Saigon Vung Tau 2 days 1 night self-guided tour itinerary

Vung Tau is not only famous for its cool blue beaches but also attracts with unique check-in locations, fresh seafood cuisine and reasonable costs.

The proximity to Saigon makes this place the perfect choice for those who want to relax without spending too much time traveling.

But how to make the trip both economical and fun? Follow the itinerary below!

Pre-Trip Preparation: What You Need to Know

Before you “pack your bags and go”, you need to prepare carefully to avoid unnecessary trouble. Below is a basic checklist:

• Ideal timing: From November to April, Vung Tau weather is cool, little rain, suitable for outdoor activities. Avoid holidays or weekends if you want to save costs and avoid crowds.
• Estimated budget: A 2-day, 1-night self-guided trip costs from 1.5 to 3 million VND/person, depending on transportation, accommodation and food.
• Luggage: Bring light clothes, swimsuit, sunscreen, hat, sneakers and some cash (many small shops in Vung Tau do not accept cards).
• Book: Book bus tickets, hotels or homestays at least 1-2 weeks in advance to get good prices, especially during peak season.

Travel from Saigon to Vung Tau

The distance from Saigon to Vung Tau is only about 96-120 km, depending on the route. You have many options for transportation, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here is a comparison table to help you decide:

1. Motorbike - The choice of backpackers

Motorbikes are a popular means of transport for young people who love to explore. The shortest route is via Cat Lai ferry:

• Route: From Saigon center → Phu My Bridge → Nguyen Thi Dinh Street → Cat Lai Ferry → National Highway 51 → Ba Ria City → Vung Tau.
• Good tips: Check your vehicle before going, bring a raincoat and pay attention to traffic signs. Long Son route has beautiful scenery with fishing villages, very worth stopping to take pictures.

2. Passenger vans - Convenient and economical

Reputable car companies cost from 120,000 - 160,000 VND/trip. VIP limousines cost around 160,000 VND and offer a more comfortable experience with spacious seats, free wifi and water.

• Note: Book early on weekends to avoid sold out.

3. High-speed train - A new experience

The speedboat departs from Bach Dang wharf (Saigon) to Ho May wharf (Vung Tau). Travel time is about 1.5 hours, ticket price is from 200,000 - 300,000 VND/trip.

• Schedule: Trains run from 8:00 - 16:00, about every 1-2 hours.
• Advantage: Comfortable, sea view, no traffic jams.

4. Private car or taxi

If you are traveling in a group of 3-4 people, renting a private car or taxi is a reasonable choice. Car rental prices range from 800,000 - 1,200,000 VND/trip.

Vung Tau 2 days 1 night self-guided tour itinerary

Day 1: Explore the beach and check-in famous spots

Morning: Depart from Saigon and visit Front Beach

• 6:00: Depart from Saigon by motorbike or bus.
• 8:30 - 9:00: Arrive in Vung Tau, check in hotel/homestay.
• 9:30Breakfast at the restaurantHang Quyen Meatball Sandwich(37 Co Bac, price 30,000 VND/portion). This dish is not too special but is filling enough to start a new day.
• 10:00 - 11:30: SightseeingFront BeachandStatue of Christ the Kingon Nho Mountain. To reach the statue of Jesus, you need to climb 133 steps, but the view of the whole city from above is well worth the effort.

Lunch: Enjoy seafood and rest

• 12:00Lunch atGanh Hao Restaurant(3 Tran Phu, price 150,000 - 300,000 VND/person). Suggested menu: seafood hotpot, grilled squid with salt and chili, steamed crab.
• 13:30 - 15:00: Return to the hotel to rest and avoid the hot afternoon sun.

Afternoon: Check-in Nghinh Phong Cape and Hon Ba

• 15:30 - 17:00: SightseeingNghinh Phong Cape, where there is the famous Heaven's Gate and a beautiful sea view. Don't forget to take pictures atPig Hillnearby, with wild, dusty scenery very "cool".
• 17:30: VisitHon Ba, a small island with a temple to worship the Water Dragon Goddess. If the tide is low, you can walk to the island via a unique oyster stone path.

Evening: Explore Vung Tau's night cuisine

• 18:30: Dinner atVung Tau Seafood Night Market(Nguyen An Ninh street). You can choose fresh seafood and have it cooked on the spot, price from 100,000 - 200,000 VND/person.
• 20:00: Beach walkBack Beach, sip milk tea or coffee atLens Studio, a Japanese-style restaurant with many beautiful photo angles.
• 21:30: Back to hotel to rest, end of first day.

Day 2: Cultural and entertainment tours

Morning: Explore the Zen Monastery and Sheep Farm

• 6:30: Watch the sunrise atBack Beach, swimming or jogging for relaxation.
• 7:30: Have breakfast withGoc Vu Sua Pancakes(14 Nguyen Truong To, price 50,000 - 80,000 VND/portion). This is a specialty dish not to be missed, with crispy bread and rich dipping sauce.
• 8:30 - 10:00: SightseeingChon Khong Zen Monastery(Ward 6), a place that brings a sense of peace with unique architecture. Continue to visitShakyamuni Buddha Statue, the temple is famous for its large space and 30m high Buddha statue.
• 10:30 - 12:00: Check-in atSuoi Nghe Sheep Farm(Chau Duc district, 20 km from Vung Tau center). Entrance fee is about 50,000 VND, you can take pictures with the sheep and experience feeding them.

Lunch: Eat and prepare to return to Saigon

• 12:30Lunch atBa Toa Beef Hot Pot Restaurant(54 Nguyen An Ninh, price 100,000 - 150,000 VND/person). The beef hotpot here is loved by many tourists because of its rich broth.
• 13:30: Buy specialties as gifts, such as salted egg sponge cake or areca nut jam atVung Tau Market(Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street).
• 14:00Get on the bus back to Saigon, end of trip.

Tips to save money when traveling to Vung Tau

• Book early: Book your bus tickets, hotels or tours in advance to get discounts. Platforms like Traveloka or Klook often have attractive promotions.
• Eat smart: Choose cheap restaurants or night markets to enjoy fresh seafood at cheap prices.
• Go in groups: Sharing the cost of transportation, accommodation and food will help you save significantly.
• Avoid peak season: Service prices during Tet holidays often increase by 20-30%, so plan to go during off-peak times.

Traveling to Saigon Vung Tau is not only an opportunity for you to enjoy the blue sea and white sand, but also an opportunity to explore unique places and attractive cuisine.

With the detailed schedule above, you will easily plan a 2-day-1-night trip that is both complete and economical. Prepare today and head straight to Vung Tau to “recharge” your batteries!