Tet 2026 Self Drive Guide to Vung Tau, Phan Thiet, Mui Ne
Tet 2026 in Vietnam is expected to be a 9 day break from February 14, 2026 to February 22, 2026, which makes short self drive beach trips extremely popular. Vung Tau is the closest option from Ho Chi Minh City, often cited around 96 km and typically fits a 2 days 1 night plan. For Phan Thiet and Mui Ne, the Phan Thiet Dau Giay expressway is 99 km with a maximum speed of 120 km h, helping reduce fatigue during peak holiday traffic. The best strategy is to depart early, keep a buffer for congestion on the Ho Chi Minh City Long Thanh Dau Giay expressway (about 55 km), and do a full pre trip car check focused on tires, brakes, coolant, battery, and documents.
Why these 3 destinations are ideal for Tet 2026 self drive trips
During Tet, you want a trip that is short, predictable, and easy to enjoy even if highways are crowded. Vung Tau, Phan Thiet, and Mui Ne work well because they offer:
Short driving time compared with central and northern routes
Flexible itineraries for 2 to 3 days
Many accommodation choices, from budget stays to resorts
Easy group travel for families, couples, and friend groups
They are also perfect if you plan to travel with your own car because you can pack more, stop when needed, and travel on your preferred schedule.
Tet 2026 dates and the smartest departure windows
Vietnam’s official proposal states Tet 2026 for public employees runs from Saturday, February 14, 2026 to Sunday, February 22, 2026.
This usually creates two major traffic waves:
The first 1 to 2 days of the holiday
The last 1 to 2 days when people return to Ho Chi Minh City
Best times to leave (practical guidance)
Leave early morning on your chosen departure day, before most city traffic forms
If you cannot leave early, leave after lunch and drive into the evening with planned rest stops
Avoid late afternoon departures on the first holiday day if possible
Also note the Ho Chi Minh City Long Thanh Dau Giay expressway is a high volume corridor and often overloaded on weekends and holidays, so always add buffer time.
Destination 1: Vung Tau
Who it is best for
Families with kids who want minimal driving
Couples who want a quick coastal reset
Anyone who wants a weekend style trip during Tet
Distance and drive expectations
Many travel sources commonly cite the Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau distance around 96 km and a typical drive of around 2 to 3 hours depending on traffic. Because Tet traffic can be unpredictable, plan for extra time and do not try to recover lost time with speeding.
Suggested itinerary: Vung Tau 2 days 1 night
Day 1
Depart early, arrive before midday if possible
Check in, rest, then enjoy the beach
Eat early to avoid peak queues in popular areas
Day 2
Morning coffee and a short walk
Buy local snacks or gifts
Return to Ho Chi Minh City before late afternoon
Driving tips that reduce stress
Keep a longer following distance than usual
Take a short break if you feel impatient or tired
Watch for changing speed zones near towns and intersections
Destination 2: Phan Thiet
Why Phan Thiet is easier now
The Phan Thiet Dau Giay expressway is widely reported as 99 km with a maximum speed of 120 km h and a minimum of 60 km h. For Tet road trips, this matters because smoother, faster highway driving usually reduces fatigue and improves arrival mood.
Suggested itinerary: Phan Thiet 2 days 1 night
Day 1
Depart early morning to avoid exit congestion
Check in and do a slow afternoon at the beach or pool
Dinner, then rest
Day 2
Choose one simple morning activity close to your hotel
Check out and return early to avoid the late afternoon wave
Route planning note: expect bottlenecks near Ho Chi Minh City
Even with a fast expressway, the early part of the trip can be slow because the Ho Chi Minh City Long Thanh Dau Giay expressway corridor is a key gateway that often sees heavy holiday volume.
Destination 3: Mui Ne
Mui Ne works best if you want more experiences than a single city beach break. It is often chosen for sand dunes, long coastal scenery, and photogenic stops.
Two route styles: fast route vs scenic route
Option A: Fast and predictable
Use the expressway direction toward Phan Thiet, then continue to Mui Ne
Best for families and anyone prioritizing rest
Option B: Scenic coastal driveMany drivers share that taking QL55 toward coastal areas like Lagi can be a beautiful but longer route compared with the main highway. Choose this if you have more time and you enjoy stopping for photos and food.
Suggested itinerary: Mui Ne 3 days 2 nights
Day 1
Arrive, check in, rest
Sunset beach time, light dinner
Day 2
Morning exploration of 1 to 2 signature spots
Afternoon rest, then an easy dinner plan
Day 3
Buy local snacks, check out
Return early to reduce traffic stress
Important safety note for dune activities
If you plan to do any dune or off road activity, choose legal, reputable operators, follow on site rules, and prioritize safety. Holiday crowds increase risk if you rush decisions.
The Tet 2026 car checklist before you leave
Competitor style guides often focus on real, practical checks that prevent most road trip problems. A solid checklist typically includes tires, brakes, fluids, battery, air conditioning, and documents.
Must check items (fast but serious)
Tires: pressure, tread, any visible cracks, and spare tire condition
Brakes: pedal feel, unusual noise, brake fluid level
Fluids: engine oil, coolant level, windshield washer fluid
Battery: terminals clean, no corrosion, stable starting
Lights and wipers: headlights, brake lights, indicators, wipers
Air conditioning: cooling performance matters in holiday heat
Documents: license, vehicle registration, inspection, mandatory insurance
Useful items to keep in the car
Phone charger and mount
Drinking water and tissues
Basic first aid kit
Tire inflator or jump starter if you have one
A small trash bag so the cabin stays clean
Budget and comfort tips that save your trip
Pick the right vehicle style for your group
2 to 4 people: sedan or compact crossover is often enough
Family with kids and luggage: consider larger cargo space and comfort
Scenic driving with many stops: prioritize good air conditioning and a smooth ride
Book accommodation earlier than usual
During Tet, popular places fill quickly. Booking early also gives you better parking options, which matters if you drive your own car.
Build a simple rest stop plan
Instead of stopping randomly, decide on one planned rest stop each way. This reduces stress and keeps your driver alert.
FAQ: common questions for Tet self drive trips
Q1. Which is best for a short trip: Vung Tau or Phan Thiet?
A: Vung Tau is usually best if you want minimal driving and a true 2 days 1 night plan. Many sources cite it as around 96 km from Ho Chi Minh City. Phan Thiet is better if you want a more resort focused stay and a smoother highway drive, especially with the 99 km expressway segment.
Q2. Should I choose the scenic coastal route to Mui Ne?
A: Choose it if you have at least 3 days 2 nights and you enjoy stopping often. Drivers commonly note coastal routes can be more scenic but take longer.
Q3. What is the biggest Tet driving mistake?
A: Underestimating traffic volume and skipping the pre trip car check. Add buffer time and check tires, brakes, coolant, and documents before you go.
Make your Tet trip the moment you upgrade
A Tet road trip often makes drivers realize what they love or hate about their current car. If you are thinking about changing your vehicle after the holiday, do it with clear information first, then choose a trusted selling path.
If you want a faster upgrade plan after Tet 2026, start with a quick valuation, then sell with a transparent process on Motorist.vn.
