Ho Chi Minh city to Vung Tau: Completed Guide

Overview

Vung Tau has long held a special place in the hearts of southern Vietnamese travelers. Located on a peninsula with ocean on three sides, this coastal city offers fresh sea breezes, golden sand beaches, and some of the freshest seafood in the region—all within easy reach of Vietnam’s busiest metropolis. For residents of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), Vung Tau is not just a destination; it is the destination for quick getaways, family trips, and romantic escapes.

The popularity of this route is undeniable. During major holidays, Vung Tau consistently ranks among the most sought‑after domestic destinations, alongside Phu Quoc, Da Nang, and Nha Trang. On National Day 2025 alone, Vung Tau welcomed approximately 95,000 beach‑goers over two days, with about 75,000 visitors on August 31. Such surges in demand cause hotel room rates—especially in the Bai Sau area—to double or triple, and bus tickets often sell out days in advance.

But Vung Tau’s appeal is not limited to holiday peaks. Weekend trips are a regular ritual for many Saigonese families, and the city has become a favorite for travelers from across southern Vietnam. A 2025 travel habits study found that HCMC‑based travelers favor Da Lat, Hanoi, and Vung Tau for multi‑night experiences, confirming Vung Tau’s status as a premier beach resort destination in the region.

The distance between Ho Chi Minh City and Vung Tau varies slightly depending on the route and measurement method. Most sources place the road distance between 95 km and 125 km. The inauguration of an 18km segment of the Bien Hoa - Vung Tau Expressway in April 2026 has been a game-changer. By bypassing the most congested "bottlenecks" of the old Highway 51, travel times have dropped significant:

• Private Car: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes.
• Sleeper Car (VIP Limousine): 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours.
• Motorbike: 2 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours (without stops)
• Hydrofoil: 1.5-2 hours

Popular Modes of Transportation: Advantages and Disadvantages

Private Car

Traveling by private car is the epitome of comfort and convenience for the journey from Saigon to Vung Tau. This option is particularly popular among families with children, small groups, business travelers, and anyone who values privacy and door-to-door service.

Advantages:

• Ultimate Comfort and Privacy: You'll travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with no strangers, allowing you to relax, nap, or work in peace. This is especially valuable after a long flight or before an important meeting.
• Door-to-Door Convenience: The driver picks you up directly from your hotel, apartment, or airport in Ho Chi Minh City and drops you off exactly at your desired destination in Vung Tau, eliminating the hassle of navigating public transport with luggage.
• Flexible Scheduling and Stops: You control the itinerary. Need a restroom break? Want to stop for Vietnamese coffee or a photo opportunity? No problem. Popular stops include Long Thanh Rest Stop for coffee and snacks, Bo Cap Vang Tourist Area for lunch, or Song Ray Riverside Cafes for a peaceful countryside view.
• Ideal for Group Travel: When costs are split among 3–5 people, private cars become highly economical compared to multiple bus or hydrofoil tickets.
• English-Speaking Drivers Available: Many private car services offer professional, English-speaking drivers who can also act as informal guides, recommending good restaurants along the way.
• Flexible for Day Trips and Extended Stays: You can easily arrange round-trip services or multi-day packages, allowing you to explore Vung Tau at your own pace without worrying about transport logistics.

Disadvantages:

• Higher Cost for Solo Travelers: For a single traveler, private car is the most expensive option. One-way prices range from approximately $70 for a sedan to $105 for a van. Full-day charters can cost between 1,500,000 and 6,000,000 VND ($58–$230), depending on vehicle size.
• Traffic Delays: Even with a private car, you're not immune to traffic jams, especially on weekend afternoons when everyone returns to Saigon. Travel time can extend to 3 hours or more during peak periods.
• Finding a Reliable Service: With numerous providers, quality can vary. It's essential to book through reputable companies with positive reviews to ensure a safe and pleasant experience.
• Parking in Vung Tau: If you're driving yourself (not hiring a driver with a car), parking in busy areas of Vung Tau can be challenging and expensive, particularly on weekends.

Limousine Bus

Often referred to as "limousine buses" or "sleeper cars," this transport option has revolutionized bus travel in Vietnam. These are high-end minivans (typically 9 or 16 seats) that offer a premium experience far superior to standard public buses.

