Do you know how to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang? Many travelers head north along Vietnam’s coastline, with transport options ranging from quick flights to scenic train rides and budget-friendly buses.
Overview Of Ho Chi Minh To Nha Trang
The route from Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang is one of the most commonly traveled in Southern Vietnam, offering an energetic vibe of a modern city, with the carefree charm of a coastal oasis. Traveling between these should be considered because it allows visitors the chance to appreciate the diversity of Vietnam as they travel from a bustling city to a relaxing beach destination or a remote island.
We will plan together Ho Chi Minh City and Nha Trang because of how nicely they fit together, especially because you can enjoy what each city offers. Ho Chi Minh is a cultural and nightlife hub, and Nha Trang is sunshine, blue seas, and relaxation. Whether the aim of your trip is adventure, exploring nature, or relaxing at the beach, increase the ability to take in all three with this trip.
How Far Is It From Ho Chi Minh To Nha Trang?
The distance between Ho Chi Minh and Nha Trang depends on which mode of transportation you choose. If flying, it is approximately 396-397 km in distance between Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) and Cam Ranh Airport (CXR), and would take around 1 hour in flight time.
By most estimates, you can drive the National Highway 1A route, and the distance by road lies between 440 – 455 km, depending on the route or temporary road detours. If you ride the train, the distance from Saigon Railway Station to Nha Trang Railway Station is about 411 km. In summary, the distance from Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang falls in the range of about 396-435 km, and multiple travel options to fit your needs (timing, price point, and/or comfort).
How To Get From Ho Chi Minh To Nha Trang?
Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang is easy and convenient, as it provides various modes of transport for all budgets and travel styles. You can fly if you wish to be fast, take the train for views, or, if you are feeling more adaptable, along the coastal route, you can go by bus or private car.
By Flight
Among the fastest and most convenient transportation methods, a flight from Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang can be considered. Flights are between Tan Son Nhat Airport to Cam Ranh International Airport, which is approximately 35 kilometers from Nha Trang City center. The flight takes around 1 hour, making it ideal for those who want to save time and travel comfortably without long hours of travel.
You can go from Cam Ranh Airport to Nha Trang easily by taxi, shuttle bus, or private transfer. It normally takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on how congested it is. Flying is great for business travelers, those on a short getaway, or convenience lovers. Just remember that, if you travel during peak seasons, it’s best to book well in advance if you want the best airfare prices.
Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes flight and 40-minute transfer to the city center
Cost: 1,000,000 – 2,500,000 VND
Airlines: Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways
Best for: Time-saving and beach holidays.
By Train
A train journey from Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang is highly recommended for those who love train travel, beautiful landscapes, and going at the same pace as the train itself. The Reunification Express, or some other trains, SNT1, SNT2, or the Golden Train, are available on this route on a daily basis. The train journey takes anywhere between 7 to 9 hours, offering breathtaking views of the Vietnamese countryside along the way.
Taking the train is even better if you can grab an overnight train with departure times between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., allowing you to sleep throughout the journey and arrive early in Nha Trang, ready to begin your adventures there. The Nha Trang train station is located in the heart of the city, allowing you to easily proceed to your hotel or beaches immediately upon arrival. Taking the train is the best mode of transport if you value comfort, safety, and a hint of nostalgia while viewing the rolling landscape of the countryside.
Duration: 6.5 – 8 hours
Cost:
- Soft seat (A/C): 250,000 – 400,000 VND
- Hard sleeper: 300,000 – 500,000 VND
- Soft sleeper: 400,000 – 650,000 VND
Best for: Scenic travel, budget-conscious, and comfortable day journeys
By Sleeper Bus
Taking the sleeping bus from Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang is one of the most common ways to travel between the two cities, as it is affordable and accessible. There are many bus operators offering the journey, with departures throughout the day or overnight from Mien Dong Station, with the majority of the buses terminating in the city center, allowing tourists to easily access their hotels or the beach, depending on their destination.
Because the journey isn’t too long, the night sleeper bus service is also an excellent way, allowing you to comfortably rest on the bus and wake up fresh in Nha Trang the following morning. This is even more ideal if you are backpacking or trying to save on accommodations while continuing with your journey in the safest and most efficient manner possible.
Duration: 8 – 9 hours (overnight options available)
Cost: 250,000 – 400,000 VND
Best for: Budget travelers, overnight journeys to save on accommodation
By Private Car Or Motorbike
Taking a private car or motorcycle from Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang is ideal for those who value freedom and enjoy car trips with breathtaking scenery. You can stop over in the beautiful seaside towns of Mui Ne or Phan Rang, or even the fishing villages, if you so desire, making your journey a mini-adventure in itself.
There are two main paths you can follow, depending on your car.
