Going from the old royal town to the lively city gives a thrilling look at Vietnam’s varied lands and deep past. This guide gives a deep view of how to travel from Hue to Ho Chi Minh City.
Overview of Hue To Ho Chi Minh
The trip from Hue, the ancient, illustrious city, to Ho Chi Minh City, the active heart of exchange, tells the story of Vietnam’s development. Here, the terrific Royal Citadel is a verification of the Nguyen Dynasty’s might, whereas calm imperial tombs spread out in the calm lands by the Perfume River. The city’s moderate beat and solid ancient ways sparkle a shining, however stark light on the unused south.
Moving towards Ho Chi Minh City, you step absent from ancient echoes and bounce into the exuberant vibe of the present. Known to many as Saigon, it’s a city full of life. Here, tall towers rise close to old-time buildings and ancient sanctuaries. Putting these two spots side by side gives a full view of the land’s long trip from its ancient, amazing times to its fast-paced, cutting-edge ways. This is why many who travel choose these two cities for their trips, needing to know more about Vietnam’s soul.
How Far Is It From Hue To Ho Chi Minh?
The old city of Hue and the big city of Ho Chi Minh City are far apart, about 1,000 kilometers, when you travel by road. It’s a long trip that covers a big part of the nation, so deciding how to get there is an important part of your trip plan.
How long it takes to get there can change a lot based on how you decide to go. For example, a quick flight is the fastest way, taking you from Hue to HCMC in just over an hour. This is best for those who don’t have much time and want to see a lot in each city. On the other hand, those who go by land – be it train, bus, or motorbike – will need a lot more time. A ride on a train or bus can last from 18 to 24 hours, usually filling up a whole day and night. If you ride a motorbike, it turns into a multi-day trip that lets you see more of what the country looks like.
How to Travel From Hue To Ho Chi Minh?
Moving from the old town of Hue to the busy city of Ho Chi Minh City calls for a good plan on how you get there. Each choice has its own good points in terms of time, cost, ease, and the sights you’ll take in.
By Motorbike
Riding a motorbike from Hue to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is a great option to see so many different sights of Vietnam. You will ride along National Highway 1, the main route that leads from North to South, which has many wonderful, interesting parts of the country.
You will see lots of great sites: the wide-reaching Hai Van Pass, where the mountains face the wide-open sea, diverse beach towns like Da Nang and Nha Trang, miles of golden sandy beaches and sand dunes near Mui Ne, and many little towns to observe real life in Vietnam. You should plan for 3-5 days of fun and a decent ride, not to mention many stops, photographs, and unplanned fun.
The best part about this option is the ability to stop wherever there is something to check out. However, it takes fitness and ability as the roads become extremely rugged and unpredictable. You also need to prepare for all sorts of weather conditions, ranging from extremely hot conditions to unexpected rain.
| Aspect | Details |
| Duration | 3 – 5 days with stops |
| Cost | 450,000-800,000 VND (bike + fuel) |
| Route | Highway 1 or Ho Chi Minh Trail |
| Best Stops | Da Nang, Hoi An, Quy Nhon, Nha Trang, Dalat |
| Requirements | Valid license, protective gear, and insurance |
By Bus or Minivan
Bus trips are the cheapest way to get to Ho Chi Minh City from Hue. Many firms run this way with different types of buses, from the very plain local ones to big fancy ones with beds and TVs. Sinh Tourist is the top pick for travelers with bags, giving a good ride and times that work for tourists. Their buses have cool air, seats that go back, and folks who talk English. Phuong Trang (FUTA) has more high-end choices with more room for legs and snacks while you ride.
Most buses leave Hue in the late afternoon from 6 to 8 PM and reach Ho Chi Minh City the next day from 10 AM to 12 PM. This plan lets you sleep as you go and cuts down on what you pay for a place to stay. But, tall people might find the seats tight, and the stops are few, just for the driver to rest and fill up the tank.
| Bus type | Price (VND) | Duration | Comfort level |
| Standard bus | 400,000 – 500,000 | 16 – 18 hours | Basic, frequent stops |
| Sleeper bus | 600,000 – 750,000 | 15 – 16 hours | Beds, AC, fewer stops |
| Limousine bus | 800,000 – 1,000,000 | 14 – 15 hours | Premium seats, snacks |
By Private Car
Getting a private car with a skilled driver provides more comfort, flexibility, and ease, making it great for families, small groups, or those who want a smooth trip. The drive time is about the same as taking a bus, around 20 to 25 hours, but usually, you spread this out over 2 or 3 days.
The price changes based on the type of car and how long the trip is. However, it’s more costly than taking other types of transport. This cost usually covers the car, driver, fuel, tolls, and sometimes the driver’s stay (check if meals are extra or included). The driver takes care of finding the way, parking, and can also point out cool places to stop. Most drivers are familiar with the local food spots, fun things to see, and great places for photos.
