Bangkok to Saigon
Complete transport guide covering direct flights, overland routes via Cambodia, and the option to turn the connection into a multi-country adventure
Bangkok to Saigon is one of Southeast Asia's most popular city-to-city connections, linking Thailand's temple-studded capital with Vietnam's electric southern metropolis. A direct flight covers the distance in just 1.5 hours, but adventurous travelers can also go overland through Cambodia — turning a simple transfer into a multi-country journey through Phnom Penh and even Angkor Wat. Here is everything you need to know to plan your route.
Quick Comparison
| Route | Time | Cost | Comfort | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Flight | 1.5 hours | 1,500,000 - 4,000,000₫ | High | Most travelers |
| Overland via Cambodia | 12-14 hours | 600,000 - 1,200,000₫ | Medium | Adventurous travelers |
| Combined Cambodia Trip | 4-7 days | 3,000,000 - 8,000,000₫ | High | Those with time |
3 Ways to Get from Bangkok to Saigon
Direct Flight
1 hour 30 minutes1,500,000 - 4,000,000₫AirAsia, VietJet Air, Thai Airways, Vietnam Airlines
Direct flights between Bangkok and Saigon are the fastest and most convenient option. Multiple airlines operate this popular Southeast Asian route with several daily departures. Flights depart from both Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK, full-service carriers) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK, budget carriers like AirAsia). In Saigon, all flights arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), which is just 30-40 minutes from District 1 by Grab.
Pros
- +Fastest option at just 1.5 hours — by far the most time-efficient way to travel
- +Multiple daily flights on 4+ carriers give excellent schedule flexibility
- +Budget fares start from 1,500,000₫ ($60 USD) on AirAsia and VietJet when booked in advance
- +Arrives at Tan Son Nhat Airport, just 30-40 minutes from central Saigon by Grab
Cons
- -Airport transfers at both ends add 1-2 hours total (Bangkok is notorious for airport traffic)
- -Budget carrier fares exclude luggage — add 200,000-500,000₫ per checked bag
- -Peak season fares (December-January, Tet) can reach 4,000,000-6,000,000₫
- -Check which Bangkok airport your flight uses — Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang are far apart
Overland via Phnom Penh
12-14 hours (2 segments)600,000 - 1,200,000₫ totalGiant Ibis, Mekong Express, The Sinh Tourist, various local operators
The overland route passes through Cambodia, making it a journey rather than just a transfer. Take a bus or fly from Bangkok to Phnom Penh (Cambodia), then a bus from Phnom Penh to Saigon. The Bangkok to Phnom Penh leg takes 10-12 hours by bus or 1 hour by flight. The Phnom Penh to Saigon leg takes 6-7 hours by bus. This route is best suited for travelers who want to include Cambodia in their itinerary.
Pros
- +Turns the journey into a multi-country Southeast Asian adventure through Cambodia
- +Opportunity to spend 1-3 days in Phnom Penh (Royal Palace, Killing Fields, riverside)
- +Can extend to include Siem Reap and Angkor Wat — one of the world's greatest sights
- +Giant Ibis and Mekong Express buses from Phnom Penh to Saigon are comfortable and reliable
Cons
- -Total overland journey takes 12-14 hours minimum without stops (usually spread over 2+ days)
- -Requires a Cambodia visa — available on arrival ($30 USD) or as an e-visa
- -Thai-Cambodia border crossing at Poipet/Aranyaprathet can be slow and chaotic
- -Multiple vehicle changes and border formalities make it logistically complex
Combined Cambodia Trip
4-7 days (including stops)3,000,000 - 8,000,000₫ totalVarious airlines and bus operators
Rather than treating the Bangkok-Saigon connection as a simple transfer, many travelers turn it into a multi-destination trip through Cambodia. The classic route is Bangkok → Siem Reap (Angkor Wat, 2-3 days) → Phnom Penh (1-2 days) → Saigon. This adds 4-7 days to your trip but includes two of Southeast Asia's most important destinations. Flights between these cities are short and affordable.
Pros
- +Includes Angkor Wat — one of the world's most spectacular archaeological sites
- +Phnom Penh's Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and Tuol Sleng Museum are deeply powerful
- +Short flights between Bangkok, Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and Saigon (all under 2 hours)
- +Creates an epic Southeast Asian three-country itinerary that covers incredible ground
Cons
- -Adds 4-7 days to your overall trip — requires more time and budget
- -Cambodia visa required ($30 USD on arrival or e-visa)
- -Multiple flights add up in cost even with budget carriers
- -Requires more planning and flexibility in your itinerary
Visa Considerations
Vietnam Visa
Most nationalities need a visa for Vietnam. The e-visa ($25 USD, 90-day validity) is available for 80+ nationalities at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn — apply at least 3 working days before travel. Several nationalities including UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Japan, and South Korea enjoy 45-day visa-free entry. Always check current requirements for your nationality as policies change frequently.
Cambodia Visa (If Transiting)
If you are traveling overland via Cambodia, you need a Cambodia tourist visa. This is available on arrival at airports and land borders for $30 USD (bring a passport photo). Alternatively, apply for an e-visa at evisa.gov.kh ($36 USD including processing fee) to skip the queue. The Cambodia visa allows a 30-day stay — more than enough for a transit with stops in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
Border Crossings
The Phnom Penh to Saigon bus crosses at the Moc Bai/Bavet border — this is a straightforward, well-organized crossing. Giant Ibis buses handle it efficiently with minimal waiting. The Thailand-Cambodia border at Aranyaprathet/Poipet is more chaotic — beware of unofficial "helpers" charging fees. Cross early in the morning for shorter queues. Have your visas arranged in advance when possible.
Currency Tips
Thailand uses Thai Baht (THB), Cambodia uses US Dollars and Cambodian Riel (KHR), and Vietnam uses Vietnamese Dong (VND). ATMs are widely available in all three countries. Cambodia is unique in accepting US Dollars almost everywhere — carry small USD bills for convenience. Exchange currency at official exchange counters, not at borders where rates are poor. Grab works in all three countries for transparent transport pricing.
Our Recommendation
Direct Flight
For most travelers, a direct flight is the obvious choice. At 1.5 hours and from 1,500,000d, it is fast, affordable, and lets you maximize time in both cities. Book AirAsia from Don Mueang for the cheapest fares or Vietnam Airlines from Suvarnabhumi for included luggage and comfort. Compare fares on Google Flights.
Via Cambodia
If you have 4-7 extra days, routing through Cambodia transforms a simple transfer into an epic three-country journey. Fly Bangkok to Siem Reap (Angkor Wat), bus to Phnom Penh, bus to Saigon. This is one of Southeast Asia's best backpacker routes and includes some of the region's most powerful cultural sites.
AirAsia Flash Sale
AirAsia regularly offers flash sales with Bangkok-Saigon fares below 1,000,000d ($40 USD). Follow AirAsia on social media and enable app notifications for sale alerts. These fares are hand-luggage only but unbeatable on price. Even at full price, budget flights are cheaper than the overland bus route when you factor in Cambodia visa costs and accommodation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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