Experience Long Hai in 2 days, 1 night

Planning a short trip to Long Hai (Vung Tau) during Tet 2013 is not a bad idea at all. Mytour will provide you with information on directions, attractions, finding accommodations in Long Hai, and itinerary for 2 days, 1 night.

I/ Route from Ho Chi Minh City to Long Hai

To reach Long Hai (Vung Tau), besides self-driving options (motorbikes, cars...), you can also take a passenger bus. However, traveling by motorbike during Tet holidays is more convenient and flexible.

The reason being, there are not many passenger buses to Long Hai at the moment, and during Tet, bus fares increase more than usual (with the Eastern Bus Station and bus routes in Ba Ria - Vung Tau province charging an additional 40%), not to mention some bus companies will suspend operations for a few days during Tet.

1. Passenger bus:

If you intend to travel by passenger bus, you should contact the nearest bus station or the Eastern Bus Station now to update the fares, schedule, and importantly, book tickets early. The passenger bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Long Hai departs daily from the Eastern Bus Station and stops at Long Hai bus station.

2. If traveling by motorbike/car, you can take one of the following routes:

• If you take National Highway 1, after crossing Dong Nai Bridge, you will encounter a traffic roundabout (Vung Tau intersection, formerly called Vung Tau T-junction). From here, turn right onto National Highway 51. Upon reaching Ba Ria City, turn left, and follow Provincial Road 44A to Long Hai.
• From Ho Chi Minh City, you can choose the route from Cat Lai ferry (District 2, Ho Chi Minh City) to Nhon Trach (Dong Nai). This route will lead you to National Highway 51 at the entrance gate of Nhon Trach Industrial Zone. This route is approximately 20km shorter.

II/ Exploring Long Hai

Some attractions in Long Hai and surrounding areas: Dinh Co, Minh Dam mountain, Nuoc Ngot Pass (in spring, when passing through Nuoc Ngot Pass, tourists will have the opportunity to admire cherry blossoms), beaches, salt fields...

III/ Accommodation

In Long Hai, visitors can choose accommodation ranging from tents, guesthouses, to high-end hotels.

During holidays and festivals, prices may fluctuate, so it's advisable to book early for the best deals.

IV/ Sample Itinerary

• Day 1: Dong Nai – Long Hai

Morning: Travel to Long Hai. En route (by motorcycle), you can visit salt fields and some temples. Upon arrival in Long Hai, check-in and relax.

Afternoon: Visit Dinh Co and enjoy leisure time at the beach.

• Day 2: Long Hai – Dong Nai

Morning: Enjoy some beach time. Explore Minh Dam Mountain.

Afternoon: Return to Dong Nai.

V/ Dining Options:

• Military resort at the foot of Dinh Co.
• Head through Nuoc Ngot Pass to “Thuy Duong” seaside resort and restaurant, known for delicious seafood albeit slightly pricey.
• At the base of Minh Dam Mountain, there's a great eatery called Cay Duoi.
• Approximately 4km past Ba Ria town on the way to Long Hai, about 7km from Long Hai, at the Ben Market intersection (next to the gas station on the right), there's “Con Co Ben Market” restaurant offering seafood and other dishes. Renowned for tasty food at reasonable prices.

VI/ Long Hai Travel Tips

– Some areas of Long Hai beach have underwater rocks, so be cautious when choosing a spot to swim.

– If you buy seafood directly from the market in Long Hai, you'll be pleasantly surprised by its freshness and affordable prices. It's best to shop in the morning, around 7:00 - 9:00 AM.

– Alternatively, you can purchase freshly caught seafood right at the beach from local fishermen. It's fresh, delicious, and reasonably priced. You can either hire a local to cook for you or bring along portable cooking equipment and utensils to prepare and enjoy a meal right on the beach.

– Remember to apply mosquito repellent when visiting Minh Dam Mountain.

– From Long Hai, you can also drive to other beaches like Loc An, Ho Tram, Ho Coc, Binh Chau (along Highway 55) for further exploration.

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Source: Travel Guide by Mytour