Are you planning a trip to the stunning sand dunes but want to skip the tiring road traffic? Taking the train from Ho Chi Minh to Mui Ne is one of the most scenic and relaxing ways to travel. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Ho Chi Minh to Mui Ne train route – from checking the latest schedules and ticket prices to tips on booking the best seats.
Is there a direct train from Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne
When you start planning your coastal getaway, the first question is usually: Is there a direct train from Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne?
The answer is no, there isn’t a train station right in the center of Mui Ne beach. However, don’t let that stop you! The train from Ho Chi Minh to Mui Ne actually drops you off at Phan Thiet Station, which is the nearest gateway to the famous sand dunes.
Phan Thiet Station is located about 30 kilometers away from the Mui Ne. Once you hop off the Ho Chi Minh to Mui Ne train, you can easily catch a quick 20 minute taxi or a local bus to reach your hotel.
Many travelers prefer this route over the bus because it’s much more spacious and avoids the unpredictable traffic on the highway. Even though it’s not door-to-door, taking the train remains the most comfortable and scenic way to start your beach vacation.
Train route from Ho Chi Minh City to Phan Thiet
The train from Ho Chi Minh to Mui Ne follows one of the most popular railway branches in Southern Vietnam. This route connects the bustling city center of Saigon to the peaceful coast of Phan Thiet.
Your trip begins at Saigon Railway Station (Ga Sài Gòn), located in District 3. Unlike the bus stations which are often far from the center, the train station is very easy to reach. You should aim to arrive about 30 – 60 minutes before departure to check your tickets and find your platform.
As the Ho Chi Minh to Mui Ne train leaves the city, the skyscrapers quickly disappear, replaced by the lush green scenery of the Vietnamese countryside. You will travel through the outskirts of Dong Nai province, passing by local fruit farms and quiet villages.
As you get closer to the coast, you’ll see the famous dragon fruit orchards. If you travel during the evening or early morning, these farms are lit up with thousands of light bulbs, looking like a field of stars.
After a journey of about 190 kilometers, the train ends directly at Phan Thiet Railway Station. This is a dedicated station mostly used for tourists heading to the beach.
Ho Chi Minh City to Phan Thiet train schedule
When planning your trip to the beach, timing is everything. The Ho Chi Minh to Mui Ne train schedule is designed to be very convenient for tourists, usually offering a morning departure that gets you to the coast just in time for hotel check-in.
The most popular train for this route is the SPT2, which is a dedicated tourist-friendly train running from Saigon to Phan Thiet.
Current train timetable (daily):
- Departure (Saigon Station): 06:45 AM
- Arrival (Phan Thiet Station): 10:40 AM
- Total Duration: Approximately 3 hours and 55 minutes.
On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, the railway company often adds extra trains (such as the SPT4) to accommodate the higher demand from weekend travelers. These extra trains usually depart in the early afternoon.
SPT4 (Afternoon/Peak train):
- Departure (Saigon Station): 08:00 AM
- Arrival (Phan Thiet Station): 11:55 AM
If you are planning your trip back, the return train (SPT1) typically leaves Phan Thiet around 1:00 PM and arrives back in Ho Chi Minh City at approximately 5:00 PM.
Because schedules can occasionally change due to holidays or maintenance, it is always a good idea to check the live board at the station or a booking app a day before your trip.
Train timetable summary:
| Train No. | Route | Departure | Arrival | Duration |
| SPT2 | Saigon → Phan Thiet | 06:45 AM | 10:40 AM | 3h 55m |
| SPT4 | Saigon → Phan Thiet | 08:00 AM | 11:55 AM | 3h 55m |
| SPT1 | Phan Thiet → Saigon | 01:00 PM | 05:00 PM | 4h 00m |
Ho Chi Minh City to Phan Thiet train travel time
When choosing the train from Ho Chi Minh to Mui Ne, one of the biggest advantages is the predictable timing. Unlike traveling by car or bus, where a traffic jam can add hours to your trip, the railway follows a very steady schedule.
On average, the Ho Chi Minh to Mui Ne train takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes to 4 hours to reach Phan Thiet Station.
The Morning Express (SPT2): This is the most popular tourist train. It usually departs early in the morning and is quite fast, taking just under 4 hours. It is designed specifically to get travelers to the coast in time for lunch.
Sometimes, if you book a seat on the North-South Reunification express (which stops at Binh Thuan station instead of Phan Thiet), the time might differ by 15 – 20 minutes depending on the number of stops.
Train ticket prices from Ho Chi Minh City to Phan Thiet
One of the best things about choosing the train from Ho Chi Minh to Mui Ne is that it is very affordable, the ticket prices are quite reasonable compared to private taxis. Generally, the prices for the Ho Chi Minh to Mui Ne train (SPT2 or SPT4) range from 170,000 VND to 300,000 VND ($7 – $12 USD) per person, depending on the type of seat you choose.
Common ticket classes & prices
- Air-conditioned soft seat: This is the most popular choice. The seats are padded, recline comfortably, and the carriage is cool. Price: ~180,000 VND – 210,000 VND.
