Complete Ho Chi Minh City to Krabi Travel Guide: Transportation, Routes & Tips

There are two main ways to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Krabi: by flight or by overland route. Flying is the fastest and most convenient, with connections through Bangkok, Singapore, or Kuala Lumpur taking 5.5 to 7.5 hours. The overland option, though much longer, allows more sightseeing stops.

While flights are strongly recommended for comfort and efficiency, overland travel by bus or car through Cambodia and Thailand offers a different experience. It takes more than 23 hours and covers over 1,600 km, but it can be appealing if you want a slower journey with cultural stops in Phnom Penh and smaller towns along the way.

This guide will help you compare both options with practical tips, travel times, and cost details so you can choose the route that best matches your style.

How far is it from Ho Chi Minh City to Krabi? Distance & Best Way to Get

Krabi is around 900 km to the southwest of Ho Chi Minh City, but there are no direct flights connecting the two cities. Flying between them requires a stopover in a nearby travel hub like Singapore, Bangkok, or Kuala Lumpur. The journey usually takes 5.5 to 7.5 hours. Flying is the most efficient way to travel to Thailand and Vietnam, getting you there quickly so you can spend more time on the beach.

The overland route from Ho Chi Minh City to Krabi is a grand arc across Southeast Asia. It stretches over 1,600 km through Cambodia and around the Gulf of Thailand. It takes around 23.5 hours of driving, and you can plan a custom Southeast Asia tour to enjoy the sites along the way.

You can also combine overland travel with flights to enjoy some of the scenic views while saving some time. Overland from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok takes about half the time, and then you can board a flight from there to get to Krabi.

The map of ways from Ho Chi Minh City to Krabi.

Stopover Flight from Ho Chi Minh to Krabi via Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore

There are no direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Krabi, so you have to take a connecting flight through a nearby travel hub. One of the fastest routes is operated by Thai AirAsia, connecting through Bangkok. The morning flight takes 5h 25m including stopover, and tickets start from 105 USD. For travelers who may first take a Thailand to Vietnam flight, this route offers convenient onward connections.

The budget airline Scoot offers the cheapest flight. It connects through Singapore, taking 7h 20m, and costs 78 USD. Vietnam Airlines also offers a flight via Bangkok. It takes 8h 10m, and costs 257 USD.

The best way to find good flight deals is to start looking 1-2 months in advance. Set up price alerts so you can take advantage of any deals. Mid-week flights tend to be less expensive than flying on the weekend, and if you travel to Thailand during the shoulder season, you can save some money while still enjoying nice weather.

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Overland from Ho Chi Minh to Krabi: Long & Complex

Traveling overland from Ho Chi Minh City to Krabi is not simple, but it is an immersive journey through beautiful countryside. The most direct overland route starts by traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to the Moc Bai-Bavet border crossing. From there, it’s a 6-hour drive to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, and the first major stop.

Cambodia to Bangkok is a 12.5-hour drive, not including the time to pass through immigration at the Poipet–Aranyaprathet border crossing. The final stretch is 10.5 hours down the length of Thailand to arrive in Krabi.

Many travelers can enter Thailand visa-free, but you will need to arrange a visa to travel through Cambodia. Cambodia has a visa on arrival available, but arranging an e-visa in advance will help you pass through immigration more smoothly. The e-visa can be arranged online before traveling, and will save you from waiting in long immigration lines at the Moc Bai-Bavet border.

The overland route is not a good choice if you are short on time. Traffic, immigration, and weather can all affect travel times, adding some unpredictability to travel times. It is, however, the best way for an authentic and up-close experience of the breathtaking landscapes of Southeast Asia.

The bus journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Krabi allows travelers to enjoy beautiful scenery along the way.

