The trip from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City combines Vietnam’s central charm and southern bustle. You can enjoy a variety of landscapes mixed with sights and activities in a short amount of time.
Overview Of Da Nang To Ho Chi Minh
The flight between Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City connects the central coast of Vietnam to the bustling southern city with ease. The flight time is roughly 1 hour and 25 minutes which covers the 965 km distance. This flight route is one of the busiest domestic flights in Vietnam, with the core airlines being Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Pacific Airlines, and Bamboo Airways.
A lot of people enjoy combining the two destinations of Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City so they can enjoy Da Nang’s cultural heritage, including the ancient town of Hoi An and the stunning Ba Na Hills, while also enjoying the bustling vibe with delicious food and historical sites in Ho Chi Minh City. In summary, you will get a sense of Vietnam’s diverse landscapes and cultures.
How Far Is It From Da Nang To Ho Chi Minh?
The distance from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City varies according to the course of travel. By road, the distance through National Highway 1A is about 963 kilometers. Or, by road through National Highway 14, it is approximately 841 kilometers.
During travel by plane, it is about 1 hour and 30 minutes. If you travel by vehicle or bus, it takes about 17 hours and 30 minutes for travel time, but it can vary depending on traffic and any off-road stops during the travel route.
How to Travel From Da Nang To Ho Chi Minh?
Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City is a flexible route with a number of options, including air, road, or rail. Each mode of transportation has different travel times, levels of comfort, and costs, allowing you to choose what works best for your time frame and budget.
By Airplane
Air travel is the quickest and most convenient way to get from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City. There are currently five domestic airlines operating the Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City route: Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Pacific Airlines, Bamboo Airways, and VietTravel Airlines. All flights depart Da Nang International Airport for Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, with upwards of 37 flights per day.
In terms of flight time: 1h 25m – 1h 35m. Be aware that flight times may vary by 5-10 minutes on different airlines so time accordingly.
| Travel Period | Price per Person (VND) |
| April – August | 700,000 – 2,000,000 |
| September – December | 500,000 – 1,400,000 |
| January – April | 2,000,000 – 4,000,000 |
By Road
Road travel is available by bus or car. There are a number of bus companies that provide service from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City including A Ty, Cam Van, Dinh Nhan, Hoang Long, Huong Ty, Mai Linh, and Minh Phuong.
A bus journey provides a comfortable way to look around and take in the countryside along the way, whilst traveling in your own car provides the most flexible option as you can stop to see scenic areas or villages along the way.
| Transport | Price (VND) | Duration |
| Bus | 320,000 – 450,000 | 17 – 20 hours |
| Self-driving Car | Varies | 17 – 20 hours |
By Train
The railway is an alternative option with still some popularity with travelers, with trains from Da Nang Station to Saigon Station. Visitors can take fast trains (SE) or slower trains (TN) between the two cities. Traveling by train is a scenic and comfortable mode of transportation allowing travelers to relax and is ideal for those who want to cruise between Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City with a slower pace than the flight option.
| Train | Travel time | Price (VND) |
| SE1 | 16 hours | 426,000 – 2,070,000 |
| SE3 | 17 hours 23 minutes | 426,000 – 1,070,000 |
| SE5 | 17 hours 17 minutes | 967,000 – 1,000,000 |
| SE7 | 17 hours 34 minutes | 463,000 – 1,000,000 |
| SE9 | 18 hours 57 minutes | 312,000 – 948,000 |
| SE21 | 19 hours 25 minutes | 504,000 – 1,020,000 |
Tips For Traveling From Da Nang To Ho Chi Minh
If you’re traveling from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City and take some time to plan everything out ahead of time, it can be a fairly easy and pleasant trip, just like most trips can be. Here are some tips that might help you save time, or money, and avoid most travel headaches:
- Flying is the fastest method of travel, not to mention you can usually get better prices the earlier you book your flight.
- If you’re driving or taking a bus, consider if National Highway 1A, or 14, is the best route for your journey.
- Bring snacks, drinking water, and download entertainment, or have a good playlist prepared for a 17+ hour road trip.
- To avoid unnecessary delays, flight times can change, especially check in to avoid peak hours, it could also save you on hotel accommodation.
- Some taxis, buses, and small food places do not take cards so let’s prepare some cash.
- If traveling by bus or car, if you leave in the evening, you could sleep on the way and arrive in the morning.
- Heavy rain or storms can add extended travel times, especially if you are following one of the longer road routes.
Recommended Stops Along the Way
The journey from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City covers a variety of landscapes, such as mountains, rivers, and pretty little villages. By stopping on the way, passengers can stretch their legs, experience local culture, and take in the pretty scenery.
