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Leaving the chaotic energy of Hanoi for the coastal province of Thanh Hoa marks a transition from the narrow alleys of the Old Quarter to a region famed for its historical citadels and sprawling beaches like Sam Son. The two cities are close enough that ground transport is the practical choice: the Reunification Express stops in Thanh Hoa, and intercity buses cover the same corridor. A flight is no shortcut on this route.
Thanh Hoa is often overlooked by the typical tourist trail, yet it holds the Ho Dynasty Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site,[1] and serves as a gateway to the Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Navigating this route requires a bit of planning, especially regarding the time of day you choose to travel.
Hanoi to Thanh Hoa by Train
Five Reunification Express trains stop in Thanh Hoa on their way south, 175 km from Hanoi. SE7 leaves Hanoi at 06:00 and arrives at 09:22, SE5 leaves at 08:00 and arrives at 11:27, SE9 leaves at 13:00 and arrives at 16:27, SE3 leaves at 19:20 and arrives at 22:41, and SE1 leaves at 21:45 and arrives at 01:10 the next day. The ride takes about 3 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes.[2] Vietnam Railways sells tickets on its website and app, and travelers can also buy them through third-party train ticket apps.[3]
Hanoi to Thanh Hoa by Bus
Intercity buses also run between Hanoi and Thanh Hoa; Van Anh, for example, is a bus company that operates on this route.[4] Fares and timetables differ by company, so confirm them with the operator when you book.
Hanoi to Thanh Hoa by Flight
Flights are not a practical option. The provincial tourism portal lists Ho Chi Minh City, Buon Ma Thuot, Da Lat and Nha Trang as the routes flown from Tho Xuan Airport, not Hanoi, and the airport lies 39 to 45 km west of Thanh Hoa city.[5] Some booking sites show a Hanoi to Thanh Hoa flight with a journey time of 7 hours to more than 22 hours, which points to a connection through another airport rather than a shortcut.[6]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Duration | Departures from Hanoi |
|---|---|---|
| Train (Reunification Express) | 3h 20m - 3h 30m | 06:00, 08:00, 13:00, 19:20, 21:45[2] |
Tips for Traveling from Hanoi to Thanh Hoa
- Check the Train Number: Two of the five trains reach Thanh Hoa after 22:00 or in the small hours (SE3 at 22:41 and SE1 at 01:10), so choose a daytime train if you want to arrive in time to check in at a hotel.[2]
- Explore the Surroundings: Once you arrive in Thanh Hoa, consider renting a motorbike or hiring a driver to visit the 14th-century Ho Dynasty Citadel.[1] It is much quieter than the attractions in Hanoi.
Timetable
| Flight Hanoi - Thanh Hoa $ 62.31–99.14 7h 15m – 22h 5m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Hanoi to Thanh Hoa, including current prices and schedules.
Take the train or a bus. Five Reunification Express trains stop in Thanh Hoa and the ride takes about 3 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes. Intercity buses also run on this route.
By train, the journey takes about 3 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes according to the Vietnam Railways timetable. Bus times depend on the company and the traffic.
Not in any practical form. Tho Xuan Airport serves routes such as Ho Chi Minh City, Buon Ma Thuot, Da Lat and Nha Trang. Booking sites that list a Hanoi flight show journey times of 7 hours or more, which means a connection.
SE7 leaves Hanoi at 06:00, SE5 at 08:00, SE9 at 13:00, SE3 at 19:20 and SE1 at 21:45. They arrive in Thanh Hoa between about 3 hours 20 minutes and 3 hours 30 minutes later.
Tho Xuan Airport is located about 39 to 45 kilometers west of Thanh Hoa city center, so allow time for a taxi or other transfer after landing.
Vietnam Railways sells tickets on its website and app, and third-party train ticket apps also sell them. Tickets bought online can be refunded online or at the station.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] UNESCO World Heritage Centre: Citadel of the Ho Dynasty. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] Vietnam Railways (Duong sat Viet Nam): Vietnam Railways timetable: Reunification Express (SE) trains. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [3] Vietnam Railways (Duong sat Viet Nam): Vietnam Railways online ticket sales. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [4] Van Anh bus company: Van Anh bus company: high-quality coaches on the Hanoi - Thanh Hoa route. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [5] Thanh Hoa Provincial Tourism Portal (Visit Thanh Hoa): Tho Xuan Airport: Detailed information, 2025 planning update. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [6] 12Go: Hanoi to Thanh Hoa timetable. Retrieved October 15, 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.