Phu Quoc to Hanoi is a trip that will take you from an island in the southern Pacific Ocean with beautiful white sandy beaches, to a rich historical and cultural experience in the capital city of Vietnam, where the modern and old intermingle to create a unique city unlike any other in Asia. Many overseas visitors, primarily from India, include both Phu Quoc and Hanoi on a single visit.
So, how far is this journey? How long will it take? And what’s the best mode of transportation? This article has all the answers.
Overview of the Journey from Phu Quoc to Hanoi
As mentioned before, the journey from Phu Quoc to Hanoi connects two completely different destinations in the South and North of Vietnam, offering a range of travel experiences.
Phu Quoc to Hanoi Distance
The distance from Phu Quoc to Hanoi is roughly 1,800 kilometres.
Phu Quoc is located in the Gulf of Thailand, near the Cambodian border in southern Vietnam, while Hanoi is located in the north of Vietnam. Because of the distance between them, the journey from Phu Quoc to Hanoi is long and complicated if you are travelling to Vietnam for the first time and have little experience in the country.
How Many Ways to Travel from Phu Quoc to Hanoi
Currently, there are 2 possible ways to travel from Phu Quoc to Hanoi.
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By flight
Taking a direct flight is the best and most feasible option for travelling 1800 km between southern Vietnam and the capital. The flights take approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes, with many domestic airlines (Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and Bamboo Airways) operating several times a day.
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By ferry/flight and overland transport
Also, you can choose to take overland transport from Phu Quoc to Ho Chi Minh City via ferry or flight and from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi via train or bus.
Since Phu Quoc is an island, the first part of your trip will be by ferry from Phu Quoc to the mainland (Ha Tien or Rach Gia). Then you will need to get on a bus from Ha Tien or Rach Gia to Ho Chi Minh City. Or you can fly from Phu Quoc to Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. Finally, you will take either a train or a plane from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. The total time for this trip will depend on the schedules and connections of the transport modes you use, but it can range from 35 to 45 hours or more.
This route may be doable, but it is long, very tiring, and can be a challenging travel experience for tourists unless they wish to go on an overland adventure.
The best option for the majority of Indian visitors to Vietnam for a limited time is a direct flight, as it is the most pleasant and dependable, and is also a very practical option.
How to Travel From Phu Quoc to Hanoi by Direct Flight
The best way to travel from Phu Quoc to Hanoi is by direct flight. As Phu Quoc is a southern Vietnamese island, flying is not only the fastest way to travel but the only viable option for most people.
Flight Duration
The flight duration from Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) to Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi is about 2 hours to 2 hours 15 minutes.
Flight Frequency
This is a busy domestic route, particularly for people who want to visit beach resorts and cultural cities together. Depending on the season, there are usually several flights per day, from morning to evening. During peak seasons and holidays in Phu Quoc, the number of flights may increase to cope with the increased demand.
Airlines Operating on This Route
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Brand
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Type
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Ticket Price for One-way Fare ($)
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Cabin Baggage
(kg)
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Checked Baggage
(kg)
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Suitable For
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Low Season(May to September)
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Peak Season (October to April, holidays)
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Vietnam Airlines
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Full-service
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70 to 130
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150 to 250+
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10 to 12
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23 to 32
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Those who want full-service comfort with their luggage included
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Bamboo Airways
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Hybrid
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60 to 120
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130 to 220+
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7 to 12
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0 to 20
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Travelers are looking for a good compromise between reasonable costs and extra comfort
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VietJet Air
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Low-cost
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15 to 80
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100 to 170+
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7
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0
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Low-budget travelers who want to add on items as needed
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Advantages of Taking a Direct Flight
The greatest benefit is time-saving. Within two hours, you can transition from a tropical island to the historic capital of Vietnam. This is very convenient for those who have limited time, especially those who have a planned 5-10 day Vietnam itinerary.
Another advantage is that flight schedules can be easily accessed online and are very reliable.
Disadvantages of Taking a Direct Flight
The greatest disadvantage is the price variation during peak seasons. Budget airlines can also be more expensive when additional costs are considered. Also, during Vietnamese holidays, seats are usually fully booked if not reserved in advance.
