Self-guided 2-day, 1-night Saigon - Vung Tau travel itinerary.

Vung Tau is not only famous for its pristine beaches but also attracts visitors with its unique photo spots, delicious fresh seafood, and reasonable prices.

Its proximity to Saigon makes it the perfect choice for those who want to relax without spending too much time traveling.

But how can you make the trip both budget-friendly and fun? Check out the itinerary below!

Preparing for your trip: Things you need to know

Before you "pack your bags and go," you need to prepare thoroughly to avoid unnecessary problems. Here's a basic checklist:

• The ideal timeFrom November to April, Vung Tau enjoys cool, dry weather, ideal for outdoor activities. Avoid holidays or weekends if you want to save money and avoid crowds.
• Projected budgetA 2-day, 1-night self-guided trip costs between 1.5 and 3 million VND per person, depending on transportation, accommodation, and food.
• LuggageBring light clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, sneakers, and some cash (many small shops in Vung Tau don't accept cards).
• BookBook your bus tickets, hotel, or homestay at least 1-2 weeks in advance to get the best prices, especially during peak season.

Traveling 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 transportation options, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Below is a comparison table to help you decide:

1. Motorbikes - The choice of adventure travelers.

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

• RouteFrom the center of Saigon → Phu My Bridge → Nguyen Thi Dinh Street → Cat Lai Ferry → National Highway 51 → Ba Ria City → Vung Tau.
• Helpful tipsCheck your vehicle before you go, bring a raincoat, and pay attention to traffic signs. The Long Son route has beautiful scenery with fishing villages, well worth stopping to take photos.

2. Coach buses - Convenient and economical

Reputable taxi companies charge between 120,000 and 160,000 VND per trip. VIP limousines, priced at around 160,000 VND, offer a more comfortable experience with spacious seats, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary water.

• NoteBook your tickets early for the weekend to avoid seats selling out.

3. High-speed trains - A novel experience

High-speed boats depart from Bach Dang Wharf (Saigon) to Ho May Wharf (Vung Tau). The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours, and the ticket price ranges from 200,000 to 300,000 VND per trip.

• ScheduleThe train runs from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with a departure approximately every 1-2 hours.
• AdvantageRelax, enjoy the sea view, and don't worry about traffic jams.

4. Private car or taxi

If traveling in a group of 3-4 people, hiring a private car or taking a taxi is a reasonable option. Car rental prices range from 800,000 to 1,200,000 VND per trip.

2-day, 1-night self-guided Vung Tau travel itinerary

Day 1: Explore the beach and check in at famous landmarks.

Morning: Depart from Saigon and visit Bai Truoc beach.

• 6:00Depart from Saigon by motorbike or bus.
• 8:30 - 9:00Upon arriving in Vung Tau, check into your hotel/homestay.
• 9:30Have breakfast at the restaurant.Hang Quyen's steamed pork bun sandwich(37 Co Bac Street, price 30,000 VND/portion). This dish isn't particularly special, but it's filling enough to start the day.
• 10:00 - 11:30: SightseeingBai Truoc BeachandStatue of Christ the KingOn Nho Mountain. To reach the statue of Christ, you need to climb 133 steps, but the panoramic view of the entire city from above is well worth the effort.

Lunch: Enjoy seafood and take a rest.

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

Afternoon: Check in at Nghinh Phong Cape and Hon Ba Island.

• 15:30 - 17:00: SightseeingNghinh Phong Cape, home to the famous "Heaven's Gate" and stunning sea views. Don't forget to take photos there.Pig HillNearby, with its wild, rugged scenery, it's really "cool".
• 17:30VisitHon Ba, a small island with a temple dedicated to the Water Dragon Goddess. If the tide is low, you can walk to the island via a unique oyster shell path.

Evening: Explore Vung Tau's nightlife and culinary scene.

• 18:30Dinner atVung Tau Seafood Night Market(Nguyen An Ninh Street). You can choose your own fresh seafood and have it prepared on the spot, priced from 100,000 - 200,000 VND per person.
• 20:00Beach strollBack Beach, sipping milk tea or coffee atLens Studio, a Japanese-style cafe with many beautiful photo spots.
• 21:30Return to the hotel to rest, ending the first day.

Day 2: Cultural sightseeing and entertainment

Morning: Explore the Zen Monastery and the Sheep Farm.

• 6:30Watch the sunrise atBack BeachGo for a swim in the sea or go for a relaxing jog.
• 7:30Have breakfast withBanh Khot Goc Vu Sua(14 Nguyen Truong To Street, price 50,000 - 80,000 VND/portion). This is a must-try specialty dish, with crispy rice crackers and flavorful dipping sauce.
• 8:30 - 10:00: SightseeingChon Khong Zen Monastery(Ward 6), a place that offers a sense of peace with its unique architecture. Continue your visit.Shakyamuni Buddha StatueThe temple is famous for its spacious grounds and a 30-meter-tall Buddha statue.
• 10:30 - 12:00Check-in atDong Cuu Suoi Nghe(Chau Duc district, 20 km from Vung Tau city center). Entrance fee is around 50,000 VND, you can take photos with the sheep and experience feeding them.

Lunch: Have lunch 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.
• 13:30Buy local specialties as gifts, such as salted egg sponge cake or cashew nut jam.Vung Tau Market(Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street).
• 14:00: Get on the bus back to Saigon, the trip is over.

Tips for saving money when traveling to Vung Tau

• Book earlyBook your bus tickets, hotels, or tours in advance to receive discounts. Platforms like Traveloka or Klook often have attractive promotions.
• Eat smartChoose budget-friendly restaurants or night markets to enjoy fresh seafood at affordable prices.
• Go in a groupSharing the costs of transportation, accommodation, and food will help you save significantly.
• Avoid peak seasonService prices typically increase by 20-30% during holidays, so plan your trip for off-peak times.

A trip from Saigon to Vung Tau is not only an opportunity to enjoy the blue sea and white sand, but also a chance to discover unique places and delicious cuisine.

With this detailed itinerary, you can easily plan a fulfilling and budget-friendly 2-day, 1-night trip. Start preparing today and head straight to Vung Tau to recharge your energy!