Traveling from the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay to the high-energy streets of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is a journey of 1,700km across the length of Vietnam. At VietnamStory, we understand that for our Indian travelers, the transition from a serene cruise to the southern metropolis needs to be seamless, comfortable, and time-efficient. In 2026, the options range from a quick 2-hour flight to a scenic 35-hour rail odyssey. Here is our comprehensive guide to the best transit strategies.
Your 2026 transport comparison: At a glance
The journey fromHa Long to Ho Chi Minh City is a long one, so choosing the right mode of transport is crucial. Your choice will depend on your priorities: speed, scenic experience, or budget. To help you decide, here is a simple comparison of your best options.
| Mode of travel | Total travel time | Estimated cost | Comfort level |
| Flight (from Van Don Airport) | ~4 Hours | 1,100,000 – 2,500,000 VND | Elite and fast |
| Flight (from Cat Bi Airport) | ~5 Hours | 1,200,000 – 3,000,000 VND | Very efficient |
| Sleeper train (via Hanoi) | 35 – 38 Hours | 1,200,000 – 2,200,000 VND | Scenic and slow |
| Sleeper bus (Direct) | 36 – 40 Hours | 850,000 – 1,200,000 VND | Budget and direct |
Option 1: The “Executive Flight” (The fastest and most recommended choice)
For 95% of our guests at Vietnam Story, flying is the only and the best way to travel this long distance. It protects your precious vacation days, turning what would be a two-day overland journey into a simple and easy half-day of travel. This is the ultimate time-saver. Let’s look at your two best airport options.
Van Don International Airport (VDO)
The location of Van Don International Airport is a huge advantage. The beautiful and modern Van Don airport is only a 50-minute drive fromHa Long via the new expressway. Van Don is Vietnam’s only privately-owned international airport, and it boasts an incredible 95% on-time performance rate. It is also significantly less crowded than Hanoi’s airport, offering a calm, clean, and almost “VIP” feel for your departure.
Vietnam Airlines operates daily direct flights from VDO to Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN), with a flight time of just 2 hours and 10 minutes.
Cat Bi International Airport (HPH)
This airport, located in the nearby city of Hai Phong, is about a 1.5-hour drive from Ha Long Bay. We recommend using Cat Bi if your travel schedule requires a very specific departure time. It is a much larger hub and offers over 100+ weekly flights from airlines like VietJet and Bamboo Airways, giving you a huge amount of flexibility.
READ MORE: Your Essential Guide to International Airports in Vietnam for Indian Traveller
Option 2: The “Reunification Express”
For the traveler who loves the romance of train travel and wants to see the beautiful, changing landscapes of Vietnam, the “Reunification Express” is a classic and wonderful experience. This journey is for those who believe that the travel itself is a key part of the adventure.
There is no direct railway line from Ha Long. To take the train, you must first take a comfortable 2.5-hour limousine transfer to Hanoi.
From Hanoi, you will board one of the classic overnight trains, like the SE1 or SE3, which typically depart in the evening around 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM. The train experience has become much more luxurious. You can now book new “VIP 2-Berth” private cabins that feature hotel-grade bedding and excellent soundproofing for a very comfortable and peaceful night’s sleep.
The most beautiful part of this entire train journey is the section between Hue and Da Nang. The track literally hugs the cliffs of the famous Hai Van Pass, offering some of the most stunning coastal railway views in the entire world. Due to the very long duration of 32+ hours, Vietnamstory.in does not recommend this option for those with tight travel schedules or for families with small, active children.
Option 3: The “Cabin Bus”
The modern sleeper bus offers a direct journey from Ha Long City to Ho Chi Minh City without any transfers, and it is the most budget-friendly option. This is the choice for the traveler who wants to save the most money.
Gone are the cramped and basic sleeper buses of the past! The modern 2026 VIP buses from companies like “G8” or “Hoang Long” now feature individual, private pods or “cabins.” These come with privacy curtains, comfortable massage seats, personal TVs for entertainment, and high-speed Wi-Fi.
The bus travels down our main National Highway 1A. The biggest advantage is that it is a direct journey, meaning no transfers are needed. However, the very long duration of around 38 hours can be quite taxing.
Vietnamstory signature strategy: Making the journey perfect for you
At Vietnam Story, we specialize in creating unique and comfortable solutions for this long journey, tailored specifically for the needs of our Indian guests. We turn a simple transfer into a memorable part of your holiday.
The “Golden Stopover” (A smart midpoint in Ninh Binh)
Instead of enduring a long and tiring day of non-stop transit, we have designed a brilliant way to break the journey. We create a “Golden Stopover” in the magnificent Ninh Binh, also known as the “Ha Long Bay on Land.”
- Day 1: After your cruise disembarks in Ha Long, your private car will take you on a short, 3.5-hour drive to Ninh Binh. That same afternoon, you can enjoy a beautiful boat ride in the famous Tam Coc.
- Day 2: The next morning, you can visit the incredible Bai Dinh Pagoda (the largest in Vietnam) before taking a short and easy flight to HCMC from the nearby Tho Xuan Airport, or taking a comfortable overnight train from the Ninh Binh Station.
The Tuan Chau speedboat link
If your cruise docks at the Tuan Chau Port, we can provide a private speedboat to take you across the water directly to a waiting luxury van. This clever shortcut saves you the long, 40-minute drive around the bay’s perimeter to reach the main airport road.
The Indian Culinary Kit
We know that finding good vegetarian options can be a challenge on a long train or bus journey. That is why Vietnam Story provides our guests with a special Traveler’s Food Box, which includes delicious and familiar Indian-friendly snacks like Paratha rolls, nuts, and fresh fruit.
Your 2026 travel advisory
A little bit of planning will ensure your journey is perfect.
- The booking window: The prices for domestic flights in 2026 will start to spike about 40 days before departure. We highly recommend you book early to secure the best rates, which are often around 1,100,000 VND.
- The luggage alert: If you are flying on a budget airline like VietJet, please make sure you pre-book your 20kg–30kg of baggage allowance online. We know our Indian guests love to shop, and the fees for overweight bags at the airport gate can be very steep.
For our cherished Indian travelers who want to experience the absolute best of Vietnam without any of the planning stress, our “Chalo North and South Vietnam” is the perfect, seamless adventure. We have carefully crafted this tour to take you on a magnificent journey from the historic heart of Hanoi and the UNESCO wonder of Ha Long Bay in the North, all the way to the pulsating energy of Ho Chi Minh City. This popular package includes all your comfortable flights, luxurious cruise experiences, and private transfers, ensuring every transition is smooth and effortless. It is the perfect way to see the incredible diversity of our country, from ancient culture to tropical paradise, all in one unforgettable week.
Conclusion
While the journey from Ha Long to Ho Chi Minh City is a long one, the modern travel options available in 2026 have made it more comfortable, faster, and more efficient than ever before. Flying is the undisputed champion for speed and convenience, but a smart stopover in Ninh Binh can turn a long transit day into a wonderful new adventure.
At Vietnamstory, we are your dedicated partners for all of these multi-city logistics. We can handle all your bookings, from finding the best flight deals and arranging your private transfers to securing the most comfortable VIP train cabins, making your journey from North to South completely effortless.
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