Transparent pricing
One-way, with driver
1.500.000 ₫
Round-trip, with driver
2.700.000 ₫
HCMC to Vung Tau is Saigon's default weekend beach trip — 125 km southeast via the CT01 (HCMC–Dau Giay) expressway extension + QL51 national highway. The drive takes 2.5 hours in normal traffic, 3.5 hours on Sunday afternoon when all of HCMC is returning.
There are two routes: the fast CT01 + QL51 (what GPS picks) and the Cat Lai Ferry route (via HCMC's east side, 20 min shorter but with a vehicle ferry crossing adding 30 min variance). The expressway route is standard; we use ferry only when traffic on QL51 is severe (uncommon).
Most bookings are Friday evening departure + Sunday afternoon return. We pre-position drivers for Sunday pickups to ensure you beat peak return traffic. Self-drive is popular for confident drivers; with-driver is common for families with kids + luggage.
Recommended itinerary
Standard HCMC → Vung Tau (2.5 hours):
- 0:00 — Depart HCMC District 1, 2, or 7.
- 0:30 — Onto CT01 expressway.
- 1:15 — Exit onto QL51 toward Vung Tau.
- 2:00 — Pass Long Thanh, approach Vung Tau peninsula.
- 2:30 — Arrive hotel in Vung Tau.
Best departure times (to avoid traffic):
- Friday: before 3 PM or after 7 PM
- Saturday: before 9 AM or after 1 PM (and return before noon Sunday)
What to see along the way
En route (if you like stops):
- Long Thanh golf courses — for golfers, several world-class courses off CT01.
- Ho Tram / Long Hai beaches — 25-50 km past Vung Tau, cleaner beaches.
- Phuoc Hai fishing harbor — local seafood stop off QL51.
Road conditions & driving notes
HCMC → Vung Tau notes:
- CT01 expressway — 100-120 km/h limit, strict camera enforcement.
- QL51 truck traffic — oil-port bound. Night driving 20-22h adds risk.
- Long Thanh section sometimes congested 7-9 AM weekdays.
- Cat Lai Ferry (alternative) — 25 min ferry, good during weekday rush but adds variance.
- Tolls included in our rental price.
Alternative transport options
Hydrofoil (HCMC pier → Vung Tau, Saigon River): USD 15-25, 1.5h. Scenic but weather-dependent. Service hours 7 AM - 5 PM.
Sleeper bus: USD 6-12 one-way, 3-4h.
Private car with driver: USD 62 one-way, USD 110 round-trip weekend (sedan). Most flexible for family/luggage.
Best time to travel
Vung Tau year-round but:
- Nov-Apr: dry, warm, ideal beach weather.
- May-Oct: rainy, short afternoon storms.
- Weekdays always quieter + cheaper hotels.
Ready for the Ho Chi Minh City → Vung Tau trip?
Book a sedan with a professional driver. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup.