Travel Vietnam Smarter This Summer: Where to Go & How to Save using 12Go?
Vietnam is a fantastic place to visit, even in the low season. It’s lush, warm, and alive. The central coast starts golden and calm, while the rains in the north and south bring out a deeper green, a quieter mood.
If you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices, it’s a good time to go. It’s a season made for slower travel. Use 12Go to compare buses, trains, and ferries in one place—it keeps things simple. Many routes now come with up to 15% off. The deal runs until July 31, 2025 and covers travel through that date.
Where to Travel in Vietnam During the Low Season?
Hanoi
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is renowned for its centuries-old architecture and rich cultural heritage. In summer, it slows down under the weight of heat and rain.
But if you don’t mind the weather, Hanoi has its rhythm in the low season—mangoes at the markets, lotus blooming on the lakes, and long afternoons where the past feels close. The museums are quiet, the streets a little less chaotic.
Where to travel from Hanoi?
Hanoi to Sapa is a popular route to travel in Vietnam. Travel time is from 5 to 7 hours. Frequent departures, Affordable, and comfortable, sometimes including hotel pickup.
To get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh (67 km), you can travel by bus, van, train, or taxi, with journey times ranging from 2 to 4 hours. The cheapest option is a shared van (from $6), while taxis are the most expensive (up to $184).
To get from Hanoi to Danang Train Station, you can travel by flight, bus, or train. Flights are the fastest (around 2 hours) and start at $24, while buses are the cheapest (from $14) but take much longer, up to 18 hours. Train tickets cost between $25 and $102, offering a more comfortable but slower journey with 19 daily departures.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is all motion—street food, old apartments, noise, heat, history, past and present layered, never still. Rain comes fast and hard, then clears. The city doesn’t stop for it. Streets flood, then drain. Motorbikes weave through puddles, cafés stay busy, and life hums on.
Where to travel from Ho Chi Minh City?
To get from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh, you can travel by flight, bus, or taxi. Flights are the fastest (about 1 hour) but also the most expensive ($106–$408), while buses are slower (6–8 hours) but much cheaper ($19–$31). Taxis offer door-to-door comfort and flexibility, but prices can range from $128 to $479.
Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh is famous for its limestone mountains, peaceful river caves, and green rice fields. It’s known as a quieter, more natural alternative to Halong Bay, with iconic boat rides through caves and past cliffs. It also has ancient temples and cultural history.
Ninh Binh in low season offers quiet, uncrowded spots to explore without the usual noise. The cooler weather makes hiking and biking more comfortable. Plus, you’ll find better deals on accommodation and tours.
Where to travel from Ninh Binh?
To get from Ninh Binh to Hue (450 km), you can travel by bus, train, van, or taxi, with travel times ranging from 9 to 12 hours. Bus is the most affordable option ($12–$47), while train tickets range from $59 to $144 depending on the class. There are about 10 trains daily, and buses are frequent but can experience delays—booking in advance is recommended for comfort and availability.
To get from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha (275 km), you can travel by bus, train, or taxi. Buses are the most affordable option ($12–33) and usually take 6–10 hours.
Trains are more expensive ($63–75), while taxis offer flexibility and comfort, costing between $203–252. For a balance of price and convenience, many travelers opt for an overnight bus.
Danang
Da Nang is open and easy—blue water, wide roads, sea breeze, a city that feels like it can breathe. Low season strips away the crowds and rush. You get quieter streets, softer light, better prices, and time to feel the place, without the noise.
Where to travel from Da Nang?
To get from Da Nang to Hue (75 km), you can travel by bus, train, van, taxi, or flight, with travel times ranging from 2 to 5 hours. Buses and vans are the most affordable (from $5), while taxis offer flexibility ($29–$99), and flights are the fastest but most expensive (over $220). Trains are popular for comfort and cost between $7–$17, with 22 daily departures.
Hue
Hue is known for its historic imperial citadel, ancient tombs, and royal temples along the Perfume River. It’s a cultural hub with rich history from the Nguyen Dynasty and beautiful architecture. The city’s relaxed vibe and nearby countryside make it a must-visit in central Vietnam.
