Vung Tau to Tra Vinh: Coastal Route Guide & Hidden Gems

Leaving Vung Tau's Bai Truoc beach, the highway quickly turns inland, crossing the Cai Mep River before joining National Route 51. The road to Tra Vinh, about 130 kilometers to the southwest, takes roughly 3 to 3.5 hours without stops, depending on traffic and roadworks.

This drive traces the southern edge of the Mekong Delta, a landscape shaped by centuries of sediment. The route passes through Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, then Ben Tre, famous for its coconut groves, finally arriving in Tra Vinh, known for its Khmer temples.

A key feature of this journey is the ferry crossing at My Thuan, which connects the two banks of the Tien River. The ferry runs frequently, but during peak hours you may wait 15-30 minutes.

Infrastructure and Driving Culture

The highways lack continuous fencing, so be alert for cattle, motorbikes, and pedestrians crossing unexpectedly. Use headlights during the day to increase visibility. Speed limits range from 40 km/h in urban areas to 80 km/h on open stretches.

Emergency contact numbers: 113 (police), 115 (ambulance). In case of a breakdown, call for roadside assistance through your rental company; many offer 24/7 support.

Fatigue Management and Rest Zones

Plan a break every 1.5 hours. The best mid-point stop is Ben Tre city, about 80 km from Vung Tau. Numerous cafes and restaurants line the road, offering fresh coconut water and coffee. For a longer rest, consider the My Thuan ferry waiting area, which has basic amenities and shade.

If you're driving with children, take a break at the newly opened Eco Garden in Ben Tre, where you can stroll among fruit trees and see a local bee farm. In Tra Vinh, the Ba Om Pond path is stroller-friendly, but the UNESCO-listed Khmer temples require modest clothing and are not suitable for toddlers due to elevation.

Hidden Off-Route Spots

A short detour from QL51 before Phu My leads to the 'Suoi Mo' waterfall, a small but scenic cascade surrounded by ferns. It's about 5 km from the main road, and locally known but rarely visited by tourists.

Another hidden gem is the Vinh Trang Temple near My Tho, just 10 km off the route. Its mix of Vietnamese, Khmer, and Chinese architectural styles makes it a serene stop.

Coastal Wetlands and Orchards

Just outside Vung Tau, the mangrove forests of Long Dien provide a transition from urban to rural. Further along, Ben Tre province greets you with endless rows of coconut trees, interspersed with rice paddies. A short detour to the town of Chau Thanh leads to the Cai Be floating market, a vibrant wholesale hub where boats exchange produce.

The landscape becomes distinctly Khmer as you approach Tra Vinh, with stilt houses and the distinctive blue-and-gold roofs of Theravada Buddhist temples. This cultural shift is accompanied by a change in field crops, from rice to pineapple and dragon fruit.

Local Specialties

In Ben Tre, don't miss trying a simple 'banh xeo' pancake, but for a real local experience, look for 'hun' – a type of coconut worm, considered a delicacy by some. In Tra Vinh, sample 'banh pia', a sweet pastry filled with durian or lotus seeds, a legacy of the Chinese community.

Markets along the route offer fresh seafood, seasonal tropical fruits, and traditional sweets. The Ba Om Pond in Tra Vinh is a tranquil spot where you can buy fresh coconut juice from nearby vendors.

Family and Pet-Friendly Notes

Many roadside restaurants have playgrounds for children, and the gentle riverside scenery appeals to all ages. For pet owners, keep in mind that Vietnam is not particularly pet-friendly; restaurants rarely allow dogs, but outdoor food stalls often do. Bring water and shade for your pet, as the tropical heat is intense.

If you're interested in discovering more unique stops, consider reading how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The journey begins on National Route 51 (QL51) heading west from Vung Tau, passing through Long Dien and Phu My. At the town of Ong Trang, you turn onto National Route 56 (QL56) towards Ben Luc, then connect to QL60, which leads directly to My Thuan ferry. After the ferry, continue on QL60 for 35 km to reach Tra Vinh city.

Road quality is generally good, with well-paved asphalt lanes. However, expect heavy truck traffic near industrial zones, especially around Phu My. The highway is mostly flat and straight, with occasional speed bumps in residential areas.

Fuel and Costs

Fuel stations are plentiful along QL51, but become sparser on QL60 between Ben Tre and the ferry. As of 2025, gasoline prices in Vietnam hover around 23,000 VND per liter (about $0.95). A typical car consumes 7-8 liters per 100 km, so budget around 250,000 VND for fuel for this route.

There are toll plazas on QL51, with fees ranging from 25,000 to 100,000 VND depending on vehicle type. Bring cash or use eToll cards like VETC for faster processing.

Unique Waypoint: My Thuan Ferry

The My Thuan Ferry is a crucial link in the route, operating from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM. It carries vehicles and passengers across the Tien Giang River. Please note that this is a scheduled ferry, not a bridge, and wait times can vary.