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Hoi An, with its lantern-lit alleys, riverside cafes, and heritage charm, leaves a lasting impression, but now it’s time to head south to the fast-paced, energetic heart of the country: Saigon.
Spanning over 900 kilometres, the route from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City is a wonderful opportunity to experience Vietnam’s diverse landscapes. However, with numerous transportation options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when deciding how to get there.
Don’t worry! This guide provides information on travelling from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City, including helpful tips on timing, budget, and what to expect along the way. Let’s dive in and find the travel option that suits you best!
Travel options from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City
1. By Plane
If you’re looking for the fastest and most hassle-free way to travel from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City, flying is the best option. Since Hoi An doesn’t have an airport, you’ll first need to take a 45-minute taxi or shuttle to Da Nang International Airport (DAD).
From there, direct flights to Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City are available throughout the day. The flight duration is approximately 1.5 hours, and ticket prices typically range from ~$30 to $80 USD, depending on the airline and the booking time.
Some popular airlines, such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Bamboo Airways, offer a variety of options with prices ranging from budget-friendly to premium, depending on the time of booking and season.
2. By Train
Travelling by train from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City is a scenic and budget-friendly option, but since Hoi An doesn’t have a train station, you’ll first need to travel about 45 minutes to Da Nang, which is closer than the other nearby station, Tam Ky. Most travellers and locals alike choose Da Nang Railway Station as their starting point. From there, several trains, including SE1, SE3, SE5, SE7, and SE21, depart daily for Saigon Railway Station in Ho Chi Minh City.
The journey takes approximately 18 to 20 hours. You can choose between soft seats (approximately $30 USD) or soft sleeper berths (approximately $40–$55 USD), depending on your preferences. It may be slower, still, it’s a comfortable and immersive option for visitors looking to take in more of Vietnam along the way.
3. By Sleeper Bus
A popular option for backpackers and budget-conscious visitors is the overnight sleeper bus. Overnight sleeper buses are a popular choice for backpackers and budget travellers going from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City. Departing from Hoi An or Da Nang, the journey takes around 20–24 hours. We suggest some famous operators, such as The Sinh Tourist and Hanh Cafe–Ha Phuong, since these two brands offer air-conditioned buses with sleeper berths.
Tickets cost about $20–$28 USD, and booking ahead is wise, especially on weekends. It’s not the most luxurious option, but it’s affordable, efficient, and saves you a night’s stay.
- The Sinh Tourist hotline: +84.28.3838.9597
- Hanh Cafe – Ha Phuong hotline: 0905 395 368
4. By Driving
If you’re craving the freedom to explore at your own pace, driving from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City can turn into a thrilling road trip. The route spans roughly 900 kilometres and can take anywhere from 2 to 4 days, depending on how often you stop.
Along the way, you’ll pass through breathtaking coastal towns like Quy Nhon, Nha Trang, and Mui Ne; each offering beautiful beaches, local cuisine, and unique cultural experiences.
Top Things to Do After Arriving in Ho Chi Minh City
1. Explore Some Iconic Historical Landmarks
After your journey from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City, there’s no better way to connect with the pulse of the city than by diving into its history on two wheels. One of the first memorable stops is Tan Dinh Church, where its iconic pink façade and colonial architecture offer a striking introduction to Saigon’s layered past.
The ride cruises past architectural treasures like the Saigon Opera House, the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon and the vintage charm of the Central Post Office. One highlight is the Reunification Palace (a powerful symbol of Vietnam’s wartime and post-war history), where visitors can explore the preserved war rooms and lush palace grounds.
Not far away, the War Remnants Museum invites deeper reflection through photojournalism, aircraft displays, and personal stories from the conflict.
2. Visit a Morning Local Market
Once you’ve made the journey from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City, you may want to kickstart your day with a visit to a local market; where the warmth of local people, the scent of breakfast, the sound of vendors call out prices make you feel right at home.
Head to Ben Thanh Market early in the morning, when the stalls are just opening and locals gather for breakfast or daily shopping. Wander through aisles packed with tropical fruits, fragrant herbs, fresh seafood, and sizzling street food.
For something more old-school, consider visiting Ton That Dam Market (a charming local gem), where you’ll find colorful spice piles, pickled treats, and a glimpse of Saigon’s daily rhythm.
