Discover the true cost of flying versus driving from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi for Tet. Learn savings, travel time and tips – decide your best route today!
Each Lunar New Year (Tet) sees a surge of long‑distance travel across Vietnam. For families in Ho Chi Minh City, the traditional choice has been a quick flight to the north, but an increasing number are opting to hit the road in their own cars. Which option really saves money and time? Below is a detailed cost comparison for a typical three‑person family (two adults and one child) traveling from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi.
Airfare: What You Pay for a Ticket
During Tet, a round‑trip ticket on the Ho Chi Minh‑Hanoi corridor usually ranges from VND 7‑8 million per person. For three passengers, that adds up to VND 21‑24 million in airfare alone.
Additional ground transport to and from the airports must also be considered. In Ho Chi Minh, a shuttle or taxi to Tan Son Nhat Airport costs about VND 200,000 per trip. In Hanoi, traveling from Noi Bai Airport to the city centre can exceed VND 250,000 per trip.
Driving: Fuel, Tolls, and Overnight Stays
For families who already own a vehicle, driving can shave off roughly VND 10‑20 million compared with the cost of renting a car for the journey.
Fuel: A typical midsize car consumes about 9‑10 L per 100 km. The 1,725‑km stretch between the two cities therefore requires roughly 150 L of gasoline. At the current RON 95 price of VND 18,800 per litre, fuel expenses total around VND 2.8 million.
Tolls: The north‑south expressway comprises 6‑8 toll sections. For a 5‑7‑seat family car, each toll costs between VND 100,000 and VND 250,000. The whole route typically costs VND 1.2‑1.5 million. If you choose mountain‑pass tunnels (e.g., Đèo Cả, Cù Mông, Hải Vân), add another VND 90,000‑110,000 per tunnel.
Accommodation: Most drivers break the trip into 1‑2 overnight stops. Budget lodging averages VND 1‑2 million per night, bringing total accommodation costs to roughly VND 2‑4 million for the family.
Time on the Road vs. Time in the Air
The flight itself takes about 2 hours, plus check‑in, security, and airport transfers – roughly 4‑5 hours total.
Driving, on the other hand, requires 25‑30 hours of actual road time, spread over two or three days to allow for rest, meals, and safe driving conditions. This means drivers spend about eight times more hours on the journey.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
- Flying: Faster, less physically demanding, but more expensive and dependent on airport logistics, especially during Tet when taxis are scarce.
- Driving: Lower overall cost, flexible schedule, ability to carry luggage and gifts, but longer, more tiring, and requires careful budgeting for fuel, tolls, meals, and lodging.
- For families with young children, a car offers the convenience of child‑seat installation and personal space, yet the driver must handle fatigue and road safety.
Bottom Line: Which Option Fits Your Tet Plans?
If your priority is speed and you’re willing to pay a premium, flying remains the most convenient way to reunite with relatives in Hanoi. However, for budget‑conscious families who value flexibility and already own a car, the road trip can be up to VND 10‑12 million cheaper, even after accounting for fuel, tolls, and overnight stays.
Ultimately, the decision hinges on how you weigh time against money and the willingness to take on the physical demands of a long drive. Plan ahead, budget carefully, and enjoy a safe journey home for Tet!