Ho Chi Minh City to Colombo shipping route.

Ships leaving Ho Chi Minh City for Colombo head west 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 Ho Chi Minh City and Colombo 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 Ho Chi Minh City to Colombo move with fuel prices, ship capacity and the season. Compare several carriers before booking: the cheapest sailing is often the slowest one. At Colombo (LKCMB) carriers give about 5 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 Ho Chi Minh City in this directory, Colombo is the 17th shortest. Closer destinations include Dalian (2,116 nm), Incheon (2,101 nm) and Busan (2,032 nm).