As a benefit of hiring a private car, you can choose when to stop, maybe for lunch with a view of Lang Co Bay, overnight in Nha Trang, or to take pictures whenever you like. Another big plus is the air-conditioned ride, control over the whole trip with door-to-door service, and it’s safer than driving alone or on a bike.
| Car Type | Price (VND) | Capacity | Best For |
| 4-seat sedan | 2,800,000 – 3,500,000 | 2 – 3 people | Couples, solo travelers |
| 7-seat SUV | 3,500,000 – 4,200,000 | 4 – 6 people | Small families |
| 16-seat van | 4,500,000 – 5,500,000 | 8 – 14 people | Large groups |
Self-Drive Car Rental
Renting a car to travel from Hue to Ho Chi Minh City is not very usual, but it lets you be free. This method works only if the driver is very sure of themselves and knows or is ready for all the different driving issues in Vietnam, like road signs and rules.
You need an International Driving Permit (IDP) plus your own license to rent and drive the right way. The cost to rent a car depends on the type of car and which company you choose. It starts at around 1,500,000 VND per day for a simple car. You also need to pay for gas, road fees, and hotels each night. The best part is having the freedom to go where and when you want, in a big, comfy car with air and space for bags.
But, you must deal with the stress of often busy streets, finding safe spots to park, and maybe language issues if things go wrong.
| Feature | Details |
| Time | 20 – 25 hours (split over multiple days) |
| Cost | 1,500,000 – 3,000,000 VND/day (rental) + Petrol |
| Notes | IDP Mandatory. Driving in Vietnam is challenging. Only for confident drivers. GPS is essential. |
| Route | Highway 1 (AH1) or custom routes. Requires navigation. |
By Train
If you want to feel the true vibe of Vietnam, you should ride the Reunification Express train. Trains such as SE1, SE3, SE5, and SE7 go through the pretty views by the sea and farm lands from Hue to Saigon Station (HCMC).
To have a nice sleep and a smooth trip, we suggest going for a Soft Sleeper berth. These rooms give you more room and comfort than a Hard Sleeper or a plain seat. A Soft Sleeper can cost from 700,000 VND to 1,800,000 VND.
Riding the train reveals Vietnam in a new light. Along the way, you’ll see cool ocean spots, large rice farms, and parts of farm life you’d skip if you flew. It’s safe and fun to see the sights, with a cozy feel and a simple food cart to eat from.
| Feature | Details |
| Time | 18 – 22 hours |
| Cost | 700,000 – 1,800,000 VND (Soft Sleeper Berth) |
| Notes | Book Soft Sleeper (4-berth) well in advance. SE1/SE3 trains preferred. Scenic route. Expect possible delays. |
| Route | Scenic coastal & countryside via Da Nang, Dieu Tri, Nha Trang, Bien Hoa to Saigon Station (HCMC). |
By plane
When you need fast travel, going by plane is the best way. Many flights each day link Hue’s Phu Bai Airport (HUI) to Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN). The real flight time is just 1.5 hours. But you need to prepare for checking in and arriving at the airport. It takes 1.5-2 hours. Then, travelling to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh lasts more than 45-60 minutes.
The cost of flying depends on when you book, the time of year, and the airline you pick. Low-cost airlines will ask more money for picking seats, food, and any bags bigger than small ones.
| Feature | Details |
| Time | 1.5 hours (flight) + Transfers (~4-5h total) |
| Cost | 1,000,000 – 3,500,000 VND |
| Notes | Fastest option. Check baggage allowances carefully (esp. Vietjet/Jetstar). Book early for the best prices. |
| Route | Direct flight (HUI to SGN). |
Tips To Travel From Hue To Ho Chi Minh
In Central Vietnam, there are times of wet and dry. From September to February, a lot of rain can make travel tough, mostly on bikes. In the south, it’s often dry all year, but storms can hit. Bring things to keep dry, and look at the weather before you leave.
- Places like Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Da Lat get very busy on Vietnamese holidays and in summer. It’s best to plan early there. You can try living in homestays to feel like a local or at beach resorts to chill.
- Bring a simple first aid kit, sunscreen, and bug spray. If you bike, take safety gear and tools for small fixes. Get travel insurance that covers health troubles and accidents, good for wild fun.
- Big towns have money machines, but small hills do not. Take lots of cash for roads, food, and extra needs. Credit cards are good in city rooms and food spots, but not in little towns or stalls.
- The middle and low parts of Vietnam do not talk or live the same. Learn simple Vietnamese to be nice and move easily. Dress right at holy places or country spots, and ask if you need to take photos of folks.
- The long ride from Hue to Ho Chi Minh City is a great shot to see more of Vietnam. You can stop at cool towns like Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang, or Da Lat, not all at once. This makes the trip light and lets you see more spots.
Final Thoughts
A ride from Hue to Ho Chi Minh City crosses Vietnam in one seamless trip. You can ride your bike for fun, take a private car for comfort, or choose a bus to save face while witnessing incredible sights to appreciate. Want to journey the distance from old Hue to new Ho Chi Minh City? Let SeniWorld arrange customized trips, provide rapid rides, and facilitate your awesome trip to Vietnam.
