What is the longest route in Vietnam?

What is the Longest Route in Vietnam? Highway vs. Expressway

The Ho Chi Minh Highway is the longest route in Vietnam, stretching over 2,000 kilometers from Cao Bằng to Cà Mau. Other major transport records include the East North-South Expressway (1,811 km), the Reunification Railway (1,726 km), and the Hon Thom cable car (7.9 km).

Understanding the Longest Routes in Vietnam: More Than One Answer

If you search for the longest route in Vietnam, youll get different answers. Thats because the title depends on what youre measuring—road, railway, expressway, or even cable car. Each category has its own champion.

Confused? Youre not alone. Most travelers assume National Route 1 is the longest, but the reality is more interesting. Lets break down the true giants of Vietnamese infrastructure, from the mountainous Ho Chi Minh Highway to the record-breaking Hon Thom cable car.

The Longest Highway: Đường Hồ Chí Minh (Ho Chi Minh Highway)

When it comes to pure road distance, the Ho Chi Minh Highway takes the crown. Stretching over 2,000 kilometers from northern Cao Bằng to the southern tip of Cà Mau, it’s vietnam longest road. ^[1]

I’ve driven sections of this route, and it’s a completely different experience from the crowded coastal National Route 1. Instead of honking buses and urban sprawl, you get winding mountain passes, jungle views, and sleepy villages. It’s longer, slower, and far more scenic.

But heres the thing: the highway isn’t fully complete. Some segments are still unpaved or under construction. So if you’re planning to tackle the whole 2,000+ kilometers, expect a mix of smooth asphalt and dusty dirt roads.

The Longest Expressway: East North-South Expressway

If speed is your priority, the East North-South Expressway is the new king. This longest expressway in vietnam will eventually stretch over 1,811 kilometers, connecting Lạng Sơn in the north to Cà Mau in the south. ^[2]

As of early 2026, large sections are already open, dramatically cutting travel times between major cities. Driving from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City? The expressway shaves hours off the old coastal route.

Will it be longer than the Ho Chi Minh Highway? Not quite—the highway still wins on total length. But for efficiency and modern infrastructure, the expressway is unbeatable.

The Longest Railway: Reunification Express (North-South Railway)

For rail enthusiasts, the Reunification Railway is the undisputed longest route. Running 1,726 kilometers from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, it’s been the backbone of Vietnamese train travel for over a century. ^[3]

The journey takes around 34 hours—if you’re on schedule. Delays happen, and that’s part of the charm. I took this train a few years ago, and the real highlight wasnt the length but the views: rice paddies, coastal cliffs, and the occasional water buffalo on the tracks.

It’s not the fastest way to travel, but it’s the most romantic. And unlike the highways, it’s fully operational end-to-end, year-round.

Beyond Roads and Rails: The Hon Thom Cable Car

Now for a curveball: the longest cable car in vietnam phu quoc belongs to Hon Thom in Phú Quốc. This three‑wire cable car stretches nearly 7,900 meters across the sea, connecting An Thới town to Hon Thom island. ^[4]

It’s a tourist attraction, not a practical transport artery, but it holds the world record for non‑stop three‑wire cable cars. The ride takes about 20 minutes, and on a clear day, the turquoise water below is unforgettable.

So if someone asks you “what’s the longest route in Vietnam?” you can answer with confidence: it depends on how you define route.

Comparison: Which Long Route Suits Your Travel Style?

Choosing Your Long Route: A Quick Guide

Ho Chi Minh Highway

• Mixed: mostly paved, some unpaved sections still under construction
• 3–5 days if you drive the whole route, but most people do sections
• Adventure travelers who want scenic, quiet roads away from crowds
• Over 2,000 km – longest road in Vietnam

East North-South Expressway

• Fully paved, but still under construction in sections; not 100% connected yet
• Approximately 24–30 hours from Hanoi to HCMC when fully complete
• Drivers who want speed, modern infrastructure, and reliable paved roads
• 1,811 km (planned full length)

Reunification Railway

• Fully operational year‑round; track quality varies by section
• Roughly 34 hours for the full journey, but delays are common
• Leisurely travelers, train enthusiasts, and anyone wanting coastal views
• 1,726 km

Hon Thom Cable Car

• Modern, well‑maintained, and very popular with visitors
• About 20 minutes one way
• Tourists and families looking for a unique, scenic experience
• Nearly 7,900 meters – world record for its type

Minh’s Motorbike Adventure on the Ho Chi Minh Highway

Minh, a 29‑year‑old graphic designer from Hanoi, dreamed of riding the entire Ho Chi Minh Highway. He rented a Honda XR150, packed basic camping gear, and set off in early January 2026. His plan: two weeks of solitude and mountain views.

The first week went smoothly—paved roads, breathtaking passes, and friendly locals. Then came a 70‑kilometer stretch in Quảng Bình that was unpaved and muddy from recent rain. Minh’s bike got stuck twice; his hands were covered in mud and frustration.

Instead of pushing through, he decided to detour onto a smaller local road. That choice led him to a homestay where the family taught him how to read the weather and avoid the worst sections. The detour added two days but saved his trip.

He finished the route in 16 days, covering just over 2,100 kilometers. “I wanted the longest road, but the real lesson was flexibility—sometimes the longest route isn’t the one you planned,” he says.