Mui Ne from Ho Chi Minh City is a trip of about 200 km, with an average trip time of 2 – 2,5 hours depending on the mode of vehicle. Currently, you can choose travel by bus, limousine, train, private car, or motorbike, each choice ideal for different budgets and travel experiences. Let’s discover more in this article!
Overview of the route from Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne
The Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne route is now quite convenient thanks to the operational Dau Giay – Phan Thiet expressway. The total distance usually ranges from 198–220 km, depending on the starting point in Saigon and the accommodation area in Mui Ne or the center of Phan Thiet.
The fastest option is a private car, it covers the route in just over 2 hours. Buses, limousine vans, and sleeper buses offer a comfortable middle ground at around 3 – 3.5 hours, while the train takes approximately 4 hours. For the adventurous, a motorbike is an ideal option too, though it usually means 5 – 7 hours on the road.
Currently, the most popular transportation options for the Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne route include the following:
- Sleeper bus
- Limousine van
- Private car
- Train to Phan Thiet
- Motorbike for those who enjoy road trips
Most tourists will depart from District 1, Tan Son Nhat Airport, or the Bui Vien backpacker area. Popular destinations in Mui Ne are usually concentrated around:
- Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street
- Ham Tien Ward
- Mui Ne Fishing Village
- Hon Rom Beach
One common mistake for first-time visitors is that Phan Thiet train station is not located in the center of Mui Ne. After getting off the train, you will need to travel another 35-45 minutes by taxi or shuttle bus to come to the resort area in Ham Tien or Mui Ne Beach.
Regarding departure times, buses to Mui Ne from Ho Chi Minh run almost all day, from early morning to late night. If you want to save time on your stay, many people select overnight buses or limousines departing around 10 PM. Conversely, the time frame from 7 AM to 9 AM is more ideal if you want to enjoy the sea views, stop for food and drinks along the way, and come to Mui Ne during the day.
Bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne
Choosing to go by bus to Mui Ne from Ho Chi Minh remains the most ideal choice due to its suitable, numerous departure times, and ease of booking. Trip time is typically 3–4 hours, depending on conditions of traffic, bus type, and drop-off points in Mui Ne or Phan Thiet.
Ticket prices of buses to Mui Ne from Ho Chi Minh City currently range from about 190,000–450,000 VND per person. Regular seated buses are cheaper, while limousine sleeper buses or private cabin buses are notably more expensive.
Currently, travelers can choose from various types of buses, including:
- Standard seating bus
- Sleeper bus
- Limousine sleeper bus
- Cabin bus
If going on weekends or during peak tourist season in Mui Ne, you should book early, as preferred departure times sell out quickly, especially for night buses. Below are some with a good reputation bus companies operating to Mui Ne from Ho Chi Minh route that are popular with tourists:
| Bus providers | Hotline |
| Thien Kim Limousine | 1900 8259 |
| Minh Nghia | 0913 854 163 | 0913 854 173 | 0913 854 873 |
| Toan Khai | 0813 878 999 |
| Long Van Limousine | 1900 25 25 47 | 0983 389 779 |
| Nam Hai Limousine | 028 3925 5688 | 09 36 36 36 52 |
| Ben Thanh Travel | 19009211 |
Most buses will pick up passengers in District 1, Pham Ngu Lao, or near Tan Son Nhat Airport. Meanwhile, drop-off points are usually located along Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street or the Ham Tien area, which is quite convenient for getting to the resort.
Private car from Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne
Traveling to Mui Ne from Ho Chi Minh City by private car is ideal for those who want more control over their schedule and prioritize comfort. Compared to buses or trains, this option offers much more flexibility, especially if you’re traveling with family, young children, or a lot of luggage.
Renting a Car with a Driver/Taxi
Renting a private car with a driver is a convenient way to travel to Mui Ne from Ho Chi Minh City if you don’t want to drive yourself. Thanks to the Dau Giay – Phan Thiet expressway, the travel time is currently only about 2 – 2.5 hours under normal traffic conditions.
Many tourists now choose Xanh SM for long trips because the cars are quite new, run smoothly, and don’t have the smell of gasoline like traditional taxis. The one-way private car rental price usually ranges from 2,500,000–4,200,000 VND depending on the type of car and pick-up/drop-off points.
Besides taxis, you can also hire a charter vehicle if you are traveling with a large group. Vehicles ranging from 4-seater cars to limousines or 16–45-seater minibuses are quite popular for the route to Mui Ne from Ho Chi Minh City. Some companies chosen by many tourists include Bui Gia Travel, Hai Tuan Travel, and Long Van Travel.
The biggest advantage of a private car is that you can stop and rest flexibly along the way. Many people often stop at rest stops in Long Khanh or the coastal area of Phan Thiet to eat before going to Mui Ne.
