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

Direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Phuket are the fastest and cheapest way to travel. The journey takes just over two hours, while overland routes through Cambodia offer a longer but more scenic adventure for travelers who want to explore more of Southeast Asia.

The best time to travel between Ho Chi Minh City and Phuket is from November to April. During these months, both places enjoy dry weather, clear skies, and warm temperatures, perfect for sightseeing, cultural experiences, and relaxing on Phuket’s stunning beaches.

This guide also shares itineraries, visa tips, and budget advice for a smooth trip. Keep reading to find out how to plan your journey, whether you want history and culture in Vietnam or world-famous beaches in Thailand.

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

Flying is the easiest and most recommended way to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Phuket. Phuket is around 1000 km west of Ho Chi Minh. The flight passes over the Gulf of Thailand to reach Phuket on the coast of the Andaman Sea. It takes 2h 5m, with a non-stop flight available daily. The direct flight is also the cheaper option. Connecting flights taking 4-6 hours flying via Bangkok are also available, but cost a little more.

Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Phuket overland is possible if you’re looking for a scenic Thailand and Vietnam tour. The overland route stretches for over 1700 km, passing through Cambodia and looping around the Gulf of Thailand. It’s a considerable investment of time, taking 24-33 hours by private car or bus.

Ho Chi Minh City to Phuket Travel Routes:

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

Direct Flight from Ho Chi Minh to Phuket: Fastest and Most Convenient

A single direct Thailand to Vietnam flight route from Ho Chi Minh City to Phuket is operated by VietJet Air. It departs every day at 8:50 am, arriving 2 hours and 5 minutes later at Phuket International Airport. The direct flight is the cheapest flight option with tickets starting at 64 USD.

Flights with a stopover in Bangkok are also available. Thai AirAsia has morning and afternoon flights with a stopover at Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok. Vietnam Airlines also offers flights to Phuket via Bangkok at a high price. Connecting flights take 4-6 hours, including a stopover, with tickets costing between $ 108 and $ 250 USD.

Ho Chi Minh City to Phuket Flights Schedule:

You can find cheaper tickets by booking your flight 1-2 months in advance. Start looking early and set up price alerts to take advantage of any deals that come up. Mid-week flights also tend to be less expensive than flying over the weekend. Seasonal pricing makes peak season travel more expensive, but you can find good prices in the shoulder season while the weather is still nice.

December is one of the best months to admire the stunning scenery of Phuket.

Overland from Ho Chi Minh to Phuket: Scenic Route via Cambodia

The overland route is much longer than flying, and usually more expensive. However, if you have the time for slower travel in Southeast Asia, traveling overland is a great way to see incredible scenery as the route winds across Cambodia and down through Thailand to Phuket.

The most popular overland route is via Phnom Penh and Bangkok. From Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll set out for the Moc Bai–Bavet border crossing. After passing through immigration, continue on to Phnom Penh, arriving around 6 hours later. Phnom Penh to Bangkok is a long stretch, taking 12.5 hours, and crossing into Thailand at the Poipet–Aranyaprathet border point. It’s another 12 hours to Phuket on a route that travels down the length of the country.

You will need to arrange a visa for Cambodia to take the overland route. A visa-on-arrival is available for many travelers, but lines and processing at the Moc Bai-Bavet border crossing can often be long. Cambodia’s e-visa system is the better option. You can arrange your visa online in advance and pass quickly through immigration to continue on the journey.

Overland travel in Southeast Asia is slow, and you’ll need to be flexible. Weather, traffic, and border crossings from Vietnam to Thailand can sometimes be unpredictable, so don’t travel overland if you’re on a tight schedule. Choosing a private car is the most comfortable option. Modern buses have good amenities such as Wi-Fi and air conditioning, but a private car gives you the flexibility to stop when and where you want, plus extra space to spread out.

Traveling from Vietnam to Thailand by private car is a flexible option for overland trips.

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

Ho Chi Minh City and Phuket have very similar climates, with a cool dry season followed by a hot rainy period. November to April is the best time to travel to Thailand and Vietnam. The days are warm with temperatures peaking in the low 30s for comfortable outdoor conditions. The dry season has very little rain. You can enjoy day after day of clear, blue skies while you explore city streets or relax on the beach.

