Long Hai Beach: Travel Guide, Things to Do & How to Get There

Long Hai Beach is a serene coastal gem located within Ho Chi Minh City, formerly part of Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province, offering a peaceful escape from the city’s bustling energy. With golden sands, clear blue waters, and an authentic local atmosphere free from heavy crowds, it’s an ideal destination for a relaxing coastal break. As your travel partner, GTrip has crafted this guide to cover everything you need, from the best ways to get to Long Hai and where to stay, to must-do activities and local culinary highlights helping you plan a smooth and memorable getaway.

Overview of Long Hai Beach in Ho Chi Minh City

Nestled along the southern coast of Vietnam, Long Hai is often overshadowed by the nearby Vung Tau area, but this is precisely where its charm lies. It has retained a tranquil, local character, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking relaxation and a genuine slice of Vietnamese coastal life. Its long, sweeping coastline is fringed with casuarina trees and dotted with unique rock formations, creating a picturesque setting for a weekend retreat or an extended stay.

Where is Long Hai Beach?

Location: Long Dien Commune (formerly Long Hai Town, Long Dien District, Ba Ria–Vung Tau Province), Ho Chi Minh City

Long Hai Beach is situated approximately 100 kilometers southeast of central Ho Chi Minh City and just 12-25 kilometers from the more developed Vung Tau area. This convenient proximity makes it a popular weekend destination, yet it remains significantly quieter and more pristine than its neighbor. Its location offers the perfect balance of accessibility and seclusion, serving as a tranquil alternative for those looking to escape the typical tourist trail.

Best time to visit Long Hai Beach

The weather in Long Hai is pleasant year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During these months, you can expect clear skies, abundant sunshine, and calm seas, creating ideal conditions for swimming and beach activities. The rainy season, from May to October, sees more frequent showers, but these are often brief. Traveling during this period means you'll encounter fewer crowds and greener landscapes, offering its own unique and peaceful charm for a relaxed holiday.

Long Hai Beach offers a peaceful landscape and many activities to do

How to get to Long Hai Beach

Getting to Long Hai Beach from central Ho Chi Minh City is straightforward and takes around 2 to 3 hours by road. Several transportation options are available, depending on your budget and travel style.

• Route 1 (via National Highway 1A): From central Ho Chi Minh City, follow National Highway 1A, cross Dong Nai Bridge, continue on National Highway 51, then turn onto Provincial Road 44A to reach Long Hai.
• Route 2 (via Cat Lai Ferry): Travel to the Cat Lai Ferry, continue through Nhon Trach to National Highway 51, and follow signs toward the Vung Tau area before heading to Long Hai.

Private car

For the utmost comfort and flexibility, hiring a private car is the premier option. This allows you to travel directly from your doorstep in Ho Chi Minh City to your resort in Long Hai without the hassle of navigating or managing luggage. You can set your own departure time and make stops along the way to admire the scenery or grab a snack.

Motorbike

For adventurous travelers who crave freedom and a more visceral connection to the journey, traveling by motorbike is an exhilarating choice. The ride takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours and gives you complete control over your itinerary. The final stretch along Provincial Road 44A is particularly scenic, with coastal breezes and beautiful landscapes unfolding before you. This option is perfect for those who want to feel the open road and discover hidden gems along the way, making the journey as much a part of the adventure as the destination itself.

Bus

Traveling by bus is a highly cost-effective and convenient way to get to the region. Buses depart regularly from the Mien Dong Bus Station in Ho Chi Minh City, with Vung Tau as their final destination. The journey is comfortable and takes about 2 hours. Once you arrive at the Vung Tau bus station, you can easily take a local bus or a short taxi ride for the remaining 30-minute journey to Long Hai Beach. This method is ideal for budget-conscious travelers and those who prefer to let someone else handle the driving.

Hydrofoil boat

While there is no direct hydrofoil service to Long Hai, it remains a viable and scenic option for part of the journey. Travelers can take a hydrofoil from Bach Dang Wharf in Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau, a trip that takes around 2 hours and offers fantastic views of the Saigon River. Upon arriving in Vung Tau, you will need to take a taxi or hire a motorbike for the final 30-minute drive to Long Hai. This combination offers a unique travel experience, blending a relaxing boat ride with a short coastal drive.

