Sea route · Intra-Asia
Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City) to Tokyo by sea
Typical routing, approximate distance and estimated transit time for ocean freight from Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City) to Tokyo.
- Approx. distance
- 2,430 nm (≈ 4,500 km)
- Transit (direct service)
- 6–7 days
- Pure sailing time at 16–18 knots
- 5.6–6.3 days
- Main straits & canals
- Luzon Strait, Miyako Strait
- Service pattern
- Direct services common
Routing
From Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City) the usual routing passes Luzon Strait, Miyako Strait before reaching Tokyo.
Direct services are commonly available on this route, so containers usually stay on the same vessel from origin to destination.
Straits and canals on this route
- Luzon Strait Passage between Taiwan and the Philippines from the South China Sea to the Pacific, used by transpacific and Japan-bound services from Vietnam.
- Miyako Strait Wide passage through the Ryukyu Islands between Okinawa and Miyako, on the way from the South China Sea to Japan.
About this trade lane: Intra-Asia
Short-sea services between Vietnam and China, Hong Kong, Korea, Japan and Southeast Asia — frequent sailings and transit times of days rather than weeks.
Trade between Vietnam and East Asia (China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong) runs on one of the densest intra-Asia networks in the world, with many direct weekly services and short transit times.
Distances are the sum of great-circle legs between waypoints along the usual sea lanes, through the relevant straits and canals, rounded to the nearest 10 nautical miles. Transit ranges assume a typical service speed of 16–18 knots plus time for intermediate port calls and canal transits; transshipment adds several days for the connection at the hub. Figures are estimates for planning and comparison, not carrier schedules.
Frequently asked questions
How long is shipping from Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City) to Tokyo?
About 6–7 days port to port on a direct service, for an approximate sea distance of 2,430 nautical miles. Add time for inland transport, customs and any transshipment.
Are there direct services from Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City) to Tokyo?
Yes, direct services are commonly available, although the vessel will usually call other ports on the way.
How can I get a freight rate from Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City) to Tokyo?
Send Global Logistic Group your cargo type, volume (FCL or LCL), ready date and Incoterms®; we will compare carriers and send an all-in quote.
Information on this page is general guidance compiled by Global Logistic Group from public sources. Port facilities, carrier networks, routings and transit times change frequently; always confirm current schedules, cut-offs and requirements with us or the carrier before booking. Data as of October 2026.