Complete guide to traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Thanh Hoa, latest 2025

1. General Introduction

When planning to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Thanh Hoa , many tourists find this a rather long journey, requiring careful preparation. The distance between the two localities is about 1,460 km by road or 1,551 km by rail.

Thanh Hoa increasingly attracts tourists from all over the country. (Source: Collected)

Travel time also varies greatly, from about 2 hours by plane to over 28 hours by train. However, each mode of transport offers a unique experience: planes are suitable for those with tight schedules; trains are ideal for those who want to travel leisurely, enjoying the scenery along the way. Additionally, sleeper buses are a cost-effective yet convenient option, while driving a personal vehicle offers a sense of independence, suitable for those who love to explore.

Demand for travel on the Ho Chi Minh City – Thanh Hoa route increases during summer, holidays, and Tet. The route primarily serves Sầm Sơn beach tourism, visiting relatives, or business travel. Understanding the pros and cons of each mode of transport will help tourists choose the most suitable option for their plans and budget.

2. Transportation from Ho Chi Minh City to Thanh Hoa

2.1. By Plane

Choosing a plane for the journey from Tan Son Nhat Airport to Tho Xuan Airport is the fastest way to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Thanh Hoa currently. Two major airlines, Vietjet Air and Vietnam Airlines, operate this route with a frequency of 6 to 8 flights per day.

Vietjet Air operates flights at Tho Xuan airport. (Source: Collected)

Flight time is only about 2 hours, plus about 45 minutes to travel from Tho Xuan airport to Thanh Hoa city center. Ticket prices usually range from 900,000 VND to about 4,000,000 VND depending on the airline and booking time. Vietnam Airlines has slightly higher prices with stable service quality, while Vietjet Air often offers many promotional policies.

The outstanding advantage is saving time, suitable for business trips or urgent travel plans. However, the number of flights per day is not too high, so visitors should proactively book tickets as early as possible, especially during peak season and holidays.

2.2. Traveling by train

The railway route from Ho Chi Minh City to Thanh Hoa is a familiar choice for many Southern travelers who enjoy a leisurely journey, sightseeing along the way. There are about 5 trains departing daily from Saigon station to Thanh Hoa station, with travel times ranging from 28 to 34 hours, depending on the specific train.

The trains usually operated include SE2, SE4, SE6, SE8, and SE10, with SE8 departing at 6 AM, and the remaining trains departing every 3.5 – 4 hours.

Reference ticket prices:

Soft seat: about 1,000,000 VND

6-berth sleeper: 1,200,000 – 1,300,000 VND

4-berth sleeper: about 1,500,000 VND

Traveling by train offers a different experience as visitors can admire the Central region's fields or peaceful countryside through the window. It is a safe choice, suitable for those who want to relax and enjoy the journey. However, due to the long travel time, visitors should prepare sufficient personal items and snacks for convenience.

2.3. Traveling by bus

Long-distance sleeper buses and limousines are the preferred choices for many passengers traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Thanh Hoa, thanks to their reasonable cost and stable service quality. Reputable bus companies such as Hoang Long, Phuong Trang, Long Thu, and Hong Chuong operate this route, with a frequency of 2 – 4 trips per day. The average travel time is about 30 – 36 hours, depending on traffic conditions and rest stops.

Reference ticket prices:

Sleeper bus: 860,000 – 1,200,000 VND

Luxury limousine bus: 1,000,000 – 1,200,000 VND

Hoang Long Bus Company specializes in running North-South routes. (Source: Collected)

Additionally, the limousine line offers a more comfortable experience with massage seats, modern air conditioning, dining services, and private space. Some companies also provide Wifi, charging outlets to help passengers relax and work throughout the journey.

Buses have the advantage of transporting a lot of luggage, with convenient pick-up and drop-off points right in the city center. However, as this is a long journey, tourists should prepare their health and prioritize booking tickets with reputable bus companies to ensure safety and service quality.

2.4. Self-driving or personal vehicle

Self-driving or traveling by personal vehicle is an option for those who love independence and want to fully enjoy the journey. The distance from Ho Chi Minh City to Thanh Hoa is about 1,440 km, following National Highway 1A or the North-South Expressway. The average travel time is from 28 to 36 hours; usually, this journey requires 2 to 3 days to allow for rest and exploration along the way.

