There are many different ways for travelers to travel from Ho Chi Minh to Vung Tau, like motorbike, bus, minivan, private car, hydrofoil, and ferry. Based on your cost and demand, select the right way to have a memorable adventure.
Overview Of Ho Chi Minh To Vung Tau
The adventure from Ho Chi Minh to Vung Tau is one of the most popular short yet famous trips in Southern Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City is the most dynamic and modern city in Vietnam, which impresses vacationers with its brilliant skyscrapers and colorful nightlife. Vung Tau attracts travelers with its relaxing beaches, oceanfront coffee shops, fresh local seafood restaurants, and captivating coastal viewpoints.
How Far Is It From Ho Chi Minh To Vung Tau?
The Ho Chi Minh to Vung Tau distance is about 95 to 120 kilometers by road, based on your specific direction taken. With the distance above, the usual Ho Chi Minh to Vung Tau travel time is about 2.5 to 4.5 hours with stops (by motorbike), from 2 to 3.5 hours (by bus or minivan), about 2 to 3 hours (by private car), from 1.5 to 2 hours (by hydrofoil), and about 30 to 45 minutes (by ferry).
How To Travel From Ho Chi Minh To Vung Tau?
Going from Ho Chi Minh to Vung Tau, you can choose various types of transportation, consisting of a motorbike, a bus, a minivan, a private car, or a hydrofoil. In this section of this blog, Seni World will show you how to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau.
By Motorbike
Journeying from Ho Chi Minh to Vung Tau by motorbike is one of the most comfortable and enjoyable road adventures in Southern Vietnam. The distance between the two cities is relatively short. Along the way, you can choose to stop at beachside coffee shops, visit seafood villages, explore mangrove forests, and take ferries for wonderful photos. It is also a cheap and flexible way to travel for adventurous travelers.
However, this Southern Vietnam itinerary by motorbike can be challenging on weekends and vacations, when traffic increases drastically, particularly on Highway 51. Some sections will have construction areas, heavy trucks, or dusty roadside. The climate can be very hot, sometimes has unexpected rain, which can make driving uncomfortable. If you are an inexperienced rider, it will be a relatively hard way.
| Aspect | Option 1 (National Highway 1A and Highway 51) | Option 2 (Expressway or Highway 51) | Option 3 (Coastal scenic Route via Can Gio) |
| Route | Ho Chi Minh City → Dong Nai Bridge → QL51 → Vung Tau | Ho Chi Minh City → Long Thanh → QL51 → Vung Tau | Ho Chi Minh City → Nha Be → Can Gio → Ferry to Vung Tau |
| Distance | About 95 kilometers | About 100 kilometers | About 120 kilometers |
| Travel Time | From 2.5 to 3 hours | From 2.5 to 3.5 hours | From 3.5 to 4.5 hours |
By Bus Or Minivan
The Ho Chi Minh to Vung Tau bus or minivan trip is one of the most convenient and lowest-priced options. The journey is short, and there are common departures all day. Some high-end operators also have door-to-door pickup, saving tourists both effort and time. Therefore, for travelers who are searching for a pleasant, flexible, and especially more affordable option than the Ho Chi Minh to Vung Tau taxi trip, bus, or minivan is the best.
| Vehicle Type | Price (VND) | Travel Time | Notes |
| Standard Bus | About 120,000 – 160,000 VND (per person) | About 2.5 – 3.5 hours | This is the most affordable choice with various daily departures. Seats are basic and simple, great for budget tourists. However, the ride can be less convenient during peak hours and weekends. |
| Limousine Minivan | About 180,000 – 260,000 VND (per person) | About 2 – 2.5 hours | Limousine minivans have spacious and soft seats, strong air-conditioning, and fewer passengers, so you can enjoy a smoother ride. They can offer free water and Wi-Fi for travelers. |
| VIP Limousine | About 250,000 – 350,000 VND (per person) | About 2 hours | VIP limousine vans have extra-wide leather seats, more legroom, fewer passengers, as well as high-end customer service. So it is an excellent selection for travelers who love comfort during the trip. |
| Shuttle Bus from Tan Son Nhat Airport | About 200,000 – 300,000 VND (per person) | About 2.5 – 3 hours | This is a comfortable option if you are arriving in Ho Chi Minh City directly by plane. These shuttles will take you from the Tan Son Nhat International Airport to Vung Tau without needing to go into the city center. So it will save the transfer time. |
By Private Car
The Ho Chi Minh to Vung Tau private car journey is the most comfortable and free way for travelers. You can go whenever you want and customize your Vung Tau – Ho Chi Minh itinerary with stops along the way. The adventure is not only a travel, but it is also a real immersion in relaxation at your very own pace.
