Saigon to Phan Rang: Highway 1 Drive Guide

Until 2010, the journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Phan Rang–Thap Cham forced drivers to brave the treacherous Hai Van Pass-like climbs of Ca Pass, but the opening of the Da Nang–Quang Ngai Expressway (now part of the North–South Expressway) rerouted most traffic inland, making the drive safer but less scenic. Today, the most direct route runs 350 km along National Route 1A (QL1A), a mix of four-lane divided highway and two-lane sections, typically taking 5.5 to 7 hours depending on traffic and stops.

This guide covers everything you need to plan the journey, including driving times, fuel costs, natural attractions, and practical tips for families and pets. We also explain how to use how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities to enrich the drive.

The terrain shifts from the flat Mekong Delta rice paddies to the rolling hills of Đồng Nai province, then gradually becomes arid and rugged as you approach the south-central coast. About 200 km from HCMC, you'll enter the outskirts of Phan Thiết, where the famous Mui Ne sand dunes begin—a worthwhile detour for their otherworldly beauty, best visited at sunrise to avoid heat and crowds.

Further north, around the town of Ta Pa, you'll find the Champa Kingdom's Po Klong Garai Cham Towers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (listed as part of the “My Son Sanctuary” World Heritage, but the towers themselves are a must-see). These ancient brick temples date back to the 13th century and offer a glimpse into the Cham civilization. The site is open daily, entrance fee around 30,000 VND.

Local commerce thrives along the highway: numerous dragon fruit farms in Bình Thuận province sell fresh fruit at roadside stalls, and you can buy dried squid, fish sauce, and salt products from the coastal villages. The town of Phan Rang itself is known for its grape farms and the annual Nho (grape) festival.

Road quality is generally good, but watch for reckless motorbike drivers weaving in and out of traffic, especially near towns. Always keep a safe distance and use high beams on poorly lit sections at night. It's advisable to avoid driving between 11 PM and 4 AM, as that's when lorries dominate the road and visibility drops.

For families, plan stops every 2 hours at safe, kid-friendly locations. The most reliable are the large rest stops operated by Petrolimex or PV Oil, which often have clean toilets, playgrounds, and food courts. A specific mention: the rest area at Km171 (near Hàm Tân) has a small playground and serves decent local phở. For pets, ensure they are comfortable in a crate or harness; most rest stops have shaded areas where you can walk them, but always clean up after them.

To manage fatigue, do not drive more than 2 hours without a break. Use the self-service coffee kiosks at many fuel stations to stretch your legs. One hidden gem off-route: the Ta Pa Hot Springs, about 30 km from QL1A, offers a relaxing soak in mineral waters, perfect for a mid-journey refresh.

The most reliable fuel-up strategy is to fill your tank in HCMC before departure, because many inland stations on QL1A close by 9 PM and might have limited 95-octane gasoline. Diesel and 92-octane are widely available, but premium fuel is scarcer. As of 2025, fuel prices in Vietnam hover around 23,000 VND/liter for gasoline, so budget roughly 500,000 VND (~$20) for the entire route.

The route includes several toll plazas, most notably the Long Thanh–Dau Giay Expressway (if you take it) and the Phan Thiết–Dầu Giây highway segment, each costing between 50,000-100,000 VND for a standard car. Keep cash or a local e-wallet (MoMo) ready for toll payments. The drive is generally well-paved, but watch for potholes on the two-lane sections near construction zones.

Key road names to note: QL1A from HCMC to Phan Rang, and the alternative CT01 Expressway (Ho Chi Minh City–Long Thanh–Dau Giay) which shaves 20 minutes but adds a toll.