Route 1 (about 430 km, only with automobiles, and 8 hours 20 minutes)
Starting from the center of Ho Chi Minh City, one will go through the Thu Thiem Tunnel, followed by the Ho Chi Minh City – Long Thanh – Dau Giay Expressway. Turn right after traveling 55 km, then proceed on National Highway 1A for the last 7 km to the Long Khanh, or Dong Nai, area.
Proceed on Ho Xuan Huong Street for 6 km before turning back to Highway 1A and continuing to Binh Thuan, with stops in Phan Thiet, followed by Ninh Thuan, with another stop in Phan Rang – Thap Cham, before arriving in Khanh Hoa Province. Proceed for another 70 km on Highway 1A to Nha Trang City.
Route 2 (approximately 420 km, suitable for cars & motorbikes):
Start from Ho Chi Minh City, head towards the Saigon Bridge, then go on Hanoi Highway for 18 km to the Vung Tau intersection overpass. Turn right, go on for another 5 km, then on Vo Nguyen Giap Street for about 12 km before merging with the National Highway 1A. Go straight for another 25 km to Long Khanh, then follow the same route as Route 1 to Nha Trang.
Duration: 8 – 10 hours (or 2-3 days with stopovers)
Cost:
- Private car: from 5,000,000 VND (one-way, depends on vehicle type)
- 200,000 – 400,000 VND/day and additional fuel cost
Best for: Adventurous travelers, those who want flexible stops
Tips For Traveling From Ho Chi Minh To Nha Trang
Before you embark on your journey, there are some tips that will help you on your way from Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang. Regardless of the mode of transport you prefer, you will be able to enjoy the journey with the help of these tips.
- Flying is faster, but bookings must be made well in advance for the best prices, especially for travel during the summer or Tet holiday periods.
- The trains are dependable, with the best time to travel being in the daytime, allowing for the appreciation of the coastline scenery.
- The advantage of sleeper buses is that one can travel the entire night, but those who are light sleepers may want to go by train or air.
- Road trips are always enjoyable if there are brief stops made in Mui Ne or Phan Rang along the way to rest or go sightseeing.
- Always check the weather forecast in Nha Trang before you travel, because heavy rainfall can sometimes impact train schedules.
- Pack lightly, but always have the necessary items with you, for instance, water, food, and a travel pillow.
- When on a motorcycle, make sure your bike is well-maintained, and always leave early to avoid having to drive at night.
Recommended Stops Along the Way
The journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang is part of the fun in itself. En route, you will go through quaint villages, beach resorts, and mountainous paths that will just make the journey even more enjoyable. Some interesting stops you can make before reaching the “city of eternal spring” are these:
Mui Ne
Situated in the Binh Thuan Province, Mui Ne is the ideal place to stop over if you are a beach lover. The city is recognized for its golden dunes, blue waters, and constant wind, hence making Mui Ne a paradise for those who love flying kites or basking in the sunlight. You can opt to go to the White Sand Dune, Red Sand Dune, or even walk along the Fairy Stream. Having a meal of fresh seafood by the beach is another activity you can participate in. The sunrise or sunset over the dune is indeed magical.
Phan Thiet
A mere drive from Mui Ne, the city of Phan Thiet presents itself with its laid-back, more localized beachside ambiance. The city is renowned for its production of fish sauce, in addition to its busy fishing harbor dotted with colorful fishing vessels. Visitors can proceed to explore the Po Sah Inu Cham Towers, the beaches, or enjoy fresh seafood purchases from the markets, among other activities available in the city, which is also an ideal stopover before going on to Da Lat.
Bao Loc
Bao Loc is also known as the “little sister” of Da Lat, providing a calm getaway with its landscape of tea plantations rolling into the hills, covered in mist. You can visit the Dambri Waterfall, one of the highest in the country, or relax with a brew of fresh green tea from the Tam Chau Tea Hill. The climate is also pleasantly chilly, making it an ideal destination for those who love Mother Nature and the calm.
The Pongour Waterfall
Approximately 50 km from Da Lat, the Pongour Waterfall is off the beaten track but definitely worth the extra journey for its breathtaking view, particularly if you are visiting in the rainy season, which is the time the water is at its fullest. You can hike down to the bottom of the falls, which is reached by stairs made from stone, or simply sit there and enjoy the soundtrack of Mother Nature, which is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the entire South of Vietnam.
Final Thoughts
There are a variety of options to choose from when traveling between Ho Chi Minh City and Nha Trang, regardless of your travel style. If you are in a hurry, flying is the quickest option. Taking the train to Nha Trang is comfortable and scenic, and taking the bus is the cheapest. The best option if you are thrill-seeking is driving. And with Seni World’s assistance, make it happen at your own pace, style, and budget!
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