Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi: A super detailed guide for first-timers

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The route from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi is roughly 1,700 kilometers long. Travelers can opt to travel by plane, train, or bus. This journey provides a glimpse into Vietnam’s varied landscapes and cultures, making it an essential experience for anyone looking to explore the country.

1. How to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi? The 4 most popular ways

1.1. By train

Train is one of the most common means of transportation to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi (Source: Collected)

The 1,726-kilometer-long railway from Saigon to Hanoi takes approximately 31 hours and 35 minutes to travel. You can refer to the train schedule below:

With 5 daily trains from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, you can choose from different ticket prices depending on the type of seat, train, and time of departure. Train ticket prices range around 1,026,000 VND.

During the long train from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, you can bring your own food or purchase from snack carts available on the train. Boiling water is also available for passengers to make their own tea, coffee, or instant noodles.

To secure your train tickets, it is recommended to make a reservation on the website of Vietnam Railways beforehand.

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1.2. By plane

There are various airlines operating round-trip flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi (Source: Collected)

The basic fare for a Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi flight starts at 199,000 VND. During peak travel seasons or holidays like Tet, the price can increase to several million dong. Flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi depart from Tan Son Nhat International Airport and arrive at Noi Bai International Airport.

There are currently 5 domestic airlines operating this flight route: Vietjet, Vietravel Airlines, Pacific Airlines, Bamboo Airways, and Vietnam Airlines. With a frequency of over 70-80 flights per day, the flight route from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi is considered crucial for the entire country.

If you want to experience the full range of premium services on your flight, Vietnam Airlines or Bamboo Airways will be ideal options. If you want to save on travel costs, Vietjet Air or Pacific Airlines can be more suitable for your choice. 

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1.3. By passenger bus

Traveling by bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi is an affordable choice (Source: Collected)

If you travel by bus, you just need to go to Mien Dong Bus Station in Ho Chi Minh City and choose a bus company that operates the Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi route. A Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi bus ride will take you more than 2 days and 1 night. The ticket price will be around 600,000 VND – 900,000 VND, depending on the quality of the bus and the time of booking.

The distance from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi is long, so you should travel by sleeper bus to be comfortable. You can refer to the following bus companies:

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1.4. By private vehicle (motorbike/car)

Despite the long distance, many people choose to drive their own vehicles for an adventurous journey (Source: Collected)

If you prefer to travel by your personal means of transportation, there are 2 routes to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi by road. The first one goes along National Road 14 and National Road 1A. The second one goes through the territories of Laos and Cambodia. This route is shorter but more complicated, as it goes through the territories of other countries.

Driving by yourself, you will get to fully enjoy the scenic route from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. However, as the journey will be long, make sure to adhere to Vietnamese traffic laws, stay safe, and consider getting travel insurance.

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2. A highly-recommended Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi itinerary

2.1. Arriving in Hanoi: Day 1

When you arrive in Hanoi, make sure to visit Hanoi Old Quarter. This area allows you to immerse yourself in the city’s cultural heritage, appreciate its street cuisine, and discover the maze-like alleys.

Meals:

• Breakfast: Give Bat Dan Street’s renowned “Pho” or Hang Chieu Street’s “Mi van than” a try.
• Lunch: Treat yourself to Hang Quat Street’s famous “Bun cha” or Hang Khay Street’s “Bun dau mam tom”.
• Dinner: Head to Ma May Street or Ta Hien Street for dinner, or try the tantalizing “Cha ca La Vong” on Cha Ca Street.

Sightseeing:

You can enjoy a leisurely stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, taking in the sights and sounds of the city. Then, continue your adventure by visiting Hoa Lo Prison, a historical site of Vietnam. This place is a popular tourist attraction that offers a deep insight into Vietnam’s tumultuous past.

Hoa Lo Prison (Source: Collected)

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2.2. Day 2

On your second day in Hanoi, visit the stunning West Lake, where you can admire some of the oldest pagodas in the city.

Meals:

• Breakfast: Start your day by enjoying local street food such as “Chao nieu” on Thuy Khue Street or “Banh da ca ro dong” on Vo Chi Cong Street, both located near West Lake.
• Lunch: Indulge in traditional Vietnamese dishes like “Bun cha” or “Com tam” at the various local eateries on Doi Can Street.
• Dinner: Enjoy seafood at one of the many seafood restaurants in the area, such as Cutisun Restaurant, Al Fresco’s Xuan Dieu, or Meat Plus Ho Tay.

Sightseeing:

You can visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, which has a history of over 1,500 years. This place is a great tourist attraction in Hanoi with its rich history and peaceful atmosphere. Then, come to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a famous landmark of Hanoi and an important symbol of Vietnam’s history and culture.

Tran Quoc Pagoda (Source: Collected)

Also, consider a visit to VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium for a fun and relaxing experience. Vinpearl Aquarium offers a fascinating underwater world with a variety of marine creatures. Meanwhile, VinKE is an indoor playground for children, featuring job simulation games to enhance their cognitive and physical development. 

VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium

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In addition to exploring Hanoi, tourists should also venture to other enchanting destinations in Vietnam, such as Hoi An, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc and more.

To comfortably explore these destinations, it is advisable to choose Vinpearl as your accommodation. With exceptional facilities and comprehensive amenities, Vinpearl promises an excellent vacation experience for tourists.

Vinpearl’s hotels and resorts will satisfy all demands for a perfect accommodation

Consider visiting VinWonders for an even more exciting entertainment experience. As a world-class recreational system, VinWonders offers a wide range of options such as theme parks, amusement parks, water parks, aquariums, safaris, games, shows, and many other exciting activities.

Visit VinWonders for a more thrilling entertainment experience

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Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi will bring many experiences to travelers. This is a long but worthwhile journey, offering you a chance to discover the full beauty of Vietnam along the way.

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