The coastal enclave of Nha Trang is 269 miles (434 km) from Ho Chi Minh City, and it makes for a great place to relax after experiencing the excitement of the city.
A direct flight will take you there in just over one hour, but if you're looking to maximize your exposure to Vietnam's rural beauty, consider opting for a longer trip via train on the Reunification Express.
If you want to experience even more of Vietnam's coastal beauty, consider this 7-day cycling itinerary that will take you up sand dunes and down roads lined with coconut palms—with plenty of stops for fresh seafood along the way.
By Plane
Duration: 1 hour
Travelers take a one-hour flight from Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat Airport to Nha Trang's Cam Ranh International Airport. Tan Son Nhat Airport is centrally located just four miles outside of town, but it's convenient location also makes it the busiest in Vietnam, so make sure to give yourself plenty of time to get to your gate.
By Train
Duration: 8 hours
The train ride to Nha Trang is significantly longer than the plane ride, but it does offer the opportunity to chat with some locals and see more of the countryside. There are six trains that leave Ho Chi Minh City's central train station for Nha Trang each day, including an overnight train. Make sure to select a "Soft Berth" ticket for a softer seat on the train and additional room in your sleeping cabin.