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
4€
📍
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
📍Buses for Vũng Tàu primarily depart from Miền Đông Bus Station (Bến Xe Miền Đông). It is the largest bus station in Ho Chi Minh City, serving numerous destinations in Southern and Central Vietnam. It is a vast, often crowded terminal with ticket counters for various bus companies.
🚇From the city center (District 1), you can take a taxi or a 'Grab' (ride-hailing app) to get to Miền Đông. The journey takes approximately 20-40 minutes depending on traffic and costs between 80,000 and 150,000 VND. Public buses are also available (e.g., line 26 or 19), for around 6,000 VND, but the journey is longer (45-60 minutes).
Buses to Vũng Tàu are very frequent, with departures every 15-30 minutes from early morning (around 5:00 AM) until late evening (around 7:00 PM-8:00 PM). It is advisable to check specific company schedules as they may vary slightly.
💸 Transport from 4€ per person
Fastest: 1h 7min
🗓 Book now Secure payment · via 12go.asia

🛣️ The journey experience

Traveling from __Ho Chi Minh City__ to __Vung Tau__ is a straightforward and quick journey, perfect for a coastal getaway. The most common and efficient option is the bus, offering excellent value for money. Expect a comfortable trip of about 1. 5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and the operator.

Buses are generally modern and air-conditioned, ensuring a pleasant experience. The scenery alternates between urban areas when leaving __Ho Chi Minh City__, then opens up to greener roads and sometimes views of rice fields or light industrial zones before reaching the coast. Most departures are from the Mien Dong Bus Station in Ho Chi Minh City or central agencies, and arrival in __Vung Tau__ is usually at the main terminal, well-connected for your onward journey. Reputable companies like Futa Bus (Phuong Trang) or Hoa Mai are known for their punctuality and secure service.

Booking online via reliable platforms like 12go. asia helps you avoid scams and know the real price (around 4-6 EUR) in advance, with no unpleasant surprises. There are no night buses for this short trip, but its speed allows you to maximize your day in __Vung Tau__. You can set off with peace of mind, all your logistics are clear.

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
🏖️
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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