The journey from Ha Long to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam includes a significant distance of about 1,700 kilometers. However, with thorough preparation, you will have a smooth and time-saving trip. Below is the essential information to help you plan your travel easily from Ha Long to this bustling city.
1. By Air
This is the fastest option if you want to travel quickly from Halong Bay to Ho Chi Minh City. There are the two nearest airports around Ha Long: Cat Bi International Airport in Hai Phong (about 1.5 – 2 hours from Halong Bay) and Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi (about 2.5 – 3 hours from Halong Bay).
From there, you can easily book a direct flight to Ho Chi Minh City with a flight time of about 2 hours. The popular airlines here are Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and Bamboo Airways. Especially, you need to arrange ahead transportation from Ha Long to Hai Phong or Hanoi to make it in time for your flight.
2. By Train
Going on a train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City is an exciting option, especially for travelers who enjoy scenic views and adventure. However, before boarding the train you need to spend about 3–4 hours to travel from Ha Long Bay to Hanoi by car. From Hanoi, the train takes you on a long journey lasting about 32 – 35 hours, depending on the type of train.
You can choose a sleeper train for a more comfortable experience. This means of transportation will also give you an opportunity to admire the poetic scenery along the road while sipping a coffee or reading a book. Train tickets can be purchased through the official website of Vietnam Railways or travel agencies.
3. By Bus + Train/Flight
To travel from Ha Long Bay to Ho Chi Minh City, you can commute to the airport or gas station by bus, and then travel by plane or train flexibly. First, you need to take a bus from Ha Long Bay to Hanoi with a traveling time of about 3 – 4 hours. Many bus lines are operating on this route, with diverse quality and regular departing schedules. This option can optimize time and budget moderately since transferring by bus offers cheaper expenses compared to a private car.
From Hanoi, you have two options:
- Flight: With only 2 hours to fly, this is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Ho Chi Minh City.
- Train: It takes about 32–35 hours, depending on the type of train. If you have generous time availability and want to explore the scenery along Vietnam’s North-South railway line, going by train will give you a thrilling experience.
4. By Bus
Although there are direct long-distance buses from Ha Long Bay to Ho Chi Minh City, this is not a recommended option due to the very long travel duration (around 35–40 hours) and lack of comfort.
Instead, you should use the bus for short routes, such as from Ha Long Bay to Hanoi (around 3–4 hours). Then, switch to flights from Hanoi to reach Ho Chi Minh City, which saves time and is more comfortable. On the planes of Vietnamese Airlines, there is a wide range of amenities such as hot meals, entertainment with the latest newspapers, basic healthcare services for emergencies, etc.
5. Private Transfer or Tour Packages
Many travel agencies now offer private cars or customized tour packages from Ha Long Bay to Ho Chi Minh City, flexibly combining flights and trains to meet the needs of travelers. You can contact reputable agencies such as BestPrice Travel to book shuttle services during your tour. As a leading tour provider to Vietnam and the Asian area, we provide Cat Ba Island cruise with all-inclusive services such as accommodations, city tours, package tours, and more.
The essence of Vietnam’s natural beauty is mostly gathered at the route from Ha Long in the north to Ho Chi Minh City in the south. With the instructions for the 5 transportations for this route above, hope that you will have a convenient exploration of Vietnam or just a relaxed vacation in this country.
