How to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang

Vietnam's largest city is also the most visited in the country. Ho Chi Minh City is still known by its former name, Saigon. More than 8.6 million people live there. This bustling city pulses with energy 24 hours a day and offers great opportunities to explore the culture and history of Vietnam.

Known for its French colonial architecture, lively markets and street food stalls, and role in the Vietnam War, Ho Chi Minh is a must-see! And when you're done here, head northeast to the small town of Da Nang.

It also has a French colonial feel, and its coastal location means there are beautiful sandy beaches to spend your vacation. Da Nang is also surrounded by beautiful scenery, including the Marble Mountains, where you will find secluded pagodas and caves.

Travel options from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang

The route between Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang is popular, so there are always many different travel options between these cities. You are sure to encounter many other tourists along the way, and depending on how you travel, you will also interact with many locals!

If you are driving from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang by road, you can take two main routes - the inland route is the shortest but can take a little longer, and the coastal route adds a few miles to your trip but is usually faster in time.

The distance between the cities is 850 to 965 kilometers (530 to 600 miles) by highway, while flying - since it is a more direct route - will be shorter in distance and get you to Da Nang much faster. Ironically, flying from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang is an affordable way to travel, but you can save more money if you take the bus, and trains vary in cost depending on the class of car.

Train from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang

Vietnamese Railways manages rail service throughout Vietnam, so you can always be assured of fair pricing and uniform service standards on all routes. Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang is one of the most popular routes, so there are many trains crossing the countryside and occasionally going to the coast to give passengers a chance to see the beautiful scenery.

If you are not in a hurry, to get to Da Nang, we highly recommend traveling by train, because you can enjoy the scenery as well as get a closer look at the spirit and culture of Vietnam.

There are six trains from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang every day, and depending on which one you choose, the journey will take 16 to 17.5 hours. If you leave Ho Chi Minh City early in the morning on the 6-hour train, you should arrive in Da Nang around 11 pm. The advantage here is that you are traveling during the day, so you will have plenty of time to admire the scenery from the car window.

Trains also leave at 9am, 11:50am, 2:40pm, 7:55pm, and 9:55pm, but keep in mind that if you choose the 9am morning train, you will arrive in Da Nang at 2:23 the next morning, which is not very convenient!

You have three options for train tickets from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang - 2nd class seats, 2nd class sleeper seats, and 1st class sleeper seats. We recommend the sleeping even if you are traveling during the day, as they are more comfortable and spacious than the 2nd class seats, however, these seats are better if you are trying to stay within a limited budget.

From Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang by plane

Travelling by train is ideal if you have time to spare, as it is a really great trip, but when you need to get to Da Nang much faster, flying is your best option. VietJet Air, Jetstar Pacific and Vietnam Airlines offer regular flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang, and in just 1 hour and 20 minutes you will be in Da Nang.

Prices vary. Flying with VietJet Air is usually the cheapest option, with Jetstar Pacific in second position. If you choose to travel with Vietnam Airlines, expect a high price. Their tickets are much more expensive, but they do include 20 pounds of luggage, while the other two airlines do not. There are departures throughout the day, starting at 5:35 a.m. and ending at 10:05 p.m.

Prices vary depending on the time of day when you leave Ho Chi Minh City. If it's early in the morning or late in the evening, you'll usually save money, and if you want to save more, be sure to book in advance. You can also see cheaper prices on certain days of the week.

Book tickets through 12Go.asia and you can easily view all flight options and prices of the three airlines, and compare them with train and bus prices. In general, all three modes of transportation from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang can be booked without any hassle through 12Go.

Bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang

Traveling by bus can be uncomfortable and somewhat claustrophobic, so if you don't like being confined to travel, we suggest taking the train or flying. Hoang Long Bus Company does use sleeper buses that allow you to stretch your legs and recline, not just sit like on a standard bus.

If you want to save money, traveling by bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang is the cheapest way, but just a little more expensive you can buy a 2nd class seat on the train, which is much more convenient!

It takes about 20 hours to travel by bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang, so it is also the slowest way. The buses are pretty well equipped with showers, TVs, air conditioning. You get steward service and snacks, plus a few stops along the way where you can get off and stretch your legs.

Considering that all ways to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang are available at a reasonable price, it might be difficult for you to decide! Our recommendation would be: train if you have free time, but if you only have a few days - plane, which is much faster!