Best Day Trips from Ho Chi Minh City 2026 (Tested Routes)

Ho Chi Minh City sits within striking distance of some of Vietnam’s most compelling destinations — war history sites, river delta villages, beach towns, and highland retreats — all reachable in under four hours. This guide covers eight proven day trips with exact transport options, prices in USD, and honest assessments of what each destination delivers.

Key Takeaways

– Cu Chi Tunnels receive over 1.5 million visitors annually and remain the most-booked day trip from Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, 2024)

– The Mekong Delta stretches across 39,000 sq km and is home to 17 million people — a full-day tour covers only a fraction but captures the essence (World Bank, 2023)

– Vung Tau is 2 hours by high-speed ferry from the Saigon River port; round-trip ferry tickets cost $12-$15 USD per person (Phu Quoc Express, 2025)

– A guided Cu Chi + Ben Duoc combo tour on Klook averages $18-$25 USD per person including transport (Klook, 2025)

– Mui Ne’s sand dunes are 200 km from the city — a self-drive motorbike trip or overnight bus makes this more realistic as a two-day excursion, but day tours do run (TripAdvisor, 2024)

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Cu Chi Tunnels: The Most Popular Day Trip from Ho Chi Minh City

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The Cu Chi Tunnels are the default first day trip for most visitors, and the volume of interest is justified — roughly 200 km of underground passages used by Viet Cong guerrillas during the Vietnam War run beneath this unremarkable landscape north of the city. The standard tour departs at 8 AM, reaches the Ben Dinh or Ben Duoc site by 9:30 AM, includes a guided tunnel crawl and weapons demonstration, and returns by early afternoon.

Getting there: Guided minibus tours depart from District 1 hotels and run $15-$25 USD per person including transport and entry. The entry fee alone is 150,000 VND (approximately $6 USD) for foreigners (Cu Chi Tunnels Management Board, 2025). You can also take a public bus (Route 13 from Ben Thanh, 1.5 hours, $0.50 USD) and hire a local guide at the gate for $10-$15 USD.

Book through Klook Cu Chi Tunnels tours for vetted guides and guaranteed pickup from central hotels. Prices start at $18 USD for a half-day combined Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc route.

What to know: Ben Duoc (the less commercialized site) offers a quieter experience with a replica tunnel section that is wider than Ben Dinh’s tourist tunnel. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring water — the site has limited shade between stops.

See our full breakdown in cu chi tunnels complete guide.

Mekong Delta: Can Tho and My Tho in One Day

The Mekong Delta day trip from Ho Chi Minh City follows two main routes: the shorter My Tho loop (90 km, accessible in a half day) and the longer Can Tho route (170 km, requiring a 12-14 hour day or an overnight stay). Most organized tours target My Tho, Vinh Long, or Ben Tre, combining a motorboat ride on the delta channels with stops at coconut candy workshops and floating markets.

My Tho route: Public buses from Mien Tay bus station cost 45,000-60,000 VND ($2-$2.50 USD) and take 1.5-2 hours. Boat hire at My Tho ferry pier for a 2-hour island circuit runs $8-$12 USD per person in a group of four. Total budget for a DIY day: $15-$20 USD.

Organized tours: A full-day Mekong Delta tour on Klook covering My Tho, Ben Tre, and a traditional lunch runs $30-$45 USD per person including transport, boat ride, and guide. This option suits travelers who want commentary and do not want to navigate bus schedules independently.

Can Tho floating market: The Cai Rang floating market operates at its busiest between 6 AM and 8 AM, which makes a same-day return from Ho Chi Minh City impractical unless you depart before 4 AM. Budget travelers should book one night in Can Tho — Agoda lists guesthouses from $15-$20 USD per night in the riverfront area.

Vung Tau: Beach Town Day Trip by High-Speed Ferry

Vung Tau is Ho Chi Minh City’s closest beach destination and the most practical for travelers who want sand and seafood without a long journey. The 12 km stretch of Front Beach (Bai Truoc) and Back Beach (Bai Sau) attracts domestic Vietnamese tourists on weekends, which means arriving early or visiting on a weekday matters for crowd management.

