The route from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc is an essential link in any Southern Vietnam itinerary, connecting the nation’s bustling economic hub with its premier island destination. While a direct flight offers the quickest solution, overland and sea routes present adventurous, budget-friendly alternatives. This definitive guide examines every option, providing a clear comparison of travel times, costs, and convenience to help you plan your journey efficiently.
Where is Phu Quoc from Ho Chi Minh?
To help you picture the journey, let’s quickly draw a map for you in my mind. Think of Ho Chi Minh City as our huge, energetic hub on the mainland of Southern Vietnam. It’s a bustling center of commerce and culture.
Now, look southwest, out into the beautiful blue waters of the Gulf of Thailand. That’s where you’ll find our “Pearl Island”, Phu Quoc. It’s the largest island in Vietnam, completely surrounded by the sea and actually closer to the coast of Cambodia than to mainland Vietnam!
The distance between the city and the island is roughly 400 kilometers, a bit like the distance from Mumbai to Goa. But the land in between isn’t just a simple highway. It’s the famous Mekong Delta, a lush, green world that is a maze of rivers, canals, and endless rice paddies. It’s known as the ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam for a reason!
This geography is exactly why you have your main travel choices: you can take a quick flight and hop right over this beautiful landscape directly to the island, or you can travel through it by road to the coast and then take a ferry for the final sea crossing. One choice is for speed, the other is for the scenic adventure
Why this journey is a “must-do” in Southern Vietnam?
Combining Ho Chi Minh City (which we locals still fondly call Saigon) and Phu Quoc is the perfect Southern Vietnam itinerary. You get the best of both worlds:
- In Ho Chi Minh City: You feel the vibrant, modern pulse of Vietnam. It’s a city of soaring skyscrapers and ancient pagodas, of incredible food from street stalls to fancy restaurants, and powerful history with sites like the Cu Chi Tunnels.
- In Phu Quoc: You completely switch off and relax. It’s our “Pearl Island,” a paradise of calm, pristine beaches, lush green national parks, and some of the most spectacular sunsets you will ever see.
It’s the perfect blend of excitement and relaxation, and the journey between them is thankfully very simple!
READ MORE: When is the best time to visit Phu Quoc?
The easiest and fastest way: Flying from Ho Chi Minh to Phu Quoc
For almost every traveller-whether you are a family with kids, a couple on a romantic honeymoon, or simply want to maximize your precious holiday time-this is your best answer. A direct flight is, without question, the number one way to travel from Ho Chi Minh to Phu Quoc.
Why a flight is your best option?
- It’s incredibly fast: The flight itself is only about 1 hour long. You can finish your city tour in the morning and be checking into your beach resort in Phu Quoc by mid-afternoon.
- It’s very convenient: You travel directly from Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC). No changes, no long journeys, no stress.
- Frequent and affordable: This is one of the busiest domestic routes in Vietnam. There are dozens of flights every day, and with so much competition, you can find excellent prices.
Airlines that fly this route
You have several great choices, and here’s my simple breakdown to help you decide:
Vietnam Airlines
Our national, full-service airline. Think of it like Air India.
- Pros: Highly reliable, punctual, and your ticket price usually includes a 23kg checked bag and a drink. Very comfortable for families.
- Cons: Tends to be the most expensive option.
Vietjet Air
Our famous, low-cost budget airline. Think of it like IndiGo or SpiceJet.
- Pros: Fantastic prices! They often have amazing sales and the cheapest base fares.
- Cons: You pay extra for everything: checked baggage, seat selection, snacks. Be prepared for the possibility of delays, so don’t book a tight connection.
Bamboo Airways
A newer airline that offers a great middle-ground experience.
- Pros: Excellent service, often includes checked baggage, and is known for being very punctual. They aim for a “5-star” service feel at a competitive price.
- Cons: May have fewer flight times than the other two.
Tip: To get the best prices, book your flights at least one month in advance, especially during the peak tourist season (November to April). Use a comparison site like Skyscanner to check options, but always double-check the airline’s official website for special promotions and to understand their baggage rules!
