How to Go to Vietnam from Malaysia? 4 Ways to Consider!

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Vietnam is a popular destination with scenic landscapes, vibrant cities, and friendly people. But how to get to Vietnam from Malaysia? In this post, we will explore four options that you can choose from - depending on your travel time and budget: by plane, by train, by car, or by bus. We will compare the pros and cons of each option, and give you some tips on how to make the most of your trip.

Traveling to Vietnam From Malaysia by Plane

Flights are the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Malaysia to Vietnam. You can choose from various airlines and destinations, depending on your preferences and budget.

Currently, there are many airlines in Vietnam, such as Vietnam Airlines, that provide direct and connecting flights from Malaysia to major cities in Vietnam, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Hue, and Phu Quoc.

Who Should Select Flights?

Fly with Vietnam Airlines - a 4-star International Airline certified by Skytrax Standards

We highly recommend this mode of transportation if you are constrained by time and seeking to travel to Vietnam expeditiously. You can anticipate a luxurious and well-served flying experience.

How Much Does It Cost to Travel by Plane?

The cost of flying from Malaysia to Vietnam varies depending on the airline, the route, the season, and the booking time. Traveling to Vietnam by plane is generally not very costly as the average ticket fare ranges from MYR 304 to MYR 1,381.74 per passenger. However, additional fees may apply if you request optional products and services.

Pack your luggage and get ready for a short flight to Vietnam

Departure	Destination	Route	Average duration	Pricing
Kuala Lumpur	Ho Chi Minh City	KUL -> SGN	1 hr 50 mins	From MYR 331
	Hanoi	KUL -> HN	3 hrs 15 mins	From MYR 304
	Da Nang	KUL -> DAD	2 hrs 40 mins	From MYR 812
	Nha Trang	KUL -> SGN -> CRX	5 hrs 30 mins	From MYR 420
	Phu Quoc	KUL -> SGN -> PQC	6 hrs 45 mins	From MYR 269
	Hue	KUl -> SGN -> HUI	5 hrs 30 mins	From MYR 269
Penang	Ho Chi Minh	PEN -> SGN	1 hr 55 mins	From MYR 330
	Hanoi	PEN -> KUL -> HAN	6 hrs 50 mins	From MYR 980
	Danang	PEN -> KUL -> DAD	7 hrs 5 mins	From MYR 467.04
Johor Bahru	Ho Chi Minh	JHB -> SGN	2 hrs	From MYR 220
Johor Bahru	Hanoi	JHB -> KUL -> HAN	9 hrs	From MYR 545

Note:

Please note the mentioned departure and arrival times are subject to change due to weather conditions, airport situations, and other unforeseen circumstances.

Pricing information and schedules might be updated over time. Thus, please visit Vietnam Airlines Website for the most accurate and current information regarding your travel schedule.

Tips for Traveling by Planes

It is strongly advisable to secure your flight booking at the earliest opportunity in order to avail yourself of the most favorable flight deals, considering that ticket prices tend to rise during periods of high demand.

To assist you in maximizing your chances, we would like to provide the following recommendations:

Book your tickets at least 45 days prior to your intended departure date.
Subscribe to email newsletters to receive timely alerts regarding the latest discounts and promotions.
Download the app and visit the website regularly to keep track of attractive offers.
Register for the Lotusmiles Program to accrue double or triple mileage and enjoy reduced fares on your subsequent flights as you accumulate more miles through increased air travel.

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Traveling to Vietnam From Malaysia by Train

Trains are another great way to travel from Malaysia to Vietnam.

Who Should Select Trains?

If you have an extended vacation and hardly bother spending days on vehicles, rail travel could be a suitable option. During this journey, you will have the chance to appreciate the breathtaking and serene countryside, which may remain hidden when you're soaring through the sky on a plane.

Before you reach our beautiful Vietnam, you may drop by nearby countries such as Thailand or Cambodia. At the destination, you can continue your rail train from city to city, as Vietnam has a railway connecting the North and the South. This could be an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow passengers from different countries and gain insights into their native lands.

Trains are also more comfortable and spacious than buses, and they offer more facilities such as toilets, beds, and dining cars.

How Much Does It Cost to Travel by Train?

The two common rail routes from Malaysia are through Thailand and Cambodia, as we mentioned earlier. These two countries offer modern and flexible train connections to major cities in Vietnam.

