Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Vung Tau tickets

About the ride from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Vung Tau 

Leave behind the overwhelming energy of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to explore the quieter side of the beautiful country of Vietnam in Vung Tau.

The port-side city is just 94.5 kilometers (58.7 miles) away, so within a few hours, you’ll be in the heart of Vung Tau, ready to discover its treasures.

Travelers can choose to ride down the river on a ferry, enjoying spectacular views along the way, zip over the distance in a plane, or conquer the distance by road in a bus, car, or minivan.

However you arrive in Vung Tau, the city is a bewitching sight, with a gorgeous coastline and plentiful activities.

What is Vung Tau like?

This charming seaside city is often skipped by travelers in a hurry to reach the northern gems of Vietnam.

Slow down to dive into the port capital city of the Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, which became a French seaside getaway after European trading ships flocked to the city in the 14th century.

Now, Vung Tau is littered with French colonial mansions, rising up between classic modern Vietnamese high-rises and encircled by hills awash with luscious green forest and sparkling blue water that stretches into the horizon.

Vung Tau benefits from a mixed culture with myriad trekking opportunities, karaoke bars, glorious beaches, fascinating museums, and religious sites.

Six unforgettable activities in Vung Tau

Wander the streets of Vung Tau to find hidden gems and meet locals who can spirit you away on surprising adventures, but keep these top sites in mind, too:

1. Snap pictures at the Vung Tau lighthouse. This towering white structure overlooks the South China Sea and is the perfect quick pit stop for sightseeing in Vung Tau. Built by the French in 1862, it’s the oldest lighthouse in Vietnam, and the 360-degree views offer pristine views for sunset.
   
   

2. Climb up to the Chon Khong Monastery. Known for its large gold Buddha nestled amid green forest and looking down the side of a hill, this sprawling monastery is another interesting excursion to peek into Vietnam’s religious culture. Plus, it’s within easy walking distance from the lighthouse.
   
   

3. Hop on a cable car. At Ho May Culture and Ecotourism Park, which also has an epic amusement park perfect for families, visitors can take a cable car ride to the peak of Vung Tau.
   
   

4. Explore Hon Ba Island. Head to Pineapple Beach and walk to Hon Ba Island’s tiny temple. It’s possible to walk there by navigating a tide-rock path at low tide. Alternatively, head to the Thich Ca Phat Dai Pagoda on dry land to fulfill your spiritual quest.
   
   

5. Walk up to the Jesus Christ statue. Reminiscent of the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, the statue looms over the city, welcoming visitors with open arms. It also has spectacular views of the city.
   
   

6. Relax on the beach. With plenty of beaches, sunseekers will adore the sandy delights here. Visit Front Beach for swimming and seafood, and head to Back Beach to surf or windsurf.
   
   

How do I get from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Vung Tau?

Travelers have a few options between Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and Vung Tau: ferry, bus, minivan, flight, or car.

By ferry

The most enjoyable way to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau is by ferry. Tickets start at $17 per passenger.

Say farewell to skyscrapers and sail down the river through mangrove forests and across the open sea to reach Vung Tau on the coast.

This option takes two hours, and operators run limited services during the week and low season — between April and June or September and November. Book your trip in advance to avoid any disruptions or delays.

The small boat has a roof, so you won’t get rained on and are protected from the intense sun. However, it’s a small ferry, so you will feel it if there are rough seas. Take any seasickness meds you might need before you get on. 

Services depart from Bach Dang Ferry Port and arrive at Ho May Tourism Pier.

Possible amenities include:

Air conditioning

WC

WiFi, subject to availability

By bus

The easiest and most popular way to travel between Ho Chi Minh City and Vung Tau is by bus. Tickets start at $9 per passenger.

Buses dominate the public transportation system in Vietnam, and this option takes two to three hours to reach the seaside city of Vung Tau.

Services start in the early hours and continue until late into the evening, so there will be a time that fits your schedule.

Departure stations vary according to the operator, but possible stations include Mien Tay Bus Station, Ho Chi Minh New Eastern Bus Station, and An Suong Bus Station. 

Buses typically arrive at Vung Tau Bus Station or the operator’s offices.

Always check your ticket carefully to ensure you arrive at the correct station. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to prevent mishaps from disrupting the journey.

Possible bus amenities: 

Air conditioning

Reclining seats

Water provided

Rest stops

A luggage allowance of 20 kg/44 lbs per passenger

WiFi, subject to availability

By minivan 

An excellent option for people traveling in small groups or as solo acts is taking a minivan transfer. Prices for single tickets start at $8.

Depending on the operator and the number of rest stops, this option will take two to three hours to arrive in Vung Tau. Services depart throughout the day, so you’ll easily find an option to fit into your itinerary.

Passengers are usually picked up and dropped off at the operator’s office.

You could also opt for a private minivan transfer to control your schedule and travel exclusively with friends and family. Private transfers start at $86 for the entire minivan and take up to 2 hours and 30 minutes to drive in Vung Tau.

You’ll be picked up and dropped off at your chosen hotel in both locations. You can also request a pick-up from Ho Chi Minh Airport. Minivans can accommodate between 9 and 12 passengers.

Possible minivan amenities include:

Air conditioning

Reclining seats

Blanket

USB charger points

Water provided

WiFi, subject to availability

A luggage allowance of 20 kg (44 lbs)

By flight

Book a flight with Vietnam Airlines to make short work of the journey between Ho Chi Minh City and Vung Tau.

The quick one-hour flight departs from Ho Chi Minh Airport and arrives at Con Dao Airport. 

Prices start at around $68 per passenger.

By private car

Another convenient option for people traveling in small groups who want privacy and comfort is to take a car. Prices start at $45 per car. 

An SUV car will take up to five passengers, and a standard car fits up to three.

You’ll be picked up and dropped off at your chosen hotels in Ho Chi Minh City and Vung Tau.

The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete by car.

Possible amenities include:

Air conditioning

Rest stops upon request

A luggage allowance of 20 kg/44 lbs and one handbag

The best things about the trip from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Vung Tau

The best way to enjoy the views on the journey between Ho Chi Minh City and Vung Tau is to take the ferry.

By the river, you’ll weave between skyscrapers in Ho Chi Minh and wind down waterways before hugging the coastline until the ferry pulls into Vung Tau Port.

Keep your camera ready to snap some beautiful pictures for your memoirs.

By road, it’s not the most thrilling experience, but you’ll still enjoy some lovely views as you exit the frenetic rabbit warren of Ho Chi Minh City and get closer to the more sedate environment of Vung Tau.

When is the best time to visit Vung Tau?

It’s best to visit Vung Tau during the dry season, which stretches from November to April.  This time of year benefits from endless sunny days and lower humidity, with only a small chance of rainfall.

Avoid visiting between May and October, when the monsoon season hits.

How many days should I spend in Vung Tau?

The most time you need to spend in Vung Tau to see everything is three to four days.

Two to three days is the sweet spot, though. This will allow enough time to enjoy one full beach day, visit all the best viewpoints in the city, and learn about its fascinating history.

Where should I go after Vung Tau?

Next, head south to Can Tho, a city in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta region on the bank of the Hau River.

Known for its floating markets and canal network, few tourists make it this far south after visiting Ho Chi Minh City. Book a table at one of its floating restaurants to get a feel for the city.