Hoi An Ancient Town
A small detour from Da Nang and well worth the effort, Hoi An is an ancient town, exquisitely preserved, whose charms are lantern-lit streets, ancient architecture, and riverside cafes. Those who walk through the old town can appreciate an array of bygone houses, Chinese temples, and the Japanese Covered Bridge. Visitors to Hoi An will find themselves in a hub of tailor shops, local food, and the luminous night market along the Thu Bon River, thus offering plenty of cultural opportunities.
Lang Co Beach
Lang Co Beach is located on the road along the coast between Da Nang and Hue. Lang Co Beach consists of white sand and the lush blue water of the ocean, and is a great place to chill-out. Travelers may take a break from the road to swim in the ocean or lie on the beach, buy some freshly caught seafood from a local vendor, or simply relax while looking at the mountains and lagoon nearby. The area is peaceful and makes for great photographic moments or a silent picnic.
Hai Van Pass
On the coast, the Hai Van Pass runs along a hilly mountainous area and has great views. While driving through the Hai Van Pass, it’s definitely worth a stop if some picturesque photography opportunities arise. At a few of most viewpoints, travelers can pull off the highway, get out, breathe the fresh air, and enjoy the beautiful views of the cliffs overlooking the turquoise waters below, fairly opposite of each other.
Quang Ngai Countryside Villages
The small villages in Quang Ngai Province will give people the true feeling of living in a traditional Vietnamese countryside area. Tourists can see farmers working their rice paddies farmers, visit the markets, and observe handicraft practices such as mat weaving and pottery. The village atmosphere will give you a good chance to relax
Mui Ne Sand Dunes (Binh Thuan)
If you choose the longer route south, the red and white Mui Ne sand dunes offer desert-like sand dune landscapes.Sand sledding, jeep tours, or just walking the sand dunes are the main activities, with the option to enjoy sunrise or sunset while walking the rolling sand dunes. The fishing village at Mui Ne also offers fresh seafood sampling and a glance into their coastal lifestyle – overall a fairly flexible and entertaining option.
Vinh Long & Mekong River Villages
Near Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta area contains many riverside villages that can be explored, featuring floating markets, salmon and fruit farms, and traditional handicraft work. The boat ride through the area provides a unique insight into the Mekong riverside lifestyle, from fishermen casting netting to vendors selling fresh produce from their boat. The fact that you can cruise from one village to the next immerses yourself in the rich cultural heritage of southern Vietnam and waterways.
FAQs About Traveling From Da Nang To Ho Chi Minh
Whether you’re going for a quick trip or a long-haul, it is perfectly normal to be a little unsure about traveling from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City. Here are some of the most common questions and answers to make your journey planning process easier.
Can I drive from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City?
Yes! You can absolutely drive on either National Highway 1A (963 km) or National Highway 14 (841 km). Be prepared for a travel time of approximately 17-18 hours, which is why many travelers will choose to make the trip with 1-2 overnight stops along the way.
Which is the fastest, flying or taking a bus?
It absolutely is flying. A flight will be short at around 1.5 hours but either a bus or car trip will take more than 17 hours or more depending on traffic and overnight stops.
What should I pack for the travel journey?
If you are travelling by flight, then light luggage will be fine. If you are going by road, pack water, snacks, entertainment, hat, sunscreen and a civilian light jacket if you wish to stop at one of the mountain passes or coast.
When is the ideal time to travel from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City?
The ideal time to travel from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City is from December to April when the weather is usually dry, sunny, and mild, which is perfect for sightseeing, scenic drives, and other outdoor activities. Avoid the rainy season of May to November, as heavy rains can interrupt your driving and leisure plans.
How do I book train or bus tickets in advance?
Bookings can be made online using the official website of the train operator or bus company and also travel agents like Seni World. We highly recommend buying tickets in advance especially around holidays or peak travel season to not only guarantee a ticket but also to book your seats.
Can you combine transport options?
Yes! Many people fly part of the way and use buses or trains to stop for all the scenic or cultural locations along their travels. Avoid wasting a lot of time over a long trip, and yet enjoy the landscapes, villages, and destinations around your trip!
Final Thoughts
Traveling from Da Nang to Saigon is a great way to immerse yourself in Vietnam’s breathtaking scenery, diverse culture, and vivid vibrancy of city life in one wonderful trip. You’ll have the chance to visit the ancient streets of Hoi An, the picturesque Hai Van Pass, the riverside villages of the Mekong Delta, and so much more. Plan your journey, see the recommended stops, and let Seni World recommend tips, travel insights, and experiences on your journey so that your trip is smooth, fun, and unforgettable!
