Direct flight
Fastest and most practical option between these cities
Flight (full-service)
Better service, baggage included and smoother travel experience
Bus via Cambodia
Cheapest option but requires transfers and border crossings
Train combinations
No direct route and requires complicated multi-step journey
Quick answer: Travelling from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) gives you choices: direct flight (fastest), overland by bus via Cambodia, or a combined train + bus route via the Thai‑Cambodia border. The flight saves you time, buses are cheaper but long, and train + bus offers a more scenic, multi‑step adventure.
At a glance:
- 📍 Travel distance: ~880 km by land through Cambodia.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Flight ~1.5 hours | Tourist bus/van ~20–34 hours | Train + bus ~26–30 hours.
- 💰 Cost range: Flight US$50–170 per person | Bus/van US$40–60 per person | Train + bus US$20–30 per person.
- ✈️ Flight: Direct Bangkok → Ho Chi Minh via airlines like VietJet, Thai AirAsia, Thailand’s full‑service carriers.
- 🚍 Bus / Van: Overland route via Phnom Penh (Cambodia).
- 🚆 Train + Bus: Use Thai train to Aranyaprathet → cross border into Cambodia → travel by bus to Ho Chi Minh.
- 🚕 Private car / Taxi: Possible via Cambodia with long durations and high cost — flexible but expensive.
Last updated in April 2026
From Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City you can travel by plane, bus or train.
The travel distance from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City is about 880 km via Cambodia. The fastest option is a direct flight, taking about 1.5 hours, while buses and train + bus connections take 20-34 hours. Direct flights are offered by several airlines and cost about $50-170/pp.
Overland travel is possible by tourist bus via Phnom Penh or by train + bus via Aranyaprathet in Thailand. There is no direct train between Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City. Search and book tickets online before your trip to Vietnam.
After arriving in Saigon, you can continue to Phan Thiet, Mui Ne or Hanoi by bus, train or plane.
| Transfer Mode – Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Flight | 1.5 hours | $50-170 per person |
| Tourist Bus / Van (via Cambodia) | 20-34 hours | $40-60 per person |
| Private Taxi/Car (via Phnom Penh) | 15-20 hours | $210-600 per vehicle |
| Train + Bus (via Aranyaprathet) | 26-30 hours | $20-30 per person |
How do I get from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City?
1. FLIGHT from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City
👉 Air travel is the quickest and most comfortable way from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City.
- ✔️ Ideal for: travelers who want to minimize travel time
- ✔️ Total time: ~4–5 hours (including airport procedures)
- ✔️ Cost: $50–170 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (short flight, multiple airlines, frequent departures)
- ✅ Best Option: Direct flights with carriers like VietJet Air or Thai AirAsia
- 💡 Tip: Compare flights from both Bangkok airports and book early to secure the best fares.
The fastest and most convenient way to travel from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City is by direct flight. Flights operate from Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports to Tan Son Nhat Airport and take about 1.5 hours. See the Vietnam airports map before your trip.
Direct flights are offered by Vietnam Airlines, Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, VietJet Air, Thai Airways and other airlines. Including airport transfers and check-in, the total travel time is around 5 hours. Air tickets usually cost between $50-170/pp.
Connecting flights via Phnom Penh or Siem Reap are also available, but direct flights are the best option for most travelers. It is recommended to search and book flights online in advance for the best prices.
2. BUS / VAN from Bangkok to Saigon (via Phnom Penh)
👉 Bus / Minivan via Cambodia is the cheapest way from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City.
- ✔️ Suitable for: budget travelers and those exploring multiple countries
- ✔️ Travel time: ~18–24 hours (2 segments with border crossing)
- ✔️ Cost: $50–85 per person total
- ✔️ Comfort: moderate (seats, sleeper buses, or smaller vans)
- ✅ Best Option: Combination of bus from Bangkok to Phnom Penh + bus to Ho Chi Minh City
- 💡 Tip: Plan an overnight stop in Phnom Penh to rest and split the long journey into two easier parts.
You can also travel overland from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City by bus via Cambodia. The most popular route goes through Phnom Penh, although you can also travel via Siem Reap. This journey has 2 steps and takes about 20-34 hours in total.
A) BUS or MINIVAN from Bangkok to Phnom Penh
The first step is a bus or minivan from Bangkok to Phnom Penh. The journey takes about 12-16 hours and buses cross the Aranyaprathet–Poipet border. Tickets cost around $27-45/pp and should be booked online in advance.
B) BUS or MINIVAN from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City
From Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City, buses travel via the Moc Bai–Bavet border crossing. The journey takes about 6-8 hours, tickets cost around $22-40/pp, and several companies operate this popular international route.
3. TAXI / CAR from Bangkok to Saigon (via Phnom Penh)
👉 Private car with driver via Phnom Penh offers the most flexibility for travel from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers wanting privacy and customizable route
- ✔️ Duration: ~16–22 hours (including transfer in Cambodia)
- ✔️ Price: $240–700 per vehicle
- ✔️ Comfort: high (private vehicles, hotel pickup and drop-off)
- ✅ Best Option: Split journey with private car Bangkok → Phnom Penh + Phnom Penh → Saigon
- 💡 Tip: Traveling in a group helps reduce the cost per person and makes this option more affordable.
You can also travel from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City by private car with a driver via Phnom Penh. Private transfers are offered by companies such as SIMA Car, Glassflower, TravelBusAsia and Saigon DMC. This option is faster than the bus and offers door-to-door service.
The journey takes about 16-22 hours in total, including the transfer in Phnom Penh. Prices range from $240-700/vehicle, depending on the type of car or minivan and the number of passengers.
Private transfers should be booked online in advance. They are ideal for families or small groups but are not suitable for budget travelers due to the higher price.
❓ FAQ – Travel from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City:
What is the travel time from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City?
Direct flights take about 1.5 hours. Buses take 20-34 hours, train + bus 26-30 hours, and private cars about 16-22 hours.
How to book tickets and flights from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City?
How much does it cost to travel from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City?
Flights cost $50-170/pp, buses $35-50/pp, train + bus $20-30/pp, and private cars from $240/vehicle.
What is the travel distance from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City?
The distance is about 900 km by land via Cambodia and about 750 km by air.
What is the cheapest way to travel?
The cheapest option is the bus via Cambodia, with fares from about $35-50/pp.
What is the best way to travel?
A direct flight is the fastest and most comfortable option.
Can I travel by private car?
Yes, private cars via Phnom Penh are available and can be booked online.
Is there a direct train from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City?
No. You can travel by train to Cambodia and continue by bus to Ho Chi Minh City.
Where can you travel from Ho Chi Minh City?
Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City?
Choose from budget hotels, hostels or luxury hotels.
Which beaches are worth visiting in southern Vietnam?
Visit Phu Quoc, Con Dao, Mui Ne or Vung Tau. See the best beaches in southern Vietnam.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City
Traveling from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City is easy thanks to frequent direct flights and several overland options via Cambodia. Planning ahead will help you save both time and money.
- Direct Flights: The fastest option takes about 1.5 hours, with several flights available every day.
- Visa Requirements: Check the latest Vietnam visa rules before your departure.
- Airport Transfers: Use the Airport Rail Link in Bangkok and Grab or taxis from Tan Son Nhat Airport.
- Overland Route: Buses and private cars travel via Phnom Penh, but the journey is much longer.
- Book Early: Reserve flights during weekends, holidays and the high season for the best fares.
- Travel Light: Lightweight clothing and a small umbrella are useful in the tropical climate.
Tip: Flights, buses and private transfers from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City can be searched and booked online in advance.