Navigating the journey from the bustling streets of Hanoi to the sun-drenched beaches of Phu Quoc is a common logistical challenge for travelers. With speed, budget, and adventure as key considerations, choosing the right transport is critical to maximizing your holiday. This guide gets straight to the point, comparing flights, trains, and ferries to provide a clear answer on the best way to travel from Hanoi to Phu Quoc.
Why travel from Hanoi to Phu Quoc?
First, this is a brilliant idea for an itinerary! Why? Because you get to experience the two completely different, equally wonderful sides of Vietnam.
- In Hanoi: You are in the cultural and historical heart of our country. You’ll wander through the 36 streets of the Old Quarter, see the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, enjoy a traditional water puppet show, and taste some of the most famous food in the world. The energy is electric!
- In Phu Quoc: You escape to a different world. This is about pure relaxation, nature, and rejuvenation. You’ll find pristine beaches, calm seas, lush green national parks, and stunning sunsets. It’s the perfect reward after a few busy days of sightseeing up north.
Combining these two gives you a complete and unforgettable Vietnamese experience.
The most popular way – A direct flight from Hanoi to Phu Quoc
For 99% of travelers, especially families, couples on a honeymoon, or anyone on a typical 1-2 week holiday, this is your answer. Taking a direct flight is, without a doubt, the best way to travel from Hanoi to Phu Quoc.
Why a direct flight is your best friend?
- It’s fast: The flight duration is only about 2 hours and 15 minutes. You can have breakfast in Hanoi and be swimming in the sea at a Phu Quoc beach by lunchtime!
- It’s convenient: You avoid all the hassle of changing transport, long road journeys, and complicated connections. This is especially important if you are travelling with children or have heavy luggage.
- It’s affordable: With several budget airlines operating this route, flights can be surprisingly cheap if you book them at the right time.
Airlines that fly directly from Hanoi (HAN) to Phu Quoc (PQC)
You have several great options. Here’s my simple breakdown to help you choose:
Vietnam Airlines
- This is our national, full-service carrier.
- Pros: Very reliable, comfortable, and usually includes a 23kg checked baggage allowance and a small snack in the ticket price. They have a great safety record.
- Cons: Often the most expensive option.
- Best for: Families who need the baggage allowance and travelers who prefer a premium, hassle-free experience.
Vietjet Air
This is our most famous budget airline, known for its bright red planes.
- Pros: Often has the cheapest base fares. They have many flights throughout the day.
- Cons: You pay for everything extra – checked baggage, seat selection, food, and drinks. They are known for occasional delays, so be flexible.
- Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, backpackers, and those travelling light.
Bamboo Airways
A newer airline that sits somewhere in the middle.
- Pros: Aims to be a “hybrid” airline, offering good service and often including checked baggage, but at a more competitive price than Vietnam Airlines. They are known for being very punctual.
- Cons: They may have fewer flights per day compared to the other two.
Tip of VietnamStory: Always book flights at least 1-2 months in advance, especially if you are travelling during the peak season (November to April) or during a holiday like Tet (Lunar New Year). Use websites like Skyscanner or Google Flights to compare prices, but I often find the best deals by checking the airline’s official website directly.
The two-step journey via Southern Vietnam
Now, if you have more time (we’re talking a 3-week trip or more) or are a backpacker on a tight budget with a love for adventure, there is another way. This route involves travelling overland and by sea.
Important note: VietnamStory does NOT recommend this for families or anyone on a short holiday. It is long and can be tiring. But for the right traveler, it’s an adventure in itself!
This journey involves two main parts:
Step 1: Get from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
- By flight: This is the most sensible first step. A flight from Hanoi to HCMC takes about 2 hours, and there are dozens of flights every day.
- By train (The reunification express): For the truly romantic traveler! This journey takes around 35 hours. It’s not about speed; it’s about seeing the entire length of Vietnam from your window, from the rice paddies of the north to the coastlines of the central region. You can book a soft sleeper cabin for comfort.
READ MORE: When is the best time to visit Phu Quoc?
Step 2: Get from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc
From HCMC, you have two choices to get to the island:
Option A: Fly (The easy way)
This is a very short flight, only about 1 hour. It’s the perfect way to finish the journey if you’ve already taken the long train ride to HCMC.
Option B: Bus + ferry (The budget adventure)
This is the ultimate budget option.
- Bus from HCMC to Ha Tien or Rach Gia: You will take a comfortable sleeper bus from Mien Tay Bus Station in HCMC. The journey takes about 6-7 hours. The buses are surprisingly comfy; you get a fully reclining seat.
- Ferry to Phu Quoc: From the coastal towns of Ha Tien or Rach Gia, you will take a high-speed ferry to the island.
- From Ha Tien, the ferry takes about 1.5 hours.
- From Rach Gia, the ferry takes about 2.5 hours.
Popular and reliable ferry companies are Superdong and Phu Quoc Express. Their boats are modern, safe, and air-conditioned.
Who is this route for? This is for the traveler who wants to see the Mekong Delta, who is counting every penny, and for whom the journey itself is the destination.
Essential tips for Indian travellers on this route
Having planned this trip many times, here are some specific tips for my friends from India:
Critical Visa information
This is very important!
- Phu Quoc has a special 30-day visa exemption. However, this only applies if you fly directly to Phu Quoc from an international destination and do not leave the island.
- Since you will be starting your journey in Hanoi, you MUST have a valid Vietnamese visa (like the e-visa) before you arrive in Hanoi. The Phu Quoc exemption will not apply to you because you are entering mainland Vietnam first. Please arrange your e-visa online before you leave India.
Baggage allowance is key
When booking domestic flights, pay close attention to the baggage rules. If you have done a lot of shopping in Hanoi, the extra baggage fees on a budget airline like Vietjet can sometimes make the ticket as expensive as Vietnam Airlines. Check the weight of your bags before you go to the airport!
For vegetarian visitors
Don’t worry about food on the go! Both Hanoi and Phu Quoc have wonderful vegetarian options. In Hanoi, look for “Quán Chay” signs. In Phu Quoc, most resorts can cater to you, and you can always enjoy fresh fruit, smoothies, and delicious dishes like stir-fried morning glory with garlic (rau muống xào tỏi). Airports also have convenience stores where you can grab snacks.
Putting it all together (sample itinerary)
The 7-Day perfect holiday:
- Day 1: Half day Hanoi tour
- Day 2: Halong Bay day trip
- Day 3-4: Danang – Hoi An ancient town
- Day 5-6-7: Phu Quoc
FOR MORE INFORMATION: 7-Day Vietnam Essential Journey: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Danang – Phu Quoc Beach
What’s the best choice for you?
So, let’s make it simple.
- For 99% of you (families, couples, short trips): Book a direct flight from Hanoi to Phu Quoc. It is fast, efficient, and saves your precious holiday time for what matters most: enjoyment.
- For the 1% (backpackers, long-term adventurers): Consider the epic train and ferry combination for an unforgettable story to tell.
The journey from the bustling streets of our capital to the serene shores of our Pearl Island is one of the best you can make in Vietnam. We hope this guide has made planning it feel simple and exciting.