Ferry: Phu Quoc Express and Greenlines DP operate high-speed catamarans from Bach Dang Pier in District 1 to Vung Tau. Journey time is 75-90 minutes; tickets cost 250,000-320,000 VND ($10-$13 USD) one way or $19-$24 USD round trip (Greenlines DP, 2025). Departures run at 6:30 AM, 8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:30 PM from Saigon; book 24 hours in advance on weekends.

Bus: Vung Tau buses depart from Mien Dong bus station in Binh Thanh District every 30 minutes from 5 AM to 7 PM. Journey time is 2-2.5 hours; fare is 80,000-100,000 VND ($3-$4 USD) one way. A cheaper but slower option than the ferry.

What to do: The Christ of Vung Tau statue (a 36-meter concrete figure on Small Mountain) requires a 1,000-step climb but delivers wide coastal views. Entry is free. The White Villa — a former French colonial retreat used by Emperor Bao Dai — charges 20,000 VND ($0.80 USD) admission (Vung Tau Tourism Office, 2024). Back Beach has the better swimming conditions; Front Beach is calmer but narrower.

For accommodations if extending to two days, check options on Booking.com — beachfront hotels range from $35-$80 USD per night.

Mui Ne Sand Dunes and Fishing Village

Mui Ne sits 200 km northeast of Ho Chi Minh City along the coast of Binh Thuan Province. The Red Sand Dunes (Doi Cat Do) and White Sand Dunes (Doi Cat Trang) plus the Fairy Stream (Suoi Tien) are the main draws. Getting there by sleeper bus takes 4-5 hours one way, which makes this a marginal day trip — most travelers who go to Mui Ne spend at least one night.

Day tour option: Several operators in District 1 run Mui Ne day tours departing at 5 AM by private vehicle. These cost $40-$60 USD per person, cover approximately 4-5 hours at the destination, and return by 10 PM. It is a long day but feasible for travelers with flight constraints.

Sleeper bus: Phuong Trang (FUTA) and The Sinh Tourist run overnight sleeper coaches from Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne for 120,000-180,000 VND ($5-$7 USD). Departures at 7 PM arrive by midnight; return buses leave at 7 PM the following evening. Budget a full two days for a proper visit (FUTA Bus Lines, 2025).

Kite surfing: Mui Ne is Vietnam’s kite surfing capital. Wind conditions peak November through April; in June (shoulder season), the wind is lighter but still enough for beginners. A 3-hour beginner lesson with gear costs $60-$80 USD through accredited local schools (Vietnam Kite Surfing Association, 2024).

See our itinerary at mui ne travel guide for a full two-day plan.

Tay Ninh and Cao Dai Temple

Tay Ninh, 100 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City near the Cambodian border, holds the Holy See of the Cao Dai religion — a syncretic faith combining elements of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Catholicism, founded in 1926. The main ceremony at the grand temple complex runs four times daily (6 AM, 12 PM, 6 PM, midnight), with the noon ceremony being most accessible for day trippers.

Getting there: Minibus tours from District 1 combine the Cu Chi Tunnels and Tay Ninh into one full day, covering both sites for $25-$35 USD per person including transport and lunch (Viator, 2025). Alternatively, public buses depart from Mien Tay station to Tay Ninh for 60,000-80,000 VND ($2.50-$3.20 USD), taking 2-2.5 hours.

The temple: No entry fee applies to the main Holy See complex. The architectural interior — pastel columns, a celestial eye motif, dragon staircases — contrasts sharply with any other temple in Southeast Asia. Photography is permitted in designated areas, but visitors must cover their shoulders and knees (Cao Dai Holy See, 2024).

Combination tips: The Cu Chi Tunnels and Tay Ninh share the same highway corridor. Doing both in one day is logical. Depart at 7 AM, reach Cu Chi by 9 AM, spend 2.5 hours, drive to Tay Ninh, catch the noon ceremony, return to the city by 5-6 PM. A Klook combined tour handles logistics for around $28-$35 USD.