Route	Average duration	Pricing
Penang, Malaysia -> Padang Besar, Perlis -> Bangkok, Thailand -> Aranyaprathet, Thailand -> Siem Reap, Cambodia -> Sihanoukville, Cambodia -> Phnom Penh, Cambodia -> Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam	8 days	About MYR 535.84
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia -> Padang Besar, Perlis -> Bangkok, Thailand -> Aranyaprathet, Thailand -> Siem Reap, Cambodia -> Sihanoukville, Cambodia -> Phnom Penh, Cambodia -> Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam	8 days	About MYR 600.12
Penang, Malaysia -> Hat Yai, Thailand -> Bangkok, Thailand -> Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam	3 days	About MYR 590.83
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia -> Hat Yai, Thailand -> Bangkok, Thailand -> Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam	3 days	About MYR 590.83

Note: Average prices are based on the average train fares available on reliable and trustworthy websites.

Tips for Traveling by Trains

In case you have never hopped on a long-distance train trip, we would like to advise you on some helpful tips.

Since there is no direct train service between Malaysia and Vietnam, you will have to plan your route carefully and book your tickets at least 2 days in advance. You can also book your tickets online or through local agents or stations.
It’s advisable for you to check the visa requirements and restrictions for each country before the trip. You should also have your passport, tickets, and other documents ready when crossing the border.
You may also want to bring a backpack or a small suitcase that can fit in the overhead compartments or under the seat. This way, you can keep an eye on your belongings and avoid theft or loss.

Traveling to Vietnam From Malaysia by Bus

Buses are the cheapest and most accessible way to travel from Malaysia to Vietnam.

Who Should Select Buses?

If you are on a tight budget and do not mind the long and uncomfortable journey, buses are the best option for you. You can find many bus operators and routes that connect the two countries, especially from Kuala Lumpur to Ho Chi Minh City. Buses are also convenient for those who want to stop and explore different places along the way.

Nonetheless, buses are also slower, less comfortable, and less reliable than other modes of transportation. You may encounter delays, breakdowns, scams, or unsafe driving conditions on your bus journey. You will also have to cross several borders and deal with immigration procedures, which can be time-consuming and stressful. It is also hard to find buses when you travel to small towns and remote areas.

How Much Does It Cost to Travel by Bus?

Buses are way cheaper than trains, as long as you plan your visit wisely. Here, we suggest some routes.

Route	Average duration	Pricing
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia -> Sadao Checkpoint, Thailand -> Bangkok, Thailand -> Phnom Penh, Cambodia -> Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam	4 days	About 275.22 MYR
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia -> Hatyai, Thailand -> Bangkok, Thailand -> Siem Reap, Cambodia -> Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam	3 days	About 150 MYR
Penang, Malaysia -> Dan Nok, Thailand -> Bangkok, Thailand -> Phnom Penh, Cambodia -> Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam	5 days	About 313.12 MYR

Note: Average prices are based on the average bus fares available on reliable and trustworthy websites.

Tips for Traveling by Bus

You might not be able to enjoy your trip to Vietnam by bus without knowing these tips:

There are many bus operators that offer services from Malaysia to Vietnam, but not all of them are reputable and reliable. You should do some research and read some reviews before you book your bus tickets.
Traveling by bus from Malaysia to Vietnam can be a risky and unpredictable journey, especially if you have to change buses or cross borders. You should bring some essentials and valuables with you, such as your passport, money, phone, charger, medication, and water. You should always keep an eye on your luggage and belongings and avoid leaving them unattended or in the bus storage compartment.
It’s also a good idea to bring along some snacks, water, books, music, games, or any other items that can keep you entertained and hydrated throughout the journey. These provisions will help ensure your comfort and enjoyment during the bus rides.

Traveling to Vietnam From Malaysia by Private Car

Who Should Select Private Cars?

We highly recommend traveling with your private car if you prefer a more intimate and comfortable travel experience. It is up to you to take scenic routes, enjoy the journey itself, appreciate the landscapes, stop at viewpoints, and explore attractions.

This mode of transportation is also wonderful for group travel. Not only can you and your fellow travelers share a bunch of costs, but your group also has an opportunity for shared experiences and bonding.

Traveling together allows for conversations, laughter, and shared memories during the journey. It can strengthen relationships and create a sense of camaraderie among the group members.

How Much Does It Cost to Travel by Private Car?

As the road distance from Malaysia to Vietnam is around 2326.4km, you may have to drive across multiple countries such as Thailand and Cambodia. The best tip to avoid getting lost is to go along the rail routes.

