Detailed guide on how to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Thanh Hoa, from A to Z

1. Overview of the journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Thanh Hoa

Thanh Hoa, with its position as a prominent economic, trade, and tourism center in the North Central Coast region, is increasingly attracting great interest from tourists and residents in Ho Chi Minh City.

As the economic and tourism center of the North Central region, Thanh Hoa is becoming a top choice for tourists. (Source: Collected)

The demand for travel between the two cities remains stable year-round due to diverse purposes, including tourism (exploring famous beaches, historical sites), visiting relatives, and business trips. Due to the considerable geographical distance, traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Thanh Hoa requires thorough preparation regarding transportation, health, and considering suitable rest stops.

However, passengers have many flexible transportation options. Depending on your budget and personal needs, you can choose airplanes, trains, or road transport types such as coaches or limousines.

2. Distance and route when traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Thanh Hoa

The route from Ho Chi Minh City to Thanh Hoa is over 1,400 km long via National Highway 1A, passing through the South Central provinces to the North Central region, with a travel time of approximately 28 - 32 hours according to Google Maps data.

Travel time is approximately 29 - 32 hours according to Google Maps data. (Source: Collected)

The route starts from Mien Dong Bus Station of Ho Chi Minh City, following the coastal route through provinces such as Lam Dong, Khanh Hoa, Dak Lak, Gia Lai, Quang Ngai, and ends in Thanh Hoa.

Passenger buses usually drop off passengers at the southern or northern bus stations of Thanh Hoa, while many providers offer door-to-door transfer services upon request.

If you choose to fly, the journey will be shortened to nearly 2 hours, the distance from Tan Son Nhat Airport to Tho Xuan Airport. To travel to the city center, tourists can take a taxi or a bus.

If traveling by train, the 1,551 km journey will take 28 to 32 hours on North-South trains, departing from Saigon Station (District 3, Ho Chi Minh City), stopping at Thanh Hoa Station or Bim Son Station depending on the train type.

3. Transportation from Ho Chi Minh City to Thanh Hoa in 2025

3.1. Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Thanh Hoa by Plane

Airplanes are the fastest means to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Thanh Hoa. There are about 4 flights daily operated by Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, and Pacific Airlines. During summer and holidays, demand increases, especially for tourists visiting Sam Son beach.

Airplane is a fast means of transport from Ho Chi Minh City to Thanh Hoa. (Source: Collected)

Airfare prices range from 800,000 to 4,200,000 VND per leg, depending on the airline and time. Vietjet Air often has cheap prices with many promotional programs, while Vietnam Airlines is more stable, targeting customers who want premium services. During peak season, tickets are usually from 1,400,000 – 2,800,000 VND/leg.

Flight procedures are currently quite simple. You can check-in online 24 hours in advance. When you arrive at the airport, just bring your Citizen Identity Card and e-ticket. At Tho Xuan Airport, to get to Thanh Hoa city center (about 40 km, 1 hour travel), you can choose a taxi for about 350,000 VND, an airport bus for about 80,000 VND, and a coach for about 120,000 VND.

To save costs, you should book tickets 2 to 3 months in advance and continuously monitor weekend promotions or those from reputable agents like BestPrice, Traveloka, Vietjet. Additionally, you can choose to fly at night or avoid peak days like Friday and Sunday, which also helps lower prices.

3.2. Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Thanh Hoa by Coach

Coaches from Ho Chi Minh City to Thanh Hoa in 2025 are operated by many major companies such as Hoang Long, Tien Tien, Tuan Tu, Luc Ha, Mai Linh Express, Hong Chuong, An Binh...

You can choose a cheap sleeper bus or a high-class limousine with ticket prices: 500,000 – 1,100,000 VND per trip, depending on the type of bus and time.

Choosing a vehicle with full amenities helps travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Thanh Hoa without fatigue. (Source: Collected)

Among them, sleeper buses are suitable for night travel, cheap, with many time slots, the disadvantage is being crowded during peak season; limousine buses have 22 to 28 wide seats, with wifi, air conditioning, massage chairs, and door-to-door shuttle service. Limousine buses will also be more expensive and have fewer trips.