Looking for a deeper cultural layer? Make your way to District 5, where Binh Tay Market serves as the beating heart of Saigon’s Chinatown offering everything from dried goods to traditional medicine.
Just nearby, An Dong Market blends wholesale goods, fashion, and a charmingly chaotic wet market on the lower floors.
3. Sample Street Food on a Saigon Food Tour
Just landed in Ho Chi Minh City after your journey from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City? There’s no better way to settle in than with a food tour that shows off the bold, vibrant flavours of Saigon’s street cuisine. A traditional Ho Chi Minh City food tour introduces you to all the local classics, but why not make it even more exciting with a twist?
That’s where Jackfruit Adventure’s Saigon Foodie Night Ride comes in. Our guided food tour on bike will take you deep into the local neighborhoods where the real flavors live. You’ll be hopping on a bike and cruising through evening-lit streets, stopping at carefully selected family-run stalls and beloved local spots where the food is fresh, delicious, and totally affordable.
4. Take a Sunset River Cruise or Rooftop Bar Experience
A peaceful way to settle in after the Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City trip is to catch the sunset and watch Saigon come alive. And how to do that? Just simply hop aboard the Saigon Waterbus, a charming alternative to the usual sightseeing route! This modern yellow boat cruises along the Saigon River, offering breathtaking cityscape views, tranquil riverside neighborhoods, and golden-hour reflections dancing on the water.
Or you can head to one of Saigon’s rooftop bars, where glowing lanterns, skyline views, and chilled cocktails set the tone for a perfect first evening. From riverside breezes to rooftop views, this is how you ease into Saigon’s energy; with just the right mix of calm and magic after your trip from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City.
5. Take a DIY Art or Pottery Workshop
After your journey from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City, have you ever considered joining a DIY art or pottery workshop to slow down and get creative in the heart of the city? This is one of the most unusual things to do in Ho Chi Minh City as you’ll be embarking on an exciting, hands-on way to connect with local culture.
From shaping clay on a potter’s wheel to hand-painting ceramic tiles or learning traditional Vietnamese crafts, these workshops let you slow down and connect with the city in a different, more personal way.
If you’re looking to tap into your creative side while exploring the city, Saigon is home to a growing number of charming studios and hidden art spaces. Here are some great workshop spots to check out after your journey from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City:
- Ceramic 4You- Pottery Painting Cafe (4 Le Van Mien, Thao Dien Ward, Thu Duc City)
- Clover Pottery Studio & Cafe (193 Le Quang Dinh, Ward 7, Binh Thanh District)
- 1994 Ceramic (414/24 Cach Mang Thang 8, Ward 11, District 3)
- FORWARD Perfume Workshop (42/15 Ton That Thiep, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1)
Best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City
Planning your journey from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City? The ideal time to visit is between December and April (especially during the dry season) when you can enjoy clear skies, warm sunshine, and comfortable humidity.
From May to October, the rainy season brings heavy afternoon showers and higher humidity. Therefore, it’s best to pack an umbrella and plan for indoor breaks.
For a truly festive vibe, visit around Tet (Lunar New Year) in January or February, when the city bursts into colour with flowers, lights, and cultural events.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Cross streets confidently: walk slowly and steadily; traffic will flow around you.
- Carry some cash: small vendors often don’t accept cards.
- Start your day early: mornings are cooler and less crowded.
- Use Grab or Google Maps for safe transport and easy navigation.
- Stay hydrated & dress light: Saigon’s heat is no joke.
- Be cautious with food: try everything, but don’t overdo it on day one.
- Dress modestly at temples: cover shoulders and knees.
- Take breaks during midday heat: perfect time for iced coffee or museum visits.
Saigon Cycling Tours: The Best Way to See the City on Two Wheels
1. Explore Saigon’s Hidden Tracks and Riverside Temples
After the cultural calm of Hoi An, arriving in Ho Chi Minh City can feel like jumping straight into the madness. Saigon’s Railway Ride & Floating Temple cycling tour takes you along the city’s old railway tracks (the remnants of Vietnam’s first train line), watch the River Drift from Mong Bridge and hop on a short ferry from Nha Be District to Phu Chau Floating Temple (an island shrine hidden among willows and soft waves) in District 8.
