About the ride from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City
Prepare yourself for a significant increase in the number of people, mopeds, and honking as you journey from the coastal town of Da Nang to Vietnam's most densely populated city, Ho Chi Minh.
Known as the city of mopeds, over 10 million mopeds take to the roads in this chaotic city. Safely crossing the road becomes a skill you must acquire quickly or face getting nowhere.
Previously known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is the perfect place for a history lesson on Vietnam's past. Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels and explore museums to understand what happened during the Vietnam War and Communist times in Vietnam.
Ready to throw yourself into this energetic city? Well, you'll have to wait a while as the journey can be eye-wateringly long.
There are three ways to cover the 919 km (571 miles) between Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City: by bus, train and plane.
Flying is the quickest way to get from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City, but unsurprisingly is the most expensive option.
If you want to travel by land, the train and bus can take anywhere from 17-24 hours. You'll need a lot of snacks for this journey.
Sleeper options are available on both overland modes of transport, so it can work out as a great opportunity to get some rest.
Unsure how you'd like to get from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City? Continue reading to find out how to ensure a smooth trip.
Exciting things to do in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Some people aren't the biggest fans of this crazy city, but that's because they didn't look in the right places. The city is so vast and diverse that it truly does have something loveable for everyone.
Here are some exciting things to do in Ho Chi Minh City to help you fall in love with it:
Visit the War Remnants Museum — It offers a poignant and sobering look at the Vietnam War, with exhibits showcasing the impacts of the conflict on the Vietnamese people as well as their skilled strategies that helped them fight back against the Americans despite the considerable disadvantage in numbers.
Slither through the Cu Chi Tunnels — It's the most popular day trip from the city. These huge underground networks were used by Viet Cong soldiers during the war to escape from and ambush Americans. Now made slightly bigger, you can crawl through the narrow tunnels and learn about the strategies and conditions of wartime.
Go shopping at Ben Thanh Market — This bustling marketplace is where you can shop for souvenirs, local handicrafts, and clothing. Once all of that shopping has worked up an appetite, enjoy some delicious Vietnamese street food.
Take a Vietnamese food tour — If you've just arrived in Vietnam or been there for weeks, Ho Chi Minh City offers twists on classic dishes and drinks. Eating your way around a city is a brilliant way to learn about it!
Go cafe hopping — Coffee plays a central role in Vietnamese culture, so what better way to get to know a place than to plunge yourself into the heart of it? Ho Chi Minh City is home to some uniquely brilliant cafes. Some worth checking out include Beanthere Cafe, Ca Phe Do Phu and The Cafe Apartments.
How to get from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City
There are three ways to travel between Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City: by bus, train and plane.
By bus
The bus is the cheapest way to get from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City, starting from $20, but it can also be the longest option.
Bus journeys can take anywhere between 17 and over 24 hours!
On the bright side, buses in Vietnam can be incredibly comfortable, turning your insanely long journey into a chance to relax.
Rightly so, most buses covering this route are sleeper buses, meaning that your seat is less of a seat and more of a bed.
Here's a quick rundown of the differences between the bus types:
Sleeping bus: Two levels of seats that recline to a sleeping position. Usually, there is a blanket, water and air conditioning.
VIP sleeping bus: The seats are similar to the sleeping bus, but you often have a bit more privacy with curtains on either side of your bed.
VIP cabin bus: You'll have a more spacious private cabin with a curtain offering reclinable seats that go all the way down into a bed. It usually has a blanket, water, air conditioning, charging port, and WiFi, subject to availability.
There are plenty of departure times and pick-up/drop-off locations scattered throughout Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City. Make sure to check the locations to pick the bus most convenient for you.
If the bus times and styles don't work, take a bus from the nearby city of Hoi An instead.
By train
The train can be slightly quicker than the bus and isn't impacted by traffic. The journey time is around 18-20 hours.
While we wouldn't recommend booking standard upright seats for the train, picking a sleeper train can be a unique and fun experience.
Dining and sleeping on a train isn't something everyone can claim to have done, and it won't break the bank either. Sleeper trains start from $38.
Check out the different classes you can choose from:
Second class seat – upright seats, tables available, A/C, toilet
Second class sleeper – 6 bunk beds per cabin, A/C, toilet
First class sleeper – 4 bunk beds per cabin, more space, A/C, toilet
All trains leave from Da Nang Train Station and arrive at Ho Chi Minh Train Station.
By plane
If you've read the journey times above and can't imagine sitting on transportation for that long, you're in luck. Flights run frequently between Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh, and the journey time is only 1.5 hours.
Book in advance, or just get lucky, and you can snag a flight for around $46. Several airlines operate this route, which keeps prices competitive.
Flights depart from Da Nang Airport and arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport.
What to expect from the overland journey from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City
If you're traveling overland from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City, strap yourself in and prepare for one of the longer journeys you've probably embarked on.
Fortunately, Vietnam has phenomenal landscapes that can easily keep you entertained for hours. But when you get bored of looking out the window or it gets dark, we recommend having some movies, shows, or podcasts downloaded.
Those taking the train won't have to worry about toilet breaks since you'll have them onboard. Bus drivers will make multiple stops throughout the trip, where you can grab food and go to the bathroom.
Whether taking the bus or train, stock up on plenty of snacks so you don't have to rely on train or rest-stop food.
When is the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City?
The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City is during the dry season, from December to April. Temperatures can range from 20-32°C (28-90°F). April is the hottest month.
While being in a busy city in these temperatures may not sound too fun, it beats being constantly bombarded by the rain. The rainy season happens in Ho Chi Minh City from May to November.
How many days should you spend in Ho Chi Minh City?
Some people speed through Ho Chi Minh City, spending just two days there. It gives you time for a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels, the markets, and a museum or two.
What it doesn't give you is enough time to really experience the vibe of this epic and iconic city.
If you want to see more than the tourist attractions, stick around for 4-5 days.
Where to visit after Ho Chi Minh City?
If you've reached the end of your time in Vietnam, many people use Ho Chi Minh's international airport to jet off to other incredible locations or to head home.
An alternative is to take the bus into Cambodia. Phnom Penh is the capital city and the perfect gateway to explore the rest of this underrated Southeast Asian country.
The bus journey takes 6-7 hours.
