1. Flight – Saigon to Bangkok
2. Bus – Saigon to Bangkok
3. Bus + Train to Bangkok
4. Private Taxi to Bangkok
🎫 Book a Tour in Bangkok
🎫 Book Ticket to Bangkok
Bangkok – the capital and most visited and biggest city in Thailand.
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- Bangkok stands as a bustling world metropolis, home to approximately 10 million residents. Its expansive area of 1568 km², with about 700 km² dedicated to urban development, reflects its evolution from a small trading post in the 15th century during the Ajutthaya kingdom era to a significant modern city. Situated in the Chao Phraya River delta, Bangkok’s historical charm as the Venice of the East persists amidst its modern landscape.
- Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Don Mueang Airport serve as vital air hubs, while Krung Thep Aphiwat remains a pivotal railway station. Travelers seeking to journey from Saigon to Bangkok have three popular options – a direct flight, land travel via bus/minivan, or a combined bus+train route through Phnom Penh and Poipet. Ahead of your visit to Bangkok, acquaint yourself with its weather patterns through this informative guide: Weather in Bangkok.
Explore Various Travel Options from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok.
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- The journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok spans approximately 880 km by land through Siem Reap or Phnom Penh in Cambodia. Travelers can opt for multiple transportation modes to reach Bangkok. Direct flights from Saigon offer convenience, while land travel via tourist bus through Cambodia provides an opportunity to explore the country. Traveling by tourist bus from Saigon to Bangkok (via Cambodia) typically costs $35-40/pp. Note that bus travel via Cambodia requires ample time and is ideal for those interested in exploring Cambodia along the way. Buses from Saigon to Cambodia usually terminate in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, where travelers can catch another bus to Bangkok. Buses traveling from Cambodia to Thailand pass through the Poipet border crossing.
- Alternatively, travelers can travel by bus from Saigon to Poipet via Phnom Penh and from Aranyaprathet Thai Railways train from Aranyaprathet to Bangkok. For the swiftest journey, direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok, with a travel time of approximately 1.5 hours, offer convenience. From Bangkok, travelers can further explore destinations like Kanchanaburi or Pattaya by bus or train. Secure your bus tickets or flights online for a seamless journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok.
| Transfer Mode – Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Plane (direct flight) | 1.5 hours | $100-260/pp |
| Tourist Bus / Van (via Cambodia) | 20-34 hours | $35-50/pp |
| Bus + Train (via Phnom Penh, Poipet) | 26 hours | $20-30/pp |
How do I get from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok?
1. DIRECT FLIGHT from Saigon to Bangkok
By far the fastest and most convenient option to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok in Thailand is a direct flight. Of course, it is also possible to use connecting flights if you want to visit another nearby city or neighboring country.
On this route, you can use the services of well-known Thai and Vietnamese airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, FlexFlight, Hanh Air Systems, Air Asia, Thai Airways, Vietravel Airlines, Thai Air Asia or Thai VietJet.
They can sometimes offer you relatively cheap flights, but on average, a direct flight from Saigon to Bangkok usually costs around $100-260/pp. The cheapest flights to Bangkok from Saigon, which are mostly Economy class, are offered by Thai VietJet. With a direct air connection, you will save a lot of time than if you traveled by land through Cambodia, the flight time from Saigon to Bangkok is about 1.5 hours.
These flights are operated from Tan Son Nhat International Airport to Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok. A direct flight is a more expensive option to get from Saigon to Bangkok. You can easily search for flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok online even in advance.
2. BUS / MINIVAN from Saigon to Bangkok (via Phnom Penh)
A) BUS or MINIVAN from Saigon to Phnom Penh
The second option for going from Saigon to Bangkok is to travel by bus or minibus through Cambodia, through the cities of Phnom Penh or possibly Siem Reap. The bus route from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh – the capital of Cambodia – is very popular. This busy land route goes through the Moc Bai – Bavet border crossing, so find out what the current visa conditions are for entering Cambodia at this crossing.
