The distance from Saigon, former name of Ho Chi Minh City, to Da Lat is 310km. Depending on the starting location and the routes moving in each city, the space between two cities can vary by more or less 10km.
At present, you can choose to fly from Tan Son Nhat Airport to Lien Khuong Airport in Dalat and then move to the city center. The flight takes 55 minutes to fly. However, you need to note the waiting time at the airport before flying around 1.5 hours in advance.
Besides, you can jump on the shared buses with other tourists if you are okay with waiting and moving around. But, this transport can save you a lot of money.
Most of Vietnamdrive’s guests use a private car or a van with a professional to drive on the route from Ho Chi Minh to Dalat.
Here are different routes we often use to serve the customers, and possibly now you are.
One day to move from Saigon to Da Lat
- Starting point: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
- Main road: Highway 20
- Stops on the way: Bao Loc City and Pongour Waterfall
- Duration on average: 8 to 9 hours
For this road, you spend almost all your time on Highway 20. The transportation carries you to Bao Loc City (the second one in Lam Dong province, besides Dalat).
It’s time to stop for “happy house” (toilet 🙂 Lalala…) and have a cup of coffee. A few restaurants on the road selling local food offer small lunches for hungry stomachs.
Continue traveling to Pongour Waterfall and stop here for your exploration. This must-see destination has become one of the top waterfalls in Dalat. You may spend around 45 minutes before moving to your hotel in Dalat City.
On the Google map below, the distance is counted as 315km, which is different from the number on the top, 310 km. This is because you stop and move up and down to visit, meaning the distance can vary.
Another one is the time for driving, which is counted as 6 hours and 15 minutes on the map. This period comes based on normal traffic conditions and does not include a relaxing sightseeing stop, which differs from the time above up to 9 hours.
Thus, the travel duration to Dalat from Ho Chi Minh City is shown on average. To avoid being rushed, plan a day to cover this distance.
Two days to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Dalat
- Starting place: Hotel in Saigon
- Main roads: Highway 1 and 28B
- Stop on the way: Mui Ne
- Duration: 2 days 1 night
Transferring to Dalat from Ho Chi Minh can enrich your holidays by offering you time in Mui Ne, famous for its beautiful beaches and lovely sand dunes.
On the first day, you travel with the driver to Mui Ne from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and stop on the way or at Mui Ne to relax or taste coffee. If your hotel in Mui Ne is available to receive the rooms, check-in is welcome.
- Visit white and red dunes to find the beauty of sand.
- Taking pictures while walking here is a good activity besides sliding on the sand.
- Sliding game fixes for the young, so you may check if you can do it.
- Then, the fairy stream in the sand area can be a nice place to check.
For the second day, a romantic sunrise comes on dry days. You get up early enough for your optional activity of enjoying the dawn. Please do not waste your time; spend it on the beach resting to get vital energy from the ocean.
Around 9:30 am is time to start driving from Mui Ne to Da Lat City. The journey passes through mountains, forests, and passes.
You may check the route on Google Maps below:
Comparing the one-day journey with the 2-day trip to Da Lat City from Saigon shows that the distance for driving directly, non-stop, is similar.
- A one-day journey has the advantage of allowing you to travel to Da Lat City within a day and see the lovely Pongour Waterfall.
- A 2-day trip allows you to visit one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam. You are also getting experience on the sand for better feelings.
The best way to select your route to transport to Da Lat from hotels or the airport in Ho Chi Minh depends on your choice. Based on our suggestions and adding your time and budget, we will give you perfect hints for your excursion.
FAQ about these routes:
1. Is there a train from Saigon directly to Da Lat?
No, there isn’t. Although old trains still run within the Da Lat City area, there are no railways connecting it with Saigon City. Thus, the best choice is a private car or flight.
2. Can I travel to Da Lat and back to Ho Chi Minh within a day?
No, you cannot. Driving directly from the HCMC center to Da Lat without stops takes you more than a half day. No more chances come to explore Da Lat’s beauty. A 2-days-1-night or 3-days-2-night trip to this mountainous city gets a better plan.
If you want more details about traveling to this city, please tell us! We are here to support you.