You can get to Long Hai Beach by many means of transportation

Top 8 things to do at Long Hai Beach

Beyond its tranquil shores, Long Hai and its surroundings are rich with activities that blend relaxation, culture, and adventure. Here are the top 8 things you absolutely must do to experience the best of Long Hai.

1. Enjoy Long Hai Beach

The primary allure of Long Hai is, without a doubt, its stunning beach. The coastline stretches for kilometers, featuring soft golden sand, clear blue water, and picturesque rock formations that distinguish it from other beaches. The atmosphere is peaceful, free from the overwhelming crowds and commercialism found elsewhere. It's the perfect place to simply lay down a towel, listen to the gentle waves, and disconnect from the world.

• Swim in the clear blue water and relax on the soft, clean sandy shore.
• Unwind under the gentle sunlight with a peaceful seaside atmosphere, perfect for reading a book or taking a nap.
• Camp overnight on the beach, gather around a bonfire with friends, and enjoy freshly grilled seafood under the stars.
• Capture stunning photos with the combination of blue ocean, golden sand, and unique black rock formations.
• Join local fishermen in their daily activities, try water sports when available, or simply sit back and enjoy the panoramic ocean view.

Long Hai Beach is perfect for a relaxing time with clear water and peaceful atmosphere

2. Explore Long Hai Fishing Village

For a dose of authentic local culture, a visit to the Long Hai Fishing Village is essential. The best time to go is in the early morning (around 5-6 AM) when the fishermen return with their overnight catch. The shoreline comes alive with activity as boats dock and villagers sort through nets filled with shimmering fish, shrimp, and crabs. The air is filled with the calls of vendors and the scent of the sea, offering a vibrant, unscripted look into the community's daily life and deep connection to the ocean.

3. Visit Dinh Co Temple

Perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the sea, Dinh Co Temple is both a spiritual landmark and a breathtaking viewpoint. The temple is dedicated to a young virgin goddess named Le Thi Hong, who is believed to protect local fishermen. Its traditional architecture, adorned with intricate dragon carvings, is a beautiful sight against the backdrop of the ocean. Each year, the Dinh Co Festival, held from the 10th to the 12th day of the second lunar month, draws thousands of pilgrims for elaborate ceremonies. This makes it one of the most significant water festivals in Southern Vietnam.

Dinh Co Temple offers a stunning view of the sea

4. Discover Minh Dam Mountain

For a mix of history and nature, head to Minh Dam Mountain. This site served as a revolutionary base during the Vietnam War, and its complex network of caves and tunnels once sheltered Viet Cong soldiers. Today, visitors can hike the trails to explore these historic caves and learn about the area's past. The climb to the summit is rewarded with panoramic views of the entire Long Hai coastline, rice paddies, and surrounding towns. It's a poignant reminder of Vietnam's history nestled within a beautiful natural setting.

5. Ride through Deo Nuoc Ngot Pass

The Deo Nuoc Ngot Pass is a short but spectacular coastal road that connects Long Hai with the neighboring Phuoc Hai Beach. This winding pass snakes along the coast, offering jaw-dropping views of the turquoise sea on one side and rolling hills on the other. It's a favorite route for motorcyclists and photographers seeking that perfect panoramic shot of the coastline. The pass ends at a popular campsite, making it a great destination for a scenic ride and a picnic by the sea.

Deo Nuoc Ngot Pass draws visitors’ attention because of its beautiful view of the sea

6. Explore Monkey Pagoda (Truc Lam Chan Nguyen Zen Monastery)

Located at the foot of Minh Dam Mountain, the Truc Lam Chan Nguyen Zen Monastery, affectionately known as the Monkey Pagoda, is a peaceful sanctuary. The monastery itself is serene and beautifully maintained, but the main attraction for many visitors is the large, free-roaming troop of wild monkeys. These curious and playful primates inhabit the surrounding forest and often come down to the pagoda grounds. Visitors can observe them from a safe distance, making for a unique and memorable wildlife encounter in a tranquil, spiritual environment.

