Direct flight
Fastest and most convenient way between major cities
Flight (with stopover)
Flexible routes if direct flights are unavailable
Bus + transfers (via Cambodia or Laos)
Overland journey across Southeast Asia
Train
No direct railway connection, requires complex transfers
Quick answer: Traveling from Bangkok to Vietnam offers several options. Flights to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, or Da Nang are fastest (~1.5–2 hours). Buses or minivans via Cambodia take ~20–26 hours and are budget-friendly, while a train + bus route via Cambodia offers a scenic ~30-hour journey. All options require border crossings and proper visas.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approximately 900 km
- ⏱️ Travel time: Direct Flights ~1.5–2 hours • Bus/Minivan via Cambodia ~20–26 hours • Thai Train + Bus / Minivan via Cambodia ~30 hours
- 💰 Price range: Flight $40–200 • Bus/Minivan $45–55 • Train + Bus $25–35
- ✈️ Best for speed: Direct flights to Noi Bai or Tan Son Nhat Airports
- 🚌 Best for budget: Bus/Minivan via Cambodia to Ho Chi Minh City
- 🚆 Best for scenic route: Train + Bus via Cambodia to Ho Chi Minh City
Last updated in April 2026
From Thailand to Vietnam you can travel by plane or overland via Cambodia and Laos.
Vietnam is a popular destination in Southeast Asia and can be reached from Thailand by direct flight or overland through Cambodia or Laos.
The fastest option is a direct flight from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi or Da Nang. Travelers can also travel from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City overland via Cambodia.
Tickets, flights and transfers can be booked online in advance. You can also continue your journey from Cambodia to Vietnam.
From Bangkok to Vietnam – travel options: bus, minivan, flight, train or car.
Direct flights are the fastest way to travel from Bangkok to Vietnam, taking about 1.5 hours to Ho Chi Minh City.
Overland travel by bus or minivan is possible via Phnom Penh or Siem Reap in Cambodia. The journey to Ho Chi Minh City takes about 22–26 hours.
You can also combine train and bus travel through Cambodia or travel via Laos to reach northern Vietnam and Hanoi.
| Transfer modes from Bangkok to Vietnam: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Flight (to Saigon or Hanoi) | 1.5–2 hours | $40–200 per person |
| Bus / Minivan via Cambodia to Saigon | 20–26 hours | $45–55 per person |
| Train + Bus via Cambodia to Saigon | 30 hours | $25–35 per person |
How do I get from Bangkok to Vietnam?
1. BUS / VAN from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City
👉 Bus/van via Phnom Penh is the cheapest land way from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers and those who want to visit Cambodia
- ✔️ Duration: ~18–22 hours (with transfer and border crossings)
- ✔️ Price: $50–80 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (long bus rides with transfer in Phnom Penh)
- ✅ Best option: Bus Bangkok → Phnom Penh + bus/minivan to Ho Chi Minh City
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online in advance; check visa requirements.
Traveling from Bangkok to South Vietnam by bus via Cambodia is the most popular overland route. It is a good option if you also want to visit Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia.
The first step is traveling from Bangkok to Phnom Penh via the Poi Pet border crossing. The journey takes about 12–14 hours and bus tickets cost approximately $25–37 per person.
Before traveling, check the latest Cambodia visa requirements. Buses depart from different locations in Bangkok and arrive at various points in Phnom Penh.
BOOK BUS TICKETS to Phnom Penh ➜
The second step is traveling by bus from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City. This route is served by several companies and takes about 5.5–7 hours.
Bus tickets to Ho Chi Minh City cost around $23–40 per person. The route crosses the border at the Moc Bai – Bavet crossing, so it is advisable to check Vietnam visa requirements before departure.
2. BUS / VAN from Bangkok to Hanoi (via Laos)
👉 Bus/van via Vientiane is a budget overland way from Bangkok to Hanoi.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers and those who want to visit Laos
- ✔️ Duration: ~40–45 hours (very long journey with transfer)
- ✔️ Price: $50–85 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: low–medium (long sleeper buses, multiple border crossings)
- ✅ Best option: Bus Bangkok → Vientiane + sleeper bus to Hanoi
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online in advance; check Laos & Vietnam visa rules.
