Long Xuyen to Phan Rang–Thap Cham: Road Trip Guide

Leaving Long Xuyen, you cross the Hậu River via the Cần Thơ Bridge, then head northeast on National Route 1A. The distance is 450 km, and the drive typically takes 9–10 hours, depending on traffic and stops. This route connects the rice bowl of the Mekong Delta with the arid, cham-tower-studded coast of Ninh Thuận. Along the way, you'll traverse three distinct climatic zones, from tropical monsoon to semi-arid.

The journey also tracks the former route of the Saigon railway, decommissioned in 1964. That rail bed now parallels the highway in places, a quiet reminder of colonial-era infrastructure.

National Route 1A is the backbone of this trip. It's mostly two-lane with frequent passing lanes, but urban sections like Cần Thơ and Bình Thuận can be congested. As of 2025, there are no tolls except for the Phan Thiết–Vĩnh Hảo expressway, which you might choose to take for a faster, smoother ride at 1500–2000 VND/km.

Fuel stations are abundant along the entire highway, but in the sparsely populated stretch between Ninh Hải and Phan Rang, the last reliable fuel stop is at Km 1550 in Ninh Sơn. Budget around 700,000–900,000 VND for fuel for the whole trip, based on a typical sedan with 10 km/l.

• Driving time: 9–10 hours, with rest breaks.
• Road conditions: Excellent asphalt from Long Xuyên to HCMC; from HCMC to Phan Rang, the expressway offers the best conditions, otherwise the old road has some rough patches.
• Rail crossings: Several level crossings, be cautious.

Starting in the Mekong Delta, you'll see endless rice paddies and floating markets, but the landscape shifts dramatically after crossing the Đồng Nai River: rolling hills of cashew orchards, then the immense sand dunes of the Bàu Trắng area near Mũi Né. The final stretch into Phan Rang–Tháp Chàm passes through a semi-arid zone with sabra-like plants and the silhouette of Cham temples.

Commerce along the way is dominated by roadside stalls selling local fruits like durian and mango in the delta, and fish sauce and wine in Ninh Thuận. In Phan Rang, the Po Klong Garai Cham towers are a UNESCO World Heritage Site (as part of the My Son complex), accessible for a fee of 20,000 VND.

For a deeper dive into spotting hidden gems on such routes, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities on the Wayro blog.

The route is generally safe, but speed limits vary from 50 km/h in towns to 90 km/h on highways. Watch for motorbikes and livestock near rural areas. For families, rest areas with clean restrooms and playgrounds are available at petrol stations like Petrolimex at Km 1200 and Km 1450. For pets, many roadside cafes allow dogs on patios, but keep them leashed.

Fatigue management is crucial; plan to stop every two hours. Ideal rest points include Bình Minh Bridge park (Km 90) and the Vĩnh Hảo beach pull-off (Km 1800). Hidden off-route spots include the Tà Kóu mountain winch (near Phan Thiết) and the Bau Trang lotus lake, a 15-minute detour off Highway 1A.

For the best stops Long Xuyen to Phan Rang–Thap Cham, consider the sand dunes at Mũi Né, the Cham towers at Po Nagar, and the Ninh Chữ beach. But is it worth driving Long Xuyen to Phan Rang–Thap Cham? The answer depends on your appreciation for diverse landscapes and a taste of Vietnam's cultural thread. Ultimately, things to do between Long Xuyen and Phan Rang–Thap Cham are plentiful, from hiking at Bàu Trắng to tasting the local thốt nốt sugar palm.