Where to travel from Hue?
To travel from Hue to Hoi An (84 km), you can choose between bus, train, van, taxi, or flight. The journey takes 2 to 6 hours, with buses starting at $10 and taxis reaching up to $131. For a balance of cost and convenience, buses or shared vans are the most popular options.
Da Lat
Da Lat is known for its cool climate, pine forests, and French colonial architecture. It’s famous for beautiful flower gardens, waterfalls, and peaceful lakes. The city’s vibe is chill, making it a favorite escape from Vietnam’s heat.
Where to travel from Da Lat?
You can travel from Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh City by flight, bus, or taxi, with flights being the fastest and buses the most affordable option. The journey covers about 525 km by land and takes between 1 to 11 hours, depending on the mode of transport. Bus tickets start at $14, flights from $34, and taxis can cost up to $317.
How to Find Routes with Discounts at 12Go?
- Search your route (e.g. Hanoi to Sapa)
- Choose a travel operator
- Book at the discounted price
- Enjoy your trip!
Operators offering discounts on all routes
iHome Transfer offers flexible and affordable van services to popular destinations across Vietnam and beyond, with easy online booking. Their vans operate on well-traveled routes like Ho Chi Minh City–Mui Ne, Da Lat–Nha Trang, and cross-border trips to Phnom Penh. Vans are ideal for shorter journeys and hard-to-reach places, often offering quicker travel and more convenient drop-off points than buses.
Charter: Nha Trang - Da Lat: 4seats - 7seats - 15% OFF
Shared Bus: Đà Nẵng - Hội An - 15% OFF
Shared Bus: Hồ Chí Minh - Mũi Né (34 Cabin) - 10% OFF
Shared Bus: Limousine Hồ Chí Minh - Đà Lạt - 5% OFF
Shared Bus: Hồ Chí Minh - Nha Trang (22 cabin) - 5% OFF
HK Buslines offers affordable and comfortable bus travel across Vietnam, with online booking and various ticket classes including sleeper and express options. Popular routes include Hanoi–Sapa, Phong Nha–Hue, and Da Nang–Ninh Binh, among many others. Buses depart from numerous stations nationwide—check reviews and schedules before booking for the best experience.
Sapa -> Ninh Bình - 8%OFF
Ninh Bình -> Sapa - 8%OFF
G8 Sapa Open Tour offers affordable and comfortable bus services with online booking, making it easy to travel across Vietnam. Their most popular routes include Hanoi–Sapa, Lao Cai–Noi Bai Airport, and Da Nang–Ninh Binh, with various cabin classes like sleeper and single cabins. With a wide network of stations and flexible schedules, this is a convenient option for both budget and comfort-focused travelers.
5% on route Sapa to Ninh Binh (2 way)
Hoang Minh Limousine offers affordable and comfortable bus services across many popular routes in Vietnam, with easy online booking and multiple ticket classes, including sleeper and express options. Their buses connect major stations like Da Lat Train Station, Hue Train Station, and Nha Trang, covering routes such as Hoi An to Hue and Phong Nha to Da Nang. Choosing bus travel with Hoang Minh Limousine provides a wide network access, quick check-in, and options for different budgets and comfort levels.
Trang An Limousine offers convenient, comfortable bus services with online booking, connecting key stations like Noi Bai Airport, Hanoi, and Ninh Binh. They provide multiple ticket classes, including sleeper buses for overnight trips and express services for faster travel. Popular routes include Hanoi–Ninh Binh and Ninh Binh–Noi Bai Airport, with frequent departures throughout the day.
All routes except 21 Tu Mo to 47 Nguyễn Huệ, Ninh Bình
Chapa Express— all routes comes with 5%
Chapa Express, operating since 2013, offers comfortable private cabins attached to the Vietnam Railways train between Hanoi and Lao Cai, with connections to Sapa by bus. The service includes perks like early breakfast in Lao Cai and lounge access while waiting for the return train. Prices are competitive for four-berth cabins but higher for two-berth compartments compared to other private operators.
Browse all summer deals and start planning your trip with 12Go!