Vung Tau to Vinh Long: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

Driving from the coastal city of Vung Tau to the Mekong Delta town of Vinh Long covers roughly 150 km via National Route 51 and 1A, taking about 3.5 hours without stops. This route transitions from the blue expanse of the East Sea to the green veins of the Mekong, offering a slice of southern Vietnam’s contrasts.

Historically, this corridor was a vital supply line during the Vietnam War, connecting the naval base at Vung Tau to delta garrisons. Today, it’s a journey through rubber plantations, rice paddies, and orchards, with the Long Tau River serving as a maritime shortcut for cargo ships entering Saigon.

For a framework on optimizing road trips, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The fastest path is National Route 51 to Ba Ria, then merge onto the Ho Chi Minh City – Long Thanh – Dau Giay Expressway (Cao toc) briefly, exiting at Long Thanh to connect with National Route 1A heading west. Alternatively, a more scenic but slower route follows DT765 through orchards and villages, adding 30 minutes.

• Fuel stations are plentiful along QL51 and QL1A, with major brands like Petrolimex and PV Oil, about every 30 km. Expect gas prices around 24,000 VND/liter (as of 2024). Toll costs for the expressway are 40,000 VND for cars.
• Renting a motorbike costs 150,000-200,000 VND/day; a car with driver about 1,200,000 VND/day. Public buses run frequently from Vung Tau to Vinh Long, 50,000-100,000 VND per person, but limit spontaneous stops.
• Route economics: a private car consumes ~8 liters per 100 km, making fuel cost about 280,000 VND one-way. Weigh this against the freedom to explore off-route gems.

An effective strategy is to fill up at Vung Tau before departure and again at Vinh Long, as fuel prices can vary by 5% between stations. The expressway is well-maintained, but the final stretch to Vinh Long includes a ferry crossing at My Thuan? No, My Thuan bridge is on the way to Can Tho; for Vinh Long, cross the Co Chien River via the Rach Mieu Bridge (toll 20,000 VND) or a minor ferry.

Road quality is generally good on main highways, but motorbikes and livestock frequently enter the road, so stay alert. Use headlights day and night, and avoid driving after dark due to limited lighting in rural stretches.

• Safe family stops: Bai Truoc Beach in Vung Tau (start) and Vinh Long's Van Thanh Fish Sauce Village (end) are child-friendly, with open spaces and facilities.
• Pet-friendly framework: Many homestays along the route accommodate pets, but always call ahead; packing a portable water bowl and tie-out is essential.

For fatigue management, plan a rest stop every 90 minutes. Ideal spots include the Long Thanh service area on the expressway (clean restrooms, coffee) and the Cai Lay district in Tien Giang, where you can stretch your legs on a fruit orchard walking path. The climate is hot and humid year-round (average 27°C, rainy season May-November), so hydration and air-conditioned breaks are crucial.

Culinary infrastructure is thriving: along QL1A, you'll find numerous 'quán ăn' serving local specialties like hủ tiếu Mỹ Tho or bánh xèo. For a unique taste, try the Vinh Long province's 'bánh tráng mắm' (grilled rice paper with fermented fish) at a roadside stall.

Local commerce and culture extend to the bustling Vinh Long night market, where you can sample dragon fruit, a specialty of the region, and observe the daily life of the delta. With careful planning and a flexible mindset, this road trip not only connects two destinations but also weaves through the rich tapestry of southern Vietnam.

As you leave Vung Tau, the coastal dunes quickly give way to cashew and pepper farms near Phu My. This area, known as the 'pepper capital' of Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, produces some of Vietnam’s finest pepper, which you can find in local markets.

In the town of Long Thanh, home to a major industrial zone, you’ll notice a stark contrast: sprawling factories alongside traditional stilt houses. This is where the 'highway economy' thrives—roadside eateries serving bánh canh (thick noodles) and washing stations for trucks.

Approaching Ben Luc, the landscape turns into a mosaic of rice paddies and lotus ponds. Here, you can spot the iconic Ben Luc Dragon Bridge, inspired by a dragon’s shape, symbolizing prosperity. The local commerce includes floating fish farms and the famous Ben Luc rice paper, which you can see drying on racks along the road.

• Natural stop: Bau Sen ecological area in Tan Thanh offers family-friendly lake activities.
• For UNESCO heritage: My Tho, just 20 km off-route, serves as the gateway to the Truc Lam Zen Monastery on a river island, a serene cultural spot.
• Hidden off-route spot: The Dong Hoa Hiep ancient village near Sa Dec (30 km from Vinh Long) boasts 200-year-old houses and a quiet canal-side atmosphere.