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Dong Xoai and Binh Phuoc to Ho Chi Minh City is about 115–125 km, usually 2.5–3 hours, but gateway jams can stretch it a lot. Since 2025, Bình Phước has been part of the enlarged Đồng Nai city. This guide compares the two main roads, Highway 13 and road 741, the usual choke points, routes that bypass the Bình Triệu bridge, and the status of the HCMC – Thủ Dầu Một – Chơn Thành expressway.
The usual route: from Đồng Xoài to Chơn Thành, then Highway 13 through Bến Cát and Thủ Dầu Một into the city over the Bình Triệu bridge, about 115 km. The former Bình Dương stretch has largely been widened to 8 lanes and flows better than before, but some sections are still being finished, and the Bình Triệu bridge area remains a choke point at 7–9 a.m. and 5–7 p.m.
Slightly longer at about 120–125 km, with fewer towns than Highway 13. The Bàu Trư – Đồng Xoài stretch still has a few unfinished narrowings where motorbikes drift into car lanes, so take it slowly at night. From road 741, cars can join the Mỹ Phước – Tân Vạn road and enter the city via Highway 1 or the expressway.
On public holidays, traffic police usually advise traffic from former Bình Phước to use the Mỹ Phước – Tân Vạn road and enter the city via Highway 1 or the HCMC – Long Thành – Dầu Giây expressway rather than piling onto Bình Triệu bridge. For Tân Sơn Nhất runs, the driver picks the way based on the time and live traffic.
The HCMC – Thủ Dầu Một – Chơn Thành expressway is under construction and planned for June 2028Year-end 2026 and Tết 2027 trips therefore still use the existing roads.
Many people only pass through former Bình Phước on business or on the way home, yet this red-soil country has old-growth forest, mountains, lakes and the culture of the S'tiêng and M'nông peoples. Sights line three roads: Highway 13 (Chơn Thành, Bình Long, Lộc Ninh), road 741 (Đồng Xoài, Phước Long) and Highway 14 (Bù Đăng). A private car lets you visit by cluster instead of doubling back to Đồng Xoài.
Bà Rá rises to about 730 m in Sơn Giang ward (former Phước Long town), about 50 km from Đồng Xoài on road 741. The S'tiêng call it Bơnom Brah, the Sacred Mountain. The cable car is not running; visitors take a shuttle or climb more than 1,700 stone steps through bamboo forest, about 1–1.5 hours. The summit looks over the Thác Mơ hydropower lake and its small islands. At the foot are the Bà Rá shrine and the old Bà Rá prison site. The dry season, November to April, makes the climb easier.
In the north-east, about 90 km from Đồng Xoài on road 741, with more than 26,000 ha of tropical forest. To see Đắk Mai falls, Hoa Mai lake, heritage trees and the southern end of the wartime North–South fuel pipeline, allow at least two days and one night with a park guide. Evenings can include night wildlife spotting and S'tiêng cultural exchange.
A S'tiêng cultural reserve in Bình Minh commune (former Bù Đăng district), about 50 km from Đồng Xoài on Highway 14, known from the song "Pestle Beats in Bom Bo". Visitors see a longhouse, gong music and brocade weaving and taste bamboo-tube rice and forest greens. Dress modestly, bring a hat and insect repellent, and ask before photographing residents.
About 500 ha of grassland in Đồng Nai commune (former Bù Đăng district), with a lake in the middle and forest all around. In the dry season the grass turns gold among purple rose-myrtle, good for camping and sunrise photos. The access track is partly dirt; a high-clearance 7-seater copes better after rain.
The Tà Thiết base in Lộc Ninh is a special national monument, once the headquarters of the southern liberation army command. Nearby is Sóc Lớn pagoda in Lộc Khánh commune, a Khmer pagoda built in 1931, plus sites around Bình Long. It suits veterans' groups and school trips as a one-day route.
| Road | Sight | From Đồng Xoài | Time to allow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Road 741 | Bà Rá, Thác Mơ lake | about 50 km | Half a day |
| Road 741 | Bù Gia Mập National Park | about 90 km | 2 days, 1 night |
| Highway 14 | Bom Bo village | about 50 km | 2–3 hours |
| Highway 14 | Bù Lạch grassland | beyond Bom Bo, part dirt track | Half a day or overnight camp |
| Highway 13 | Tà Thiết base, Sóc Lớn pagoda | towards Lộc Ninh | One day |
The easiest local product to buy is cashew nuts, sold in markets and shops along Highway 14 and road 741; pick packs with clear labels and packing dates. In the villages and cultural sites, S'tiêng and M'nông food includes bamboo-tube rice, nhíp-leaf soup, rattan shoots, grilled meat, forest greens and rice wine drunk through bamboo straws. Many roadside eateries serve lunch for long-distance travellers; for a large group, let the driver call ahead.
| Day | When | Plan |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Morning | Leave before 6 a.m. via Highway 13 or road 741 to Đồng Xoài, breakfast on the way. |
| 1 | Midday – afternoon | On to Phước Long, up Bà Rá, Thác Mơ lake in the late afternoon. |
| 1 | Night | Stay in Phước Long or Đồng Xoài. |
| 2 | Morning | Across to Highway 14 for Bom Bo village. |
| 2 | Afternoon | Back to the city, aiming to reach the gateways before 5 p.m. |
For Bù Gia Mập, add a day and book with the park office in advance.
Former Bình Phước has neither an airport nor a railway, so visitors from afar fly into Tân Sơn Nhất and drive about 120 km.
| Vehicle | Large suitcases | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 4–5 seat | about 3 | Business trips for 1–3 |
| 7-seater | about 4 | Families, dirt track to the grassland |
| 16-seat van, 9-seat limousine | about 6–8 | Pilgrim and company groups |
The south-east has two clear seasons: dry from about November to April, wet from May to October. Dry months suit the Bà Rá climb, camping on the grassland and forest walks in Bù Gia Mập, with firm trails and fewer leeches. In the wet season the forest is greener and the falls fuller, but dirt tracks get slippery; drive slowly and start early to be back before afternoon storms.
Take the shuttle up the mountain rather than climbing, stop every 1.5–2 hours and bring regular medicines. The longhouse at Bom Bo has high steps, so ask about the easiest way in.
The Highway 13 history sites make a good one-day heritage programme. Send the list and timings for each stop ahead and pre-order lunch for everyone. 29- and 45-seat coaches are fine on the highway; ask the driver before taking narrow side roads into villages.
Family trips: a 7-seater; pilgrimage or company groups: a 16-seat van or a 29-seat coach. Going up from the city: Binh Phuoc car rental from Saigon; airport runs: Tan Son Nhat transfers.
Every quote is 10% off. With self-drive, fuel and tolls are on you, and petrol, diesel or a VinFast EV is your choice. Contracts are signed by both parties. For an exact price, request a quote.
Usually 2.5–3 hours for about 115–125 km, longer at rush hour or holidays.
Not yet; the HCMC – Thủ Dầu Một – Chơn Thành expressway is due in June 2028.
Highway 13 is shorter; road 741 has fewer towns. The driver chooses by time and conditions.
No; reach the summit by shuttle or on foot.
At least two days and one night, ideally with a park guide.
No; fly into Tân Sơn Nhất and continue by car.
If you are planning a nearby route, Binh Duong and Binh Phuoc 1-Day Pagoda Tour has more details to help you prepare.
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