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.
Quick Answers: How to Get from Ho Chi Minh to Phu Quoc
- Fastest Way: A direct flight from Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) to Phu Quoc Airport (PQC). The flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes, with prices ranging from $35–$100 USD.
- Cheapest Way: A combination of a sleeper bus and a high-speed ferry. This journey takes 8-10 hours in total and costs around $20–$30 USD.
- Direct Ferry: No, there is no direct ferry from Ho Chi Minh City. You must travel by bus to the coastal towns of Ha Tien or Rach Gia to catch the ferry.
How Far is Ho Chi Minh from Phu Quoc?
To understand the travel options for the Ho Chi Minh to Phu Quoc journey, it’s essential to know the geography. Ho Chi Minh City, a major metropolis, is located on the Southern Vietnamese mainland. Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, lies southwest in the Gulf of Thailand, closer to the Cambodian coast.
- Air Distance: The direct flight path between Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) and Phu Quoc Airport (PQC) is approximately 305 kilometers (190 miles).
- Overland & Sea Distance: The combined road and ferry journey covers between 370 to 400 kilometers (230 to 250 miles). This route takes you through the scenic Mekong Delta to a coastal port city before the final sea crossing.
This unique geography—crossing the vast Mekong Delta—is why your primary choices are to either fly over it for speed or travel through it for the adventure.
Why Combine Ho Chi Minh and Phu Quoc in One Trip?
Combining Ho Chi Minh City (often still called Saigon) and Phu Quoc creates the quintessential Southern Vietnam experience, offering a perfect blend of urban energy and tropical serenity.
- In Ho Chi Minh City: You experience 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. Known as the “Pearl Island,” it’s a paradise of calm, pristine beaches like Long Beach, lush green national parks, and some of the most spectacular sunsets you will ever see.
Option 1: Flying from Ho Chi Minh to Phu Quoc (The Fastest Way)
For most travelers—including families, couples, and those on a limited schedule—a direct flight is the undisputed best way to travel from Ho Chi Minh to Phu Quoc. It’s fast, convenient, and surprisingly affordable.
Why a Flight is Your Best Option
- Incredibly Fast: The flight itself is only about 1 hour and 5 minutes. You can be enjoying your hotel in Phu Quoc by the afternoon after a morning of exploring HCMC.
- Very Convenient: The journey is a direct connection from Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) to Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC). No transfers, no stress.
- Frequent and Affordable: This is one of Vietnam’s busiest domestic routes. As of 2025, there are 20-25 daily flights, and the high competition keeps prices low.
Airlines Comparison: SGN to PQC Route
Here’s a breakdown of the main airlines operating the Ho Chi Minh to Phu Quoc flight path:
| Airline | Average Price (USD) | Baggage Policy | Flight Duration | Daily Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Airlines | $60 – $100 | 23kg checked bag included | 1h 05m | 6–8 flights |
| Vietjet Air | $35 – $70 | Paid extra | 1h 10m | 10–12 flights |
| Bamboo Airways | $45 – $80 | 20kg checked bag included | 1h 05m | 4–5 flights |
Pro Tip: To secure the best prices, book flights at least one month in advance, especially for travel during the peak season (November to April). Use a comparison site like Skyscanner for an overview, but always check the airline’s official website for promotions and to confirm baggage rules.
Option 2: Bus & Ferry from Ho Chi Minh to Phu Quoc (The Adventurous & Budget Route)
For backpackers, budget travelers, and those who want to experience the Mekong Delta countryside, the bus and ferry combination is a fantastic option. This journey is an adventure in itself.
Step 1: Bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Tien or Rach Gia
Your journey begins at the Mien Tay Bus Station in HCMC. You will board a modern sleeper bus, which features fully reclining seats for a comfortable overnight or daytime journey.
- Bus Journey Time: Approximately 6 to 7 hours.
- Coastal Destinations: You can choose a bus to either Ha Tien or Rach Gia, the two port towns with ferry services to Phu Quoc.
Recommendation: Take the bus to Ha Tien. The ferry journey from Ha Tien is significantly shorter (1.5–2 hours) compared to the one from Rach Gia (2.5–3 hours).
Step 2: High-Speed Ferry to Phu Quoc
From the port, modern, air-conditioned high-speed ferries complete your journey to the island.
- Trusted Ferry Operators: The most reliable companies are Superdong and Phu Quoc Express. You can view the Phu Quoc Express timetable and book online.
- Ferry Ticket Prices: 230,000–330,000 VND ($9–$13 USD).
- Ferry Journey Time:
- From Ha Tien: Takes only 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- From Rach Gia: A longer journey of 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours.
Special Advice for Indian Travelers
Having assisted many Indian guests, we’ve compiled tips to make your Ho Chi Minh to Phu Quoc trip seamless.
The All-Important Vietnam Visa Check
This is a critical point for planning your trip:
- Phu Quoc island has a special 30-day visa exemption. However, this is ONLY valid if you fly directly into Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) from another country (e.g., India, Singapore) and do not leave the island.
- Because your journey starts in Ho Chi Minh City, you are entering mainland Vietnam first. Therefore, Indian travelers MUST apply for and receive a valid Vietnamese e-Visa before flying from India. The Phu Quoc exemption will not apply to your entry point at HCMC.
Vegetarian Food Heaven
You will find Ho Chi Minh City to be a paradise for vegetarian food. The city is filled with excellent “Quán Chay” (pure vegetarian restaurants). In Phu Quoc, 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). For those who want even more dining options, there are also several famous Phu Quoc vegetarian restaurants.
Packing Smart
For HCMC, pack light clothes, comfortable walking shoes, and something 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 perfected this journey in our tour, a favorite among our Indian clients. It combines the highlights of Ho Chi Minh City, the culture of the Mekong Delta, and finishes with blissful relaxation on Phu Quoc’s best beaches. All transport and arrangements are handled for a stress-free experience. This is one of our most popular Phu Quoc tour for group travellers from India.
What is the Best Way from Ho Chi Minh to Phu Quoc?
Let’s make the choice simple:
- For 95% of travelers (families, couples, those on a 1-2 week holiday): FLY. It is fast, convenient, and affordable, saving your valuable vacation time. This is the smart, stress-free choice.
- For budget-conscious backpackers or long-term travelers: Take the BUS + FERRY. It’s a memorable, budget-friendly adventure that lets you see the real Mekong Delta.
We hope this guide has made planning your trip from the energy of Saigon to the tranquility of Phu Quoc much easier. It’s a journey you will never forget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Indian travellers often ask these common questions before booking their trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc — here are the clear answers you need.
1. Are there direct flights from Ho Chi Minh (SGN) to Phu Quoc (PQC)?
Yes, absolutely. As of 2025, there are between 20-25 direct flights operating daily from Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) to Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC).
2. How much does a ticket for the Ho Chi Minh to Phu Quoc route cost?
A flight ticket typically costs between $35 to $100 USD, depending on the airline, time of booking, and season. The bus and ferry combination costs significantly less, around $20 to $30 USD in total.
3. Is there a direct ferry from Ho Chi Minh to Phu Quoc?
No, there is no direct ferry service. To travel by sea, you must first take a 6-7 hour bus from Ho Chi Minh City to the coastal ports of Ha Tien or Rach Gia, and then board a high-speed ferry to Phu Quoc island.
Final Thoughts
Getting from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc is easier than ever, whether you choose the speed of a direct flight or the adventure of combining buses and ferries. For Indian travellers, this journey is more than just moving between two points – it’s the transition from Vietnam’s dynamic southern hub to its most idyllic island paradise.
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