Year-end road trips from Ho Chi Minh City: 5 routes on new expressways

Where to road-trip from Ho Chi Minh City at year-end, now that new expressways are open? The expressway network around the city changed a lot in 2026: the Ben Luc – Long Thanh Expressway opened end to end on 1 October 2026, and the Bien Hoa – Vung Tau main route opened on 18 May 2026 under temporary operation. Two- and three-day road trips are also trending on Vietnamese social media. Here are five routes for the year-end break.

What the new expressways change

• Ben Luc – Long Thanh (58 km): links the HCMC – Trung Luong Expressway and Ring Road 3 with National Road 51 in Dong Nai, so Mekong Delta travellers can reach Vung Tau without crossing central HCMC. See Ben Luc – Long Thanh fully open.
• Bien Hoa – Vung Tau (about 54 km): temporary operation, cars under 9 seats only, 80 km/h maximum. See what travellers need to know.
• HCMC – Long Thanh – Dau Giay plus Phan Thiet – Dau Giay: Mui Ne almost entirely by expressway.

Temporary rules can change; check the latest before you go.

Five year-end routes

Ho Tram pairs well with a stop in Vung Tau (weekend in Ho Tram). For Mui Ne, take the Ba Bau exit (Mui Ne by expressway). The Delta-to-coast route is the newest; allow extra time in the first weeks. Can Gio offers mangroves and seafood close to the city (HCMC to Can Gio). Da Lat is long with mountain passes and no end-to-end expressway yet (is there an expressway to Da Lat?).

Self-drive or with a driver?

• Self-drive: stop wherever you like; you pay fuel, tolls and parking. See self-drive rental.
• With a driver: everyone relaxes; price includes fuel and tolls for the itinerary.
• Electric: VinFast EVs are available for self-drive and suit short routes like Can Gio or Vung Tau with planned charging. For long or hilly routes, petrol or diesel avoids depending on chargers.

Choosing the car

1–3 people: 4-seater, up to about 3 suitcases. 4–5 people: 7-seater, up to about 4 suitcases. Petrol or diesel is your choice when booking; fleet 2022–2025; child seats on request. Year-end demand and higher fuel costs mean prices are usually above normal, so book early. All quotes currently get 10% off.

More on each route

1. Ho Tram – Vung Tau: the closest beach route for a weekend. Stay in Ho Tram, then stop in Vung Tau on the way home.
2. Phan Thiet – Mui Ne: almost all expressway, with only a short ordinary-road section at the end. Make sure you take the Ba Bau exit.
3. From the Mekong Delta to the coast: the newest route thanks to Ben Luc – Long Thanh. In the first weeks after opening, traffic can be unusually heavy, so allow extra time.
4. Can Gio: mangrove forest, Can Gio beach and seafood. The short distance suits families with small children.
5. Da Lat: cool and full of flowers at year-end. It is a long route with mountain-pass sections and no end-to-end expressway yet.

Rest stops and peak-season notes

Plan your breaks at expressway rest stops instead of stopping in the emergency lane. Year-end demand for rental cars is high and fuel costs are higher too, so year-end prices are usually above normal; book early to get the car you want. Ask for a quote at /en/dat-xe.

FAQ

Can a 7-seater use the Bien Hoa – Vung Tau Expressway?

During temporary operation it is open to cars under 9 seats. Check the latest rules first.

Are tolls included with a driver?

Yes, fuel and tolls are included for the agreed itinerary.