Vung Tau Road Trip: Your Ultimate Driving Guide

“What’s the fun in Vung Tau?”, “Which is the most scenic route to Vung Tau by car?”, “What are the essential tips for a DIY Vung Tau trip?”. If these questions are on your mind, congratulations, you’ve come to the right place! This article is your detailed guide, helping you confidently plan your road trip to this beautiful coastal city.

Vung Tau by Car: Freedom and Comfort on the Open Road

Vung Tau is an attractive tourist destination, just about 120km from Ho Chi Minh City. Compared to traveling by bus or motorbike, driving to Vung Tau offers significant advantages:

• Time Flexibility: You can depart anytime, stop for sightseeing at your leisure, without being bound by a fixed schedule.
• Comfort and Convenience: The private, spacious interior of a car allows you to relax throughout the journey, especially beneficial when traveling with families, children, and elderly individuals.
• Easy Luggage Transport: You can bring along plenty of necessary belongings without the burden of carrying them on a motorbike or the weight restrictions of air travel.
• Flexible Exploration: A car allows you to easily explore various attractions and dining spots scattered throughout Vung Tau without worrying about getting lost or searching for transportation.

Hitting the Road: Detailed Route Guidance to Vung Tau

Currently, there are two main routes to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau by car:

1. Ho Chi Minh City – Long Thanh – Dau Giay Expressway:

• Advantages: This is the shortest and fastest route to Vung Tau. Travel time is only about 1.5 – 2 hours.
• Disadvantages: You will have to pay expressway tolls. During holidays and Tet, this route is often congested.

Driving Directions:

• From downtown Ho Chi Minh City, head towards the Thu Thiem Tunnel or Phu My Bridge to access the Ho Chi Minh City – Long Thanh – Dau Giay Expressway.
• Continue towards National Highway 51.
• Then, turn right onto Vo Nguyen Giap Street to reach Vung Tau City.

2. Cat Lai – Nhon Trach Ferry Route:

• Advantages: This route offers beautiful and poetic scenery, suitable for those who want to combine travel and exploration.
• Disadvantages: Travel time is longer compared to the expressway, taking about 3 – 4 hours.

Driving Directions:

• From downtown Ho Chi Minh City, travel to the Cat Lai Ferry (District 2).
• After crossing the ferry, continue towards National Highway 51.
• Go straight to the Vung Tau intersection, turn right onto 30/4 Street to reach the center of Vung Tau City.

Ho Chi Minh City – Long Thanh – Dau Giay Expressway

Crafting Your Itinerary: Suggested 2-Day 1-Night Vung Tau Road Trip

Day 1:

• Morning: Depart from Ho Chi Minh City, stop for a break and enjoy local specialties near the Cat Lai Ferry or at a rest stop on the expressway.
• Noon: Arrive in Vung Tau, check into your hotel, and relax.
• Afternoon: Swim at Back Beach (Bai Sau), enjoy fresh seafood.
• Evening: Stroll along Front Beach (Bai Truoc), savor banh khot (crispy savory pancakes) and grilled squid.

Day 2:

• Morning: Watch the sunrise at Nghinh Phong Cape, visit the Christ the King statue and Vung Tau Lighthouse.
• Noon: Have lunch with stingray hotpot or bun sung (rice vermicelli soup).
• Afternoon: Shop for local specialties at Vung Tau Market.
• Evening: Depart for Ho Chi Minh City.

Tips for a Fulfilling Trip

Here are some tips for your Vung Tau road trip:

• Thoroughly inspect your vehicle before departure: Check tires, oil, brakes, lights, etc., to ensure a safe journey.
• Prepare all necessary vehicle documents: Vehicle registration, driver’s license, insurance, etc.
• Choose accommodation near the city center: This will be more convenient for traveling and sightseeing.
• Book hotel rooms and tour tickets in advance: Especially during holidays and Tet, book in advance to avoid sold-out situations.
• Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses: Vung Tau’s weather is sunny and hot year-round; you need these items to protect your skin.
• Learn about Vung Tau’s culture and people: To have interesting cultural experiences and avoid unnecessary taboos.

Expert Advice

Mr. Nguyen Van A, a tourism and transportation expert and author of the book “Discovering Vietnam on Four Wheels,” shares: “Traveling to Vung Tau by car offers you maximum freedom and flexibility. However, for a truly fulfilling trip, you need thorough preparation, from planning your itinerary, choosing the route, booking accommodation, to carefully checking your vehicle before departure. Be a smart and responsible traveler, contributing to protecting the tourism environment and building a positive image for Vietnam tourism.”