The rainy season is best avoided. From May to October, both cities experience frequent, heavy rain. Storms can be unpredictable, often disrupting travel plans. Temperatures reach their highest point during this season. Combined with the high humidity, staying outdoors can be uncomfortable.

If you want a special cultural experience, travel during the regional New Year’s celebrations for a lively experience. Tet, the Vietnamese New Year, usually falls in late January or early February. Ho Chi Minh City comes alive with flowers, decorations, and events, and families get together to spend the holidays. The Thai New Year, known as Songkran, takes place in April. It is the biggest celebration in the country, and Phuket turns into a big water fight with other cultural events and celebrations taking place as well.

Visiting during the Vietnamese New Year offers a unique cultural celebration.

Suggested Ho Chi Minh to Phuket Tour: 7-14 Days Are the Best

One to two weeks is a great length for a Ho Chi Minh City to Phuket tour. Seven days is enough time to see the top sites. In Ho Chi Minh City, explore the colonial architecture of the Old Saigon Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral. You can learn more about the history of the Vietnam War. The Cu Chi Tunnels preserve the underground network used by guerrilla fighters, and Independence Palace stands as a symbol of national unity with exhibits and historical artifacts for history lovers.

Phuket’s world-famous beaches are its biggest attractions. Spend your days relaxing on Patong, Kata, and Karon Beaches or enjoying exciting water activities like snorkeling or parasailing. You can explore Old Phuket Town and visit Big Buddha and the temple Wat Chalong, and experience the area’s culture. A trip here also offers a chance to discover some of the most stunning beaches in Thailand, making it perfect for both relaxation and adventure.

A seven-day tour can start in Ho Chi Minh City with free time to explore and try the delicious street food. Then, take a full-day tour of famous buildings and historical sites. Fly to Bangkok to discover Thailand’s vibrant capital. You’ll see places like the Grand Palace and temples like Wat Arun, and be able to try the city’s famous cuisine. Finally, end your Thailand tour with a relaxing few days in Phuket. Lounge on the beaches or split your time visiting the Old Town and cultural sites.

If you have longer, 10-14 days is enough; add other great destinations. Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, is a great city to learn about Vietnamese culture. In 2-3 days, you can explore the winding streets of the Old Quarter and sample local street food, and visit cultural sites like the Temple of Literature and One Pillar Pagoda. From Phuket, you can take a boat trip to the Phi Phi Islands. They are a place of extraordinary natural beauty. Explore the underwater world while snorkeling or hike to epic viewpoints atop limestone cliffs.

14 Days Best of Thailand and Vietnam Tour

Bangkok – Chiang Rai – Golden Triangle – Chiang Rai – Chiang Mai – Hanoi – Halong Bay – Hanoi – Da Nang – Hoi An – Da Nang - Saigon

Practical Tips for a Smooth Thailand and Vietnam Tour

- Thailand is visa-free for citizens of 93 countries and territories. Check if you are eligible before traveling.
- Citizens of some countries can enjoy visa-free travel to Vietnam. If you need a visa to Thailand and Vietnam, the convenient e-visa system makes it easy to apply in advance.
- If you are transiting through Cambodia, apply for an e-visa ahead of time. It will let you skip the long lines for a visa on arrival.
- You will need some money in local currency in Thailand and Vietnam. Only exchange a small amount at the airport, you’ll find better rates at banks and exchange counters in the cities.
- Mosquito and sun protection are essential in tropical climates. Bring a mosquito repellent with DEET and wear sunscreen while outdoors.
- Arrange travel insurance before you go. Insurance can cover you in case of an emergency and travel delays.

16 Days Vietnam and Thailand Highlights Tour Package

Hanoi - Halong Bay – Hoi An - Saigon – Bangkok – Chiang Mai - Phuket

Conclusion

Travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Phuket as part of your Vietnam and Thailand tour. In these two destinations, you’ll be able to experience the rich culture, history, and natural beauty of the region. Direct flights are the easiest and cheapest way to travel between the two cities, or take the long overland adventure for deep immersion. One to two-week itineraries will give you enough time to experience the best highlights of Vietnam and Thailand, or contact us to plan a personalized itinerary. With local offices in each country and professional travel consultants, we can help put together a dream itinerary for a Southeast Asia tour you’ll never forget.