Long Hai Beach: The Less-Known Coastal Escape

Long Hai, 125 km southeast of Ho Chi Minh City in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, is a quieter beach alternative to Vung Tau that sees significantly less domestic tourist traffic. The beach at Phuoc Hai and Long Hai fishing village reward travelers who prefer a slower pace over resort facilities.

Transport: No ferry serves Long Hai directly. The most practical route is a motorbike rental from Ho Chi Minh City ($8-$12 USD per day) combined with the coastal road via National Route 51 through Vung Tau; total riding time is approximately 2.5-3 hours. Alternatively, book a car hire through a local agency for $55-$75 USD round trip.

Cost breakdown: Entry to Long Hai Beach is free. Fresh seafood at beachside restaurants runs 200,000-400,000 VND ($8-$16 USD) for a full meal including grilled squid, crab, and rice. A beach umbrella and two chairs cost 50,000-80,000 VND ($2-$3 USD) rented from vendors.

Connectivity: Rural coastal areas in Vietnam have reliable 4G coverage through Viettel and Mobifone, but patchy coverage in some stretches between Vung Tau and Long Hai. An Airalo Vietnam eSIM ($5-$8 USD for 1 GB/7 days) keeps data active throughout the trip and avoids SIM card hassles at the airport on arrival.

Binh Duong: Lacquerware and Ceramic Villages

Binh Duong Province directly borders Ho Chi Minh City to the north, and while it is primarily an industrial zone today, Lai Thieu and Thu Dau Mot retain active lacquerware and ceramic production traditions dating back over a century. This is a niche day trip for travelers with a specific interest in Vietnamese craft culture rather than beaches or historical sites.

Getting there: From Ben Thanh Market, Grab rides to Thu Dau Mot cost approximately $6-$9 USD one way (35-40 minutes via the Thu Duc bridge). Public buses from Ben Thanh Bus Station run every 20-30 minutes on Route 616 for 20,000 VND ($0.80 USD), reaching Binh Duong in 50-70 minutes (Binh Duong Provincial Bus Company, 2024).

What to see: Bach Dang Street in Thu Dau Mot hosts over 30 lacquerware shops selling trays, vases, and decorative panels priced $5-$80 USD. The Binh Duong Provincial Museum (free entry) covers regional ceramics history and is housed in a restored colonial building. Lai Thieu fruit gardens (open October-November for longan and rambutan season) charge 30,000-50,000 VND ($1.20-$2 USD) per person for a garden walk.

Read about vietnam craft village tours for more artisan destination options in the south.

Can Gio Mangrove Forest: Half-Day Eco Trip

Can Gio, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve 60 km south of Ho Chi Minh City, covers 75,000 hectares of restored mangrove forest on the mouth of the Saigon River. It is the only place within a half-day of the city where travelers can observe saltwater crocodiles, macaque colonies, and bird species in a semi-wild environment.

Getting there: Public bus Route 90 from Ben Thanh Bus Station runs to Can Gio ferry crossing ($1 USD, 2 hours). The ferry itself costs 10,000 VND ($0.40 USD) per person. Once across, motorcycle taxis (xe om) or motorbike rentals ($6-$8 USD/day) cover the final 15 km to the forest reserve. Total one-way cost: approximately $4-$6 USD.

Entry and tours: Can Gio Biosphere Reserve entry is 50,000 VND ($2 USD) per person. Guided boat tours through the mangrove channels cost 300,000-500,000 VND ($12-$20 USD) per boat (group of 4-6). The Monkey Island (Dao Khi) boat tour is the most popular route, combining crocodile pools with free-roaming macaque colonies (Can Gio Biosphere Reserve Management Board, 2025).

Best time: Arrive by 8 AM for the coolest temperatures and best wildlife activity. The mangroves absorb heat quickly; by midday in June, temperatures can reach 36-38°C (97-100°F). Bring long sleeves for sun protection and insect repellent.