The North-South Expressway makes the journey quick and convenient. (Source: Collected)

Throughout the journey, visitors will pass through many special destinations of the Central region, such as Ninh Thuan with its ancient Cham towers, Da Nang highlighted by the iconic Dragon Bridge, the tranquil Hue with its ancient Imperial City, and Quang Binh, the land boasting the magnificent Phong Nha Cave. This is also an opportunity for visitors to stop and enjoy local cuisine, and experience the rhythm of life and unique culture of each region.

Fuel costs for the entire route are estimated at around 2,000,000 – 3,000,000 VND depending on the vehicle type. In addition, there are highway tolls, food, and accommodation expenses along the way. The biggest advantage of this mode of transport is its flexibility; visitors can stop, take photos, or change their itinerary as they wish. However, due to the long distance, drivers need to be in good health, have long-distance driving experience, and ideally have at least two people to take turns driving.

Before departing, visitors should prepare thoroughly regarding vehicle insurance, basic repair tools, and a detailed route plan to ensure a safe and smooth trip.

3. Experience booking tickets and notes when traveling

Book tickets early, 15 – 30 days before the trip, to plan your itinerary proactively and avoid sold-out situations, especially during summer, holidays, and Tet when travel volume increases.

Visitors can regularly follow promotions from airlines and bus companies to save costs.

Choose to book tickets online on the official app or website of bus companies like Hoang Long, Phuong Trang, to get better prices compared to buying directly at the station.

Pack light, bring dry food, drinks, medicine, and essential personal items.

Visitors can prepare a neck pillow, a thin blanket, noise-canceling headphones, and a power bank when traveling by train or long-distance bus for a more comfortable journey.

Arrive at the airport, train station, or bus pick-up point 30 – 60 minutes before departure time for convenient check-in procedures.

Visitors should plan their transfer from Tho Xuan Airport to Thanh Hoa city center in advance. The distance is about 45 km, and you can travel by taxi or shuttle bus, with costs ranging from 400,000 – 600,000 VND depending on the vehicle type and time.

4. Suggestions for combining tourism when visiting Thanh Hoa

4.1 Sam Son Beach

The journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Thanh Hoa opens up countless attractive destinations for visitors. First is Sam Son Beach, a famous beach with a long sandy shore, gentle waves, and a vibrant atmosphere. This is where many hotels and resorts, from budget to high-end, are located, along with characteristic seafood restaurants that keep visitors coming back.

Sun World Sam Son is a destination for every family. (Source: Collected)

Especially right in the center, Sun World Sam Son offers a modern entertainment world with a water park, thrill rides, and a vibrant beach festival space. The entertainment facilities at Sun World Sam Son have contributed to making Sam Son beach a complete stop for the whole family.

4.2 Ho Dynasty Citadel

Amidst the fertile Thanh land, Ho Dynasty Citadel stands out as a majestic historical witness. Built entirely with giant blue stone blocks and recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, the structure possesses a timeless beauty, evoking the mighty Ho Dynasty. At the foot of the mountain and amidst vast fields, the citadel rises majestically, both ancient and grand, an ideal stop for those who love architecture and history.

4.3 Cam Luong Holy Fish Stream

Not far from there, Cam Luong Holy Fish Stream offers a mystical and captivating beauty. The small stream at the foot of the Trường Sinh mountain range is crystal clear all year round, where thousands of fish, large and small, swim naturally, and no one dares to catch them, creating a sacred story preserved by the people through generations.

The sacred fish school at the most unique sacred fish stream in Thanh region. (Source: Collected)

Coming here, tourists can not only admire the peaceful scenery but also deeply feel the harmony between nature, culture, and the characteristic folk beliefs of the Thanh region.

No matter what journey is chosen, the trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Thanh Hoa always brings memorable experiences. From a quick flight, a leisurely train journey admiring the scenery, to an emotional long-distance bus trip or days of self-driving through the sunny and windy Central Vietnam. Planning early and preparing thoroughly for transportation, health, and luggage will make the trip smoother, so that every moment of exploring Thanh Hoa becomes complete and meaningful.