The largest city in Vietnam is also the country’s most visited. Ho Chi Minh City is still commonly known by its former name Saigon and is home to over 8.6 million people. This bustling city pulsates with energy 24 hours a day. It offers opportunities to experience the culture and history of Vietnam. Famous for its French colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and street food stalls, and for its role in the Vietnam War, Ho Chi Minh is a must-visit! And when you’re done here, head northeast to the smaller city of Da Nang. Also, with a French colonial feel. Its coastal location means lovely sandy beaches to spend time relaxing on. Da Nang is also surrounded by beautiful scenery, including the Marble Mountains, where you’ll find secret pagodas and caves.
Read about:
• Train from Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang
• Flight from Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang
• Bus from Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang
Travel Options from Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang
The route between Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang is a popular one. There are numerous different options for traveling between these two cities. You’re bound to bump into many fellow tourists along the way. Depending on how you travel, you’ll be rubbing shoulders with plenty of locals as well! There are two main routes for travel by road from Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang. The inland route is the shortest distance road but can take a little longer in time. While the coastal route adds some miles to your journey, it is usually the faster one. The road distance between Ho Chi Minh and Da Nang is 850 to 965 kilometers (530 to 600 miles). While flying – as it’s a more direct route – will cover less distance and get you to Da Nang much faster. Flying from Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang is an affordable way to travel. But you can save more money if you go by bus, while trains vary in cost depending on the class of travel.
Train from Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang
Vietnam Railways operates all train services across Vietnam. You can be sure of fair pricing and consistent service standards across the various routes. Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang is one of the most popular routes. With frequent trains traversing the countryside and, at times, hugging the coast to give passengers wonderful views of the passing scenery. If you’re not in a hurry to get to Da Nang, we would recommend traveling by train. You will enjoy the passing scenery and also experience the Vietnamese people and their culture.
There are five daily trains from Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang. Depending on which one you choose, the journey will take somewhere between 16 hours and 19.5 hours. If you leave Ho Chi Minh early morning on the 6:45 am train, you should arrive at Da Nang around 00:30 am. The advantage of this train is that you’re traveling throughout the day. You will have plenty of time to look at the scenery through the window. Trains also depart at 11:00 am, 3:30 pm, 7:00 pm, and 8:55 pm. Be aware that if you opt for the 11:00 am departure, you will arrive in Da Nang at 6:25 am the following morning.
You have three ticket options on the train from Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang – 2nd class seats, 2nd class sleepers, and 1st class sleepers. We recommend traveling in sleeper cabins even if you’re journey is through the day. They are more comfortable and spacious than 2nd class seats. Seat cabins are best for travelers looking for cheap tickets.
From Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang by Flight
Going by train is perfect if you have the time to spare, as it is a lovely journey. If you need to get to Da Nang fast, flying is your best option. VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, and Vietnam Airlines all offer regular flights from Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang. With a flying time of only 1 hour and 20 minutes, you can leave Ho Chi Minh in the morning and be in Da Nang in time for lunch!
Prices vary across the three airlines with VietJet Air usually being the cheapest, followed by Bamboo Airways. Expect to pay a premium with Vietnam Airlines, as their tickets are quite a lot more expensive. Vietnam Airlines has a 20kg luggage allowance included in the price, while the other two airlines do not. There are departures throughout the day, starting as early as 5:35 am and going as late as 10:40 pm. Prices vary depending on the time of day you leave Ho Chi Minh. If it’s early morning or later in the evening, you’ll usually save money. If you want to save the more, book as early as possible and look for cheaper ticket prices on certain days of the week. Book your tickets through 12Go.asia, and you can easily see all the flight options and prices across the three airlines. You’ll be able to compare prices against the cost of the train and the bus. All three modes of transport from Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang can be booked without hassle through 12Go.
Bus from Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang
Traveling by bus on such a long journey can be uncomfortable and a little claustrophobic. If you don’t like being confined, we’d suggest taking the train or flying instead. Another solution is the bus company Hoang Long. They operate sleeper-style buses that allow you to stretch out your legs and recline rather than being stuck on a standard bus.
If you’re looking to save money, traveling by bus from Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang is the cheapest way to travel. For just a little more money, you could get a 2nd class seat on a train instead, or pay out a few more dollars on top of that and you could be flying there!
Going by bus from Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang takes around 20 hours, it is thus the slowest way to travel. Buses are well equipped with a washroom, TVs, a steward, air conditioning, and snacks, plus you’ll get several stops along the way where you can get off the bus and stretch your legs.
With all modes of travel from Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang being reasonably priced you may find it difficult to make a decision! Our recommendation is to take the train if you have the time to spare. If you only have a few days, catch a flight and get to Da Nang much faster!
How Long is the Train Ride From Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang?
The train journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang takes about 16-20 hours, depending on which one you choose. It’s a long journey, so be sure to bring plenty of snacks, water, and entertainment to keep you comfortable and occupied during the trip.
What Are the Cheapest Transportation Options From Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang?
The cheapest transportation option from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang is going by bus. Regular buses run from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang, and tickets can cost as little as $20, depending on the bus company and the type of ticket you purchase. The journey takes about 20 hours, depending on the route and the traffic conditions.
Are Three Days Enough for Da Nang?
Yes, three days is enough time to see the highlights of Da Nang and get a taste of the city’s culture and cuisine. Marble Mountains are a popular attraction and offer beautiful views of the city and the surrounding countryside. Da Nang has some interesting historical sites, so you could visit those. And don’t forget to try local food – it’s some of the best in Vietnam!
How to Get From Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang?
There are several options to go from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang. Three different airlines fly direct flights with plenty of daily departures. Going by bus from Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang takes around 20 hours. With Five daily departures from Ho Chi Minh, there are plenty of options to go by train. The train journey will take somewhere between 16 hours and 19.5, depending on which one you choose.
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