Renting a car without a driver
If you enjoy road trips, driving yourself to Mui Ne from Ho Chi Minh City is a very interesting option, especially for those who are used to driving long distances in Vietnam. The route is now relatively easy to navigate thanks to the new expressway system, significantly reducing travel time compared to before.
The most popular route now is to follow the Dau Giay Expressway, then onto Phan Thiet – Dau Giay Expressway and then continue along CT01 to Mui Ne. Along the way, you can proactively stop at Ke Ga Cape, Bau Trang or seafood restaurants along the coast of Binh Thuan without being dependent on a fixed schedule.
Some popular self-drive car rental companies in Ho Chi Minh City include Sunhacars, DSG Company, and 39 Travel. To rent a car, you usually need your ID card or passport, a valid driver’s license, and a deposit depending on the type of vehicle.
However, if you are not used to driving long distances, or if your driving skills are weak and you have little experience on Vietnamese roads, then you should not drive at night. This is especially true on the routes leading to Phan Thiet and Mui Ne, where there are often many buses and container trucks speeding, particularly on weekends or during peak tourist season.
Train from Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne
Going by train to Mui Ne from Ho Chi Minh City is ideal for those who want a stable trip, are less prone to motion sickness, and enjoy the scenery along the way. Compared to buses, trains are generally more comfortable, especially if you are going during the day.
To get to Mui Ne by train, you will depart from Saigon Railway Station and arrive at Phan Thiet Railway Station. This railway line is approximately 185 km long, with an average travel time of about 4 hours.
Currently, the most popular train route from Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne is SPT2 with the following schedule:
| Train | Departure station | Departure time | Arrival station | Arrival time | Ticket price |
| SPT2 | Saigon Railway Station | 6:40 AM | Phan Thiet Railway Station | 10:28 AM | 172,000–250,000 VND |
Ticket prices depend on the seat type and booking time. Air-conditioned soft seats are often preferred by tourists due to their greater comfort for the approximately 4-hour travel. A regular misconception among first-time tourists is that the train doesn’t go directly to Mui Ne. After getting off at Phan Thiet Railway Station, you’ll still need to take a taxi or local bus to come to your resort area in Ham Tien or Mui Ne Beach.
In reality, the travel from Phan Thiet station to the Mui Ne tourist center usually takes about 35-45 minutes, depending on your hotel location. Therefore, if you have a lot of luggage or are going to travel in a group, a taxi will be a more convenient choice than a local bus.
Limousine van from Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne
If you want to travel quickly yet comfortably, limousine vans are a popular choice for many travelers on the Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne route. Compared to regular sleeper buses, limousines offer a quieter space, wider seats, and fewer stops along the way.
Currently, the travel time by limousine from Saigon to Mui Ne is usually around 3-4 hours thanks to the Dau Giay – Phan Thiet expressway. This is also why many people choose limousines over traditional trains or buses, especially for short weekend trips.
The limousine options available on the Mui Ne to Ho Chi Minh City route are quite diverse, including:
- 9-seater limousines
- 11-seater limousines
- Cabin limousines
- VIP sleeper limousines
Compared to sleeper buses, limousines generally bring a noiseless environment and fewer stops to pick up passengers along the way. Most are equipped with spacious, reclining seats, individual air conditioning, charging ports, and Wi-Fi, it’s ideal for short weekend travels.
Limousine ticket prices currently range from approximately 250,000–450,000 VND per person, depending on the company, seat type, and departure time. The buses run continuously from early morning to late night, making it quite easy to schedule. Some popular limousine companies for the Mui Ne from Ho Chi Minh route include the following:
- Di Chung
- Thinh Phat
- Long Van Limousine
- Nam Hai Limousine
If you want a comfortable stay and to save time at your hotel, you can choose a night limousine departing after 10 PM. Conversely, morning trips are more suitable if you want to arrive in Mui Ne during the day to check into your resort and start sightseeing immediately.
Motorbike from Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne
For those who enjoy road trips, a motorbike ride from Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne is a worthwhile experience. This route combines highways, national roads, and coastal sections, resulting in constantly changing scenery, which is especially beautiful when entering Binh Thuan province.
Coastal Route via Lagi and Ke Ga
This route is longer, about 240 km, but is chosen by many adventure travelers because of its beautiful coastal scenery and relatively easy driving. From Ho Chi Minh City, you head towards Binh Chau and Lagi, then continue past Mui Ke Ga before entering Phan Thiet and Mui Ne.
The interesting thing about this route is that there are many beautiful coastal sections, especially the Ke Ga Lighthouse area and the roads near Lagi. If you travel early in the morning or late in the afternoon, the sea views in this section are quite beautiful for stopping and taking photos.