Another popular overland route from Thailand to Vietnam is traveling from Bangkok to Hanoi via Vientiane in Laos. This option is ideal for travelers who want to visit Laos before continuing to northern Vietnam.
The first step is traveling by bus from Bangkok to Vientiane. The journey takes about 15–19 hours and tickets cost approximately $20–37 per person. Buses cross the border at the Thanaleng border crossing.
BOOK BUS TICKETS to Vientiane ➜
The second step is a sleeper bus from Vientiane to Hanoi. This long journey takes about 24–26 hours and tickets cost around $30–48 per person.
This route is also popular among travelers going from Laos to Vietnam. Most buses depart from Vientiane Southern Bus Station and arrive at Nuoc Ngam Bus Station in Hanoi.
You can also travel to Hanoi from Luang Prabang by sleeper bus. Tickets for all routes can be searched and booked online in advance.
3. FLIGHTS from Bangkok to Vietnam
👉 Flights are the fastest and most convenient way from Bangkok to Vietnam.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers who want to save time and travel comfortably
- ✔️ Duration: ~1.5–2 hours (direct flight, ~4–6 hours total with airport time)
- ✔️ Price: $50–180 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (modern aircraft, multiple daily connections)
- ✅ Best option: Direct flights to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi or Da Nang
- 💡 Tip: Book flights online in advance; compare airports and airlines.
✈️ Bangkok → Ho Chi Minh City
A direct flight from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City is the most popular air route between Thailand and Vietnam.
⏱️ Flight time: about 1.5 hours
💰 Price: $50–180/pp
Flights operate from Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang Airport to Tan Son Nhat Airport. Airlines include Vietnam Airlines, Thai AirAsia, VietJet Air and Thai Lion Air.
✈️ Bangkok → Hanoi
A direct flight from Bangkok to Hanoi is the fastest way to reach northern Vietnam.
⏱️ Flight time: about 2 hours
💰 Price: $70–150/pp
Flights arrive at Noi Bai International Airport, around 25 km from Hanoi city center. Several airlines operate this route daily.
✈️ Bangkok → Da Nang
A direct flight to Da Nang is the best option for visiting Central Vietnam.
⏱️ Flight time: about 2 hours
💰 Price: $55–130/pp
Da Nang International Airport is only a few kilometers from the city center, making arrivals quick and convenient.
✈️ Bangkok → Nha Trang
A direct flight to Nha Trang is ideal for travelers heading to the famous beaches of central Vietnam.
⏱️ Flight time: about 2 hours
💰 Price: $60–120/pp
Flights arrive at Cam Ranh Airport, about 40 km from Nha Trang, with easy transfers by bus, taxi or train.
4. TRAIN + BUS from Bangkok to Vietnam
👉 Train + bus via Cambodia is an adventurous but slow way from Bangkok to Vietnam.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers who enjoy overland travel and unique routes
- ✔️ Duration: ~20–26 hours (train + train + bus)
- ✔️ Price: $30–60 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: low–medium (basic trains + bus transfer)
- ✅ Best option: Train Bangkok → Aranyaprathet + train to Phnom Penh + bus to Ho Chi Minh City
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online where possible; check visa requirements in advance.
🚆 Step 1: Bangkok → Aranyaprathet
There is no direct train from Bangkok to Vietnam, but you can start by taking a Thai train from Bangkok to Aranyaprathet near the Cambodia border.
The train departs from Hua Lamphong Railway Station and arrives at Aranyaprathet Railway Station, a short distance from the Poi Pet border crossing.
🚆 Step 2: Poi Pet → Phnom Penh
After crossing into Cambodia, continue by Royal Railway train from Poi Pet to Phnom Penh.
The Poi Pet Train Station is close to the border. The journey to Phnom Penh takes about 11–12 hours and tickets cost around $6–10 per person.
🚌 Step 3: Phnom Penh → Ho Chi Minh City
The final step is a bus or minivan from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City.
Travel by bus from Phnom Penh to Saigon takes about 5.5–7 hours and tickets usually cost $23–40 per person.
ℹ️ Useful Information
This train + bus route is the most interesting overland option between Thailand and Vietnam, but it requires multiple transfers and border crossings.
