A quieter fishing-town beach below the Minh Dam hills, with a more local feel than Vung Tau.
Long Hai is a small fishing and resort town on a rocky headland beneath the Minh Dam hills, and its sand beach is calmer and less commercial than Vung Tau's. The town is known for fresh seafood sold at the dockside market in the early morning and for family-run guesthouses that fill up from May to August.
The beach itself is narrow and gently sloping, and the water is clearer than at Vung Tau in the dry season. Bring cash: ATMs are limited, and many seafood restaurants quote prices per kilogram, so agree the weight and the price before ordering.
Long Hai is best as an overnight rather than a day trip, because the road time is close to three hours each way at weekends.
| Distance | About 120 km / 75 miles (2.5-3 hours by road) |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Coach to Long Hai from Mien Dong, or a private car via the Long Thanh-Dau Giay expressway |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Best season | November to April |
| Address | Long Hai Town, Long Dien District, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province |
Amenities
- Guesthouses and small resorts
- Seafood restaurants
- Sun loungers for hire
- Dockside fish market
Good to know
- Best for
- families, couples, swimmers, beachcombers
Location
Long Hai Town, Long Dien District, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province
10.4000, 107.2300 View on map
Highlights
- Calmer, less commercial beach beneath the Minh Dam hills
- Early-morning dockside fish market
- Family-run guesthouses and fresh seafood restaurants
- Clearer water than Vung Tau in the dry season
Tips for visiting
- Bring cash, as ATMs in town are limited.
- Agree the weight and price per kilogram before ordering seafood.
- Stay overnight; the road takes close to three hours each way at weekends.
- Book guesthouses ahead for May to August, when they fill up.
- Visit the dockside market early in the morning for the freshest catch.
When to visit
November to April for the clearest water; visit on weekdays and outside May to August when guesthouses fill up.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to reach Long Hai from Ho Chi Minh City?
It is about 120 km away and takes 2.5 to 3 hours by road, longer at weekends. Coaches run from Mien Dong, or visitors can use a private car via the Long Thanh-Dau Giay expressway.
Is Long Hai better than Vung Tau?
Long Hai is quieter and more local in feel, with a narrow, gently sloping beach. Vung Tau has more facilities and is easier to reach.
Is Long Hai suitable for a day trip?
It is best as an overnight stay because of the long road time. A day trip leaves little time at the beach.