The adventurous route: Travelling by bus and ferry
For Indian travellers who are backpackers, adventure seekers, or on a very tight budget, there is another fantastic way to travel. This option allows you to see the beautiful Mekong Delta countryside up close. It takes more time, but the journey itself is part of the fun!
This route involves two easy steps: a bus ride and a ferry ride.
Step 1: Bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Tien or Rach Gia
From the Mien Tay Bus Station in HCMC, you will take a modern sleeper bus. Don’t worry, these are not like bumpy local buses! They are very comfortable, with fully reclining seats so you can sleep during the journey.
- Journey time: Approximately 6 to 7 hours.
- Destinations: You can take a bus to either Ha Tien or Rach Gia. These are the two port towns with ferries to Phu Quoc.
Recommendation: Take the bus to Ha Tien. The bus ride is about the same, but the ferry journey from Ha Tien is much shorter.
Step 2: High-Speed Ferry to Phu Quoc
From the port, you will take a modern, air-conditioned high-speed ferry to the island. It’s a very comfortable and scenic ride.
- Reliable ferry companies: The two most trusted companies are Superdong and Phu Quoc Express. You can book tickets online or at the port.
- Ferry journey time:
- From Ha Tien: The journey is only about 1,5 – 2 hours.
- From Rach Gia: The journey is longer, about 2,5 – 3 hours.
Who is this route for? This is perfect for the traveler who is not in a hurry, wants to save money, and enjoys seeing the country like a local. It’s a true Vietnamese travel experience!
Special advice for India travellers
Over the years, I’ve learned a few things that are especially helpful for my Indian guests making this trip.
The all-important visa check
Please listen carefully to this!
- Phu Quoc island has a special 30-day visa exemption. However, this is ONLY valid if you fly directly into Phu Quoc from another country (like India, Singapore, or Thailand) and do not leave the island.
- Because you will be arriving in Ho Chi Minh City first, you are entering mainland Vietnam. Therefore, you MUST have a valid Vietnamese e-visa before you fly from India to Vietnam. The Phu Quoc exemption will not apply to your entry point in HCMC. It is very easy to get the e-visa online before your trip.
READ MORE: How to get to Phu Quoc from Hanoi?
Vegetarian food heaven
We know how important food is! You will be very happy in Ho Chi Minh City. The city is filled with amazing pure vegetarian restaurants (“Quán Chay”). You can use Google Maps to find them easily.
In Phu Quoc, the resorts are very accommodating, and you can always enjoy fresh tropical fruits, smoothies, fried rice with vegetables (cơm chiên chay), and stir-fried morning glory (rau muống xào tỏi).
Packing smart
For HCMC, pack light clothes, comfortable walking shoes for exploring the city, and maybe something a little smart for a rooftop bar. For Phu Quoc, it’s all about swimwear, shorts, t-shirts, sunscreen, a hat, and flip-flops.
Sample Southern Vietnam itinerary
Vietnam Story, has created an itinerary that is a huge favorite with Indian travellers precisely because it perfects this journey. It’s called the “Southern Vietnam with Incredible Beach in Phu Quoc” tour. It beautifully combines the highlights of Ho Chi Minh City, the unique culture of the Mekong Delta, and finishes with blissful relaxation on Phu Quoc’s best beaches.
All your transport, accommodation, and guided experiences are seamlessly arranged. It’s the perfect way to ensure your adventure in Southern Vietnam is completely stress-free and unforgettable. You can see the full details of this wonderful journey right here.
So, what is the best way from Ho Chi Minh to Phu Quoc?
Let’s make it very simple for you.
- For 95% of travelers (families, couples, anyone on a 1-2 week holiday): FLY. It is fast, convenient, affordable, and saves your valuable vacation time for relaxing and exploring. This is the smart and stress-free choice.
- For the budget-conscious backpacker or long-term traveler with time to spare: Take the BUS + FERRY.
It’s a memorable adventure, incredibly budget-friendly, and We truly hope this guide has made your planning easier. The journey from the energy of Saigon to the tranquility of Phu Quoc is one you will never forget.