How to Travel From Phu Quoc to Hanoi by Flight and Bus/Train
Besides direct flights from Phu Quoc to Hanoi, several travelers will look at splitting their flight instead of just flying directly into Hanoi. Generally, these travelers will take an initial flight into Ho Chi Minh City, and then make their way north using either a train or bus for the remainder of the trip.
Step 1: From Phu Quoc to Ho Chi Minh City
There are 2 ways to travel from Phu Quoc to Ho Chi Minh City:
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By Flight
This is a domestic flight from Phu Quoc (PQC) to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) at Tan Son Nhat Airport.
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Flight duration: Approximately 1 hour
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One-way ticket price: Low season: $30 to 70; Peak season: $70 to 120
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Operated by: Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways
The total price will vary depending on the booking time and the baggage selection you choose.
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By Ferry
The second option is by ferry. Since Phu Quoc is an island, you first need to take a ferry to the mainland (Ha Tien or Rach Gia).
The journey from the island to the mainland takes between 70 and 130 minutes, depending on the port, with ticket prices ranging from approximately $10 to 20 per adult, depending on the express brand you choose.
If you choose the ferry route from Phu Quoc to Ha Tien or Rach Gia, tickets can be booked directly through official ferry operators such as Superdong or Phu Quoc Express. However, during peak travel seasons or Vietnamese holidays, the tickets might be booked quickly. For the sake of time management, many international travelers prefer to book the ferry tickets in advance with the help of a local travel specialist like Vietnamtour.in.
If you choose the ferry route from Phu Quoc to Ha Tien or Rach Gia, tickets can be booked directly through official ferry operators such as Superdong or Phu Quoc Express. However, during peak travel seasons or Vietnamese holidays, the tickets might be booked quickly. For the sake of time management, many international travelers prefer to book the ferry tickets in advance with the help of a local travel specialist like Vietnamtour.in.
Step 2: From Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi by Train or Bus
After arriving in Ho Chi Minh City, you have two options to continue moving to Hanoi:
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Option A: Travel by Train
If you prefer to continue your journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi by train, you can take the Reunification Express, which runs the length of Vietnam.
The duration of the trip is around 32 to 36 hours. Therefore, it is an overnight and even a two-day train trip. The ticket prices vary depending on the class you prefer. A hard seat ticket costs anywhere from $35 to 50. A soft sleeper ticket in a four-berth cabin costs around $60 to 90.
You can directly book your train ticket through the official website of the Vietnam Railway System or tour operators like Vietnamtour.in.
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Option B: By Bus
Alternatively, you could travel by long-distance bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. The travel time is 36 to 40 hours or more. There are several stops along the way. The ticket price ranges from $40 to 70. While it is a bit cheaper, there is no comfort in traveling by bus for a long time.
- Who is Suitable for this Route?
This option may be viable if you like a backpacker’s experience, where the process of traveling slowly across the country is actually a part of the fun. By train, you get to see different parts of Vietnam and experience the local culture along the way.
This option is also good if you have a lot of time and can’t afford to be tied down to a tight schedule.
Besides, by flying to Ho Chi Minh City instead of Hanoi, travellers can continue their journey with the Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh City, or southern Vietnam. This way, the process of staging your journey is actually a part of a larger plan.
What to Expect When Arriving in Hanoi After Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc is located in Vietnam on the southwest end of the country and is thousands of miles south of Hanoi, located in northern Vietnam, near the border with China. Travelling from Phu Quoc to Hanoi requires crossing Vietnam from south to north. As a result, there are a lot of differences between these two destinations:
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Changes in Weather
Phu Quoc is a tropical island with a warm climate throughout the year. By contrast, Hanoi has four distinct seasons, with much cooler temperatures in winter than during the summer months. Knowing the climate differences between northern and southern Vietnam is helpful when planning your trip and can assist in packing and forming your itinerary.
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A Noticeable Culture Shift
Life on Phu Quoc Island is slow-paced. People spend their time relaxing on the beach, in resorts, or on island-hopping tours.