- 4 berth sleeper cabin: If you want to lie down and relax completely, you can book a bed in a 4 person cabin. Price: ~250,000 VND – 300,000 VND.
- Hard seat: This is the cheapest option, but it is not recommended for a 4-hour journey as it can be quite tiring. Price: ~170,000 VND.
Factors that affect the price:
- Weekends: Tickets on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays are usually 10% higher than on weekdays because many locals travel from the city to the beach for the weekend.
- Holidays: During major Vietnamese holidays (like Tet or Independence Day), prices can rise significantly, and tickets sell out weeks in advance.
- Booking in advance: If you book your train from Ho Chi Minh to Mui Ne early through the official website or an app, you might find small discounts or ensure you get the best seat near the window.
Children under 6 years old usually travel for free if they share a seat with an adult and children from 6 to 10 years old get a 25% discount on the ticket price!
How to book a train ticket from Ho Chi Minh City to Phan Thiet
Booking a train from Ho Chi Minh to Mui Ne is straightforward, but there are a few tips that will make the process much smoother, especially if you want to avoid long queues or technical glitches.
1. Book online via the official website
The official website of Vietnam Railways is dsvn.vn
- Pros: You get the original price without any service fees.
- Cons: The website can be a bit glitchy, and many international credit cards (especially from India) are often declined by the local payment gateway.
2. Use third-party apps (Best for international tourists)
Platforms like 12Go Asia or Baolau are popular for travelers. They have a better English interface and accept most international cards, though they do charge a small convenience fee.
3. Buy directly at Saigon Station
If you are already in District 3, you can walk into Saigon Railway Station (1 Nguyen Thong, Ward 9, District 3) and buy tickets at the counter. However, popular trains like the SPT2 often sell out, especially on weekends, so showing up at the last minute is risky.
Train vs bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne
When deciding how to get to the beach, the debate usually comes down to: Train vs bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne. While both will get you there, the experience is quite different. Here is a quick breakdown to help you choose the best ride for your trip:
1. Comfort and space
Choosing between train and bus can change how you feel. Here is how the two options compare in terms of personal space:
- Train: The train from Ho Chi Minh to Mui Ne (Phan Thiet) offers much more breathing room. You can stand up, walk to the canteen carriage for a snack, and enjoy large windows with panoramic views. The seats are wider and there is plenty of legroom.
- Bus: Most buses on this route are sleeper buses with bunk beds. While they allow you to lie down, the space is quite narrow. If you are taller than 175cm, you might find it a bit cramped.
2. Safety and reliability
If you want to arrive on time and feel relaxed, you should consider how each vehicle handles the busy Vietnamese roads.
- Train: This is arguably the safest way to travel in Vietnam. The Ho Chi Minh to Mui Ne train follows a fixed track, avoiding the chaotic highway traffic. It is also very punctual – rain or shine, the train usually arrives right on time.
- Bus: Buses are subject to traffic jams, especially when exiting Ho Chi Minh City or during holiday weekends. A 3 hour trip can easily turn into 5 hours if the road is busy.
3. Scenery
What you see out the window can make your trip much more enjoyable. The two routes offer very different views:
- Train: The railway cuts through beautiful dragon fruit orchards and rural villages that you simply cannot see from the main highway. It’s peaceful.
- Bus: You’ll mostly be looking at concrete highways, industrial zones and other trucks.
4. Convenience
Lastly, think about the drop-off location. Each transport type stops in a different area, which can affect how you get to your final stay:
- Bus: Many buses can drop you off directly at your resort gate in Mui Ne.
- Train: The train stops at Phan Thiet Station, which is about 20 minutes away from the Mui Ne beach strip. You will need a short taxi ride to reach your hotel.
Read more: Bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne: All you need to know
Tips for traveling by train from Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne
To make your journey on the train from Ho Chi Minh to Mui Ne as smooth as possible, here are some practical tips that only locals and frequent travelers know. Following these will help you avoid small headaches and just focus on the view. Tips for traveling by train from Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne:
1. Pick the right side for the view
If you are taking the morning SPT2 train, try to request a seat on the left side of the carriage. This side usually offers the best views of the countryside and the sprawling dragon fruit farms as you approach Phan Thiet.
2. Pack some snacks
While there is a canteen carriage on the Ho Chi Minh to Mui Ne train serving coffee, instant noodles and snacks, it’s always a good idea to bring some of your favorite treats. However, trying a Vietnamese iced coffee (Ca phe sua da) while watching the world go by from a train window is a must do experience.
3. Keep your electronics charged
Modern carriages on the train from Ho Chi Minh to Mui Ne usually have power outlets under the armrests or near the windows. Keep your charger handy so you can keep your camera ready for the sand dunes and beaches.
We know that for international travelers, planning a trip in a foreign country can be a real struggle. Between struggling with local booking websites that don’t accept international cards, choosing a hotel that looks nothing like the photos or worrying about the language barrier at the station, the stress can take away from the fun.
That is where Lily’s Travel comes in. If you find the logistics a bit overwhelming, Lily’s Travel offers a complete A-Z support service to ensure your trip is 100% stress-free. Lily’s Travel secures your train tickets (the best seats) and sends them straight to your phone.