Check current visa requirements for Cambodia and Vietnam before departure. Most tickets can be searched and booked online in advance.
5. PRIVATE CAR from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City
👉 Private car via Phnom Penh is the most comfortable but most expensive way from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City.
- ✔️ Good for: groups and travelers seeking door-to-door comfort
- ✔️ Duration: ~16–21 hours (with transfer in Phnom Penh)
- ✔️ Price: $400–600 per person (shared vehicle cost)
- ✔️ Comfort: high (modern cars, SUVs or minivans with driver)
- ✅ Best option: Private transfer Bangkok → Phnom Penh + car to Ho Chi Minh City
- 💡 Tip: Book online in advance; split the cost in a group.
A private car with a driver is the most comfortable way to travel from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City via Phnom Penh in Cambodia. This route requires two transfers: Bangkok → Phnom Penh and Phnom Penh → Ho Chi Minh City.
Total travel time is about 16–21 hours, depending on border procedures and transfer times. Private cars offer flexible departures and convenient door-to-door service.
BOOK PRIVATE TAXI / CAR here ➜
Travelers can choose from standard cars, SUVs or larger minivans for groups. Private transfers from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City usually cost about $400–600 per vehicle.
Companies such as Sima Car, Glassflower and Travel Mart operate on this route. Cars can be searched and booked online in advance.
❓ FAQ – Travel route from Bangkok to Vietnam:
How to book and buy tickets or flights from Bangkok to Vietnam?
You can book tickets and flights from Bangkok to Vietnam on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜. You can also search other routes in Southeast Asia.
What are the most popular routes from Bangkok to Vietnam?
The most popular routes are from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
What is the travel time from Bangkok to Vietnam?
Direct flights from Bangkok to Vietnam take about 1.5-2 hours. Travel by bus to Ho Chi Minh City takes about 22-26 hours.
What is the travel distance from Bangkok to Vietnam?
Travel distance from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City is about 950 km by road via Cambodia.
How much does it cost to get from Bangkok to Vietnam?
Direct flights cost about $50-200/pp and tourist buses about $50-70/pp depending on the route.
What is the best way to travel from Bangkok to Vietnam?
The best and fastest option is a direct flight to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi or Da Nang.
What is the cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Vietnam?
The cheapest option is usually traveling by tourist bus or van via Cambodia or Laos.
Is there a direct train from Bangkok to Vietnam?
No, there is no direct train between Bangkok and Vietnam. You can travel partly by train via Cambodia.
Are there direct flights from Bangkok to Vietnam?
Yes, there are direct flights from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang and Nha Trang.
Where can you travel from Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi?
From Ho Chi Minh City you can travel to Mui Ne or Phu Quoc. From Hanoi you can visit Ha Long Bay or Sapa.
Which islands can you visit in Vietnam?
You can visit islands like Phu Quoc, Con Dao or Cat Ba. Read: Best Islands in Vietnam.
How to travel solo in Vietnam?
Read this guide about solo travel in Vietnam with tips for transport, accommodation and destinations.
| Transport | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Plane | Fastest and most convenient option. Direct flights connect Bangkok with Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi or Da Nang in about 1.5-2 hours. Ideal for travelers with limited time. | Usually more expensive than buses or trains, especially during holidays and high season. |
| Bus | Cheapest overland option via Cambodia or Laos. Suitable for backpackers and travelers looking for a low-cost adventure. | Very long travel time, often 22-30 hours, with possible delays at border crossings. |
| Train + Bus | Scenic and more comfortable than long bus rides. Good option for slow travelers exploring Thailand and Laos. | No direct railway to Vietnam, multiple transfers and careful planning are required. |
| Private Car | Flexible option with freedom to stop and explore places along the route through Cambodia or Laos. | Expensive and tiring for long-distance travel. Border paperwork may also be necessary. |
| Flight + Bus | Good balance between speed and overland travel. You can combine flights with buses in Laos or Cambodia. | Requires multiple transfers and separate ticket bookings for each part of the route. |
🧭 Popular travel routes in Thailand from Bangkok:
If you’re planning your next trip from Bangkok, here are other popular routes you can take by bus, train, taxi, flight:
These are the most popular travel routes from Bangkok for visitors exploring Southern + Northern Thailand.