Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is a popular route for travelers moving between Thailand and Vietnam\’s south. A direct flight takes under 2 hours, making it one of the fastest international hops in the region. This guide covers flights, visa requirements, and what to do once you arrive.
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Flying Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City
Direct flights from Bangkok to Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City take approximately 1 hour 45 minutes. Multiple airlines cover the route including Thai AirAsia (from DMK), VietJet Air, Vietnam Airlines, Bangkok Airways, and Thai Airways (from BKK).
Prices and Airlines
Budget fares start from around $56–85 USD one way when booked ahead. Thai AirAsia from Don Mueang (DMK) is typically the cheapest option. Vietnam Airlines flies from Suvarnabhumi (BKK) with higher fares but full-service including baggage. VietJet also offers competitive prices from both airports.
| Airline | From | Price from | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thai AirAsia | DMK | ~$56 USD | Budget |
| VietJet Air | DMK / BKK | ~$60 USD | Budget |
| Bangkok Airways | BKK | ~$90 USD | Mid-range |
| Vietnam Airlines | BKK | ~$100 USD | Full service |
Vietnam Visa
Thai citizens enter Vietnam visa-free for 30 days. Most other nationalities traveling from Bangkok need a Vietnam e-visa — apply online at evisa.gov.vn for $25 USD at least 3–5 business days before travel. Valid up to 90 days. Citizens of 38 countries including most of Western Europe enter visa-free for 30–45 days.
Arriving at Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN)
Tan Son Nhat is 8 km north of District 1. Getting into the city:
- Grab: Best option — ~100,000–150,000 VND (~$4–6 USD) to District 1. Use the Grab app and walk to the pickup zone.
- Vinasun or Mai Linh taxi: Reliable metered taxis from the official rank in arrivals.
- Bus 109: Express to Ben Thanh Market, ~20,000 VND. Slow during rush hour.
Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City
- District 1 (Ben Thanh area): Central, most tourist infrastructure, walking distance to War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace.
- Bui Vien Street: Budget guesthouses, lively backpacker scene — noisy but central.
- District 3: Quieter, more local, great coffee shops and restaurants.
- Phu Nhuan / Binh Thanh: Residential, popular with expats and longer stays.
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Onward from Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is the gateway to Vietnam\’s south and center. Popular onward routes:
- HCMC → Hoi An: Fly (~1 hour to Da Nang) or overnight train (~17 hours)
- HCMC → Hanoi: Fly (~2 hours) or overnight train (~30–34 hours on Reunification Express)
- HCMC → Phu Quoc: Fly (~1 hour) — island with 30-day visa-free access for all nationalities
- HCMC → Mekong Delta: Day trip or overnight by bus, 2–4 hours
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Related Guides
- Bangkok to Hanoi: Flight and Overland Guide
- Kuala Lumpur to Ho Chi Minh City
- Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An
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