Colombo to Ho Chi Minh City shipping route.

Ships leaving Colombo for Ho Chi Minh City head east and cover a sea distance of 2,234 nautical miles (4,137 km), via Strait of Malacca. The straight line between the ports is 2,986 km; coastlines and shipping lanes add the rest. On the way the vessel passes Strait of Malacca.

At sea, the voyage lasts 7.8 days at 12 knots, 6.7 days at 14 knots and 5.2 days at 18 knots. Container transit time on a liner service is longer than the steaming time: ships call at other ports on the rotation, and cargo may transship at a hub. Add terminal time at Colombo and Ho Chi Minh City to plan the full ocean transit time.

The next option is via Sunda Strait, 2,983 nautical miles, 749 nm longer than the main route. Carriers pick it when Sunda Strait is congested or closed.

Container freight rates on Colombo to Ho Chi Minh City move with fuel prices, ship capacity and the season. Compare several carriers before booking: the cheapest sailing is often the slowest one. At Ho Chi Minh City (VNSGN) carriers give about 4 free days before demurrage and detention charges start, so plan the truck or rail pickup before the box lands.

Of the 65 port to port routes from Colombo in this directory, Ho Chi Minh City is the 10th shortest. Closer destinations include Djibouti (2,230 nm), Tanjung Priok (1,938 nm) and Jebel Ali (1,922 nm).