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Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trips & Excursions

Around Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Accessible Locations from Vung Tau

Long Hải, a coastal town, sits approximately 30-45 minutes drive north of Vung Tau. It is known for its quieter, more pristine beaches compared to Vung Tau's main shores, with several resorts and a relaxed atmosphere. Further north, about an hour's drive from Vung Tau, is the fishing village of Phước Hải, a glimpse into authentic local life with bustling fishing boats and traditional markets.

Bình Châu Hot Springs, about 1.5-2 hours' drive north of Vung Tau, is a popular wellness destination with natural hot mineral springs and mud baths. Ho Chi Minh City, while often a day trip from Vung Tau, can be visited from Vung Tau for its markets, historical museums, diverse dining, or specific events. The hydrofoil journey is swift.

Getting Around and Trip Planning

  • Long Hải & Phước Hải: Taxi, private car, or local bus/van services are options. Motorbike rental offers flexibility for comfortable riders.
  • Bình Châu Hot Springs: Best access by private car/taxi or through an organized tour. Public transport routes are less direct.
  • Ho Chi Minh City: Regular bus services and hydrofoils connect these cities.
  • Independent travel is feasible for nearby coastal towns. Organized tours suit Bình Châu Hot Springs for transport and entry.

Natural Escapes

The area surrounding Vung Tau features natural beauty, from tranquil hot springs to coastal reserves.

Bình Châu Hot Springs

This natural hot spring complex offers a relaxing and therapeutic experience. It features multiple mineral pools with varying temperatures, therapeutic mud baths, and areas for boiling eggs in the natural hot springs. The complex sometimes includes a crocodile farm.

Location and Access

  • Located in Bình Châu commune, Xuyen Moc district, Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, approximately 1.5 - 2 hours drive north of Vung Tau.
  • Private car, taxi, or an organized tour from Vung Tau makes for convenient transport.
  • Adjacent is the Phước Bửu-Bình Châu Nature Reserve, protecting a coastal forest area with diverse flora and fauna.

Coastal and Rural Charm

The coastal road extending north of Vung Tau towards Long Hải features consistently scenic ocean views. This route is pleasant for a leisurely drive or motorbike ride, with opportunities to stop at small coves or viewpoints.

Beaches and Rural Areas

  • The beaches of Long Hải and Phước Hải offer quieter and less crowded seaside alternatives to Vung Tau's main beaches.
  • Rural areas inland from Vung Tau and towards these towns showcase agricultural landscapes and traditional Vietnamese village life.
  • These areas are suitable for those seeking a more secluded seaside experience or authentic local scenes.

Multi-faceted Experiences

Natural Wonders

  • Ba Ria-Vung Tau province includes protected forest areas.
  • Bình Châu Hot Springs provide relaxing mineral baths.
  • The nature reserve has limited development for extensive tourism.
  • Hiking trails are less developed compared to other national parks.

Coastal Beauty

  • The coastal road north of Vung Tau offers scenic ocean views.
  • Small coves and viewpoints dot the coastal route.
  • Long Hải and Phước Hải beaches are quieter.
  • Rural areas feature agricultural landscapes and village life.

Regional Travel Options

  • Vung Tau to Ho Chi Minh City:Regular bus & hydrofoil.
  • Vung Tau to Mui Ne/Phan Thiet:4-5 hours' drive north.
  • Vung Tau to Con Dao Islands:Flight from HCMC or long ferry.
  • Vung Tau to Mekong Delta:From HCMC.
  • Southern Vietnam Loop:Vung Tau, HCMC, Mekong Delta.
  • Coast to Highlands:Vung Tau, Mui Ne, Da Lat.
  • Long Hai & Phuoc Hai Time:Half-day to full day.
  • Binh Chau Hot Springs Time:Half-day (excluding travel).

Plan Ahead

When planning day trips, consider travel times and the contrasting experiences each destination presents. Booking in advance for tours to places like Bình Châu Hot Springs can save time.

Cultural Excursions

Explore historical sites and rural life just beyond Vung Tau's city limits.