The travel time by bus is quite long, about 30 to 37 hours, and can change depending on traffic conditions. Some trips require changing buses at transit stations. The departure point is usually at Mien Dong Bus Station (Ho Chi Minh City) and passengers are dropped off at major bus stations or company offices in Thanh Hoa.

3.3. Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Thanh Hoa by train

The train traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Thanh Hoa offers a different experience compared to flying or taking a bus. There are about 2 to 3 North-South train routes (SE, TN) running this line daily.

Trains will be an interesting experience for those who love to explore. (Source: Collected)

Passengers have many seating options: hard seats, soft seats, air-conditioned sleeper berths, or private VIP cabins with ticket prices for seats ranging from 700,000 to 1,200,000 VND/trip, sleeper berths from 1,400,000 to 2,200,000 VND/trip, VIP cabins from 2,500,000 VND/trip. Prices may vary depending on the train type, seat class, and purchase time, so book early for good prices.

The train journey takes about 28 to 32 hours. Although quite long, you will have the opportunity to admire the countryside, villages, and cities passing by the window. Trains are less affected by traffic, suitable for families with young children, people who prefer a slow experience, or need time to rest.

It is advisable to buy tickets through official channels such as the Vietnam Railways Corporation or Vexere to ensure reliability. Some small tips are to choose seats near the window to enjoy the scenery. If traveling with young children, prioritize seats near the restroom. For groups of family or friends, a private 4-person cabin will be more comfortable.

4. Tips for booking tickets and preparing luggage when traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Thanh Hoa

4.1. Tips for hunting for cheap flight and transportation tickets

To get cheap tickets from Ho Chi Minh City to Thanh Hoa, you should book early.

Airplane: book 2 – 3 months in advance.

Bus or train: book about 1 month in advance, especially during Tet or peak summer season.

In addition, regularly follow promotional programs. Occasions like Black Friday, tourism festivals, or company anniversary days often offer discounts from 20 – 50%. You can register to receive notifications via email, text messages from transportation companies, or refer to reputable websites like VnExpress, BestPrice, Traveloka to not miss any opportunities.

Follow promotions regularly to hunt for cheap tickets. (Source: Collected)

Some other tips to save money:

Book tickets mid-week (Tuesday, Wednesday) instead of weekends.

Prioritize night trips, which are usually cheaper than day trips.

Compare prices across multiple platforms before paying.

Carefully check the terms and conditions for changing or canceling tickets to avoid additional fees.

If traveling round-trip, book at the same time to enjoy round-trip offers.

4.2. Notes on luggage, documents, and safe travel

To ensure a smooth trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Thanh Hoa, you need to prepare sufficient documents and luggage.

Documents: Adults should carry a valid Citizen Identity Card or ID Card; children under 14 need a Birth Certificate. Electronic tickets should be saved on your phone and a printed copy should be prepared for verification when needed.

Luggage: Should be light and securely locked. Valuables such as money, phones, and jewelry should be kept in carry-on luggage. Don't forget power banks, light jackets, snacks, bottled water, personal medications, and basic medical supplies, especially for long-distance bus or train journeys.

Buying tickets: Prioritize official websites or authorized agents to avoid risks. Do not buy through social media groups. Before paying, carefully check the departure, destination, and pick-up/drop-off points.

Arrival time: Arrive earlier than the scheduled time to handle procedures proactively. For buses and trains, arrive 30 to 60 minutes early. For airplanes, arrive 90 to 120 minutes early.

5. Suggested Itinerary Combining Thanh Hoa Tourism for the Trip from Ho Chi Minh City

After traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Thanh Hoa, you will have many destinations to explore.

