Getting from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau now comes with more options than before: driving yourself on the expressway, booking a sleeper coach, or taking the high-speed ferry if you want to dodge weekend traffic jams. But once you've picked a mode of transport, the next question is usually the harder one: which area should you book an apartment in so getting around the city afterward is easy, instead of adding another half hour of driving on top of an already long trip. This guide rounds up the most common ways to travel and suggests which area to stay in based on how you enter the city, drawing on the questions VungTau Stay guests ask most before setting off.
Quick answer: The fastest and most flexible way from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau is self-driving on the Bien Hoa – Vung Tau expressway, about 2 hours. Coaches run the same route but add pickup/drop-off time on both ends. The high-speed ferry departs from Bach Dang wharf (District 1) and docks at Ho May wharf right in the Front Beach (Bai Truoc) area, taking about 120 minutes, and it is still running normally. Since both the road route and the ferry route bring travelers close to the old city center first, guests staying in that area usually arrive and start their trip sooner, with less extra travel.
Ways to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau
The three most common options today are self-driving, taking a coach, and taking the high-speed ferry. Each suits a different kind of traveler, depending on whether you're going solo or with a group, whether you enjoy long drives, and whether you'd like to try something other than the road.
| Transport | Estimated time | Pickup/drop-off | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-driving on the expressway | About 2 hours | Flexible, you control departure time | Families, groups with lots of luggage, anyone who wants control over the schedule |
| Sleeper coach / limousine van | About 2–2.5 hours (plus pickup/drop-off) | Downtown Ho Chi Minh City office to a Vung Tau office | Solo travelers or anyone who prefers not to drive |
| High-speed ferry | About 120 minutes | Bach Dang wharf (District 1) to Ho May wharf (Bai Truoc/Front Beach) | Anyone wanting to avoid weekend expressway traffic, or who enjoys travel by water |
Self-driving on the Bien Hoa – Vung Tau expressway is still the fastest, most flexible option, especially good for groups with bulky luggage or small children since you're not tied to a departure schedule. Sleeper coaches suit solo travelers or those unfamiliar with the route better, but you need to factor in transfer time at both ends, especially during weekend peak hours when traffic into Vung Tau builds up.
Is the Saigon – Vung Tau high-speed ferry still running?
Yes, and this is something many people haven't caught up on. The high-speed ferry route from Bach Dang wharf (District 1, Ho Chi Minh City) to Vung Tau is still operating normally in 2026, run by operators such as GreenlinesDP, which recently even adjusted its fares downward. The ferry docks right at the Ho May tourist wharf, next to the Bai Truoc (Front Beach) area, with a travel time of about 120 minutes per trip — slightly longer than driving, but with no traffic to worry about, plus a fairly enjoyable stretch of travel on the water, good for groups who'd rather not sit in a car for two hours straight.
If you choose the ferry, book ahead for weekends and holidays, since the number of daily departures is limited — unlike coaches, it doesn't run around the clock.
Once you're in Vung Tau, which area is most convenient
Whether you arrive by expressway or by ferry, both routes share one thing: they reach the old city center area first before continuing on to areas further out. The ferry wharf also docks right in this same area. So if your priority is arriving and being able to reach the beach, park, and eat right away without more travel after a long trip, the area worth considering first is Bai Truoc Vung Tau apartments (Front Beach) — close to the old center, convenient for both drivers and ferry passengers.
On the other hand, if your main itinerary is in the Bai Sau (Back Beach) area or the attractions out that way, choosing an apartment near the old center could mean extra driving right after a two-hour trip. The sensible approach is to plan your itinerary for the days in Vung Tau first, then pick the area — rather than picking an area first and figuring out logistics later. You can browse the full range of options by area at daily apartment rentals in Vung Tau.
Based on what the VungTau Stay guest-reception team has observed, self-driving guests arriving on Friday afternoon often underestimate how long it takes to find parking near the old center during rush hour — worth leaving 30–45 minutes earlier than planned if you're traveling in that window, or choosing a stay with its own parking to skip the hunt for a spot.
VungTau Stay is a booking channel for daily-rental apartments and villas across many areas of Vung Tau City, from Bai Truoc and Bai Sau to Bai Dau and Bai Dua, helping guests choose accommodation that matches their actual travel plan instead of picking an area at random and dealing with the commute every day.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau by expressway?
About 2 hours on the Bien Hoa – Vung Tau expressway under normal traffic conditions; it can take longer during weekend rush hour and holidays.
Is the Saigon – Vung Tau high-speed ferry still operating?
Yes. The route is still running normally in 2026, departing from Bach Dang wharf and docking at Ho May wharf, taking about 120 minutes per trip.
Do I need to book the ferry in advance?
Booking ahead is recommended, especially on weekends and holidays, since the number of daily departures is limited.
Should I stay in Bai Truoc or Bai Sau for a first visit to Vung Tau?
If you want to reach the beach right away and stay close to the old center, choose Bai Truoc (Front Beach). If your main plans are in the Bai Sau (Back Beach) area, stay closer to that area to cut down on extra travel.
Booking tip: if you're arriving by car or ferry and want to minimize travel time after a long trip, book an apartment near your entry point into the city first, especially on weekends and holidays when central areas tend to fill up early.