Prominent limousine companies on the HCM City – Vung Tau route include Vie Limo, Hoa Mai, Toàn Thắng, Bến Thành Travel, and Hải Vân, specializing in the Saigon – Vung Tau route (travel time approx. 2–3 hours). Their vehicles typically have 9–11 seats, feature premium massage chairs, and offer door-to-door pickup and drop-off in Vung Tau and central Saigon. Ticket prices range from approximately $7.60 – $9.20 USD per ticket (approx.190,000 – 230,000 VND). Most of these transportation providers offer multiple trips throughout the day, running continuously from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily, along with door-to-door pick-up/drop-off services within Vung Tau city center and some central districts of Ho Chi Minh City. Note that fares may vary on weekends or holidays.

We recommend you plan to book in advance through platforms like vexere.com or reputable travel agencies to ensure you secure a seat.

Advantages:

• Excellent Value for Money: For a fraction of the cost of a private car, you get a comfortable, air-conditioned ride with plush seats that often recline significantly (some nearly to a flat position). Prices are incredibly budget-friendly, typically around $4.50 for a standard bus, with limousine services costing slightly more.
• Frequent Departures: Major operators like Hoa Mai and Phuong Trang run services from early morning (4:00 AM) until evening (7:00 PM), with departures every 15–30 minutes. This high frequency means you never have to wait long for a ride.
• Free Shuttle Service: Some premium bus companies offer complimentary shuttle service to take you from the Vung Tau bus station directly to your hotel or resort, adding an extra layer of convenience.
• Comfortable for Overnight Travel: The "sleeper" designation means these buses are designed for passengers to rest comfortably. While the journey is only 2–3 hours, the reclining seats make for a very relaxing ride, especially after a long day.
• VIP Limousine Options: Companies like Hoa Mai offer VIP Limousine services with 16 high-quality seats, redesigned interiors, and additional amenities for a superior travel experience.
• Amenities Onboard: Modern limousine buses often come equipped with WiFi, air conditioning, reading lights, USB charging ports, and sometimes even personal entertainment screens.

Disadvantages:

• Fixed Schedule (Though Frequent): While departures are frequent, you still need to adhere to a schedule. You can't leave spontaneously at 2:30 AM if that's what suits you.
• Shared Space: You'll be traveling with other passengers, which means less privacy than a private car. Seat space is comfortable but still limited compared to a private vehicle.
• Limited Luggage Space: While adequate for weekend trips, sleeper buses have limited storage for large suitcases. If you're traveling with excessive luggage, a private car might be more suitable.
• Not Ideal for Seasickness-Prone Individuals: While not as bad as a boat, the motion of a bus on Vietnam's roads can still affect those prone to motion sickness.
• Pickup/Drop-off Points: Unlike private cars, you'll typically need to make your way to a central bus station in HCMC (like Mien Dong Bus Station) and arrange onward transport from the Vung Tau station unless free shuttle service is included.

Motorbike

For the adventurous soul, riding a motorbike from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau is an experience that offers unparalleled freedom and a true sense of the Vietnamese landscape. This is the preferred method for budget backpackers, thrill-seekers, and anyone who wants to feel the wind in their hair.

Advantages:

• Maximum Flexibility and Freedom: You are the master of your journey. Want to stop at a random roadside cafe? Need to pull over for a photo of a rubber plantation? Feel like taking a detour through a fishing village? With a motorbike, you can do all of that without asking anyone's permission.
• Lowest Cost Option: Renting a motorbike for the day costs approximately 150,000–200,000 VND ($6–$8). Fuel is minimal. This makes it by far the cheapest way to get from HCMC to Vung Tau.
• Authentic Travel Experience: Riding a motorbike immerses you in the sights, sounds, and smells of the journey. You'll navigate through bustling city streets, cruise along national highways, and perhaps take a local ferry, experiencing Vietnam like a local.
• Easy to Navigate Route: The most popular route via National Highway 51 is straightforward and well-marked, making it suitable even for relatively inexperienced riders. Alternative routes, like the one via Cat Lai Ferry, can save about 20km.
• Perfect for Exploring Vung Tau: Once you arrive, your motorbike becomes the perfect tool for exploring Vung Tau's beaches, lighthouses, and seafood markets at your own pace.

Disadvantages:

• Safety Concerns: This is the biggest drawback. Highway 51 is notorious for heavy traffic, especially on weekends, with many large trucks and buses sharing the road. Some riders describe it as "one of the worst roads to ride on". Accidents are a real risk, particularly for inexperienced riders.
• Dependent on Weather: Vietnam's weather can be unpredictable. Riding in heavy rain is not only uncomfortable but dangerous. The best time for motorbiking is during the dry season from November to April.
• Physically Demanding: A 3–4 hour ride in tropical heat and humidity can be exhausting. You'll need good health, stamina, and proper protective gear.
• Requires Riding Skills: Navigating through HCMC traffic, merging onto highways, and dealing with aggressive drivers requires confidence and skill. This is not recommended for first-time motorcycle riders.
• Increased Risk of Theft: While Vung Tau is generally safe, motorbike theft is a concern in Vietnam. You'll need to ensure you have secure parking at your accommodation and always lock your bike.
• Traffic Jams on Highways: Even on a motorbike, you can get stuck in traffic jams on weekends when everyone heads to the beach, turning a 2.5-hour ride into a 4-hour ordeal.