From Saigon to Phnom Penh you can use a number of bus companies such as Long Phuong Cambodia, Mekong Express, Giant Ibis, Duc Duong Bus, Vet Air Bus Express, The Sinh Tourist, Kumho Samco, Virak Buntham, Thero Express, Airbus, Techbus VN, which will offer you mostly single-seat modern buses, or sometimes even minibuses. The bus journey time can also vary, depending on the bus you choose and also on the waiting time at the border crossing, but on average the bus journey takes approximately 5.5-7 hours.
Ticket prices also depend on the type of bus, a bus trip from Saigon to Phnom Penh costs $20-40/pp on average. You can search and book bus tickets to Phnom Penh from Saigon online even in advance. Carefully read all instructions and conditions for the tickets and the transfer itself if you want to avoid possible complications.
BOOK BUS TICKETS to Phnom Penh ➜
B) BUS or MINIVAN from Phnom Penh to Bangkok
The second step that follows after arriving in Phnom Penh is to travel by bus or minibus from Phnom Penh to Bangkok. This used land bus route goes through the Poipet – Aranyapathet border crossing, which is one of the busiest border crossings between Cambodia and Thailand. The travel distance from Phnom Penh to Bangkok by bus is very long, up to 700 km, so expect a journey time of 11-15 hours.
There are various private buses with reclining seats or modern minivans and minibuses on this route, tickets cost $26-44/pp, depending on the type of bus. Some of the companies that operate buses from Phnom Penh to Bangkok in Thailand are Saly Express, Travel Mart, Airbus, Vibol Express, SRL Transport, Go Ho Travel, Virak Buntham, Thero Express. They will offer you comfortable buses and very modern minivans, even for groups of travelers.
If you would also like to visit Siem Reap, where the Angkor Wat temple complex is located, before traveling to Thailand, you can go from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and from there take a bus or minivan to Bangkok. It is also possible to take a bus via Battambang, for example, so there are no limits to your imagination. Bus tickets from Phnom Penh to Bangkok can be searched and booked online in advance, carefully read all instructions and conditions of these transfers to Thailand.
3. BUS + TRAIN from Saigon to Bangkok (via Phnom Penh)
If you would like to travel by train from Saigon to Bangkok, this is not yet possible, there is no direct rail connection. But there is an alternative to travel by train from Aranyaprathet at the Cambodian border (5 km from Poipet) to Bangkok. Even in Cambodia, the Royal Railway train runs, for example, from Phnom Penh to Poipet, but the timetable is very limited, sometimes this train does not run at all.
So there is an option to take a bus from Saigon to Phnom Penh as described above and from Phnom Penh another bus or minibus to Poipet. Cross the border here and take the Thai train from Aranyaprathet to Bangkok. So this option has a total of 3 steps of transport options, but it will take you a lot of time.
So it is more suitable for those who want to visit and explore Cambodia as solo travelers. Traveling by bus from Phnom Penh to Poipet can take you around 7-8.5 hours and tickets will cost you an average of $15-27/pp. You can find and book these tickets to Poipet easily online, read all instructions when ordering tickets.
The next step will be crossing the border from Poipet to Aranyaprathet, so find out in advance what the current visa requirements are at this border crossing. It is approximately 7 km from Poipet to Aranyaprathet Train Station (see Thai Railways map), so it is best to use a private transfer when entering Thailand.
Train tickets from Aranyaprathet to Bangkok are best bought here at the station, however you need to check the current train timetables in advance. On this route, it is very limited and there are only trains with seats, 3rd class, the fare costs up to $2-9/pp and the train travel time is up to 6 hours.
However, there are also private minibuses to Bangkok from Aranyaprathet, so if the train doesn’t run, you can use these overland connections. On the 12go platform, you can also book a private taxi / car from Aranyaprathet to Bangkok in Thailand, as well as minibus tickets, these tickets are cheap.
