MileHacker Logo
How to Get to Di An

How to Get to Di An

Di An Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Travel Guide

Airport Access

Tan Son Nhat SGN

Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City is the main international and domestic gateway for visitors to Di An. Di An lies approximately 15-25 km (9-15 miles) northeast of SGN. The drive typically takes 30-45 minutes, but traffic can extend this time.

SGN Connections

  • Foreign carriers connect SGN having key cities worldwide.
  • Domestic carriers connect SGN to other Vietnamese cities.
  • Direct flights from many major global hubs are available.

Flight Considerations

Flight prices vary by season. Higher rates occur during Vietnam's peak tourist season (December to February), major holidays (Tet Lunar New Year), and summer months. Booking flights well in advance is suggested for these periods.

Price Fluctuations

  • Prices increase during peak season (Dec-Feb) and holidays.
  • Flexibility with travel dates can bring savings.

Shopping & Dining

SGN offers duty-free shops, souvenir stores, local retail, and a variety of restaurants and cafes.

Financial & Connectivity

Currency exchange, ATMs, banking services, SIM card vendors, and free Wi-Fi are available at SGN.

Lounges & Transport

Several airline/independent lounges. Dedicated areas for taxis, ride-sharing, and public buses.

SGN Transfers to Di An

Taxi & Ride-Sharing

  • Taxis (Vinasun, Mai Linh) are outside terminals. Confirm meter use.
  • Grab car offers transparent pricing. Book via app.
  • GrabBike is a motorbike taxi option for solo travelers.
  • Public Bus: Less convenient from SGN to Di An directly.

Affiliate Resources for Flights

  • Dollar Flight Club for flight deal alerts.
  • Skyscanner for comparing flight options.
  • Pre-arrange airport transfers for peace of mind.
  • AirHelp for flight delay/cancellation compensation.

Air Travel Tips

Pre-Book Transfers

Arrange airport transfer, especially for after-dark arrivals. This prevents confusion or overcharging.

Check Traffic

Time it takes to get to/from SGN can vary significantly with traffic, especially in peak hours.

SIM Card at Airport

Purchase a local SIM upon arrival for immediate connectivity and easier ride-sharing.

Ground Travel Options

Train Journeys

Di An has its own railway station (Ga Dĩ An) on Vietnam's North-South railway line. This allows for train travel a great choice for inter-city journeys to destinations along the unified railway line.

Rail Access

  • Di An Train Station for inter-city travel.
  • Connects to cities like Nha Trang, The City of bridges, Hue, Hanoi.
  • Buy tickets on the web via Vietnam Railways (dsvn.vn) or by the station.

Bus Network

Di An is well-connected by provincial and inter-provincial bus routes. The Di An Bus Station (Bến Xe Dĩ An) serves as a central hub for transfers to various districts in Ho Chi Minh City and other southern provinces.

Bus Travel

  • Di An Bus Station connects to HCMC districts and other provinces.
  • Numerous private coach operators operate from/to Di An.
  • Tickets available at the bus station or local travel agencies.

Car Rentals

Self-driving a car is not recommended for most foreign tourists in Vietnam due to chaotic traffic and unfamiliar road rules. An International Driving Permit (IDP) and a converted Vietnamese driving license are legal requirements.

Driving Advice

  • Traffic flow is often chaotic and rules unfamiliar.
  • IDP and converted Vietnamese license are legal needs.
  • Hiring a chauffeured car is a better option.

International Crossings

Di An is a city not on the coast, so direct border crossings are not applicable. The nearest international overland border crossings are with Cambodia (e.g., Moc Bai, Xa Mat), accessed from Ho Chi Minh City.

Border Travel

  • Di An is inland, no direct border crossings.
  • Nearest land borders are with Cambodia (from HCMC).
  • Research Cambodia visa requirements in advance if traveling there.

Road Safety

  • Road conditions: Main roads are generally good; side roads can be uneven.
  • Traffic: Dense, notably at busy times. Motorbikes are very common.
  • Pedestrian caution: Exercise extreme care when crossing roads; assume vehicles may not stop.
  • Driving laws: Traffic drives on the right. Helmets are mandatory for motorbike riders/passengers.
  • Car rental: Not suggested because of traffic and legalities for tourists.
  • Insurance: Travel insurance may not cover accidents if driving illegally.

Sea/River Arrivals Not Applicable

No Sea or River Ports for Di An

Di An is a city not on the coast, so sea or river arrivals are not relevant for direct access. It is not have sea or river ports for ferries or cruises.

Water Travel Notes

  • No ferry services directly from the source serve Di An.
  • No cruise ports in Di An.
  • Ho Chi Minh City has river ports for The Delta of the mekong river cruises.

Alternative Water Access

While Ho Chi Minh City has river ports that support The Delta of the mekong river river cruises and some limited coastal connections, these do not directly serve Di An. Travelers seeking water-based journeys will depart from HCMC.

HCMC Water Connections

  • Mekong Delta cruises depart from HCMC.
  • Limited coastal connections from HCMC ports.
  • No direct water routes to Di An.

No Ferry Services

Di An is not located on major waterways for state-run ferry transport.

No Cruise Ports

Cruise ships do not stop in Di An; access is via HCMC's river ports.

Inland City Status

Di An's its geographical setting means sea/river transport is not a direct option.

Departing Di An

Departure Guidelines

Exit fees for flights abroad from SGN are generally part of your flight cost. You typically do not pay a separate exit fee at the airport.

Departure Essentials

  • Exit fees for international flights are usually in the airfare.
  • Show UP 2.5-3 hours before international flights; 1.5-2 hours for domestic.
  • For train/bus, arrive 30-AN hour before departure.

Airport Facilities

Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) offers comprehensive facilities for departing travelers, including lounges, various restaurants, shops, and currency exchange services.

SGN Departures

  • Lounges, restaurants, and shops are available.
  • Currency exchange services for leftover local currency.
  • Complete check-in, security, and immigration for international flights.

Departure Procedures

International Flights

Arrive at SGN 2.5-3 hours before. Check-in, security, immigration are required.

Domestic Flights

Arrive at SGN 1.5-2 hours before. Check-in and security are the main steps.

Train/Bus Departure

Arrive at Di An Railway Station or bus station 30-60 minutes prior.

Departure Check

Reconfirm your flight or train/bus schedule 24-48 hours before departure. This accounts for any last-minute changes or delays.