Vietnam

How to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau

Compare all transport options: bus, ferry, train, flight. Prices, durations and tips from a local expert.

FASTEST
1h 7min
💶
From
3€
📍
Distance
73 km
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There are 1 way(s) to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau

Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.

🚌 Departure from Ho Chi Minh City
📍The main bus terminal for Vũng Tàu is bến xe Miền Đông (Mien Dong Bus Station), located northeast of the city center. It is Ho Chi Minh City's largest bus station, serving many national destinations. It features ticket counters for various companies, restaurants, and small shops.
🚇From the city center (District 1), you can take a taxi or ride-hailing service (Grab) for about 20-30 minutes, costing between 100,000 and 150,000 VND. Public buses (lines 26, 601) are a more economical option (around 6,000 VND) but take 45-60 minutes.
Buses depart frequently, typically every 30 minutes to 1 hour, from 4:30 AM to 6:00 PM. It is advisable to purchase tickets in advance, especially on weekends.
💸 Transport from 3€ per person
Fastest: 1h 7min
🗓 Book now Secure payment · via 12go.asia

🛣️ The journey experience

Traveling from __Ho Chi Minh City__ to Vũng Tàu is a popular and relatively quick getaway. The best and most convenient option is undoubtedly the bus. Several companies operate this route, with frequent departures from District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City, particularly near Mien Dong Bus Station or from private company offices like FUTA Bus (Phương Trang) or Hoa Mai. Expect a comfortable journey of about 1. 5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and the bus type.

Modern buses are air-conditioned and offer reclining seats, perfect for relaxing and watching the rural and semi-urban landscapes pass by. You won't feel like you're losing half a day of travel; on the contrary, it's a smooth and efficient transition. The price typically ranges from 120,000 to 160,000 VND (about 5-7 USD), which is very affordable. Booking is straightforward: you can do it online through reputable platforms like 12go. asia or directly on the bus company websites.

This secures your seat, ensures a fixed price, and avoids the hassle of negotiation or the fear of encountering an unreliable operator. There are no night buses for this short journey. You will usually arrive in Vũng Tàu city center, making it easy to reach your accommodation or the beaches.

Frequently asked questions — Ho Chi Minh City → Vung Tau

✨ Why visit Vung Tau?

  • Admire the giant Christ the King statue and enjoy panoramic city views.
  • Relax on the sandy shores of Bai Sau (Back Beach) and Bai Truoc (Front Beach).
  • Explore the historic __Vung Tau__ Lighthouse and its French colonial architecture.
  • Visit the White Palace (Bach Dinh), an ancient imperial and colonial residence.
  • Savor fresh seafood at the numerous local restaurants.
🌙
Recommended stay
2 to 3 nights — Ideal for combining beach relaxation with historical site exploration.

☀️ When to visit Vung Tau?

TROPICAL MONSOON CLIMATE

November to February — Dry season, with pleasant temperatures and a low chance of rain.

Jan 😊
Feb 😊
Mar 😊
Apr 😊
May 😊
Jun 😐
Jul 😐
Aug 😐
Sep 😐
Oct 😊
Nov 😊
Dec 😊
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In Vung Tau — Plan your stay
Accommodation, activities and tips selected for you
🏨 Accommodation
Hotels in Vung Tau
Compare the best rates available
via trip.com

What to do in Vung Tau?

Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you

INCONTOURNABLE
✝️
Christ of Vung Tau — one of the world's largest
The Christ the Redeemer statue (1974) stands 32 m tall on Small Mountain — the outstretched arms span 18 m. Climb inside via a spiral staircase to the shoulders for stunning sea views. 800 steps from the base, free entry, open 7:30am–5:30pm.
UNIQUE
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Back Beach — Bai Sau
Vung Tau's Back Beach stretches 8 km of fine sand with moderate surf — ideal for swimming and bodyboarding. Less fancy but more authentic than Front Beach. Plenty of sunbeds and seafront restaurants. Reachable from HCMC in 2h by bus or 1h30 by fast boat (~250,000 VND).
🏠
White Villa — Bao Dai's Palace
The former summer residence of Vietnam's last emperor (1920s–1930s), preserved with period furnishings. Visit the villa, royal bedrooms and tropical garden. Entry ~30,000 VND, 1-hour visit. Imperial costume rental available for photos (~20,000 VND).
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Vung Tau Lighthouse
The French colonial lighthouse (1910) sits atop Big Mountain at 170 m altitude. The ascent (30 min walk from the car park) offers the best panoramic view of the city and South China Sea. Free entry, open daily.
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Night market and seafood
Vung Tau's night market (Thuy Van street, from 5pm) overflows with seafood stalls: soft-shell crab, giant shrimp, sea urchins, bivalves. Prices well below HCMC. Budget 150,000–300,000 VND per person for a full meal with local beer.
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Peninsula loop by motorbike
Vung Tau is a 15 km peninsula — perfect for a 2.5-hour motorbike loop. Coastal road with views of offshore oil platforms, beaches, lighthouse and the Christ statue. Automatic scooter rental: ~150,000 VND/day. International driving licence recommended.
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Niet Ban Tinh Xa Pagoda
Vung Tau's largest pagoda houses a 12 m long reclining Buddha in a peaceful garden setting. Free visit, respectful dress required. Early morning, monks perform ceremonies in an atmosphere of total serenity, far from tourist circuits.
Fast boat from Ho Chi Minh City
Vung Tau is the weekend beach for Saigonese: fast ferry from Ben Bach Dang (HCMC central quay) in 1h20–1h30, ~250,000 VND one way. Greenlines DP and Vina Express offer 4–5 departures/day. Ideal for a 1–2 day escape without hitting the road.

⏱️ How long to visit Vung Tau?

2 to 3 days

For an independent traveler, 2 to 3 days are ideal to explore Vũng Tàu. In 2 days, you can visit main sites like the Christ statue and the beaches. If you have 3 days, it allows for a relaxing excursion to Hòn Bà island or simply more time at the beach and for local gastronomy. Do not stay more than 3 days, the city is small and you will quickly see everything.

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