On the other hand, Hanoi is a fast-paced and busy city. As the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is one of the oldest cities in the country, with the famous Old Quarter, rich in history, markets, colonial buildings, and activity. Its streets are lively, its sidewalks are busy, and its pace is quick.
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Street Food Lovers’ Paradise
Whereas Phu Quoc offers a seafood-rich shoreline dining experience, Hanoi boasts a thriving street food culture, celebrating dishes such as chicken pho, bun cha, banh mi, and egg coffee! Many of these establishments are located in the Old Quarter, with many rows of small food shops and food trucks along the streets.
Hanoi also has a lot of Indian restaurants with special and various flavors, such as Khazaana Restaurant Hanoi or Namaste Hanoi, which are among the top 5 most favorite ones.
Travel Tips for Indian Travelers Going from Phu Quoc to Hanoi
There are some tips you should be aware of to make your trip smoother, especially if it’s your first trip to Vietnam.
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Book Domestic Flights in Advance: It’s always good to book your domestic flights at least 2 to 4 weeks in advance, especially when you are traveling during peak season (October to April) or during the Vietnamese Tet holiday. That way, you will be able to secure better rates and preferred flights.
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Be Prepared for Climate Differences: Phu Quoc has a tropical island climate. Hanoi has four seasons. If you are traveling to Hanoi between December and February, be prepared for a drastic temperature difference compared to Phu Quoc.
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Phu Quoc Island has a relaxed atmosphere with nice beaches. Hanoi has a lot to offer in terms of culture, food, and history. Instead of rushing between two places, you should balance your trip. For example, you could spend 3 days on Phu Quoc Island, and then 2 to 3 days in Hanoi, and then maybe a day in Halong Bay and Ninh Binh.
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If this is the first time you’re coming to Vietnam and don’t know how to schedule your journey, book your flight ticket, or choose your accommodation, traveling with reputable tour operators like Vietnamtour.in is the best option. You can also talk with their travel experts to customize or design your own itinerary.
FAQs About Phu Quoc to Hanoi
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What is the quickest mode of transportation from Phu Quoc to Hanoi?
The quickest and easiest mode of transportation is by flight. The flight takes about 2 hours to 2 hours and 15 minutes.
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Is there a direct train from Phu Quoc to Hanoi?
No, there is no direct train from Phu Quoc to Hanoi. Phu Quoc Island is not connected by railway. In order to go by train, it is necessary first to go to the mainland and then go by train via Ho Chi Minh City. It is very time-consuming.
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How long does it take to go by land from Phu Quoc to Hanoi?
If it is necessary to go by ferry, bus, and train, it takes about 35 to 45 hours or more.
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Should I begin my Vietnam trip from Phu Quoc or Hanoi?
Both are feasible. Some people begin their journey from Hanoi for sightseeing and conclude their trip to Phu Quoc, relaxing. Others choose to unwind in Phu Quoc at the beginning of their journey and conclude their trip with sightseeing in Hanoi.
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How many days should I stay in Hanoi after Phu Quoc?
Generally, tourists stay in Hanoi for 2-3 days. This is usually accompanied by a trip to Halong Bay or Ninh Binh.
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Do Indian travelers need a visa to travel from Phu Quoc to Hanoi?
Yes. Although Indian passport holders can enter Phu Quoc visa-free for up to 30 days, this exemption only applies if you stay on Phu Quoc Island and do not travel to other parts of Vietnam.
If you plan to travel from Phu Quoc to Hanoi (or any other city in mainland Vietnam), you are required to apply for a valid Vietnam e-visa before leaving the island. The visa-free policy becomes invalid once you exit Phu Quoc.
Conclusion
Traveling from Phu Quoc Island to Hanoi is basically traveling from the south of Vietnam to the north of Vietnam. While there are technically several ways of doing this, taking a flight is obviously the fastest, easiest, and most convenient mode of transportation.
We hope this guide has provided you with a clear idea of how to travel from Phu Quoc Island to Hanoi. If you’re planning a trip to several destinations in Vietnam and want help with flights and itineraries, then don’t hesitate to contact us at Vietnamtour.in.