[Answered] How to Get from Phu Quoc to Ho Chi Minh City Conveniently and Safely?

How to get from Phu Quoc to Ho Chi Minh City is a common question for travelers, as Phu Quoc has long been a popular vacation destination, attracting millions of international tourists each year. With the tourism industry rapidly expanding, various transportation options have been developed for travel to and from the island. If you're looking for a convenient and safe way to make this journey, Joytime is here to suggest four of the most popular options, ensuring your trip is easier and more comfortable than ever!

1. Location & Distance between Phu Quoc and Ho Chi Minh City

Phu Quoc and Ho Chi Minh City are two of Vietnam's most sought-after tourist spots. Many travelers wonder how far from Ho Chi Minh to Phu Quoc it is when planning their journey. The distance between these two destinations is approximately 397 km if you travel via the DCT02 route.

• Location of Phu Quoc: Located in the Southwest, in the Gulf of Thailand, with coordinates 9°53′ - 10°28′ North and 103°49′ - 104°05′ East

• Location of Ho Chi Minh City: Located in the South, in the Southeastern region, with coordinates 10°10' – 10°38' North and 106°22' – 106°54' East

Given the above distance, there are two main options for travelers:

• By airplane: This is the quickest and most popular choice, taking about 1 hour and 30 minutes to travel from Phu Quoc Airport to Tan Son Nhat Airport (Ho Chi Minh City).

• By road and ferry/speedboat: While this option is longer than flying, it tends to be more budget-friendly and provides an opportunity for an adventurous journey. The travel time typically ranges from 6 to 10 hours, depending on the type of transportation and route chosen.

Distance to Ho Chi Minh City from Phu Quoc island - Image source: Google Map

Based on the options above, there are 4 popular travel methods: Airplane (ideal for those looking to save time), Bus + Ferry/Speedboat (cost-effective), Coach + Ferry/Speedboat (convenient and also budget-friendly), and Motorbike + Ferry/Speedboat (freedom to explore at your own pace).

Depending on your budget, needs, and travel schedule, you can choose the most suitable option to ensure a complete trip.

2. Top 4 Ways to Travel from Phu Quoc to Ho Chi Minh City

Unsure which travel option is the most convenient and best suited to your schedule? Below are the detailed explanations of the 4 options to travel to Ho Chi Minh City from Phu Quoc.

Brief Comparisons on Transportation Modes from Phu Quoc to Ho Chi Minh City

2.1. By plane

If you're wondering how to go to Phu Quoc from Malaysia, one convenient option is to fly into Ho Chi Minh City first, then catch a direct flight to Phu Quoc. The most economical way to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc is by plane—departing from Phu Quoc Airport with a short travel time of just about 1 hour. With flights available from early morning to late evening, it's a flexible and efficient choice for travelers coming from Malaysia.

Duration: Travel time only takes about 1 hour.

Recommended airlines: Vietnam Airlines, Vietravel Airlines, Vietjet Air and Bamboo Airways is the airline that operates flights to Ho Chi Minh City from Phu Quoc, bringing flexibility to travelers with many flight times during the day.

Pros:

• Short travel time of about 1 hour.

• Comfortable experience with modern aircraft amenities.

• Numerous flight times available, allowing flexible planning (from early morning to late evening).

Traveling to Ho Chi Minh City by plane is the most popular choice for tourists today - Photo source: Pixabay

Tips for traveling:

• Booking tickets 1 - 2 months in advance to get special fares, especially during peak seasons (holidays, tourism months from June to August).

• Verifying flight details, including departure time, seat assignment, baggage allowance, and any extra charges before your flight.

• Arriving at the airport at least 1.5 hours before departure to complete check-in and handle any issues.

• Noting that ticket prices are approximate and may vary by time.

2.2. By bus & ferry/speedboat

Another popular option is taking a bus from Phu Quoc to Ho Chi Minh, followed by a ferry or speedboat. This cost-effective and convenient method provides an interesting travel experience, but it takes longer and requires careful coordination of the different segments.

Routes:

• Phu Quoc - Rach Gia - Ho Chi Minh City

• Phu Quoc - Ha Tien - Ho Chi Minh City

Duration

• Phu Quoc - Rach Gia - Ho Chi Minh City: About 8 - 9 hours (depending on transition time between travel routes, traffic conditions, weather, etc.)

• Phu Quoc - Ha Tien - Ho Chi Minh City: About 9 - 10 hours (depending on transition time between travel routes, traffic conditions, weather, etc.)

Average price: The total cost of traveling by bus and ferry/speedboat ranges from 350,000 - 840,000 VND/trip (13.75 - 33 USD/trip). In there:

• Bus: 150,000 – 350,000 VND/trip (5.89 – 11.79 USD/trip)

• Ferry or speedboat: 200,000 – 540,000 VND/trip (7.86 – 21.21 USD/trip)

Pros:

• More cost-effective transportation modes than other forms.

• Flexible options for bus and ferry services that fit your budget and schedule.

• Scenic experience as you can enjoy beautiful views throughout the journey.

Visitors can choose to take the bus to Ha Tien/Rach Gia and then continue traveling by ferry/speedboat. - Photo source: Pixabay

Tips for traveling:

• Booking tickets in advance to secure your seat, especially during peak travel seasons.

• Preparing essential items such as water, snacks, and entertainment for the long journey.

• Not overpacking as buses have limited space and the transfer between legs of the journey can make carrying heavy bags difficult.

• Checking the weather forecast to avoid trip cancellations (ferries/speedboats are weather-dependent).

