The Phu Quoc to Ho Chi Minh route connects Vietnam’s most loved island with its busiest southern city. It’s a popular journey for travelers who want to explore both the relaxed beach life and the vibrant local culture.
Overview Of Phu Quoc To Ho Chi Minh
Lots of visitors in southern Vietnam travel from Phu Quoc back toward the mainland after enjoying beaches, fresh food, and relaxation. Though only a quick flight, about sixty minutes, Ho Chi Minh City offers a stark contrast: energetic, bustling, brimming with sights. Conveniently, it serves as a springboard for onward travel, whether home or deeper into Vietnam.
Often, visitors combine coastal relaxation with exploration of the nation’s vibrant urban heart. A little seaside followed by a dive into contemporary life makes for a good mix. Getting to the city isn’t hard; you just need to pick the route that fits your schedule and preferences. If perhaps you fancy soaking up the scenery or simply sampling what southern Vietnam offers, this short trip is for you.
How Far Is It From Phu Quoc To Ho Chi Minh City?
Phu Quoc Island isn’t far from Ho Chi Minh City, just 380 kilometers as the crow flies, a quick hop within Vietnam. However, going overland coupled with a ferry ride stretches that journey to around 450-500 kilometers, contingent upon whether you depart from Ha Tien or Rach Gia. These two harbors nestle within the Mekong Delta, acting as handy connections between the island and southern Vietnam.
If you prefer a leisurely pace, consider the ferry alongside driving; this lets you experience the Mekong Delta’s scenery. From Phu Quoc Island, the Ha Tien ferry ride lasts approximately ninety minutes, then it’s a six-or seven-hour drive, roughly 315 kilometers, into Ho Chi Minh City. Alternatively, the Phu Quoc–Rach Gia path involves a two-and-a-half to three-hour ferry crossing, followed by a five- to six-hour drive (approximately 270 kilometers).
How To Travel From Phu Quoc To Ho Chi Minh City?
Transportation between Phu Quoc Island and Ho Chi Minh City is well-developed, offering both speed and scenery. The options below help you decide which route fits your time, budget, and travel style best.
By Flight
Getting between Phu Quoc Island and Ho Chi Minh City is quickest by plane, particularly if you want an uncomplicated flight. The Phu Quoc to Ho Chi Minh flight runs consistently throughout the year, with more frequent schedules during the peak travel season from November to April. Most routes go directly from Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), and the average Phu Quoc to Ho Chi Minh flight time is around one hour.
The airports themselves feel new; you’ll find coffee shops, currency services, alongside places to relax before your flight. Expect brief hold-ups when the weather turns, particularly later in the day during wetter months. Get there ninety minutes ahead of takeoff, especially if you have an international connection.
| Aspect | Details |
| Travel Time | The flight takes around 55 to 70 minutes, depending on weather and air traffic. Direct flights are available throughout the day, while connecting routes are rare and usually not necessary. |
| Airport Locations | Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) is located in Duong To Commune, about 10 km from Duong Dong Town. Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) sits in Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Binh District, roughly 7 km from the city center. |
| Estimated Price | One-way fares typically range from 700,000 to 1,700,000 VND, depending on season, booking date, and airline promotions. Prices rise around public holidays such as Tet and weekends. |
| Best For | Ideal for travelers who value speed, comfort, and reliability. Perfect for families, business travelers, or anyone with connecting international flights from Ho Chi Minh City. |
| Safety Notes | Having your passport or ID ready and keeping liquids under 100 ml in your carry-on makes check-in easier. Your trip also tends to run more smoothly if it falls around Phu Quoc’s best travel season from November to April. |
By Bus Or Minivan (Ferry Combination)
To get from Phu Quoc to Ho Chi Minh City without spending much, take a bus, which mixes boat trips with road travel. First, a ferry carries you to the mainland; subsequently, a bus or van winds its way through the Mekong Delta until you arrive at the city. The Phu Quoc to Ho Chi Minh bus route usually follows either Phu Quoc to Ha Tien, then on to Ho Chi Minh City, or Phu Quoc via Rach Gia toward Ho Chi Minh City.
Journey length varies between 8 to 11 hours, influenced by waves, boat times, and also road congestion. Services generally leave before sunrise or shortly following midday, aiming to get you into town by nightfall. Though lengthy, the journey remains secure while revealing glimpses of South Vietnam, as paddies alongside bustling river marketplaces.
| Vehicle Type | Route Description | Travel Time | Notes & Tips |
| Standard Bus + Ferry (Ha Tien Route) | Ferry from Phu Quoc to Ha Tien (about 1.5 hours), then bus from Ha Tien to Ho Chi Minh City (around 6–7 hours). | 8–9 hours total | This route is shorter by sea but longer on land. It suits travelers who want more bus departures. Bringing a light jacket and a small pillow can make the ride more comfortable. |
| Standard Bus + Ferry (Rach Gia Route) | Ferry from Phu Quoc to Rach Gia (about 2.5–3 hours), followed by bus to Ho Chi Minh City (around 5–6 hours). | 9–10 hours total | The ferry ride is longer, but the road journey is slightly shorter. Choosing this route helps avoid the busier Ha Tien terminal during peak season. |
| Tourist Sleeper Bus | A combination of ferry and long-distance sleeper bus with reclining seats and air conditioning. | 8–10 hours total | Offers more comfort and overnight options. You can lie flat and rest through most of the road trip. Booking one or two days in advance is recommended, especially on weekends. |
| Limousine Minivan (9–16 seats) | Ferry connection to the mainland, then shared limousine-style minivan to the city. | 8–9 hours total | Smaller vehicles mean fewer passengers and smoother travel. Some services include hotel pickup in Phu Quoc and drop-off at central Ho Chi Minh hotels. |
By Private Car
A private car journey between Phu Quoc Island and Ho Chi Minh City offers the most comfort and flexibility for travelers who prefer to control their own schedule. The trip combines a short ferry ride from Phu Quoc to the mainland with a long drive through the Mekong Delta. After arriving at either Ha Tien or Rach Gia, you can continue on a private vehicle directly to the city. The drive takes around 6 to 7 hours, depending on traffic, and most routes pass through local towns such as Can Tho and My Tho.
