How to Travel From Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City: A Complete Guide

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How to Travel From Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City

Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City are two of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. They are both vibrant cities with rich cultures and history, and they offer a wide variety of attractions for visitors. If you’re planning a trip to Southeast Asia, you may be wondering how to get from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City. There are a few different ways to make the journey, and the best option for you will depend on your budget, time constraints, and travel preferences.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the different ways to travel from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City, and we’ll provide tips on how to choose the best option for your trip. We’ll also discuss the costs involved, the travel times, and the pros and cons of each method of transportation. So whether you’re looking for a quick and affordable way to get from one city to the other, or you’re interested in a more leisurely and scenic journey, we’ve got you covered.

How To Travel From Bangkok To Ho Chi Minh City?

| Method | Duration | Cost |
|—|—|—|
| Flight | 1 hour 20 minutes | \$100-\$200 |
| Train | 24 hours | \$50-\$100 |
| Bus | 28 hours | \$30-\$50 |

Method Duration Cost
Flight 1 hour 20 minutes \$100-\$200
Train 24 hours \$50-\$100
Bus 28 hours \$30-\$50

Transportation Options

There are four main ways to travel from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City: by flight, train, bus, or car.

Flights

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to travel between Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City. The flight time is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. There are multiple flights per day operated by a variety of airlines, including Thai Airways, Vietnam Airlines, AirAsia, and VietJet Air. Flights start at around $50.

Trains

Taking the train is a more affordable option than flying, but it is also slower. The train journey takes approximately 12 hours. There are two train services that operate between Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City: the Thai-Lao Railway and the Reunification Express. The Thai-Lao Railway is a joint service operated by the Thai and Laotian railways. The Reunification Express is a Vietnamese train service. Tickets start at around $20.

Buses

Taking the bus is the cheapest way to travel between Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City. The bus journey takes approximately 14 hours. There are multiple bus companies that operate between Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, including Green Bus, Sinh Tourist, and Saphan Mai. Tickets start at around $10.

Car

Driving from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City is possible, but it is not recommended. The journey takes approximately 12 hours and the roads are not in good condition. There are also a number of border crossings to navigate, which can be time-consuming.

Visa Requirements

Citizens of most countries do not need a visa to travel between Thailand and Vietnam for tourism purposes. However, some countries do require a visa, so it is important to check the visa requirements before you travel.

Thai visa

Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to enter Thailand for tourism purposes:

  • Andorra
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Argentina
  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belgium
  • Belize
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Brunei
  • Bulgaria
  • Canada
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Costa Rica
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Dominica
  • Dominican Republic
  • Ecuador
  • El Salvador
  • Estonia
  • Fiji
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Grenada
  • Guatemala
  • Guyana
  • Haiti
  • Honduras
  • Hong Kong
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Jamaica
  • Japan
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Macao
  • Malaysia
  • Malta
  • Marshall Islands
  • Mauritius
  • Mexico
  • Micronesia
  • Monaco
  • Montenegro
  • Montserrat
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Nicaragua
  • North Korea
  • Norway
  • Palau
  • Panama
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Philippines
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Romania
  • Russia
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Samoa
  • San Marino
  • So Tom and Prncipe
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Serbia
  • Seychelles
  • Singapore
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Solomon Islands
  • South Korea
  • Spain
  • Suriname
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Taiwan
  • Thailand
  • Timor-Leste
  • Tonga
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Tuvalu
  • Turkey
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United Kingdom
  • United States
  • Uruguay
  • Vanuatu
  • Vatican City
  • Venezuela
  • Vietnam
  • Yemen
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe

Citizens of other countries must obtain a visa before entering Thailand. The visa requirements vary depending on the country of citizenship. For more information, visit the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Vietnamese visa

Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to enter Vietnam for tourism purposes:

  • Andorra
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Argentina
  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belgium
  • Belize
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Brunei
  • Bulgaria
  • Canada
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Costa Rica
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Dominica
  • Dominican Republic
  • Ecuador
  • El Salvador
  • Estonia
  • Fiji
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Grenada
  • Guatemala
  • Guyana
  • Haiti
  • Honduras
  • Hong Kong
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Jamaica
  • Japan
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Macao
  • Malaysia
  • Malta
  • Marshall Islands
  • Mauritius
  • Mexico
  • Micronesia
  • Monaco
  • Montenegro

How To Travel From Bangkok To Ho Chi Minh City?

Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City are two of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. They are both vibrant cities with a rich history and culture. If you’re planning a trip to Southeast Asia, you may be wondering how to travel from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City.

There are a few different ways to travel between these two cities. You can fly, take a train, or take a bus. The best way for you to travel will depend on your budget, time constraints, and travel preferences.

By Plane

The fastest way to travel from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City is by plane. There are several direct flights between the two cities, which take around 1 hour and 30 minutes. The cost of a one-way flight starts from around $50.

The following airlines offer direct flights from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City:

  • Thai Airways
  • Vietnam Airlines
  • AirAsia
  • Jetstar
  • VietJet Air

By Train

Taking the train from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City is a more scenic option than flying. The journey takes around 30 hours, and you’ll pass through some beautiful countryside. The cost of a one-way train ticket starts from around $30.