Check our eco-travel picks in vietnam eco tourism guide for similar nature experiences across the south.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best day trip from Ho Chi Minh City for first-time visitors?

The Cu Chi Tunnels is the strongest starting point for first-timers. It takes a half day, is well organized, and delivers direct engagement with Vietnam War history that contextualizes much of what you see in Ho Chi Minh City’s museums. Guided tours with pickup cost $18-$25 USD and require zero planning beyond booking.

How do I get to the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City without a tour?

Take a public bus from Mien Tay Bus Station (District 6) to My Tho. Buses depart every 30 minutes from 5 AM; the fare is 45,000-60,000 VND ($2-$2.50 USD) and the journey takes 1.5-2 hours. At My Tho pier, negotiate a boat hire directly with local operators for $8-$12 USD per person in a group.

Is Vung Tau worth visiting as a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City?

Yes, if you prioritize convenience over pristine beach quality. Vung Tau is practical — 75-90 minutes by ferry, clear public transport options, and good seafood restaurants. The beaches are decent but not exceptional by Southeast Asian standards. If your expectations center on historical sites (the Christ statue, Ba Ria colonial buildings) and fresh seafood rather than a resort experience, the day delivers good value.

What is the cheapest day trip from Saigon?

Binh Duong (Thu Dau Mot) is the most affordable option. A public bus from Ben Thanh costs $0.80 USD each way; the provincial museum and lacquerware street browsing are free. A full day including lunch and transport can cost under $10 USD per person.

Do I need a visa for any day trip that crosses into Cambodia?

Yes. If you plan a border-crossing day trip via Moc Bai to Bavet, Cambodia, you need a valid Cambodia e-visa ($30 USD) or a visa-on-arrival. Vietnam does not require an additional visa re-entry if you hold a multiple-entry Vietnamese visa. Most day trip operators at the Moc Bai crossing offer same-day itineraries to Bavet for casino visitors, but independent travelers need to arrange visas in advance (Cambodia Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2025).

Should I get a local SIM or eSIM for day trips from Ho Chi Minh City?

For travelers already in Vietnam, a local Viettel or Mobifone SIM ($2-$5 USD with 5-10 GB data) is the cheapest option from any convenience store. For travelers arriving fresh or wanting to pre-activate data coverage, an Airalo Vietnam eSIM allows setup before departure and costs $5-$12 USD for 7-day plans ranging from 1 GB to 10 GB.

What time should I leave Ho Chi Minh City for a day trip?

Departing between 7 AM and 8 AM is the practical target for most routes. Traffic leaving the city center is manageable before 8 AM; after 9 AM, congestion on routes north (Cu Chi, Tay Ninh) and southwest (Mekong Delta) adds 30-60 minutes. For Can Gio and Vung Tau, earlier is better because heat peaks in the early afternoon during summer months.

Plan Your Day Trips from Ho Chi Minh City

The eight routes above cover the full range from budget half-days to full coastal excursions. For most itineraries of 3-4 days in the city, we would prioritize Cu Chi Tunnels on day one (half day, leaving the afternoon for War Remnants Museum), Mekong Delta on day two, and Vung Tau on day three for anyone wanting beach time.

Organized tours through Klook handle transport and guide logistics for $18-$45 USD per person — a practical investment for first-timers or travelers on tight schedules. DIY routes via public bus are consistently cheaper and work well for the Mekong Delta and Vung Tau ferry.

For accommodations during your Ho Chi Minh City base, Booking.com lists hotels in District 1 from $30 USD per night, positioning you within walking distance of major tour pickup points. Compare rates across platforms using Agoda for boutique options in Bui Vien and Pham Ngu Lao areas.

See our complete ho chi minh city travel guide for hotel picks, restaurant recommendations, and transport advice within the city itself. For travelers extending north, our hanoi to hoi an itinerary covers the full Vietnam route in 14 days.