How to Get from Halong Bay to Ho Chi Minh City
Fly from Halong Bay (Van Don Airport) to Ho Chi Minh City from VND 2,197,181. By road or rail the trip takes more than 30 hours.
Last updated: October 31, 2026
Contents
From the emerald karsts of Halong Bay to the motorbike rush and French colonial streets of Ho Chi Minh City: the cities sit at opposite ends of the country, and a flight is the sensible way to cover the distance. By road or rail the trip takes more than 30 hours.[1]
Halong Bay to Ho Chi Minh City by Flight
Flights depart from Van Don International Airport (VDO), which serves Halong Bay, and land at Tan Son Nhat (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam Airlines sells fares from VND 2,197,181.[2] Tan Son Nhat is only 8 km from the city centre.[3]
From Hanoi instead
You can also continue to Hanoi by road and fly from Noi Bai. Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City flights take about 2 hours 5 minutes, run 20 to 25 times a day and start at VND 888,181 one way.[1]
Arriving in Ho Chi Minh City
A taxi from Tan Son Nhat to the centre costs VND 120,000 to 180,000 plus a VND 10,000 toll. Yellow buses 109 (backpacker district) and 49 (Ben Thanh Station) cost about VND 20,000.[3]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Duration | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight from Van Don | Fastest option | From VND 2,197,181 | Vietnam Airlines, Van Don to Tan Son Nhat |
| Road and rail | More than 30h | Book on GoAsia.cc | Not practical in one go |
Tips for Traveling from Halong Bay to Ho Chi Minh City
- Plan the airport transfer: Van Don is outside Halong City, so leave generous time to get there.
- Arrive early: Check in at least 90 minutes before a domestic flight.[1]
- Book ahead: Fares are lowest a few weeks ahead, and the route is popular with tourists and business travelers.
- Dress for the change: Ho Chi Minh City is tropical and warm all year, so wear layers you can shed on arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Halong Bay to Ho Chi Minh, including current prices and schedules.
Flying from Van Don is the practical choice. Vietnam Airlines sells fares from VND 2,197,181. You can also continue to Hanoi and fly from there, where fares start lower.
Flying. By road or rail the trip takes more than 30 hours.
The flight itself is short compared with the more than 30 hours by road or rail. Add the transfer to Van Don Airport.
Van Don International Airport (VDO), which serves Halong Bay. Alternatively, continue by road to Hanoi and fly from Noi Bai.
Booking a few weeks ahead usually gives the best fares, especially in peak travel periods.
Check in at least 90 minutes before a domestic flight.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Vietnam Airlines: Flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. Retrieved October 28, 2026.
- [2] Vietnam Airlines: Flights from Van Don to Ho Chi Minh City. Retrieved October 31, 2026.
- [3] Vietnam Tourism (Vietnam National Authority of Tourism): A traveller's guide to Vietnam's airports. Retrieved October 20, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.