Private cars are more expensive than buses, but the comfort and convenience often make up for the cost. You can stop for food, photos, or a short break whenever you like, and the air-conditioned cabin helps make the long ride easy to manage.
| Vehicle Type | Estimated Price (one-way) | Estimated Travel Time | Notes & Tips |
| 4-Seater Sedan | Around 9,000,000 – 12,000,000 VND for the full journey, including the ferry connection. | 8–9 hours, depending on route and traffic. | Suitable for solo travelers or couples with light luggage. The most compact and economical private option. Early booking ensures a better vehicle choice. |
| 7-Seater SUV or MPV | Approximately 13,000,000 – 16,000,000 VND, including ferry transfer. | About 8–9 hours on average. | Offers more space and comfort, perfect for small families or groups with moderate luggage. A good balance between price and convenience. |
| 16-Seater Minibus | Around 18,000,000 – 22,000,000 VND, depending on season and number of stops. | Around 9–10 hours total travel time. | Best for larger groups of 8–12 people. The vehicle allows more storage for luggage and can make additional stops on request during the journey. |
By Motorbike
A motorbike trip between Phu Quoc and Ho Chi Minh City is an adventure favored by experienced riders. The route combines a ferry crossing from the island to the mainland with long stretches of rural and highway roads. From Phu Quoc, travelers board the ferry to Rach Gia or Ha Tien, then continue by road through the Mekong Delta before reaching the city.
The distance from Phu Quoc Island to Ho Chi Minh City is roughly 370 to 400 kilometers, including the ferry section from the island to the mainland. The total travel time ranges from 8 to 11 hours, depending on the chosen route, ferry schedules, and road conditions. It’s safer to complete the journey in two days, staying overnight in Can Tho or My Tho.
| Aspect | Details |
| Route Option 1 | Phu Quoc → Rach Gia (by ferry) → Can Tho → My Tho → Ho Chi Minh City. This is the most direct and commonly used route, with smooth roads and plenty of fuel stops. |
| Route Option 2 | Phu Quoc → Ha Tien (by ferry) → Chau Doc → Long Xuyen → Ho Chi Minh City. Slightly longer but more scenic, passing near the Cambodian border and rural towns. |
| Distance | Around 450–500 kilometers, including the ferry segment. |
| Estimated Travel Time | Around 10–12 hours in total; best completed over two days for a safer, more relaxed trip. |
| Suggested Stops | Rach Gia for local seafood and markets, Can Tho for the floating market, and My Tho for short rest breaks before entering the city. |
| Safety Notes | Helmets and proper riding gear are required. Carry rain protection and check your motorbike’s condition before boarding the ferry. Avoid riding at night, as lighting on rural roads is limited. |
Tips For Traveling From Phu Quoc To Ho Chi Minh City
Even though this route is simple, a few small preparations can make your trip smoother and more comfortable. These tips help you enjoy more of Phu Quoc’s best experiences along the way.
- Ferry schedules rarely line up exactly with bus arrivals. So, if you get a combined ticket from a single provider, double-check that the bus holds its departure until passengers arrive via ferry.
- If you’re on the Rach Gia ferry, snag a seat near the back; it’s where you’ll feel less rocking when out on the waves.
- Forget scrambling for deals right before you go. In Phu Quoc, snagging cheaper plane or boat tickets means using local apps or even stopping at a ticket shop instead of waiting to book online at the eleventh hour.
- For gorgeous photos, catch an early ferry – the Gulf of Thailand alongside the Mekong looks stunning in morning light.
- If the ocean’s choppy, Ha Tien offers a quicker trip; it crosses less open water. Conversely, choose Rach Gia on calm days; its roadways become more agreeable alongside placid waves.
- Phu Quoc ferries begin passenger check-in forty-five minutes before leaving; however, they strictly stop accepting passengers fifteen minutes beforehand. It’s wise to arrive ahead of time; otherwise, you might need to wait for the subsequent boat.
- Tet or holiday travel means tickets vanish quickly, often within a few days, alongside price hikes. Securing reservations early is key on this line.
Final Thoughts
Getting between Phu Quoc Island also Ho Chi Minh City feels straightforward, a real treat while touring southern Vietnam. A trip from Phu Quoc to Ho Chi Minh frequently provides a lovely change of pace, swapping beach days for adventures. Need help booking travel, figuring out transportation, or planning an entire Vietnamese adventure? We can handle everything, ensuring smooth sailing throughout.
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