Quy Nhon to Long Xuyen Road Trip Guide: Best Stops & Route Tips

Stretching inland from the South China Sea, the route from Quy Nhon to Long Xuyen traverses Vietnam's central highlands and the Mekong Delta, a 660-kilometer drive that typically takes 13-14 hours without stops.

Quy Nhon sits on a peninsula at 13.77°N, while Long Xuyen lies on the Hậu River at 10.38°N, a drop of over three degrees latitude. This journey crosses the historical boundary of the former Champa kingdom and the Khmer-influenced delta.

The journey begins with the coastal plain's coconut palms and dry scrub, climbing to the pine-forested Central Highlands around Pleiku at 800 meters. The Mang Yang Pass offers views of the Chư Đăng Ya volcano, an extinct cone visible from the road.

South of Buon Ma Thuot, the terrain levels into the Mekong Delta's rice paddies and fish farms. The delta's fruit orchards along the Tien River near Long Xuyen are a striking contrast to the highlands' coffee plantations.

Local commerce reflects this diversity: highland towns sell coffee and cashews, while delta markets like Long Xuyen's floating market trade in tropical fruits. The road itself hosts roll-on-roll-off ferries across the Serepok River, a reminder of pre-bridge travel.

QL19 has sharp curves, especially near An Khe, and fog reduces visibility in the early morning. Guardrails are inconsistently maintained; stay within speed limits.

• Family stop: Bamboo Spring Eco-tourism in Buon Ma Thuot offers a playground and safe swimming.
• Pet-friendly: Many highland guesthouses allow pets, but riverboat tours near Long Xuyen do not.
• Fatigue: Plan a stop at Pleiku's rest area (km 120) with shade and food stalls.

Culinary stops: try bánh hỏi lòng heo in Quy Nhon and bún cá in Long Xuyen. For hidden gems, take a 10-km detour to Gia Lai's Kon Ka Kinh Nature Reserve, a pristine forest with trails.

Drive in clear daylight; headlights are essential in fog. Consider breaking the trip into two days to avoid night driving on unfamiliar roads.

National Highway 19 from Quy Nhon to Pleiku, then QL14 south to Buon Ma Thuot, and finally QL30 into Long Xuyen. The entire route is paved, but the QL19 section includes mountain passes with steep grades.

• Fuel stations are sparse in the highlands; fill up at major towns like Pleiku or Buon Ma Thuot.
• Fuel costs about 23,000 VND per liter (October 2025), budget for 40-50 liters total.
• Toll fees apply on some stretches; total tolls around 200,000 VND.

Driving time on QL19 averages 60 km/h, while QL14 allows 70 km/h. For current conditions, consult how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The shortest route is 660 km, but adding a detour to Kon Tum increases distance by 60 km. Traffic in Long Xuyen becomes congested near the market, so plan arrival before 4 PM.