Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Trip Overview

Distance230 km (143.8 miles)
Price range$10-$264
Ride Duration Range50m-9h
Earliest Departure17:30
Latest Departure23:00

There are several ways to get from Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh City. If you want to save time but spend a little more money, you can take an airplane. Otherwise, you can take the scenic train route or go by bus, both of which will take around nine to 12 hours. Ho Chi Minh City is very big, but there are many sightseeing opportunities, especially the museums downtown. The weather in Ho Chi Minh is generally very warm all year with its most pleasant temperatures in between December and March.

Travel Schedule Options from Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)



























































































Taking a bus from Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Fastest bus: 5h 5m

Cheapest bus: $10

The fastest: 5h 5m

The cheapest: $10

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

Reclining Seats

Wifi

Blanket

Food

TV

Charger

WC

The fastest: 6h

The cheapest: $17

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

Wifi

Food

Charger

Reclining Seats

Blanket

TV

The fastest: 6h

The cheapest: $119

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

Food

Wifi

Charger

The fastest: 50m

The cheapest: $35

The available amenities for this trip are currently unavailable. For specific questions, please contact our customer service, available 24/7.

routes_hero-image-alt Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

About the ride from Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)


As you say goodbye to Da Lat, it's time to make your way to Ho Chi Minh City, previously known as Saigon. 


Be ready for a couple of days exploring this vibrant and bustling city filled with fascinating history, delectable cuisine and friendly locals. Everyone from history buffs to architect enthusiasts and foodies will find a range of activities to enjoy. 


You have several transportation options to travel from Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh City, including a bus, minivan, car, or flight.


What to include on your Ho Chi Minh Itinerary


Depending on how many days you have to explore Ho Chi Minh, below are a few must-do activities. 


  1. Take a visit to the Jade Emperor Pagoda. This is one of the city's most renowned temples, whose captivating history dates back to the early 20th century. You'll notice a blend of Chinese and Vietnamese influences in the architecture. When visiting, be sure to dress respectfully. 


  1. Soak up the smells at the Ban Co Market. Most guides will have you visit the popular Ben Thanh Market, but for a more local experience, head to the Ban Co Market instead. You will find lots of vendors selling meat, fish, fruit, vegetables and spices. 


  1. Book a city tour. Since there are so many things to see and do, why not organize a tour for the day? This way, you can check off multiple spots, including the Notre Dame Cathedral, Thien Hau Temple and the Reunification Hall. Look for free walking tours.


  1. Visit the War Remnants Museum. Regardless of whether you know a lot about the Vietnam War, this is a fascinating place to visit. On display, you will find photographs, memorabilia, and vehicles of war, like tanks and fighter jets. Keep in mind that it can be confronting.  


How to travel from Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh City 


Option one: Bus 

Travel time: 6.5 to 8.5 hours


The buses available from Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh City are not your typical type of bus. They are primarily sleeping buses, so the seats are reclined to allow maximum comfort. 


On board, you can rest in style with air conditioning, televisions, blankets, and light food and drinks. Tickets start at $13. 


Even though they are sleeping buses, that doesn't mean you have to ride in the dark. There are numerous daily departures throughout the day.


Each operator has various pick-up and drop-off stations throughout each city. Pay attention when booking to get one closest to your accommodation.


Option two: Minivan

Travel time: 5 hours 40 minutes to 8 hours


There are two types of minivans: shared and private.


Taking a shared minivan means buying a seat in a minivan with other people. These depart and arrive at designated places in each city. A seat in a shared minivan starts at $16.


Alternatively, a private minivan is a great option if you are traveling with a group and want to hire the whole vehicle for yourself. They'll pick you up and drop you off at your accommodation in each city. And you get to choose your departure time. 


Most minivans seat between 8-12 people and start around $200 for the vehicle.


Option three: Private car

Travel time: 6 hours to 8 hours


The benefit of booking a car transfer is that it will be a private service for between three and six travelers (depending on the company you choose). 


You can decide your pick-up location in Da Lat as well as your drop-off point in Ho Chi Minh City. 


Whichever company you choose, on board, you will have air conditioning, WiFi (subject to availability) and a phone charger. 


Travelers can bring up to 20 kg (44lbs) of luggage per person. Pisces start around $129 per car.


Option four: Flight

Travel time: 55 minutes


For the quickest travel time and convenience, you may wish to book a flight between Da Lat and Ho Chi Minh City. 


There are three companies offering this route:

VietJet Air

Vietnam Airlines

Hahn Air Systems 


There are several direct flights per day, so your decision of which company to fly with will ultimately depend on the time of the day you wish to travel. Tickets start around $71 per person.


Best time to visit Ho Chi Minh 


Ho Chi Minh City experiences a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year. 


However, there are two main seasons to consider — the dry and rainy seasons. 


Optimal conditions are experienced during the dry season from December through to April. While these are the winter months, Ho Chi Minh will be slightly cooler and less humid, making it easier to wander the city's main sights and attractions. 


Temperatures range from 21°C (69.8°F) to 33°C (91.4°F), so be sure to pack a hat and sunscreen. 

Companies Operating from Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Average time

6h 30m

Average price

$119 - $200

(192)

Average time

8h

Average price

$129 - $143

(98)

Average time

7h - 7h 45m

Average price

$17 - $22

(44)

Average time

7h 30m - 8h 30m

Average price

$17 - $19

(34)

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