2026 Ho Chi Minh City to Vũng Tàu day-trip guide — a seaside city to visit on trips of five days, four nights or longer

If you have a longer stay in Ho Chi Minh City, you can plan a day trip to Vũng Tàu.

If your trip is five days, four nights or more, you don't need to stay in District 1 every day shopping and drinking coffee. Vũng Tàu is about 96 km from Ho Chi Minh City by road, averaging around two hours, making it suitable for a day trip or an overnight short trip. [1] This seaside city has coastline, beaches, mountain views and a slower pace of life—a nice change of pace from the city.

How to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Vũng Tàu?

Comparison of transport methods, fares and travel times is as follows:

Bus or limousine: companies like FUTA, Thịnh Phát Limousine and Hoa Mai operate routes. Standard bus about 320,000 越南盾 one-way, travel time about 2–3 hours; limousine about 320,000 越南盾, travel time about 2 hours. [1] This is best for first-time visitors who want to control costs and don’t want to drive, but note pick-up locations and return schedules.

High-speed ferry: GreenlinesDP departs from Saigon Bach Dang Pier and arrives at Vũng Tàu Cau Da Pier; adult ticket about 320,000 越南盾, journey about 120 minutes. [1] You can enjoy the Saigon River and sea views along the way; suitable for travelers who want to avoid road traffic and enjoy a water journey—check sailings by date before departure.

Grab: If you travel with more people or want direct hotel pickup, call a car via the Grab app. One-way about HKD 200–300 (approx. NT$820–1,230, RMB 185–278), travel time about 2–2.5 hours. If you select Signature Hotel or M Village series as the pickup point or destination in the app, the system will automatically show a 20% coupon; it can be used for short rides within Ho Chi Minh City as well. Grab is best for travelers who don’t want transfers, have luggage, or travel in groups.

Private car hire: private cars about 900,000–2,700,000 越南盾 one-way, travel time about 2 hours or more depending on vehicle and traffic. [1] Families or small groups can arrange departure, return and stops as they like; splitting the cost can be more convenient than individual rides.

In short: choose the bus to save money; choose the ferry to enjoy scenery; choose Grab for direct hotel pickup or with luggage; private car is suitable for families or larger groups. Whatever you choose, depart early in the morning and avoid afternoon–evening traffic on the return. As for renting a motorbike, consider long-distance riding, road conditions, weather and legal driving documents in Vietnam—it's not recommended for inexperienced riders.

Vũng Tàu must-see: Jesus Mountain overlooking the coast

Located at Núi Nhỏ / Tao Phùng Mountain, it is one of Vũng Tàu's most iconic landmarks. The Jesus statue stands atop the mountain with arms outstretched toward the coast; from the mountain you can see the city, beaches, roads and the vast sea—offering more layered views than a simple stroll on the sand. [2]

Reaching the summit requires climbing nearly 800 steps; to enter the statue's interior you must climb a spiral staircase. The listed opening hours are roughly 07:00–17:00 daily and admission is free; but the sun is strong up there, so go in the morning, wear comfortable shoes, and bring drinking water and sunscreen. When entering religious sites, dress modestly—avoid very short shorts and overly revealing tops. [2]

Beaches, coastline and Vũng Tàu's relaxed pace

After climbing Jesus Mountain you can go to Back Beach（Bãi Sau） to view the sea or rest. This beach area is more open—suitable for swimming, sunbathing and sitting by the water; if you prefer a walk near the city center and to watch the sunset, choose Front Beach（Bãi Trước）. The two beaches have different atmospheres, so pick based on the time of day and your energy level.

Vũng Tàu is also great for walking or short rides along the coastal road; the seaside road, motorbikes, sea and urban buildings blend together into a scenery you seldom experience in Ho Chi Minh City's center.

Suggested Ho Chi Minh City — Vũng Tàu one-day itinerary

For a same-day round trip, consider this pace: depart Ho Chi Minh City at 06:00–07:00, arrive and first climb Jesus Mountain; then head to the beach for photos and rest, have seafood or bánh khọt for lunch, spend the afternoon at Back Beach or Front Beach for a stroll, and return to Ho Chi Minh City by evening. Depart early to avoid Ho Chi Minh City morning traffic; don't delay the return into the busiest afternoon period—leave traffic buffer time. This schedule is tight but lets you experience mountain views, the coast and local food in one go.

If you don't want to rush, opt for two days and one night: day one see the sea, have lunch and climb the mountain; day two take a morning walk before returning. Holidays and weekends are busier—avoid returning by car or Grab in the afternoon to evening rush.

Recommended sea-view hotels and Apartment stays

If your Ho Chi Minh City itinerary is five days, four nights or more and you don't want to cram Vũng Tàu into a single day, consider staying overnight. For hotels we recommend Fusion Suites Vung Tau, located near Front Beach; some room types offer sea or mountain views and facilities include a rooftop pool, Spa, sauna, gym, restaurants and bars—note that views vary by room type. [4]

If you prefer an Apartment, consider The Sóng Vũng Tàu. These apartments suit families or friends traveling together; when booking, choose a higher floor for better views. However, because the building is large, elevator waits can be longer and elevators more crowded during peak times—take this into account before booking. [5]

What to watch out for before going to Vũng Tàu?

Vũng Tàu's sun and sea breeze are direct—bring a hat, sunscreen, drinking water and comfortable shoes. Jesus Mountain is not suitable for high heels or flip-flops; for beach activities pay attention to tides, surf conditions and your belongings. Confirm bus and ferry schedules before departure.

If you return to Ho Chi Minh City with time to spare, the next day you can relax at Win Royal Spa—address 48 Lê Thị Hồng Gấm—open daily 09:00–22:00 to help your body recover after the long trip.

For Ho Chi Minh City trips of five days, four nights or more, Vũng Tàu is a worthwhile extension. It doesn't have to be a luxurious resort stay; even one day to climb Jesus Mountain, feel the sea breeze and dine by the shore before returning to bustling Ho Chi Minh City adds depth to your Vietnam trip.