Vung Tau to Long Xuyen: Road Trip Guide & Hidden Gems

The drive from Vung Tau to Long Xuyen covers 245 kilometers, typically taking 5 to 6 hours by car. Stretching from the coastal cliffs of the South China Sea to the flat rice paddies of the Mekong Delta, this route cuts through three provinces: Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Tien Giang, and An Giang.

The first half follows Highway 51, a busy corridor passing the industrial hub of Ba Ria. After turning off onto National Route 1A near My Tho, the landscape shifts dramatically to lush orchards and canals. The final stretch on Highway 91 approaches the Bassac River, where Long Xuyen's floating markets signal arrival.

Fuel stations are plentiful along the entire route, with prices comparable to national averages. Expect to spend around 400,000 VND (about $16) on petrol for the one-way trip in a standard sedan. Toll fees apply on the Ho Chi Minh City-Long Thanh-Dau Giay Expressway if you take that shortcut, but the free route via Highway 51 adds only 20 minutes.

For tips on planning stops, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

• Road quality: Highways 51 and 1A are paved and well-maintained, but sections near Ba Ria have heavy truck traffic.
• Toll points: Two toll booths on Highway 51 (30,000 VND each) and one on Highway 91 near Long Xuyen.
• Rest areas: Official rest stops exist at km 80 on Highway 51 and near Cai Be town on Highway 1A.

The terrain evolves from the rugged, rocky coastline of Vung Tau to the orchards and rice fields of the Mekong basin. The southern end has a tropical monsoon climate with two seasons: dry (November-April) and wet (May-October). Rain often arrives in short afternoon bursts, so an early start avoids the heaviest showers.

The only UNESCO World Heritage Site near this route is the ancient town of Hoi An, but it lies more than 600 kilometers away and does not realistically factor into a day trip. For a closer look at heritage, the Cai Be floating market on the Tien River offers a glimpse into the region's commercial past.

Local commerce thrives along the route, with roadside stalls selling seasonal fruit like mangosteen and rambutan. In Long Xuyen, the Chau Doc fish sauce and An Giang's longan honey are popular souvenirs. As you approach the delta, the number of motorbike vendors increases, signaling the transition to a water-centric economy.

For food, Vung Tau's Banh Khot (mini savory pancakes) and Long Xuyen's Hu Tieu My Tho (noodle soup) represent distinct culinary traditions worth pausing for.

Highway 51 has four lanes with a median divider, but watch for sudden motorbike crossings at unmarked intersections. Use high beams when passing trucks, especially at night. If you need to stop, choose official rest areas with security rather than isolated road shoulders.

For family trips, several stops cater to children: the My Tho riverboat tours depart from the city center, and the Long Xuyen water park offers slides and pools. Pet owners should note that Vietnamese hotels frequently allow small dogs, but always confirm in advance. Keep pets on leashes at rest areas and carry water bowls to ensure their comfort.

Fatigue is a real risk on the long drive; plan to take a break at least every two hours. The rest stop at Cai Be (km 110) has air-conditioned seating and coffee. For hidden gems, turn off at the town of Tan Hiep (about 10 km from Highway 1A) to see the 200-year-old Binh Hoa Phuoc ancestral temple and a local rice paper workshop.

• Rest periods: Alternate drivers if possible, or nap for 15 minutes at a rest area.
• Child-friendly stops: My Tho's family-run boat rides include life jackets and fruit snacks.
• Pet-friendly cafes: Several coffee shops in Long Xuyen allow leashed pets on their terraces.