3 most common ways to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City belong to two regions which are in the South and North of Vietnam. The total distance for Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi itinerary is approximately 1,730 kilometers. But don’t worry because various transportation will make your trip more comfortable and convenient, such as planes, trains, or buses.
By plane
The plane is the most chosen way to travel by all travelers from domestic to foreign tourists, thanks to its time-saving advantage.
Top airlines in Vietnam
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The average time to travel: Just more than two hours.
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Depart from Tan Son Nhat International Airport and arrive at Noi Bai International Airport.
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Ranging fares among airlines:
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Round-trip fares: 94 to 128 USD/ticket (including taxes and fees).
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One-way fares: 47 to 62 USD/ticket.
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After you reach Noi Bai International Airport, you will have to spend 30 more minutes to get to Hanoi's city center for a distance of around 28 kilometers. I will guide you through some ways to choose from:
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Taxi: Some most common companies used by locals are Xanh SM, Mai Linh Taxi, Noi Bai Taxi, and Airport Taxi. The fares will vary depending on your route but typically range from 10 to 14 USD for a 4-seater car.
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Bus: At the bus stop in the airport, you can take one of these routes, including 07, 09, 17, 86, 90,... The bus ticket cost around 0,41 - 1,62 USD.
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Minibus: If you travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi City by Vietnam Airlines or Vietjet Air, there will be a provided shuttle service, using minibuses. The minibus fares are priced at 1,62 USD.
By train
For budget-conscious travelers, opting for trains offers both affordable fares and fantastic sightseeing opportunities.
Going by train will offer you majestic view along the way
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The average time to travel: Around 31 hours.
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Depart from Saigon Station with multiple choice of trains, including SE8, SE6, SE10, SE4, and SE2, and arrive at Hanoi Railway Station - located in the city center.
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Ticket prices range: From 41 USD, depending on the type of seat, train, and time of travel.
By bus
Although travel by bus can take you more time than the others when traveling a very long distance in Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi itinerary, it is the most budget-friendly option for tourists.
The bus is the most cost-saving to travel
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The average time to travel: 31 to 38 hours.
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This route is served by numerous bus companies, such as Mai Linh Express, Hoang Long, and Phuong Trang.
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Ticket prices range: From 28 to 37 USD.
Where should you go?
Through my introduction, I guarantee your Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi itinerary will never be boring in these lively cities.
In Ho Chi Minh City
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Wander in Ben Thanh Market: Here, you'll find an extensive selection of goods, ranging from delicious food to charming souvenirs.
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Indulge yourself in Bui Vien Street: This street is also known as “Western Street” where tourists can find a thousand vibrant bars, pubs, and food stalls.
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Get more culture and historic experience in: War Remnants Museum, Fine Arts Museum, Ho Chi Minh City Museum, The Independence Palace, etc.
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Exploring Cu Chi Tunnels: This place promises a captivating history experience. You will not only enrich your knowledge but also yield an abundance of Instagrammable photos.
Ho Chi Minh can be recognized as the most dynamic city in Vietnam
In Hanoi City
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Enjoy a food tour in the capital: Noodle Soup (Pho), Noodle With Grilled Meat (Bun Cha), Grilled Fish (Cha Ca), West Lake Shrimp Cake (Banh Tom Ho Tay), etc. And sipping sidewalk cafes, I recommend you try (iced) black coffee, (iced) brown coffee, and egg coffee.
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Hanoi Museum Tour: Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Vietnam Military History Museum, Vietnamese Women's Museum, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, etc.
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Shopping at Dong Xuan Market: This is the oldest traditional local market in Hanoi where you can find all the things you can imagine there. Remember to bargain when shopping here.
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Visit Hoan Kiem Lake: This is an iconic site when referring to Hanoi. For culture enthusiasts, a visit to Hoan Kiem on weekends is a must-do thing.
Hanoi offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in timeless charm at every turn
Suggested well-designed plans for your itinerary
In the Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi itinerary, travelers often opt for schedules ranging from 4 to 10 days. Hence, I'll provide two plans to simplify your decision-making process. These itineraries will be suitable for both individuals journeying solo and in groups.
Option 1: 4 days itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Ho Chi Minh City
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Take a city center tour (The Independence Palace - Ben Thanh Market - Old Post Office - Bui Vien Street)
Day 2: Cu Chi Tunnels
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Explore the half-day Cu Chi Tunnels tour
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Enjoy a food tour (Cu Chi beef - coconut milk braised cassava - Eel Porridge)
Day 3: Coming to Hanoi
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Go on Hanoi city tour (Temple of Literature - Hoa Lo Prison - Vietnam Museum of Ethnology - Tran Quoc Pagoda)
Day 4: Hanoi city tour
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Discover the central spots of the Old Quarter
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Hanoi Big Opera House
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Ceramic Mosaic Mural
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West Lake
A trip to the two biggest cities in Vietnam will provide you with best experience
Option 2: 10 days itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Ho Chi Minh City
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Try racket coffee
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Take a double-decker bus through the city center
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Visit historic sites in the city center: The War Remnants Museum, The Independence Palace, and the Notre-Dame Cathedral
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Enjoy delicacy food: Pho, Beef noodle soup, Broken rice, Saigon Sandwich
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Immerse in bustling Bui Vien Street
Day 2: Cu Chi Tunnels
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Go through underground tunnels and experience life in War in Cu Chi Tunnels
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Visit Ben Thanh Market
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Take a cruise on the Saigon River
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Wandering in Nguyen Hue Walking Street
Day 3: Mekong Delta
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Discover Mekong Delta (Vinh Trang Pagoda - Tortoise Islet - An Khanh village)
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Enjoy the food tour: Sour fish soup, braised fish, fermented fish soup noodles,...
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Shopping for souvenirs at well-known malls
Day 4: Coming to Hanoi
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Taking a city tour
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Visit famous landmarks: Temple of Literature & National University, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, St. Joseph's Cathedral, Hanoi Train Street,...
Day 5 - 6: Go on Ninh Binh full day
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Get to Hoa Lu temples of the Dinh & Le Dynasties
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Admire the panoramic view of Tam Coc
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Conquer the Mua caves
Day 7 - 8: Halong Bay
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Take a Halong Bay Cruise trip
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Go kayaking on Mat Rong Island
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Dive or snorkeling on Tuan Chau Island
Day 9: Back to Hanoi
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Sip Hanoi coffee
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Watch puppet show or the Quintessence of Tonkin
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Indulge yourself in nightlife bars or wandering Walking Street
Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City - Departure
You'll fulfill your longing to discover stunningly picturesque landscapes on this trip
For a comprehensive look, don't miss our post on travel guide to Vietnam!
Whether you choose 4-day or 10-day Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi itinerary, my recommended plans will ensure you experience the essential highlights every tourist should see. If you have any further questions about travel in Vietnam, don’t hesitate to direct New Asia Tours’s website.
