Best Beaches Near Ho Chi Minh City: Distances, Transport & Where to Stay

2026-02-23

Searching for the best beaches near Ho Chi Minh City often gives you a list, but not the real context. How far is “near”? Can you actually do it in one day? And how much will it cost once you factor in transport and resorts?

Here’s a clear, practical breakdown of the best beaches near Ho Chi Minh City, including distance, transport options, real price ranges, and most importantly, local insight you won’t usually find in generic lists.

Vung Tau Beach from Ho Chi Minh City (Closest & Easiest)

Vung Tau is approximately 95–100 km from central Ho Chi Minh City. By private car, the journey takes about 2 to 2.5 hours via the Long Thanh – Dau Giay Expressway and National Route 51. The Greenlines DP ferry from Bach Dang Wharf takes roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on sea conditions.

Best for: Quick weekend escape
Day trip possible? Yes, this is the only beach on this list that comfortably works as a same-day return

Because of its short distance, Vung Tau beach from Ho Chi Minh City is the most realistic option if you want to leave in the morning and return by evening without feeling rushed.

Typical Transport Costs to Vung Tau

• Bus (one way): 120,000 – 180,000 VND
• Ferry (one way): 320,000 – 350,000 VND
• Grab (one way): 1,200,000 – 1,800,000 VND
• Private car (round trip 8–10 hrs): 2,000,000 – 2,800,000 VND
   

Where to Stay in Vung Tau

1. The Imperial Hotel Vung Tau

• Address: 159 Thuy Van Street
• Price range: 2,500,000 – 4,000,000 VND per night

The Imperial is one of the most established beachfront hotels in Vung Tau, located directly across from Back Beach. The property leans toward a European-style design with large lobby spaces and traditional furnishings. Rooms are spacious compared to newer city hotels, and many face the ocean.

It’s particularly popular with Vietnamese families on weekends, so expect higher occupancy from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon.

2. Pullman Vung Tau

• Address: 15 Thi Sach Street
• Price range: 2,200,000 – 3,500,000 VND per night

Pullman Vung Tau offers a more contemporary hotel experience. It is not directly on the sand but is within walking distance of Back Beach. Rooms feel modern and functional, and the pool area tends to attract couples and business travelers.

If you want predictable international hotel standards close to the beach, this is often the safest option.

3. Marina Bay Vung Tau Resort & Spa

• Address: 115 Tran Phu Street
• Price range: 2,000,000 – 3,500,000 VND per night

Located slightly away from the busy Back Beach area, Marina Bay offers a more secluded oceanfront setting. The infinity pool overlooking the sea is one of its highlights.

Because it sits further along Tran Phu Street, the atmosphere feels quieter compared to central Vung Tau.

Local Insight: Vung Tau

Vung Tau is where Saigon residents go when they need quick ocean air. It’s convenient, accessible, and energetic on weekends. The water clarity changes with tides and weather, but the convenience is why it remains one of the best beaches near Ho Chi Minh City for short trips.

Ho Tram: Resort-Focused Escape Near Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Tram is about 120 km from Ho Chi Minh City and takes around 2.5–3 hours by car. There is no ferry option, so road travel is required via National Route 51 and the coastal road.

Best for: Resort stay, quieter beaches
Day trip possible? Technically, yes, but overnight is strongly recommended

While you could drive down and return the same day, Ho Tram works much better as a 2-day escape. The experience here isn’t about walking along busy public beaches; it’s about checking into a resort, slowing down, and staying put.

Where to Stay in Ho Tram

1. The Grand Ho Tram

• Address: Ho Tram Hamlet, Ho Tram Commune
• Price range: 3,000,000 – 6,000,000 VND per night

The Grand Ho Tram is a large integrated beachfront complex. It includes multiple dining venues, pools, and entertainment facilities. Rooms are sizable and modern, and the private beach area is well-maintained.

Because it’s self-contained, many guests stay within the resort rather than exploring the surrounding area.

2. Melia Ho Tram Beach Resort

• Address: Ho Tram Hamlet, Ho Tram Commune
• Price range: 3,500,000 – 7,000,000 VND per night

Melia Ho Tram focuses on villa-style accommodation and landscaped beachfront grounds. It generally feels calmer than larger properties.

The layout emphasizes privacy, making it popular for couples and small family stays.

Local Insight: Ho Tram

Unlike Vung Tau, Ho Tram feels deliberately slower. It attracts travelers who want fewer crowds and cleaner stretches of sand. Most visitors arrive, check in, and stay within their chosen resort.

Long Hai: Quiet Alternative

Long Hai is approximately 105 km from Ho Chi Minh City and takes around 2.5 hours by car. It feels more laid-back than Vung Tau and noticeably less resort-heavy than Ho Tram, making it a softer coastal option for travelers who prefer a slower rhythm.

Best for: Less commercial beach atmosphere
Day trip possible? Possible, but better as an overnight stay

While you can technically visit Long Hai in a single day, the calmer pace and quieter mornings are best appreciated if you stay overnight rather than rushing back to Saigon.