The following trains travel from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City:

  • The Eastern & Oriental Express
  • The Thai-Lao Railway
  • The Reunification Express

By Bus

Taking the bus from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City is the most affordable option. The journey takes around 36 hours, and the cost of a one-way bus ticket starts from around $20.

The following buses travel from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City:

  • The Green Bus
  • The Sinh Tourist
  • The Saphan Mai

By Car

Driving from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City is possible, but it’s not recommended. The journey takes around 24 hours, and you’ll need to deal with heavy traffic and bad roads. The cost of a one-way car rental starts from around $50.

Which Way Is Best?

The best way to travel from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City will depend on your budget, time constraints, and travel preferences. If you’re looking for the fastest way to get there, flying is the best option. If you’re looking for a more scenic option, taking the train is a good choice. And if you’re looking for the most affordable option, taking the bus is the way to go.

Itinerary

Day 1: Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City

  • Fly from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City (1 hour and 30 minutes)
  • Check in to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
  • Explore the city center
  • Visit the Ben Thanh Market
  • Have dinner at a local restaurant

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City

  • Visit the War Remnants Museum
  • Take a boat trip on the Saigon River
  • Visit the Reunification Palace
  • Have dinner at a rooftop bar

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City

  • Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels
  • Take a cooking class
  • Visit the Ben Thanh Market
  • Have dinner at a local restaurant

Day 4: Ho Chi Minh City

  • Relax on the beach at Vung Tau
  • Visit the Long Son Pagoda
  • Have dinner at a seafood restaurant

Budget

Flights

The cost of a one-way flight from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City starts from around $50.

Trains

The cost of a one-way train ticket from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City starts from around $30.

Buses

The cost of a one-way bus ticket from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City starts from around $20.

Car

The cost of a one-way car rental from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City starts from around $50.

Accommodation

The cost of a one-night stay in a hostel in Ho Chi Minh City starts from around $10.

The cost of a one-night stay in a budget hotel in Ho Chi Minh City starts from around $20.

The cost of a one-night stay in a mid-range hotel in Ho Chi Minh City starts from around $30.

The cost of a one-night stay in a luxury hotel in Ho Chi Minh City starts from around $50.

Food

The cost of a meal at a street food stall in Ho Chi Minh City starts from

How long does it take to travel from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City?

The fastest way to travel from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City is by plane, which takes about 2 hours. The most scenic way to travel is by train, which takes about 3 days.

What is the best way to travel from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City?

The best way to travel from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City depends on your budget and time constraints. If you are looking for the fastest option, then flying is the best choice. If you are looking for a more scenic and affordable option, then taking the train is the best choice.

What are the different transportation options between Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City?

There are three main transportation options between Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City:

  • Plane: The fastest way to travel between Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City is by plane. There are several direct flights between the two cities, which take about 2 hours.
  • Train: The train is the most scenic way to travel between Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City. The journey takes about 3 days, and you will pass through some beautiful countryside.
  • Bus: The bus is the most affordable way to travel between Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City. The journey takes about 4 days, and you will stop at several different cities along the way.

What are the costs of transportation between Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City?

The cost of transportation between Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City varies depending on the mode of transportation you choose.

  • Plane: A direct flight from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City costs around $100-200.
  • Train: A train ticket from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City costs around $50-100.
  • Bus: A bus ticket from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City costs around $30-50.

What are the best places to stop along the way from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City?

If you are taking the train or bus between Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, there are a few places that you can stop along the way to break up the journey.

  • Nakhon Pathom: Nakhon Pathom is a city about an hour west of Bangkok. It is home to the Phra Pathom Chedi, the largest Buddhist stupa in Thailand.
  • Kanchanaburi: Kanchanaburi is a city about 3 hours west of Bangkok. It is home to the infamous River Kwai Bridge, which was built by Allied prisoners of war during World War II.
  • Udon Thani: Udon Thani is a city about 6 hours north of Bangkok. It is home to the That Phanom, a Buddhist temple that is one of the most sacred sites in Thailand.
  • Pakse: Pakse is a city about 8 hours south of Ho Chi Minh City. It is home to the Wat Phu, a Khmer temple complex that is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Laos.

What are the visa requirements for traveling from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City?

Citizens of most countries do not need a visa to travel between Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City. However, it is important to check the visa requirements for your specific country before you travel.

What are the safety precautions to take when traveling from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City?

Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City are both safe cities to travel to, but it is always important to take precautions. Here are a few tips to stay safe:

  • Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
  • Don’t carry large amounts of cash or valuables.
  • Don’t leave your belongings unattended.
  • Be wary of scams and pickpockets.
  • If you are in trouble, call the police.

What are the best times to travel from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City?

The best time to travel from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City depends on your personal preferences. The weather is warm and sunny year-round, but the rainy season (May-October) can be very wet. The dry season (November-April) is generally considered to be the best time to travel.

In this article, we have discussed the different ways to travel from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City. We have covered the pros and cons of each mode of transportation, as well as the estimated travel time and cost. We hope that this information will help you to choose the best way to travel for your needs.

Here are some key takeaways:

  • The fastest way to travel from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City is by plane, which takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
  • The most economical way to travel is by bus, which takes about 12 hours.
  • The most scenic way to travel is by train, which takes about 30 hours.

No matter which way you choose to travel, you are sure to have a memorable experience. Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City are two vibrant and exciting cities that offer a variety of attractions and experiences for visitors. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.