4. PRIVATE CAR from Saigon to Bangkok (via Phnom Penh)
If you decide to travel from Saigon to Bangkok by private car / taxi with driver, it is possible in 2 steps. The first step is to travel by private car to Phnom Penh and the second step is to travel by another car from Phnom Penh to Bangkok. This route is operated by Glassflower and Sima Car, and they will offer you modern private cars or minivans for several people. Glassflower’s minivan can carry up to 9 people in the car.
The journey by private car from Saigon to Phnom Penh takes about 6 hours and the transfer will cost you about $250/car and the transfer from Phnom Penh to Bangkok takes about 9-13 hours and the transfer costs about $250-370/car. All in all, a trip from Saigon to Bangkok by private car can cost you approximately $500-620/car, depending on the type of car you choose, a minivan for more people is usually the most expensive option.
BOOK TAXI / CAR to Phnom Penh ➜
All cars on this route are air-conditioned and comfortable and offer perfect comfort, however, for low-cost travelers this option is of course not very suitable due to the price. However, if you are not dealing with the budget of your trip, you can try this option and make a short stop in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
If you want to book a car from Saigon to Bangkok, you need to book 2 transfers separately. You can search and book these Saigon to Bangkok cars online well in advance. Cars again go through the most used border crossing Moc Bai – Bavet and further in Cambodia through the border crossing Poi Pet – Aranyaprathet.
❓ FAQ – Travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok:
1. How long does it take to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok?
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- Travel by plane from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok (direct flight) takes about 1.5 hour.
- Travel by tourist bus/minivan from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok (via Cambodia) takes about 20-34 hours.
- Travel by bus+train from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok (via Phnom Penh, Poipet) takes about 26 hours.
2. How to book and buy tickets + flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok?
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- Book and buy tickets and flights from Saigon to Bangkok on 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜.
- You can choose and book another travel route, e.g. Ho Chi Minh > Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh > Bangkok…
3. How much does it cost to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok?
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- Travel by plane from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok (direct flight) costs about $100-260/pp.
- Travel by tourist bus/minivan from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok (via Cambodia) costs about $35-50/pp.
- Travel by bus+train from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok (via Phnom Penh, Poipet) costs about $20-30/pp.
4. How far is Bangkok from Ho Chi Minh City?
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- Travel distance from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok is about 880 km by bus (via Phnom Penh or Siem Reap) and about 750 km by plane. This travel distance can change according to bus companies in Cambodia and Thailand.
5. What is the most cheapest option of transport from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok?
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- The most cheapest way of transport from Ho Chi Minh to Bangkok is to travel by tourist bus via Cambodia, via Phnom Penh or via Siem Reap. There are tourist buses between Saigon – Phnom Penh (Siem Reap) – Bangkok.
6. What is the best way of transfer from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok?
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- The best way of transport from Ho Chi Minh to Bangkok is to travel by plane, there are various direct flights between these cities. If you want to visit Cambodia – You have to travel by bus to Cambodia and by bus from Cambodia to Bangkok. There is no train connection between Saigon and Bangkok.
7. Is it possible to travel by private taxi / car from Phnom Penh to Bangkok?
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- From Phnom Penh in Cambodia you can take a private taxi/minivan to Bangkok. Glassflower private company offers comfortable modern minivans or modern cars. Travel by private taxi or car from Phnom Penh to Bangkok takes about 14 hours. Private car costs about $292-356/pp, you can search and book these cars on 12go.asia.
8. Where do you keep your luggage in Bangkok?
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- If you want to keep your luggage in Bangkok you can try Radical Storage service. This service offers a few places in the city center of Bangkok, it is a cheap and your luggage will be safe.
