How To Travel From Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi? Best Options

Intro

Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are the two largest cities in Vietnam; therefore, they are very closely related. Whether traveling for business, school, or just to get to know the country better, it’s important to know how to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi.  Fortunately, you have a variety of options to select from, and your transportation options will mostly depend on your time and finances.

How To Travel From Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi: Recommended Options

The trip from the capital city to Ho Chi Minh City will almost take you along Vietnam, so it can be a terrific opportunity to see more of the stunning landscape throughout the nation.  Now, it is easy to travel between these two major cities because you can choose various transportation options such as bus, train, coach, plane, or even bikes. Here are some popular means of transportation you can try:  > View more: Ho Chi Minh Trail Motorbike Tours 2023 -2024

Fly

 Air travel is undoubtedly the quickest and most efficient way to get from HCMC to Hanoi. If I had to make a suggestion to you, this is what I would do. While costs can vary based on the airline and level of service, you can always find an affordable choice.  Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Bamboo Airways are some carriers that all offer daily flights with mid- to high-priced tickets and reliable service.   

Despite the fact that the flight time is only a couple of hours long, you still need to allow time for arriving at the airport, checking in, going through security, and praying that your flight won’t be delayed.  They are less daring than a road trip or an overnight sleeper train that will not let you see more and experience Vietnam along the route. Most of the time, this could be the most expensive choice, but it might also be the most convenient option for passengers. 

Take A Train

Reunification Express Trains of Vietnam Railways are a practical alternative to make the trip. They are slightly less expensive than airplanes and have air conditioning, reclining chairs or bunk beds, clean restrooms, and eating areas.  Whatever you do, stay away from taking a hard sleeper car to save money. The savings are not worth the pain you would undoubtedly experience from spending the entire night in the hard seat. The average duration of a train trip is 30 hours or more, which is significantly longer than a flight. Though it is entertaining, cozy, and a terrific way to kick back, unwind, and enjoy the breathtaking sights of Vietnam along the way, people who cannot handle the long ride should consider it carefully. 

During the lengthy trip, you can either bring your food or purchase a set of meals that will be delivered right to your cabin with tickets. One thing that should be noted is that purchasing train tickets in advance will grant you more financial savings than usual.  Also, it will help you prevent unforeseen events like running out of tickets or being unable to secure a suitable seat. > View more: Hoian Motorbike Tours 2023-2024

Hop on A Bus Or Car

If speed is not your main concern and your travel budget is tight, coach buses are other modes of transportation you could try. There are many bus services that operate long-distance buses between Vietnam’s northern and southern areas.  While they do offer some convenience, you’ll waste hours waiting to pick up other passengers and leave the city of Vietnam due to the country’s horrible traffic. Or you can drive yourself if you happen to have a car here. The trip between the two biggest cities often takes 35 to 40 hours, so it might not be a very appealing and comfortable option for those who get car sick, have back issues, or don’t like cramming into small spaces.  There are various bus types (some with beds, some with seats), so there are varied comfort levels to take into account. Additionally, theft is an issue on midnight buses, so keep your wits about yourself and don’t anticipate getting much sleep.  Note: You should go to bus stations to buy bus tickets or turn to your travel agency for help.  

Ride A Motorbike

Those who love adventures and discovering every inch of Vietnam should go by motorbike. However, riding about 1600 km from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi will not always be trouble-free.  As a result, a motorbike tour demands advanced driving skills and good physical fitness and is recommended when traveling with a Vietnamese friend. Even though it takes over 31 hours to go there and back, you should realistically plan on spending a couple of days doing so. There are numerous interesting attractions and villages along the way that allow for worthwhile detours, so you may extend the trip and turn it into a wonderful road trip instead of just driving straight through. Vietnam by motorbike is the only way to see the true Vietnam!

The best course of action will depend on your time and financial constraints. Ho Chi Minh City – Nha Trang – Hoi An – Da Nang – Phong Nha – Ninh Binh City – Hanoi is the route to take if you want to view the beach.  Or, if you’re up for negotiating mountainous, twisting roads: Ho Chi Minh City – Dalat – Pleiku – Kon Tum – Hoi An – Da Nang – Phong Nha – Ninh Binh – Hanoi. Remember to include a motorbike repair kit, protective clothing, GPS-enabled phones, raincoats, dry food, and water, along with the necessary luggage. If you want to stop at some well-known tourist attractions, you should have cash on hand.  > View more: Vietnam dirt bike tours 2023-2024

Conclusion

That’s how to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. Overall, flying is the best way to get from HCMC to Hanoi. It is the quickest and simplest way to travel.  You can also drive yourself, but it’s much preferable to relax for such a long journey and let someone else do the hard work while you view the scenery when there are nice train and airplane options to take into consideration.  Are you still in two minds about deciding which places to visit? Follow our site for some of the best Vietnam motorbike tours! What riders have said about Vietnam Motorcycle Tours on Tripadvisor!