Distance 154 km (96.3 miles) | |
Price range US$ 7-US$ 29 | |
Ride Duration Range 2h-8h | |
Earliest Departure 17:00 | |
Latest Departure 23:00 | |
Most Popular Operator |
When traveling from Mui Ne to Ho Chi Minh, there are two very affordable options for you. The trains get you there a little bit quicker than by bus, but there are more buses that transport passengers throughout the day. Ho Chi Minh is known for its amazing food and rich architecture. It’s a sightseeing paradise, especially for history lovers. You can take tours throughout the city and study its deep history. The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh is between December and March when the weather is most pleasant.
Fastest bus: 2h
Cheapest bus: US$ 7
The ride from Mui Ne to Ho Chi Minh City is like hitting fast-forward on Vietnam's vibe. You start on chill coastal roads, rolling sand dunes, and sleepy fishing villages where the air is fresh and the pace is slow.
But fast forward to Ho Chi Minh City, and the energy cranks up fast. No more peaceful roads. They’re packed with hundreds of honking motorbikes and nonstop action. One minute, you're cruising past dragon fruit farms, and the next, you're dodging scooters and people brave enough to walk across the street.
It's a wild shift, but that's what makes it epic.
You have four options to travel between Mui Ne and Ho Chi Minh City:
1. Bus
2. Train
3. Car
4. Minivan
The ride takes between three and seven hours, depending on your wheels of choice.
Ho Chi Minh City is an electrifying mix of old and new, where tradition meets modern chaos in the most delicious way. You could spend months uncovering its hidden gems, but if time isn't on your side, here are five unmissable experiences to squeeze into your visit.
Get lost in Ben Thanh Market. Vietnamese markets are a whole vibe, and Ben Thanh is no exception. Dive into the city's pulsing energy as you browse for souvenirs, snack on street food, and soak up the local hustle.
Visit the War Remnants Museum. A must-visit but not for the faint of heart. It provides a powerful, eye-opening look at Vietnam's war history through haunting exhibits and photography. Be prepared — it's intense.
Stroll through District One & Nguyen Hue Walking Street. This buzzing district is packed with rooftop bars, cute cafés, and stunning colonial landmarks like Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.
By night, Nguyen Hue transforms into a lively social scene with music, street performers, and unbeatable people-watching.
Eat everything and more. Ho Chi Minh City is a street food wonderland. Find the impossibly small stools on the sidewalk where the locals are eating and join them for a steaming bowl of pho at the market, a crispy banh mi loaded with zesty herbs, or fresh spring rolls with peanut sauce.
Want the ultimate foodie experience? Hop on a motorbike food tour for an insider's taste of the city.
Pro tip: Take a food tour early in your trip so you can revisit your favorite spots!
Rooftop bars with a view. Ho Chi Minh City has some incredible rooftop bars where you can sip a cocktail while soaking in the skyline. Places like Saigon Saigon Bar or Chill Skybar offer epic sunset views and a great atmosphere.
With four modes of transportation, you're spoilt for choice. Let's go through all of them to help you make an informed decision.
Duration: 3-5 hours, depending on the stops made and traffic
Starting price: $7
Buses in Vietnam are surprisingly modern. Not to mention super affordable.
They all have super powerful A/C, so bring a jacket because the drivers are known to make it feel like the Arctic sometimes.
They also offer reclining seats. But some recline much more than others — pay attention when booking. For extra comfort, take a sleeping bus. Those seats lie as flat as first-class airline seats and only cost a few bucks more.
Some buses have bathrooms, privacy curtains, USB chargers, and drinks that can be purchased onboard. They also provide blankets.
The driver will make a few rest stops along the way.
There is an overwhelming number of bus companies driving this route, so be sure to check the departure and arrival locations before you book. There is not one central pick-up/drop-off location.
Duration: 3.5-4.5 hours
Starting price: $10
Another easy way to get to Ho Chi Minh from Mui Ne is by train.
The cheapest tickets are 2nd class seats. These are regular cushioned chairs that may recline a little.
If you want something even cozier, choose a second-class sleeper train ticket. Those have beds and are in a private berth with six cots in bunk-bed formation.
For a few more dollars, you can buy a first-class sleeper ticket. Then you'll only share the berth with three other people — you'll have four bunk beds instead of six.
Trains either depart from Binh Thuan Train Station or Phan Thiet Train Station and arrive at Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) Train Station. Trains leave as early as midnight and as late as 2:00 p.m.
If you choose a sleeper train, you will get a light blanket, but you may want to bring your own, along with a little pillow. All the trains are clean and modern with AC and bathrooms.
You'll be allowed 44 lbs/20kg of luggage.
Duration: 3-4.5 hours
Starting price: $59
If it's comfort and convenience you are after, then booking a private car is your best bet. You'll get door-to-door service from your hotel in Mui Ne to your next hotel or the airport in Ho Chi Minh City. You'll also choose a departure time that is best for you, and you get to stop as often as your bladder or Instagram calls.
What more could you need?
How about at least 33 lbs/15 kg of luggage per person? More if it's an SUV.
You also get to split the cost of a modern private car among your group of friends. So, if the SUV holds five people and the total is $58, once you split the cost, you'll only be paying $12. That's a bargain for a private ride.
Duration: 3-4.5 hours
Starting price: $7 for a seat in a shared van, $100 for the van
If you are a solo traveler, buying a seat in a shared minivan will be super easy on your budget.
There are a couple of options for a shared trip. The cheapest minivans have specific pick-up and drop-off locations that you must get to and from.
Spend a few more dollars, and you can get hotel pick-up and drop-off, which, in some ways, is very convenient. But keep in mind that if there are 10 people in the van and they are all getting picked up from their hotels, it's going to add significant time to the trip, especially if you are the last person.
If you are traveling with a group, you can hire a private minivan and split the overall cost. For example, if you are with a group of 10 people, and the cost to hire the van is $100, then it's only $10 per person for a private door-to-door ride.
At that price, it's probably worth asking everyone in the hostel if they want a ride to Ho Chi Minh City.
If you want the best weather for exploring, aim for December to March. This is the dry season, with warm temperatures (77-95°F/25-35°C), low humidity, and little rain, it's perfect for sightseeing.
For a unique experience, visit during Tet (Vietnamese New Year) in late January or early February. While some shops close, the city comes alive with decorations, celebrations, and cultural performances.
From May to November, expect the rainy season, with sudden but short downpours and high humidity. The upside? Fewer tourists and cheaper hotel rates.
For Ho Chi Minh City, three to four days is a solid amount of time. No matter what, you'll probably feel rushed and never get it all in. But you'll have time to explore the markets and museums and eat your way through the street food scene.
Since Ho Chi Minh City is a massive transportation hub, take advantage of it and fly off somewhere international. Phuket is a great respite after the madness and chaos of the city.
Between the beaches and the party scene, you'll get the best of both worlds.
Not ready to leave Vietnam, then Phu Quoc is another beachy option. With turquoise water and tropical vibes, it's the ultimate escape. It's Vietnam's largest island, packed with white-sand beaches, beach bars, and even a bit of nightlife.
177 Nguyen Dinh Chieu
229 Pham Ngu Lao, District 1
141 Huynh Thuc Khang
Mui Ne - Any hotel in the city center
NovaWorld Phan Thiet - Any hotel
Mien Tay Bus Station (Western Bus Station) - Ho Chi Minh
273 Pham Ngu Lao, District 1
Ho Chi Minh Train Station
229 Pham Ngu Lao, District 1
Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) Train Station
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