Sam Son Beach Square stands out with its modern architecture, spacious area, and is where vibrant events and festivals take place. It is an ideal spot for leisurely walks, watching the sunrise, and taking photos by the sea. The Square is located opposite Sam Son Beach, with its charming long coastline and cool, calm waves, always a great choice for summer vacations.

Ho Dynasty Citadel is for visitors who love history and ancient architecture; Ho Dynasty Citadel is a must-visit stop. Ho Dynasty Citadel is a massive, magnificent stone structure, rare in Vietnam and Southeast Asia, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you will admire the unique construction techniques and learn about an important historical period of the country, offering a profound cultural experience.

Cam Luong Fish Spring offers peace and uniqueness as visitors can witness thousands of fish swimming in the Ngoc Stream. This school of fish is usually very dense, creating a fascinating and unique spectacle. This experience not only brings a sense of relaxation but also helps you discover the spiritual culture of the local people.

Sun World Sam Son is the indispensable entertainment paradise for trips with family or groups of young friends. This modern complex is famous for its super large Water Park, featuring top-notch thrilling rides and many safe play areas for children. Additionally, Sun World Sam Son frequently hosts vibrant beach festivals at night, ensuring visitors have moments of explosive emotions and world-class relaxation.

Hai Tien Beach and Tu Thu Cave are for those who love wild nature and a quieter space. Hai Tien Beach retains its rustic beauty and is an ideal destination for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle. Besides the beach, you can visit Tu Thuc Cave, a cave with a mystical beauty, associated with the legend of Tu Thuc getting lost in a fairy realm. This is a perfect combination of beach resort and cultural, cave exploration.

Sun World Sam Son - A must-visit destination when coming to Thanh Hoa. (Source: Collected)

Suggested 3-day 2-night itinerary when traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Thanh Hoa by plane as follows:

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City - Thanh Hoa - Sam Son Beach

In the morning, you begin your flight journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Thanh Hoa. After landing, you travel directly to Sam Son (about 16km from the city center). Upon arrival, take time to enjoy local cuisine and quickly check in to be ready for afternoon beach activities.

Around 4:00 PM, we will start exploring by visiting Doc Cuoc Temple to pray for peace and admire the panoramic view of the beach from above. Afterwards, you can freely swim at Sam Son beach to relax.

In the evening, after dinner at the hotel, take a stroll to Sam Son Beach Square. This is an ideal place to take photos, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, and admire Sam Son sparkling with lights at night.

Day 2: Ho Citadel and Cam Luong Holy Spring

The second day is dedicated to exploring the cultural depth and unique nature of Thanh land. In the morning, we will travel to Ho Citadel (about 60km from Sam Son). This UNESCO heritage site will amaze you with its ancient stone architecture and rich history. After exploring the citadel, enjoy mountain specialties in the surrounding area to regain energy.

The afternoon is time for you to visit Cam Luong Holy Spring, a unique natural wonder with thousands of fish swimming densely, bringing a sense of peace and novelty. In the evening, you return to the resort area for dinner and relaxation, preparing your health for the return journey.

Day 3: Explore Lam Kinh - Tho Xuan Airport - Ho Chi Minh City

On the morning of the last day, you can spend time shopping for Thanh Hoa specialties as gifts such as nem chua, dried seafood, or banh gai. After breakfast, check out of the hotel. Next, we will travel to the Lam Kinh Historical Site (near Tho Xuan Airport). The origin of the Later Le Dynasty will take you to explore the Mausoleum of King Le Thai To and the magnificent Vinh Lang Stele. Afterwards, you will have a quick lunch in the area near Lam Kinh before heading straight to Tho Xuan Airport (THD) to complete check-in procedures. Depart by flight back to Ho Chi Minh City, concluding the 3-day 2-night Thanh Hoa tour full of experiences.

Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Thanh Hoa in 2025 is more convenient than ever with diverse transportation options and competitive prices. Choosing a plane, bus, or train depends on your budget, time, and personal preferences. With beautiful scenery, heritage, rich cuisine, and friendly people, Thanh Hoa will surely leave many memorable experiences.