However, a practical note is that some coastal sections have very few gas stations and shops, especially if traveling at night. Therefore, many people usually fill up their gas tank before entering the Binh Thuan area.
National Highway 1A Route
If you want a faster and easier route, most tourists will choose National Highway 1A. From Saigon, you follow National Highway 1A through Binh Thuan, then turn onto Suoi Cat Intersection to Phan Thiet, and then continue on Provincial Road 706 to Mui Ne. This route is shorter, about 210 km, and has many gas stations, restaurants, and rest stops along the way, making it more suitable for first-time travelers.
Currently, due to the new expressway system, many sections of the road to Mui Ne from Ho Chi Minh City are much easier to go than before. However, if you’re going by motorbike, you should not drive too late at night because container trucks and buses on National Highway 1A usually go at high speeds at night.
Cost of traveling to Mui Ne from Ho Chi Minh City
The cost of going from Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne is quite flexible, ranging from about 150,000 VND to over 2,000,000 VND, it depends on the mode of transport, booking time, and the type of service you use. For independent tourists, sleeper buses and trains are usually the most economical choices. Meanwhile, limousines or private cars are more ideal if comfort and privacy are prioritized.
Below are the common prices for the Mui Ne route from Ho Chi Minh City:
| Transportation | Price range | Travel time | Notes |
| Sleeper bus | 190,000–250,000 VND | 3 – 3.5 hours | Budget-friendly with frequent departures |
| Limousine / Cabin bus | 300,000–450,000 VND | 3 – 4 hours | More comfortable with fewer stops |
| Train (SPT2) | 172,000–250,000 VND | Around 4 hours | Stops at Phan Thiet Railway Station |
| Private car / Taxi | 2,500,000–4,200,000 VND | 2 – 2.5 hours | Private and door-to-door service |
| Motorbike | Around 150,000–300,000 VND for fuel | 5 – 7 hours | Ideal for road trip travelers |
If traveling by train from Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne, you should factor in the cost of a taxi or shuttle bus from Phan Thiet Railway Station to your resort in Ham Tien or Mui Ne Beach. This usually ranges from 200,000 – 400,000 VND depending on the distance and time of day.
Best way to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne
If you want a balance between time, cost, and comfort, limousine vans are currently the best option for the Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne route. Travel time is only about 3-4 hours thanks to the Dau Giay – Phan Thiet expressway, while the fare remains reasonable, around 300,000–450,000 VND per person.
Compared to sleeper buses, limousines are quieter and have fewer stops along the way. Meanwhile, compared to private cars, they are significantly more economical but still comfortable enough for a short trip to Mui Ne. If traveling with family or wanting complete privacy, a private car is still the most convenient option. For those looking to save money, sleeper buses would be more suitable.
What to expect when arriving in Mui Ne
After traveling to Mui Ne from Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll find the atmosphere quite different from Saigon. Mui Ne isn’t as bustling as Nha Trang or Da Nang; instead, it offers a more relaxed feel with beachfront resorts, fishing villages, and sunny, breezy roads.
Here are a few things you should know before visiting Mui Ne:
- Mui Ne is improved along a main road: Most resorts, restaurants, beach bars, and cafes can be found along Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, extending through Ham Tien to Mui Ne Beach. Therefore, selecting a hotel near this area will be more convenient for dining and transportation.
- The weather is usually sunny and quite windy: Mui Ne is well-known for its dry, hot, and sunny climate year-round. The period from November to April is usually the best time to go and also the peak season for activities such as kite surfing or jeep tours to discover the White Sand Dunes.
- Motorbikes are the most popular mode of transportation: Upon arrival, many travelers will rent motorbikes to discover Bau Trang, Red Sand Dunes, or Mui Ne Fishing Village on their own. Motorbike rental prices are currently quite affordable, suitable for short day trips.
- Ham Tien can sometimes be quite crowded and noisy: Although known as a peaceful beach town, the main roads in Ham Tien and Mui Ne currently have quite a lot of buses, limousines, and tourists, especially on weekends. Therefore, if you prefer a quieter environment, you should choose a resort located a little further from the center.
Traveling to Mui Ne from Ho Chi Minh City is now much more convenient thanks to the new highway system and diverse transportation options. Whether you want to save money with a sleeper bus, prioritize comfort with a limousine, or enjoy a coastal road trip, the Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne route is easy to arrange for both short weekend trips and longer vacations.
For a more convenient journey without too much planning, you can check out Lily’s Travel’s tours and travel services, which offer flexible itineraries to fully enjoy your trip to Mui Ne without spending a lot of time preparing.
