Ho Chi Minh City is a great base for exploring southern Vietnam. Within two to three hours you can crawl through wartime tunnels, ride a boat along the Mekong Delta, climb to a hilltop statue above the sea or walk through a mangrove forest. Group tours cover most of these places, but a private car with a driver lets you leave when you want, skip the group stops and travel at your own pace. If you are planning to book a car rental in Ho Chi Minh City, here are the six day trips our customers choose most often, with travel times and practical tips for each.
Day trips from Ho Chi Minh City at a glance
Distances and travel times are approximate and depend on traffic and your pickup point in the city.
| Destination | Approx. distance | Approx. travel time (one way) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cu Chi Tunnels | 70 km | 1.5 to 2 hours | History, first-time visitors |
| Mekong Delta (My Tho, Ben Tre) | 75 to 90 km | 1.5 to 2 hours | River life, families |
| Vung Tau | 100 km | 2 to 2.5 hours | Beach, seafood, viewpoints |
| Can Gio | 55 km | 1.5 to 2 hours | Mangrove forest, nature |
| Ba Den Mountain and Cao Dai Holy See (Tay Ninh) | 100 km | 2 to 2.5 hours | Culture, cable car, views |
| Ho Tram | 115 km | 2.5 to 3 hours | Quiet beaches, resorts |
1. Cu Chi Tunnels
The Cu Chi Tunnels are the most popular day trip from Ho Chi Minh City. This underground network was used during the Vietnam War, and parts of it are open to visitors today. You can walk through the forest, see hidden trapdoors and bunkers, and crawl through a short section of tunnel that has been widened for visitors.
There are two main sites, Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc. Ben Dinh is closer to the city and busier with tour groups. Ben Duoc is a little farther and usually quieter.
Tips:
- Leave early, around 7 to 8 am, to arrive before the heat and the tour buses.
- Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting dusty.
- Half a day is enough. You can be back in the city for lunch, or combine the visit with an afternoon in Tay Ninh (see below).
Book a private car to the Cu Chi Tunnels.
2. Mekong Delta: My Tho and Ben Tre
The Mekong Delta is a world of rivers, canals, fruit orchards and floating markets. My Tho and Ben Tre are the closest delta towns to Ho Chi Minh City, which makes them ideal for a day trip.
A typical day includes a boat ride through narrow coconut-lined canals, a stop at a family workshop making coconut candy, fresh tropical fruit with traditional music, and a visit to Vinh Trang Pagoda in My Tho.
Tips:
- Bring sunscreen, a hat and insect repellent for the boat ride.
- With a private car, you can go straight to the boat pier without waiting for other passengers, and stop for lunch wherever you like on the way back.
- If you want to see a large floating market, consider an overnight trip to Can Tho instead. The famous markets start early in the morning.
Book a Mekong Delta day trip by private car.
3. Vung Tau
Vung Tau is the closest beach town to central Ho Chi Minh City and a favorite weekend escape for local families. The main sights are the Christ of Vung Tau statue on Small Mountain, with wide views over the sea, the lighthouse, and the long stretch of Back Beach.
Vung Tau is also known for fresh seafood. Many visitors finish the day with a seafood lunch or early dinner before driving back.
Tips:
- Weekdays are much quieter than weekends and public holidays.
- The climb to the Christ statue involves many steps. Go in the morning or late afternoon, when it is cooler.
- If you want more time at the beach, stay overnight and book a one-way transfer in each direction.
Book a private car from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau.
4. Can Gio Mangrove Forest
Can Gio is the greenest corner of Ho Chi Minh City. Its mangrove forest is a UNESCO biosphere reserve, and it feels a world away from the busy city center. Visitors come to see the mangroves by boat, visit the monkey island and walk around former wartime base sites in the forest.
Tips:
- Bring insect repellent and keep bags closed around the monkeys. They are known for grabbing food and sunglasses.
- Can Gio is good for families and nature lovers who want a quieter day out.