Minh Đạm Base

Located near Long Hải, this site served as a significant Viet Cong stronghold and base during the Vietnam War, featuring a network of caves and memorial sites.

Rural Villages

The areas just inland from Vung Tau, especially towards Long Hải and Phước Hải, showcase active fishing villages, small farms, and a slower pace of life.

Pilgrimage Sites

Numerous pagodas and temples dot the Ba Ria-Vung Tau province beyond Vung Tau city, providing peaceful visits and architectural interest for cultural explorers.

Historical Insights

Minh Đạm Base offers a historical perspective on the conflict, nestled in a scenic mountain area.

Site Features

  • The area surrounding Minh Đạm Base is quite scenic.
  • The base features a network of caves.
  • Memorial sites are part of the complex.

Authentic Local Life

These rural areas provide an authentic glimpse into Vietnamese daily routines away from urban bustle.

Village Experiences

  • Discover active fishing villages.
  • See small farms and agricultural landscapes.
  • Experience a slower pace of life.

Regional Connections

Ho Chi Minh City:Regular bus/hydrofoil.
Mui Ne:Bus services, limousine vans.
Con Dao Islands:Flight from SGN or ferry.
Mekong Delta:Easily accessed from HCMC.
Southern Vietnam Loop:Vung Tau, HCMC, Mekong Delta.
Coast to Highlands:Vung Tau, Mui Ne, Da Lat.

Eco-Conscious Exploration

  • Support local crafts to sustain traditional skills.
  • Practice responsible waste disposal.
  • Minimize single-use plastics.
  • Consider carbon offsetting for flights.
  • Choose environmentally friendly transport.

Multi-Day Extensions

Vung Tau can serve as a starting point for longer regional travel, combining it with other popular destinations in Southern Vietnam.

Beyond Vung Tau: Sample Itineraries

1

Ho Chi Minh City

A natural and highly recommended extension. Ho Chi Minh City presents a stark contrast to Vung Tau's coastal calm, with its bustling urban energy and rich history.

2

Mui Ne / Phan Thiet

Located further north along the coast, approximately 4-5 hours' drive from Vung Tau. This location combines with Vung Tau for a longer beach-focused trip.

3

Con Dao Islands

This archipelago requires a flight from Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) in HCMC or a long ferry. Con Dao is known for its pristine beaches, protected national park, and a historical prison.

Regional Exploration

  • Southern Vietnam Loop: Vung Tau (2-3 days) → Ho Chi Minh City (3-4 days) → Mekong Delta (2-3 days) → Return to HCMC.
  • Coast to Highlands: Vung Tau (2-3 days) → Mui Ne (2-3 days) → Da Lat (Central Highlands, 2-3 days), then flight from Da Lat or return to HCMC.
  • Ho Chi Minh City: Regular bus services and hydrofoils connect Vung Tau to HCMC.
  • Con Dao: Flight from SGN or ferry from Vung Tau (less frequent) or Soc Trang.
  • Mui Ne: Regular bus services, limousine vans, and private cars connect Vung Tau to HCMC and then to Mui Ne.
  • Mekong Delta: From Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta is easily accessible for river tours, floating markets, and rural life experiences.

Extended Stays

  • Vung Tau is a pleasant base for longer stays (weeks or months) for those seeking a slower pace of life than Ho Chi Minh City.
  • It features access to beaches and a relatively low cost of living.
  • Vung Tau balances amenities for comfortable long-term living.
  • Look for monthly apartment rentals or serviced residences for extended periods.
  • These extensions make a varied and comprehensive exploration of Southern Vietnam possible.
  • They feature different landscapes, cultures, and experiences.

Logical Next Destinations

Mui Ne

For more beaches and unique geological features.

Ho Chi Minh City

For city life, historical exploration, and as a major transport hub.

Mekong Delta

From Ho Chi Minh City, access river tours and floating markets.

Seamless Booking

Book your day trips and excursions in advance to secure your spot and streamline your travel plans. Explore options on GetYourGuide.
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