| Car Type | Estimated Price (VND) | Travel Time | Best For |
| 4-Seater Sedan | About 1,300,000 – 1,800,000 VND (one-way) | About 2 – 2.5 hours | Solo visitors or couples who like a private, direct, and convenient ride without sharing the vehicle. |
| 7-Seater SUV/MPV | About 1,600,000 – 2,300,000 VND (one-way) | About 2 – 2.5 hours | Families or small communities of 3 to 5 people who want to have extra baggage space and seating comfort. |
| 9-16-Seater Minibus | About 2,000,000 – 3,200,000 VND (one-way) | About 2 – 3 hours | Larger groups or business trips that offer spacious seating and the ability to move together conveniently. |
| VIP Limousine Van | About 2,300,000 – 4,000,000 VND (one-way) | About 2 – 2.5 hours | Vacationers who value luxurious comfort with reclining leather seats, free Wi-Fi, bottled water, and a smoother ride. |
By Hydrofoil
Travelling from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau by hydrofoil is one of the fastest and most convenient ways. You will revel in a smooth journey along the beautiful Saigon River as well as coastal waterways without the traffic jams like going on highways. This type of transportation is also a brilliant choice for travelers who are prone to motion sickness on winding roads.
| Aspect | Details |
| Operator | GreenlinesDP. |
| Departure Pier (Ho Chi Minh City) | Bach Dang Wharf, District 1 |
| Arrival Pier (Vung Tau) | Cau Da Pier (Front Beach), Vung Tau |
| Estimated Price (VND) | The Ho Chi Minh to Vung Tau hydrofoil price includes:
|
| Travel Time | About 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Schedule | Daily (Commonly 08:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 02:00 PM, and 04:00 PM) |
| Best For | Vacationers who want to enjoy a fast, poetic, and comfortable adventure, avoiding traffic jams |
By Ferry
The Ho Chi Minh to Vung Tau ferry trip is a quick and scenic choice, especially from December to April, which is the best time to visit Vung Tau. Besides, you can say no to road traffic completely. Moreover, ferries from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau operate multiple times a day, so it brings flexibility for travelers in making travel plans and arranging the itinerary.
| Aspect | Details |
| Departure Pier (Ho Chi Minh City) | Tac Suat Wharf, Can Thanh Town, Can Gio District |
| Arrival Pier (Vung Tau) | The old wharf area in Vung Tau |
| Travel Time | From 30 to 45 minutes |
| Estimated Price (VND) | The Ho Chi Minh to Vung Tau ferry price includes:
|
| Schedule | The Ho Chi Minh to Vung Tau ferry time is from 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM every day, with the last trip at 05:00 PM |
| Best For | Travelers who love a fast and scenic trip, and have more opportunities to take memorable photos of the water scenes |
Tips For Traveling From Ho Chi Minh To Vung Tau
If you want to have a comfortable and safe trip from Ho Chi Minh to Vung Tau, you need to find out more about the important travel tips. Seni World has collected them for you to have an interesting and memorable adventure.
- Book transportation tickets in advance: If you plan to travel on weekends, the peak travel seasons, or on holidays, you need to book the transportation tickets in advance to avoid sold-out seats.
- Say no to traveling during peak hours: The peak hours from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau are on Friday evening and Sunday afternoon. Let’s skip these heavy times to avoid traffic jams. You can choose to start the trip to Vung Tau earlier in the evening on Friday, and turn back to Ho Chi Minh City earlier in the afternoon on Sunday.
- Tips for traveling on a ferry: You need to arrive from 20 to 30 minutes early to secure good seats. Besides, let’s choose to sit near windows on the ferry for scenic views as well as reduced motion sickness.
- Ensure your health: You need to apply a high level of SPF sunscreen and wear sunglasses, because Vung Tau is hot and sunny most of the year. Moreover, don’t forget to stay hydrated, particularly if you are walking or spending your time at the beach under the sun.
- Bring motion sickness remedies: If you are prone to car or bus sickness on the roads, let’s bring motion sickness remedies.
- Check weather forecasts: Don’t miss out on checking weather forecasts carefully, particularly during the rainy season, to say no to rough waves and ferry delays.
- Bring small cash: Cash is king. You can easily pay for snacks and rest stops, as well as some seafood stalls along the way. In some areas in Vung Tau, local vendors will not accept cards or online payments.
Recommended Stops Along The Way
Traveling from Ho Chi Minh to Vung Tau, travelers can have an opportunity to revel in an interesting experience, with cool coastal breezes, unique mangrove forests, and poetic seaside roads. Here are some suggested and highlighted stops along the way:
My Xuan
Being a comfortable mid-route stop, My Xuan (Ba Ria) is known for its local eating places and pretty coffee shops, which are the best for a fast rest. My Xuan has a mixture of industry and countryside, so it brings tourists an opportunity to recharge before reaching the coastal city of Vung Tau.
Long Hai
Before arriving in Vung Tau, you should go to Long Hai to relax at captivating seashores, local seafood stalls, and attractions like the Dinh Co Temple. You can choose to swim, take photos on the windswept shoreline, or taste fresh seafood here. It is a suitable choice for travelers who love serene beaches.
Ba Ria City
Ba Ria is the gateway and the last stop before reaching Vung Tau. It has clean streets, tasty local dishes, and well-known attractions like the Ba Ria Market or Nui Dinh trekking routes. You can stop here to fuel up or enjoy a short stroll before the last stretch to the coast.
Final Thoughts
Going from Ho Chi Minh to Vung Tau, you can select many different types of transportation, like an adventurous motorbike, an affordable bus or minivan, a comfortable private car, a quick hydrofoil, or a scenic ferry. This choice will be based on your favorite, budget, and current demand. If you want to take a journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau, know more about things to do in Vung Tau as well as Ho Chi Minh City, and receive support for the visa process, let’s contact Seni World, a reputable tour operator from Vietnam.
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