In addition, expenses associated with traveling in a private car can include various costs such as fuel expenses, toll fees, parking fees, maintenance and repairs, insurance premiums, etc. It's important to consider these costs when budgeting for a trip or evaluating the overall expense of using a private car for travel.

In the below section, we suggest some routes for private cars.

Route	Average duration	Total Expense
Penang, Malaysia -> Padang Besar, Perlis -> Bangkok, Thailand -> Aranyaprathet, Thailand -> Siem Reap, Cambodia -> Sihanoukville, Cambodia -> Phnom Penh, Cambodia -> Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam	12 days	About 355 MYR
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia -> Padang Besar, Perlis -> Bangkok, Thailand -> Aranyaprathet, Thailand -> Siem Reap, Cambodia -> Sihanoukville, Cambodia -> Phnom Penh, Cambodia -> Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam	12 days	About 355 MYR
Penang, Malaysia -> Hat Yai, Thailand -> Bangkok, Thailand -> Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam	5 days	About 250 MYR
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia -> Hat Yai, Thailand -> Bangkok, Thailand -> Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam	5 days	About 250 MYR

Note: Average prices are based on the average costs shared by other travelers.

Tips for Traveling by Private Cars

Although driving private cars is an adventurous and economical traveling option, it is not as safe as other means of transportation (e.g. flights, trains, and buses).

You should read through our alerts - for your sake:

Before you leave, you should check your car’s condition and documents, such as the tires, brakes, lights, oil, water, battery, insurance, registration, license plate, and driving license. You should also have a spare tire, a jack, a tool kit, a first aid kit, and an emergency phone number in case of any breakdowns or accidents.
Driving from Malaysia to Vietnam can be a confusing and dangerous journey if you do not follow the traffic rules and regulations of each country. You should familiarize yourself with the driving side, speed limit, road signs, signals, lane markings, parking rules, seat belt rules, helmet rules, and alcohol limit rules of each country before you drive there. You should also respect the local drivers and pedestrians and avoid any road rage or conflicts.

Travel to Vietnam From Malaysia by Multiple Vehicles

You can use different vehicles to conveniently travel in Vietnam

Who Should Select Multiple Vehicles?

While you can select one among four vehicles - planes, trains, buses, and cars based on your traveling purposes and available time, combining some of these modes is also a good choice.

Using multiple vehicles can indeed provide benefits in terms of time optimization and cost savings, particularly when unexpected changes in plans occur. This transportation option is particularly suitable in the following scenarios:

You only desire to visit Vietnam and do not want to spend time in other countries like Thailand or Cambodia.
You have a long holiday to travel around Vietnam, from the North to the South.
You expect to be flexible and free to adjust your plans in your destinations.

How Much to Travel by Multiple Vehicles?

It depends on what transportation vehicles you want to use. In this section, we suggest a convenient and affordable combination as follows:

Route	Type of transportation	Average duration	Total Expense
Kuala Lumpur/Penang to Ho Chi Minh City	By plane	1hr 55 mins	From MYR 330
Around Ho Chi Minh City	By bus	1 day	MYR 1.15/per passenger/per ticket
Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta – Ben Tre	By car	1 day	From MYR 150
Ho Chi Minh City to Danang	By train & By car	1 day	From MYR 200
Danang to Hanoi	By plane	1 hr 35 mins	From MYR 165
Around Hanoi	By bus	1 day	From MYR 2.9/per passenger/per ticket
Hanoi to Halong	By car	1 day	From MYR 366
Hanoi to Ha Giang Loop	By car	2 days	From MYR 750
Hanoi to Kuala Lumpur/Penang	By plane	3 hrs 15 mins	From MYR 304

Note: Average prices are based on the average taxi rate in the regions; train/bus/flight fares are available on reliable and trustworthy websites.

Tips for Traveling by Multiple Vehicles

You can book round-trip flights by Vietnam Airlines and combine them with other vehicles

You can refer to the above schedules and also take note of the following tips to ensure you have a wonderful time traveling to Vietnam:

Book round-trip flights from your city in Malaysia to Vietnam to shorten the time you travel between the two countries.
Use the public bus to take a tour around the city as a cost-effective means of transportation. In addition, traveling by public bus provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and gain insight into the city's atmosphere.
Buy a train ticket or hire a private car if you want to go from city to city.

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