Where to Stay in Long Hai

1. Long Hai Channel Beach Resort

• Address: Provincial Road 44A, Long Hai
• Price range: ~1,500,000 – 3,000,000 VND per night

Long Hai Channel Beach Resort is positioned directly along the coastline with traditional-style low-rise buildings. The layout emphasizes garden space and open beachfront access rather than high-rise development.

It is generally quieter during weekdays and attracts families and small groups looking for a straightforward beach stay without large-scale resort complexity.

2. Palace Resort Long Hai

• Address: 210 Hai Ba Trung Street, Long Hai
• Price range: ~1,200,000 – 2,500,000 VND per night

Palace Resort Long Hai offers a simpler, more classic seaside experience. Rooms are functional rather than luxurious, and the beachfront is easily accessible from the property grounds.

This resort tends to be popular with domestic travelers and corporate retreats due to its larger event spaces.

3. Fleur de Lys Resort & Spa Long Hai

• Address: 4 Le Trong Tan Street, Long Hai
• Price range: ~2,000,000 – 4,000,000 VND per night

Fleur de Lys Resort & Spa Long Hai offers a more modern design compared to older properties in the area. The rooms and villas lean toward contemporary styling, and the resort includes spa facilities and beachfront access.

It’s a good middle ground between budget-friendly Long Hai stays and higher-end Ho Tram resorts.

Local Insight: Long Hai

Long Hai still feels more like a working coastal town than a resort strip. In the early morning, you’ll see fishing boats returning to shore and locals exercising along the beach.

It doesn’t have the same level of development as Ho Tram, which makes it calmer, especially outside of major Vietnamese holidays.

Con Dao: Nature & History Combined

Con Dao requires a flight of approximately 1 hour from Ho Chi Minh City. It lies about 230 km offshore, making air travel the most practical option.

Round-trip airfare: 2,500,000 – 4,500,000 VND (depending on season and demand)
Best for: Protected landscapes and quiet atmosphere
Day trip possible? No, this requires at least 2–3 days to justify the flight

Con Dao is not a quick escape. It’s a destination you plan for.

Where to Stay in Con Dao

Six Senses Con Dao

• Price range: 18,000,000 – 35,000,000 VND per night

Six Senses Con Dao is positioned as a high-end villa resort with private pools and ocean views. It sits directly on a protected stretch of coastline.

The property emphasizes privacy, sustainable design, and seclusion. It is one of the most premium coastal stays in southern Vietnam.

Mid-range hotels in Con Dao typically range between 1,500,000–3,500,000 VND per night, depending on location and season.

Local Insight: Con Dao

Con Dao is not just about beaches. It is historically significant, with memorial sites that many Vietnamese visitors come to pay respects at. Evenings are quiet, and nightlife is limited. The atmosphere feels reflective rather than energetic.

Phu Quoc: Full Island Vacation

Phu Quoc is approximately 400 km from Ho Chi Minh City and requires a 1-hour flight from Tan Son Nhat Airport. Although the flight time is short, this is not a nearby beach in practical terms; it’s a full island destination.

Round-trip airfare: 1,500,000 – 3,500,000 VND (season dependent)
Best for: Resorts, nightlife, variety
Day trip possible? No, plan for at least 2–3 nights

Compared to Con Dao, Phu Quoc offers a broader mix of beach relaxation and entertainment infrastructure.

Where to Stay in Phu Quoc

JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa

• Price range: 7,000,000 – 15,000,000 VND per night

JW Marriott Phu Quoc sits on Kem Beach and is known for its distinctive architecture and large beachfront setting. The property offers multiple dining venues and extensive facilities.

Mid-range accommodation in Phu Quoc generally ranges from 1,200,000 – 3,000,000 VND per night, depending on location.

Local Insight: Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc has developed rapidly. It offers more nightlife, beach clubs, and resort variety than Con Dao. It suits travelers who want both beach relaxation and entertainment options.

Best Way to Beaches Near Ho Chi Minh City

The best way to beaches near Ho Chi Minh City depends on your time window:

• 1 day → Ferry or car to Vung Tau
• 2 days → Drive to Ho Tram or Long Hai
• 3+ days → Fly to Con Dao or Phu Quoc

Avoid major public holidays unless you enjoy traffic.

Final Verdict

If you're choosing among the best beaches near Ho Chi Minh City, think in time blocks:

• Fast reset? → Vung Tau beach from Ho Chi Minh City
• Quiet resort vibe? → Ho Tram
• Old-school coastal feel? → Long Hai
• Nature & reflection? → Con Dao
• Full island experience? → Phu Quoc

Saigon runs fast. The beach is where locals go to breathe.

Before You Leave the City…

If you’re spending a night or two in Ho Chi Minh City before heading to the coast, consider exploring the city properly first. Seeing hidden neighborhoods, tasting street food, and understanding local stories make your beach escape feel even more earned.

Vespa A Go Go offers insider-led Vespa tours through Saigon’s backstreets, a completely different side of the city, before you trade traffic for ocean waves.

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