November to April: Best Time to Travel from Ho Chi Minh to Krabi

Ho Chi Minh City and Krabi have a tropical climate with dry and rainy seasons. The dry season from November to April is the best time to visit Thailand and Vietnam to enjoy great outdoor weather. In the dry season, cooler temperatures and sunny skies are perfect for exploring city streets or lounging on the beach.

For most travelers, it’s best to avoid the rainy season. From May to October, rain can be frequent and heavy. It’s the cheapest time to travel, but travel plans can be disrupted by the weather.

The peak of the peak season can also be better avoided. Both Thailand and Vietnam get very busy during the holiday period around Christmas and New Year's. Prices are highest during this time, and popular attractions and beaches can be packed.

Visiting Vietnam and Thailand during festival times is a good way to experience local culture. Songkran, Thai New Year, is the biggest celebration in the country. It takes place in April, and big parties are held all over the country. Vietnamese New Year, known as Tet, falls in January or February. Ho Chi Minh City celebrates with festive decorations and fireworks.

Songkran, the Thai New Year, is the country’s biggest and most exciting festival.

Planning a Tour from Ho Chi Minh City to Krabi via Bangkok

An 8-day itinerary visiting Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, and Krabi is a popular route with a leisurely pace to enjoy the highlights. It’s a great choice for first-time travelers to plan a Thailand and Vietnam trip, wanting to see the top attractions.

In Ho Chi Minh City, you can explore the city, seeing the colonial architecture of places like the Old Saigon Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral. Visit sites preserving the history of the Vietnam War, like the Cu Chi Tunnels and Reunification Palace.

Bangkok is an exciting city that blends modern and traditional culture. Wander through night markets and eat at rooftop restaurants for amazing cuisine. See Thai history and culture at the Grand Palace and temples like Wat Arun.

In Krabi, you must visit the stunning beaches. Ao Nang has a long stretch of pristine white sand and bustling markets where you can enjoy local seafood. Emerald Pool and Blue Pool are natural springs located in Thunh Teao Forest Natural Park. You can also climb the 1,260 steps to Tiger Cave Temple and see golden Buddha statues with stunning panoramic views.

Ao Nang in Krabi is famous for its long stretch of soft white sand.

A longer trip is ideal for families or couples who want to take their time traveling. A 12-14-day itinerary lets you add a stop in Hanoi. Vietnam’s capital is a laid-back city with amazing cultural sites like the Temple of Literature and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

Extra time in Ho Chi Minh City means you can cruise the Mekong Delta. Take a cruise down the river to see scenes of rural life and visit the floating markets of Can Tho.

From Krabi, you can take a boat tour of the nearby Phi Phi Islands. Speedboat tours take you to see the breathtaking scenery of the islands, including sights like the emerald waters of Pileh Lagoon. Arrive early to avoid the crowds and have a serene experience at Monkey Beach or Viking Cave.

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Practical Tips for a Smooth Thailand and Vietnam Tour

- Citizens of 93 countries can travel to Thailand visa-free. Check visa application for Thailand and Vietnam tours.
- Vietnam and Thailand have convenient e-visa systems to let you arrange your travel documents in advance.
- You will need some cash in local currency in Vietnam and Thailand. Only exchange a small amount at the airports, you’ll get better rates at banks or exchange counters in the cities.
- Make sure to bring mosquito and sun protection. Sunblock is essential whenever you’re outdoors, and insect repellent with DEET will keep the bugs away.
- Arrange travel insurance before you travel. It will cover you in case of emergencies or travel delays.

Conclusion

The popular Ho Chi Minh City to Krabi route is an amazing way to experience some of the best sites of Southeast Asia. Flights connecting through nearby travel hubs are the easiest way to travel, or go on an overland adventure through Cambodia to experience the stunning landscapes of the region. One to two-week Thailand and Vietnam tour itineraries give you a relaxed experience with time to explore other cities like Bangkok and Hanoi. Contact us to put together a personalized travel plan. Experience the best of Vietnam and Thailand while we take care of all the details so you can have a smooth and unforgettable trip.