Routes
The BEST Time to Drive Hanoi to HCMC
The Hanoi to HCMC road trip is an absolute epic journey and a once in a lifetime experience. Before embarking on this adventure you need to plan a few things so that you can get the most out of the trip. One of the first decisions is when to go and which city to start from and the weather plays a key role in this.
Weather Considerations
The Best Weather
The Best Weather Overall:
February to April: This is generally considered the shoulder season, with pleasant temperatures and less rain throughout the country. You’ll encounter comfortable riding conditions in both the North and the South.
The Best Weather in the North:
March to May: The North is warm and sunny during these months, ideal for exploring the mountains and countryside. However, the South may be hotter and more humid.
The Best Weather in the South:
December to February: The South experiences its dry season during this time, with less rain and comfortable temperatures. However, the North can be quite cold, especially in the mountains.
Important Factors
- Rainy season: June to August is the rainy season in both the North and the South. While you can still ride during this time, be prepared for heavy downpours and potential flooding.
- Typhoon season: September to December is typhoon season in the central and southern regions. While typhoons are not frequent, they can cause significant disruptions to travel plans.
- Tet holiday: The Vietnamese Lunar New Year (Tet) usually falls in late January or early February. During this time, roads can be very busy, and accommodation may be more expensive.
A Quick Breakdown
- Spring (February – April): Good weather throughout the country, ideal for riding.
- Summer (May – August): Hot and humid in the South, rainy season in both North and South.
- Autumn (September – November): Typhoon season in the central and South, pleasant weather in the North.
- Winter (December – January): Dry and comfortable in the South, cold in the North.
One-Way Rentals
Ready for ultimate freedom? Our one-way rentals let you blaze your own trail across Vietnam — no need to loop back!
✅ Pick up/drop off in Hanoi, Danang, or Ho Chi Minh City
✅ Explore Vietnam at your pace
✅ No backtracking—just pure, open-road freedom
FAQ
How far is it from Hanoi to HCMC?
If you take the most direct coastal route it is about 1,700km between the two cities. However, driving through along HCM highway and through the central highlands will increase both the distance and the time it takes.
How many days should I allow for the Hanoi to HCMC trip?
At a minimum we recommend 14 days for the trip. Bear in mind that it would mean driving around 200km per day on most days and leave very little time for R&R. Therefore, we suggest 20 to 30 days if you can allow that much time.
If I don’t have enough time to make the full journey what are my options?
You have several options: make the journey part way, say Hanoi to Danang, or Danang to HCMC. Alternatively, choose to do a loop tour from Hanoi, Danang or HCMC and then fly between locations if you wish to visit them.
What is the best bike for the trip?
This depends largely on what you are used to. Some might prefer the CB500x over the Honda Blade and they might not be budget conscious. We find a good all rounder is the Honda XR150 which is cheap and also quite comfortable even if it is a little under powered for highway riding.
Is there any time that you recommend avoiding taking the trip?
Yes, travelling over Tet, Lunar New Year, can be challenging. Adjusting your schedule by a few days or a week to avoid this period can save lots of troubles.
Hanoi to HCMC One Way Rental
Ultimately, the best time to go depends on your personal preferences and tolerance for heat, rain, and crowds.
If you have more questions about bike rental or the trip in general, either check out these 6 key details or hit us up and we will help you out with planning.