Hydrofoil Boat

The hydrofoil is the most unique and arguably the most enjoyable way to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau. These high-speed vessels literally lift out of the water at speed, offering a smooth, fast, and scenic ride along the Saigon River and out to the coast. Hydrofoil boats are a type of high-speed vessel with a special design featuring hydrofoils beneath the hull. When the boat reaches a certain speed, these wings lift the hull out of the water, reducing drag and increasing speed. Thanks to this structure, the boat moves very smoothly, with less vibration and is more fuel-efficient than conventional boats. They are a popular mode of transport on coastal routes or short distances, offering passengers a fast and modern experience.

As of April 2026, the high-speed ferry market (commonly known as hydrofoil) from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau is primarily operated by a single reputable company, alongside a few other large-scale ferry options.

Currently, the Ho Chi Minh City – Vung Tau high-speed ferry route is operated by several companies. The most prominent is Greenlines DP. This is the most modern catamaran high-speed ferry currently available, completely replacing the older hydrofoil models, offering many amenities such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi, phone charging ports, free drinking water, and clean restrooms. The catamaran design minimizes vibration and seasickness.

The route is from Bach Dang High-Speed ​​Ferry Terminal (District 1, Ho Chi Minh City) to Ho May Wharf (Ho May Cable Car, Vung Tau), with a total travel time of approximately 90 minutes. Ticket prices on weekdays (Monday - Friday) are approximately 320,000 VND (adults) and on weekends & holidays: Approximately 350,000 - 380,000 VND (adults).

Advantages:

• Fastest Travel Time: The hydrofoil completes the journey in approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, making it the fastest option available. This gives you maximum time to enjoy your beach getaway.
• Scenic and Memorable Experience: Unlike staring at a highway, the hydrofoil journey offers stunning views of the Saigon River, mangrove forests, fishing villages, and finally, the open sea. It's an experience in itself, not just a means of transport.
• Avoids Road Traffic: You completely bypass the infamous highway traffic jams that can plague weekend travelers. The hydrofoil operates on a fixed schedule, so you know exactly when you'll arrive.
• Comfortable Amenities: Modern hydrofoils operated by GreenLines DP feature air-conditioned cabins, comfortable seating, onboard toilets, complimentary snacks, and sometimes Wi-Fi.
• Eco-Friendly Option: Hydrofoils produce fewer emissions per passenger compared to cars and buses, aligning with Ho Chi Minh City's sustainability initiatives.
• Children Travel Free: Children under 6 can travel for free (sharing a seat with an adult), making this a family-friendly option.

Disadvantages:

• Seasickness Risk: The hydrofoil is a high-speed vessel, and the motion can cause seasickness, especially if the sea is choppy. Motion sickness pills are highly recommended.
• Limited Schedule: Unlike buses that run every 15–30 minutes, hydrofoil departures are more limited. Typically, there are 2–5 departures per day from HCMC, with more frequent services on weekends.
• Requires Travel to/from Piers: You'll need to get to Bach Dang Pier in HCMC (District 1) and arrange transport from Cau Da Pier or Ho May Port in Vung Tau to your accommodation. While not far, this adds time and a short taxi fare (around 30,000 VND).
• Ticket Scams: Unfortunately, there have been reports of ticket sellers in Vung Tau falsely claiming that return tickets are sold out, forcing travelers to buy tickets at inflated prices from private agencies. Booking online in advance is strongly recommended to avoid this.
• Not Suitable for Heavy Seas: In rough weather conditions, hydrofoil services may be cancelled for safety reasons, potentially disrupting your travel plans.
• Luggage Restrictions: While reasonable luggage is permitted, there are more restrictions compared to private cars or buses. Large, oversized suitcases may not be allowed.

Recommendation

Choosing the right transport from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau ultimately depends on your budget, travel style, and priorities. For families and groups seeking comfort and convenience, a private car is hard to beat. Budget-conscious travelers who don't mind sharing space will find excellent value in sleeper buses. Adventurous souls who want to truly experience the journey will love the freedom of a motorbike. And for those who want the fastest, most scenic ride possible, the hydrofoil offers a truly unique Vietnamese travel experience.

Here is the comparison chart: