important event that ended the Vietnam War in 1975.

• Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Entrance Fee: US $1.59 - 2.38 (40,000 - 60,000 VND)

Reunification Palace: A historic symbol of Saigon where the Vietnam War ended in 1975

Old Post Office: The Saigon Central Post Office, a unique colonial-era architectural masterpiece, is one of the famous landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City. It serves not only as a post office but also as a symbol of cultural and historical significance.

• Address at: 2 Paris Commune Squares, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Entrance Fee: Free

Old Post Office: An icon of colonial architecture in Ho Chi Minh City

In addition, you will enjoy many interesting dishes and activities only available in Saigon:

Banh Mi: Is a famous street food with crispy bread filled with meat, pate, vegetables, and sauce, offering a rich and savory flavor.

• Price: US $0.60 - 1.19 (15,000 - 30,000 VND)

Ho Chi Minh bread has many diverse toppings

Hu Tieu: Is a signature Southern Vietnamese noodle soup, featuring clear broth, soft noodles, meat, shrimp, and aromatic herbs.

• Price: US $1.19 - $1.99 (30,000 - 50,000 VND)

Hot and delicious Hu Tieu is preferred by many people in Saigon

Com Tam: Com Tam is a popular dish featuring broken rice, grilled pork ribs, fried eggs, steamed pork cake, and sweet and sour fish sauce.

• Price: US $0.99 - $1.59 (25,000 - 40,000 VND)

Broken rice with grilled pork, fried egg, spring rolls, and sweet and sour fish sauce

Fresh Spring Rolls: Are light snacks made with rice paper wrapped around shrimp, pork, fresh vegetables, rice noodles, and a special dipping sauce.

• Price: US $0.40 - 0.60 (10,000 - 15,000 VND)

Rice paper rolls with shrimp, pork, vegetables, rice noodles, and dipping sauce

Dinner on the Saigon River Cruise: Enjoy a romantic and relaxing dinner experience on a Saigon River cruise, offering stunning night views of the city and delicious cuisine.

• Price: US $31.79 - 59.60 (800,000 - 1,500,000 VND per person)

Dinner on Saigon River cruise with beautiful and romantic city view

Sightseeing on Hop On Hop Off Bus: Explore Saigon’s famous landmarks in a fun and convenient way with the Hop On Hop Off bus, allowing you to easily stop at your favorite attractions.

• Price: US $7.95/ person (200,000 VND per person)

Hop On Hop Off bus tour to see your favorite sights

Experience Bui Vien Street: Bui Vien Street is a popular backpacker area known for its vibrant atmosphere, numerous bars, restaurants, and nightlife activities. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy the lively environment and socialize with friends.

A lively backpacker area with bars, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife

In conclusion, traveling from Halong Bay to Saigon is easy with a variety of transportation options available in Vietnam. This article provides detailed information on the modes of transportation, including train, plane, and bus options, along with tips to optimize your journey. It also suggests the best time to visit and highlights the main attractions in Ho Chi Minh City.

BestPrice Travel hopes that you will have a better understanding of Halong Bay to Ho Chi Minh options and feel more confident when planning your trips.