7. Enjoy Long Hai’s unique local cuisine

A trip to Long Hai is incomplete without indulging in its incredible local cuisine, which revolves around incredibly fresh seafood caught daily. You'll find an abundance of flavors that celebrate the bounty of the ocean. Be adventurous and try dishes that are unique to the region for a truly authentic culinary experience.

• Fresh seafood: Enjoy an incredible variety of fish, shrimp, crabs, and snails grilled, steamed, or boiled to perfection right by the sea.
• Long Hai banh xeo (Vietnamese savory pancake): Savor this local version, which is smaller, crispier, and packed with freshly caught shrimp and squid.
• Phuoc Hai water lily hotpot: A regional specialty, this tangy and savory hotpot features fresh fish and the distinctive crunchy texture of water lily stems.
• Lobster blood pudding (Tiet canh tom hum): A rare and unique delicacy for adventurous foodies, this dish is a testament to the local "waste-nothing" culinary philosophy.
• Grilled pork with banh hoi: Finely woven rice vermicelli noodles served with grilled pork, fresh herbs, and a sweet and sour dipping sauce.
• Pigeon porridge (Chao bo cau): A rich and nutritious porridge, perfect for a comforting meal.
• Pork rib hu tieu: A hearty and flavorful noodle soup that is a staple breakfast or lunch for locals.

You should try Long Hai’s local cuisine, such as Long Hai banh xeo (Vietnamese savory pancake)

8. Day trip to Vung Tau

If you're looking for a change of pace, the nearby Vung Tau area offers a completely different vibe and is just a short 30-minute drive away. While Long Hai is about tranquility, Vung Tau feels more lively, with a wider range of attractions, F&B outlets, and a more energetic coastal atmosphere. You can easily spend a day exploring its famous landmarks, such as the towering Christ the Redeemer statue on Nho Mountain, which offers panoramic views, or the historic Vung Tau Lighthouse, one of the oldest in Southeast Asia. A day trip provides a great contrast, making you appreciate the peaceful seclusion of Long Hai even more upon your return.

Accommodation and resort options at Long Hai Beach

Long Hai caters to a wide range of travelers, with accommodation options spanning from budget-friendly guesthouses to lavish five-star resorts. Many establishments are located right on the coast, offering direct beach access and stunning ocean vistas.

• Seaview Long Hai Hotel: A solid mid-range choice offering comfortable rooms with excellent sea views and friendly service.
• Gold Stars Hotel: A great budget-friendly option known for its clean rooms and convenient location close to the beach and local eateries.
• Fleur De Lys Resort & Spa Long Hai: A luxurious resort offering elegant rooms, a beautiful spa, and an expansive swimming pool set in lush gardens.
• Oceanami Villas & Beach Club: A premier luxury option featuring modern villas with private pools and access to a massive 2,000 m² beach club pool.

Long Hai Beach travel tips

To make your trip as smooth and enjoyable as possible, keep these practical tips in mind.

• Book accommodation in advance, especially if you plan to visit during a public holiday or on a weekend, as resorts can fill up quickly.
• The sun can be strong, so pack essentials like sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
• While resorts accept cards, many local eateries and market stalls are cash-only. Bring sufficient Vietnamese Dong (VND) for small purchases.
• When visiting temples like Dinh Co or the Monkey Pagoda, show respect by dressing modestly (cover your shoulders and knees).
• The best time to visit the fishing village for the most vibrant activity is very early in the morning, between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM.
• Always confirm prices before ordering seafood at local restaurants to avoid any misunderstandings.

Remember the above tips to have a wonderful trip to Long Hai Beach

Long Hai Beach is a destination that offers a perfect blend of relaxation, cultural immersion, and culinary adventure. Its peaceful atmosphere provides a true escape, allowing you to recharge and connect with the serene beauty of Vietnam's coastline. Long Hai Beach stands as a testament to the fact that sometimes the best destinations are the ones that whisper their charms rather than shout them. Its proximity to central Ho Chi Minh City makes it an effortlessly ideal choice for a weekend getaway or a longer, more restorative holiday. Ready for your serene beach getaway? Let GTrip - Vietnam Travel Agency help you plan the perfect, hassle-free trip to Long Hai.