Nha Trang to Saigon
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to take the Nha Trang to Saigon bus, let us take you along for the ride. This wasn’t just transport — it was an adventure, full of quirky stops, long stretches of road, and the chaotic welcome of Saigon’s infamous Walking Street.
Getting on the Road
We booked a budget bus for this leg of our Vietnam trip. Comfort wasn’t exactly the selling point, but it got us from A to B — and that’s what matters when you’re backpacking. Settling into our seats, we prepared for a long day of driving, complete with random roadside stops and unexpected views.
🎙️ Transcript snippet: “Okay, now we’ve stopped at a petrol station. and they have ice cream…”
Roadside Stops & Scenery
From gas stations stacked with snacks to surprise views of wind turbines on the horizon, the journey offered plenty to look at. The bus made its usual fuel and toilet breaks, giving us a chance to stretch our legs and stock up on drinks.
One of our favourite parts of these journeys is watching daily life unfold out the window — from workers grabbing lunch at roadside cafés to families zipping by on scooters.
First Impressions of Saigon
Arriving in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), the first mission was finding somewhere to stay. Luckily, we managed to grab a guesthouse that was basic but clean — exactly what we needed after hours on the road.
Only once we’d dropped our bags did we set off to see what Saigon had to offer — and nothing could have prepared us for Walking Street.
Walking Street is an attack on the senses — music blasting from every bar, flashing neon signs, food stalls spilling onto the pavement, and a mash-up of travellers and locals. It’s chaotic, colourful, and a must-see for anyone arriving in the city.
Reflections on the Journey
This wasn’t the most glamorous bus ride, but it’s the kind of experience that makes budget backpacking in Vietnam so memorable. It’s the little things — chatting over drinks, people-watching at petrol stations, and the sheer madness of Walking Street — that sticks with you.
Know Before You Go
- 🚍 Buses run daily between Nha Trang and Saigon (around 9–11 hours).
- 💸 Tickets are cheap — ideal for budget backpackers.
- 🛑 Expect multiple roadside stops for fuel, toilets, and snacks.
- 🛏️ Book accommodation in Saigon in advance if arriving late.
- 🎶 Walking Street is LOUD — bring earplugs if you’re sensitive to noise!
Final Thoughts
The Nha Trang to Saigon bus journey isn’t just a ride — it’s a slice of Vietnam life on the road. From sleepy petrol stations to Saigon’s neon nightlife, it’s an adventure we’ll never forget.
👉 Watch the full journey on our YouTube channel.
📘 Grab our full Vietnam Travel Guide on Amazon.
👕 Check out our Footsteps & Tyretracks merch.
📍 Explore more of our Vietnam travels:
💬 Have you taken a long-distance bus in Vietnam? Drop your stories in the comments — we’d love to hear them!
