Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Phan Thiet tickets

How to get from Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) to Phan Thiet

Ho Chi Minh (also known as Saigon) is the hub of southern Vietnam. A trip to this region isn't complete without a few days in this bustling city. However, it's not the only must-visit location in the country. If you want to make the most of your Vietnamese adventure, a trip to Phan Thiet should also be on your list.

Unlike landlocked Ho Chi Minh, Phan Thiet is a coastal city in the country's southeast. Here, you can relax with sprawling sea views, hike vivid rust-colored dunes, tour quaint fishing villages, and explore some mind-boggling terrain. That's right — Phan Thiet breaks the mold when it comes to typical expectations of a Vietnamese vacation.

Before you touch down in this spectacular port city, you must learn how to get from Ho Chi Minh to Phan Thiet. But that's where we come in.

This journey spans 176 km (109 miles) and can take anywhere from 2.5 to 6.5 hours to travel, depending on your mode of transport. Your main options are bus, train, car, and minivan. We'll go into the details of each later.

Sit back and relax. We'll run you through the details of this journey so you can breeze from A to B like a local.

Where to go for a fantastic Phan Thiet adventure

Phan Thiet and nearby Mui Ne are home to a wealth of unique things to see and do. From tranquil beach days to adventurous hikes, you’ll never be bored.

Here are the highlights:

1. Hiking at the White Sand Dunes (Doi Cat Trang)

2. Sandboarding at the Red Sand Dunes (Doi Cat Do)

3. Mui Ne Fishing Village

4. Day trip to the Fairy Stream and Red Canyon

5. Watersports 

6. Ta Cu Mountain

What's the difference between Phan Thiet and Mui Ne?

Mui Ne is one of the five neighborhoods within Phan Thiet. So, if you're researching Phan Thiet and keep seeing Mui Ne pop up, that's why! The other neighborhoods are Hung Long, Phu Hai, Ham Tien, and Tien Thanh.

How to get from Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) to Phan Thiet

You have four main ways to get to this coastal paradise: bus, train, car, and minivan. Let's take a look at each in more detail.

By bus

Buses are the most popular way to get to Phan Thiet because they're one of the most affordable. Prices start as low as $8, meaning they can easily fit into a shoestring budget. For buses with more amenities, prices can go up to $18.

However, the time of each bus varies depending on the type and operator. Some buses take only two hours, while others take up to six hours. 

Generally speaking, the sleeping and cabin buses take longer. But this isn't always the case. Always check the journey time before confirming.  

Here's a lowdown of the main bus types to Phan Thiet:

1. VIP Cabin Bus - VIP Cabin Buses have A/C, individual cabins, and up to 20kg luggage allowance per passenger. 

2. VIP Sleeping Bus - VIP Sleeping Buses have A/C, water, reclining seats, toilet stops, 20 kg bag allowances, and WiFi (subject to availability).

3. Sleeping Bus - Sleeping Buses usually come with A/C, blankets, individual reclining seats, and WiFi (subject to availability).

4. VIP 34 Seats Bus — VIP 34 Seat Buses have individual seats, A/C, and take 3.5 hours to arrive. 

5. Limo Bus — Limo Buses have A/C, WiFi, reclining seats, water, and 20 kg luggage per person.

Pro tip: Not all buses have WC facilities. Use a bathroom before you leave!

By train

Trains are just as popular as buses and are friendly for your budget. The cheapest trains start at $6 and go up for private cabins.

All train journeys take 3.5-4.5 hours to reach Phan Viet, regardless of which class you book. Ideal for those who want to skip potential 6.5-hour journeys with buses or cars. 

Your options when booking by train include:

1. First Class Sleeper Train — These cost around $15 to $17 and include reclining seats, legroom, blankets and pillows, A/C, WCs, and a 20 kg luggage allowance.

2. Second Class Seat Train —  Tickets start at $7 and include A/C, WCs, charger sockets, blankets and pillows, individual seats, and 20 kg of luggage. 

3. Second Class Sleeper Train — Second Class Sleeper Trains cost about $11 and include WCs, A/C, blankets and pillows, reclining seats or bunk beds, and a 20 kg luggage allowance.

By car

Cars are the most expensive way to get to Phan Thiet and start from $34. However, they guarantee a private transfer and provide flexible pick-up and drop-offs. 

The journey time for cars takes between 3 to 4.5 hours.

Your main options for cars are private and shared. You can see private options by toggling the Private Transfer button on the left-hand menu. 

Most cars can accommodate three to five people. They usually have A/C, a 20 kg luggage allowance, and water. Drivers also make toilet stops on request. Some vehicles also have chargers and WiFi, but these aren't guaranteed.

By minivan

Minivans to Phan Thiet come in a range of options and cost anywhere from $8 to $121, depending on the provider and amenities. 

The journey time also varies from 2.5 to 5 hours. This is usually due to different pick-up and drop-off locations. For example, airport runs take longer than city-to-city connections.

You can book private or shared minivans. If you don't want to share your ride, toggle the Private Transfer button while searching to guarantee a solo booking.

Our minivans are equipped with essential amenities such as A/C, water, and a large baggage allowance. Some drivers go the extra mile and provide additional comforts like blankets, pillows, and WiFi. To know the specific amenities included in your booking, simply check the details of your chosen vehicle.

About the ride from Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) to Phan Thiet

This route is extremely popular, and plenty of rides leave every day. It's also safe for all tourists, including solo and female travelers. 

The views tend to be limited as buses, cars, and minivans follow the highway. Railroad views are also not too interesting. So, don't feel guilty if you fall asleep or forget to charge your camera!

The best time to travel from Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) to Phan Thiet

It's always a good time to travel to Phan Thiet, as the temperature stays between 30-34°C (86-93°F) all year. 

However, there's a higher chance of rain from June to October, with the peak in September and October. Avoid these months if you don't want to get caught short while sunbathing.

Where to visit after Phan Thiet?

If you're lucky enough to have extra time after Phan Thiet, consider a quick stop in Cam Ranh. 

This is another stunning coastal city further north up the Vietnamese coastline. Expect azure waters, white sand beaches, and authentic cultural experiences. Phan Thiet to Cam Ranh takes two hours via bus.