Furthermore, you’ll pause at a nostalgic railway-themed café for a drink and a snack, soaking in local rhythms far from the usual tourist paths. For those making the journey from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City, this ride gives you a rare look at Saigon’s many layers, where history, daily life, and quiet moments all come together.
2. Pedal & Paddle into the Sunset
If you’ve just come from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City, you might be looking for something beyond the usual tourist spots. Biking through the city brings you into places a car never could, such as quiet backstreets, old railway paths, and neighborhoods where everyday life and history unfold right in front of you.
Just a quick 20-minute ride from downtown Saigon, Little Mekong offers a peaceful contrast to the buzz of the city. Jackfruit Adventure’s Peddle & Paddle Saigon’s Sunset Adventure takes you off the beaten path, cycling through lotus lakes, fishing villages, and lush island trails.
You’ll stop at a local home for fresh coconut juice, then continue toward the Saigon River, where a professional guide will lead you through stand-up paddleboarding as the sun sets over the water.
3. Discover the Last Rural Island on the Edge of Saigon
If your journey from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City has left you craving something quieter, more soulful, there’s a peaceful escape that’s just only 20 minutes northeast of the city center. Tucked away from Saigon’s high-rises and traffic is Little Mekong, a hidden island that feels like a step back in time.
With Jackfruit Adventure’s Escape to the Hidden Island tour, you’ll trade the city streets for winding countryside paths, lotus-filled ponds, and shaded village trails. Along the way, you’ll pause at a local home to enjoy fresh coconut juice and hear stories from the island’s warm, welcoming residents. Pedal deeper into the island and you’ll pass fishing villages, rice fields, and tropical greenery, which brings a lively mini Mekong vibe to life.
With the guidance of a professional instructor, you’ll glide calmly across the water just as the sun dips behind the city skyline, which is an unforgettable way to end the day.
4. Discovering Hidden Stories in Saigon’s Chinatown
After the journey from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City, you might be ready to swap the usual sightseeing for something more authentic. For instance, in Chinatown (Cho Lon), Saigon- the Trails of Quach Dam bike route offers a unique way to explore the area’s layered history and hidden corners.
Along the way, you’ll pass through buzzing wet markets, Chinese temples, and colonial-era buildings, uncovering how Quach Dam shaped the commercial heart of old Saigon. One key stop is Binh Dong Wharf, nestled along the Tau Hu Canal. From the famous Binh Tay Market to out-of-sight courtyards most visitors never see, this ride is packed with stories that locals grew up hearing, now brought to life with every stop.
If you’re looking for a quieter moment, one of the most calming things to do in Chinatown is to stop by one of Saigon’s herbal tea spots, often hidden between old medicine shops and narrow alleyway storefronts. These hidden gems serve up traditional teas brewed with cooling herbs and roots; perfect for taking a breather mid-ride and tasting a little piece of the city’s history.
5. Uncover Saigon’s Secrets on a Nighttime Ride
Once you’ve made the trip from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City, consider a night tour with a twist. Our crew cycling tour Saigon’s Untold Tales City Night Ride takes you beyond the guidebooks, cycling through historical sites and lesser-known stories that come alive after dark.
The journey begins in District 1, where you’ll hear the curious tale of a once-powerful magnate and the chilling legend surrounding his daughter. The ride continues to District 4, through narrow alleyways once nicknamed “Gangster Paradise,” and into a beautifully preserved house that holds layers of Vietnam’s cultural and spiritual identity.
Just when you think you’ve seen it all, the final stop is something out of a ghost story- an abandoned building hidden away in the quiet dark, full of mystery and forgotten whispers. It’s a side of Saigon most visitors never get to see!
From Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City: End Your Journey with Jackfruit Adventure!
Travelling from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City takes you from peaceful lantern-lit streets to the non-stop rhythm of Vietnam’s largest city. The trip takes you from laid-back beauty to the buzzing heartbeat of the city, and there’s no better way to wrap it up than by experiencing Saigon from a fresh perspective.
Instead of just watching the traffic go by, hop on a bike and become part of the city’s movement with Jackfruit Adventure Saigon Off The Beaten Path. Whether you’re riding through hidden alleyways, stopping at a local market, or catching the sunrise along quiet side streets, Jackfruit Adventure’s guided tours offer a chance to see Saigon up close, at your own pace.
Because after the long trip from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City, there’s nothing better than trading four wheels for two and discovering the real heart of the city!