9. Is it possible to travel by train from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok?
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- No it is not possible because there is no railway. There are only trains from Phnom Penh to Battambang (Poipet) in Cambodia and from Aranyaprathet to Bangkok. Aranyaprathet is about 5 km from the border crossing with Cambodia and there are some trains (or buses) to Bangkok. There is no train from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh.
10. Where to go and travel from Bangkok?
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- Bangkok is the most important transport hub in the north of Thailand and you can travel to Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya or you can continue to travel to southern Thailand – e.g. to Surat Thani. There are various sleeper and seat trains and tourist sleeper buses between these popular tourist sites. You can also travel to Laos.
11. What are the most interesting things and facts about Thailand?
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- In summary, Thailand is a multifaceted gem that captivates visitors with its unique blend of cultural heritage, culinary excellence, and warm hospitality. From the enchanting traditions of its classical arts like Khon to the exhilarating water festivities of Songkran, the country offers a sensory feast. Thailand’s diverse landscapes, ranging from tropical islands to mountainous regions, contribute to its allure, making it a destination that seamlessly combines ancient traditions with modern vibrancy. The symphony of flavors in Thai cuisine and the welcoming smiles of its people further enrich the tapestry of experiences. Read this article: 15 Interesting Things of Thailand.
12. What is the weather and climate in Thailand?
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- Weather in Thailand varies across three main seasons, creating a tropical climate. The hot season typically spans from March to June, with temperatures ranging from 77°F to 95°F (25°C to 35°C). During this period, the weather is characterized by intense heat and occasional brief showers. The rainy season occurs from July to October, bringing heavy monsoon rains and increased humidity. Average temperatures remain high, ranging from 77°F to 88°F (25°C to 31°C). The cool season, from November to February, is marked by milder temperatures and lower humidity. Average temperatures range from 64°F to 86°F (18°C to 30°C), making it a popular time for tourism.
13. What you can buy and bring home from Thailand?
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- From Thailand, you can bring home a variety of souvenirs such as traditional Thai jewelry, packaged herbal teas, handcrafted Thai puppets, exotic spices and sauces, artistic ceramics, quality Thai soap and cosmetics, traditional musical instruments, fine Thai silk products, herbal oils and balms, and traditional playing cards and board games. These items reflect Thailand’s rich culture, craftsmanship, and diverse offerings, making them unique and memorable souvenirs. Read this article: What to bring from Thailand?
14. Is traveling and living in Thailand cheap or expensive?
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- The cost of traveling and living in Thailand can vary depending on various factors such as lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. Generally, Thailand is known for being a budget-friendly destination, attracting travelers seeking affordable adventures. While Thailand is known for being a budget-friendly destination, costs can vary depending on whether you choose to live in popular tourist areas or less-explored regions. Overall, many people find that the cost of living in Thailand offers good value for money.
15. What is the official currency of Thailand and how to exchange money?
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- The official currency of Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB). To exchange money, you can visit banks, currency exchange booths, or use ATMs. Banks typically offer competitive exchange rates, but may charge transaction fees. Currency exchange booths are convenient, often open longer hours, but their rates might be less favorable. Using ATMs connected to banks is a common and convenient option; however, be mindful of potential withdrawal fees from both your home bank and the local Thai bank. Always check rates and fees beforehand to make informed choices.
16. What is the cuisine and food in Thailand and what to expect?
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- Thai cuisine is renowned for its vibrant and harmonious flavors, combining sweet, sour, salty, spicy, and bitter elements in each dish. Expect a diverse range of dishes, often aromatic herbs and spices like lemongrass, basil or galangal. Rice, a staple, plays a central role, and street food is a must-try for an authentic culinary experience. Signature dishes include Pad Thai, Tom Yum, Green Curry, and Mango Sticky Rice. Embrace the rich cultural diversity through regional variations, and don’t miss out on the lively street food culture.
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Bangkok ➜
🎫 Book flights and search for tickets from Saigon to Bangkok:
(You can book another travel route, e.g. Ho Chi Minh > Phnom Penh, Siem Reap > Bangkok…)