• Choosing a departure time wisely, preferably evening or early morning, to save time and avoid fatigue.

2.3. By coach & ferry/speedboat

You might also consider taking a coach and ferry/speedboat. This option not only helps you save costs but also provides an interesting experience throughout the journey. Although the travel time is longer compared to flying (similar to a bus ride), the coach offers more comfort, allowing you to relax during the trip. Additionally, many coach services provide door-to-door transfers, which save time and add flexibility to your travel plans.

Routes:

• Phu Quoc - Rach Gia - Ho Chi Minh City

• Phu Quoc - Ha Tien - Ho Chi Minh City

Duration: Total travel time is about 6 - 7 hours, including driving time and taking the ferry/speedboat. TThat seaweed:

• Bus travel time is about 4 - 5 hours

• Travel time on the ferry is about 2 - 2 hours 30 minutes

Average price: Total one-way costs range from 430,000 - 750,000 VND (16.89 - 29.46 USD/trip). In there:

• Passenger car: From 200,000 - 500,000 VND/way (7.86 - 19.67 USD/way)

• Ferry or speedboat: 200,000 – 540,000 VND/trip (7.86 – 21.21 USD/trip)

Pros:

• Flexible schedules, usually coming with door-to-door service so that you are free to choose nearby stopover points.

• Comfortable seats or sleeping berths included with air conditioning and beverages, which provide you with a comfortable travel experience.

Tips for traveling: 

• Reserving tickets in advance during peak tourist seasons or holidays to avoid full bookings.

• Bringing motion sickness tablets for the long journey, especially if you’re prone to seasickness.

• Planing your travel time carefully to ensure you don’t miss your ferry or speedboat.

Passenger cars are an economical choice when traveling on the journey from Phu Quoc - Photo source: Pixabay

2.4. By motorbike & ferry/speedboat

For those seeking an adventurous journey, combining a motorbike with a ferry or speedboat is recommended to travel from Phu Quoc to Ho Chi Minh City. Imagine relishing road trips and craving your freedom to explore the stunning rural landscapes of Vietnam!

Routes:

• Phu Quoc - Rach Gia - Ho Chi Minh City

• Phu Quoc - Ha Tien - Ho Chi Minh City

Duration: Total journey time is about 2 - 3 days (depending on frequency of rest and stopover time).

Average price: Total travel cost ranges from 380,000 - 650,000 VND/trip (14.14 - 25.54 USD/trip), not including fuel costs and food along the way. In there: 

• Motorbike rental: About 150,000 - 300,000 VND/motorbike/day (5.89 - 11.79 USD/motorbike/day), depending on the type of motorbike and rental period.

• Ferry or speedboat: 200,000 – 540,000 VND/trip (7.86 – 21.21 USD/trip)

Pros:

• Thrilling explorations on stunning landscapes throughout the journey.

• Flexible stops, almost anywhere you like to explore and rest.

• A more cost-effective way to get to Ho Chi Minh City compared to other means of transportation.

• A greater control over your schedule and the freedom to explore around

Tips for traveling:

• Being extra-careful as some roads may be difficult, especially during the rainy season.

• Bringing a raincoat and protective gear such as gloves, sunglasses, and a helmet to ensure safety during the journey.

• Inspecting the condition of your motorbike before setting off to ensure it is in good working order.

• Taking breaks during your journey and resting overnight at convenient spots to ensure a healthy trip.

Motorbikes are a means of transport to help you easily travel to Ha Tien and continue your journey to Ho Chi Minh City  - Source: Pixabay

3. 7 Notes for Tourist When Traveling from Phu Quoc to Ho Chi Minh City

No matter which transportation method you choose from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc, the following tips will help make your journey smoother and more convenient!

• Booking your tickets in advance to secure a seat and avoid the risk of sold-out tickets, especially during peak seasons such as holidays or the tourist season, typically 12 months ahead of time for flight tickets and 1-2 days in advance for bus and ferry/speedboat tickets.

• Double-checking your travel schedules to prevent missing your departure, whether you're traveling by plane, ferry, bus, or coach.

• Packing light and safeguarding your belongings throughout the trip, particularly when traveling by bus, ferry, or plane, to avoid losing or misplacing your items.

• Preparing food and drinks to stay energized during your journey, especially if you're traveling by motorbike, bus, or coach.

• Not traveling during the rainy season or strong winds, as these conditions can be dangerous, particularly when traveling by ferry or speedboat.

• Following traffic safety rules and be cautious when traveling by motorbike or high-speed boat/ferry to ensure your safety.

• Carrying all necessary documents such as your passport, tickets, and driver's license so you can easily present them if required for inspection.

Phu Quoc with its beautiful landscape is a familiar destination for many tourists from all over - Photo source: Pixabay

Thus, here’s all you need to know about the four travel options on how to get from Phu Quoc to Ho Chi Minh City, compiled by Joytime. If time is a priority, flying is the best option. However, for those who want greater flexibility and a more budget-friendly choice, taking a bus, coach, or combining a motorbike with a ferry or speedboat will provide a unique experience.

For those wondering, how far is Phu Quoc from Ho Chi Minh? The distance is approximately 400 kilometers as the crow flies, but it varies depending on the mode of transport you choose. Once in Phu Quoc, travelers can use Joytime’s airport Shuttle Service, which makes it easy to travel to various destinations within the city. Additionally, we offer a Day Tour, allowing you to explore the island without worrying about transportation or scheduling. Contact Joytime through the details below for quick assistance!