- Combine the forest with a seafood lunch near Can Gio beach.
Book a private car to Can Gio.
5. Tay Ninh: Ba Den Mountain and the Cao Dai Holy See
Tay Ninh province offers two very different sights in one day. Ba Den Mountain, at 986 meters, is the highest peak in southern Vietnam. A cable car takes you to the summit, where you can see pagodas, statues and wide views over the plains.
Nearby, the Cao Dai Holy See is the main temple of Caodaism, a religion founded in Vietnam in the 20th century. The colorful temple is worth a visit, and visitors can watch the daily noon ceremony from the upstairs gallery.
Tips:
- Plan to arrive at the Holy See before noon, then visit Ba Den Mountain in the afternoon.
- Dress modestly for the temple, with shoulders and knees covered.
- Tay Ninh can be combined with the Cu Chi Tunnels in one long day. With a private car, you set the timing and the order of the stops.
Book a private car to Ba Den Mountain.
6. Ho Tram
Ho Tram is a quieter alternative to Vung Tau, with long, clean beaches and several resorts along the coast. It suits travelers who want a relaxed day by the sea, or a short stay away from the city.
Tips:
- Many resorts offer day passes. Check with your resort before you go.
- Combine Ho Tram with the Binh Chau hot springs, a short drive along the coast.
- Ho Tram is about 2.5 to 3 hours each way, so an overnight stay often makes the trip more relaxing.
Book a private car to Ho Tram.
Why see these places by private car?
Group tours are a good budget option, but they follow a fixed schedule and often include shopping stops. A private car with a driver gives you more control over your day:
- Your own schedule. Leave early to beat the heat, stay longer where you like and skip what doesn’t interest you.
- Door-to-door service. The driver picks you up at your hotel and drops you back at the end of the day.
- Comfort for families and groups. Choose a car that fits your group, from a 4-seat sedan to a 16-seater van or a coach.
- Combine destinations. Visit two places in one day, such as the Cu Chi Tunnels and Tay Ninh, at your own pace.
- No driving stress. You don’t need a Vietnamese driving license or to deal with highway traffic. If you were wondering can foreigners drive in Vietnam, a car with a driver avoids the question entirely.
Tips for planning your day trip
- Start early. Southern Vietnam is hot year-round, and traffic out of the city builds up after 8 am.
- Check the season. The rainy season usually runs from May to November, with short, heavy showers in the afternoon. Plan outdoor activities for the morning.
- Share your full plan when you book. Tell us all the stops, so the quote covers the whole itinerary.
- Bring cash. Smaller shops, boat operators and roadside restaurants often prefer cash.
- Allow time to get back. Traffic into the city is heavy in the late afternoon, especially on Sunday evenings after a beach weekend.
Staying a few days? See our 1, 2 and 3-day Ho Chi Minh City itineraries.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best day trip from Ho Chi Minh City?
For first-time visitors, the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta are the most popular choices. The tunnels show the history of the Vietnam War, and the delta offers boat rides and village life. Both are 1.5 to 2 hours from the city by car.
Can I visit the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta in one day?
It is possible, but it makes for a very long day. The two places are in different directions from the city. Most travelers enjoy them more on separate days. The Cu Chi Tunnels combine more easily with Tay Ninh.
How long does a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City take?
A half-day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels takes about 5 to 6 hours in total. Full-day trips to the Mekong Delta, Vung Tau or Tay Ninh usually take 8 to 10 hours, including travel time.
Is a private car better than a group tour?
A private car costs more than a seat on a group tour, but you get your own schedule, hotel pickup and no shopping stops. For families and groups, sharing one private car can be good value.
Book your day trip from Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam Car Rental provides cars with professional drivers from 4 to 45 seats, available 24/7. Tell us where you want to go, and we will suggest the right vehicle and send you a fixed quote. See all options for a car with a driver in Ho Chi Minh City, or call or WhatsApp 0824 921 921.
