Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City flights

Direct Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City flights take 1 hour 30 minutes.

The cheapest tickets start from £69.

Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is 25.7km from the city centre and is the base for full-service carriers and Thai Vietjet Air. To get to Suvarnabhumi from Siam or other central spots, hop on the Airport Rail Link at Phaya Thai Station.

Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) is 24km from the centre and usually serves low-cost airlines. Reach the airport using the SRT Red Line or the A4 bus from Khao San Road.

Flights from Bangkok land at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN). To reach the Ho Chi Minh City centre, catch the 152 bus. It stops at De Tham Street in the Pham Ngu Lao district. The yellow 109 bus is another good option, offering a direct route to Ben Thanh Market with a bit more luggage space. Both buses leave from stands just outside the arrivals hall.

For a faster trip, use the official taxi ranks or a private hire car. If you take a taxi, check the driver has switched the meter on before you pull away. A trip to District 1 usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, though Saigon traffic is often heavy.

Entry requirements for Ho Chi Minh City

British citizens can visit Vietnam for up to 45 days without a visa for tourism or business. Your passport needs at least six months' validity from the day you arrive. For longer stays, apply for an e-visa via the official government portal before you fly.

Keep proof of onward travel, like a return flight booking, to show immigration officers if asked. Printing a copy of your e-visa can also save time at the border.

Once you land in Ho Chi Minh City, head straight to District 1. This central area contains the Municipal Theatre and the Ho Chi Minh City Museum, which both reflect the city's colonial era. Walk the wide boulevards to find Notre Dame Cathedral or spend time at the War Remnants Museum to understand the local history. For lunch, try the street food stalls in the Western Quarter. They serve authentic Vietnamese dishes just a few minutes from the main landmarks.