Explore top New Year day trips from Ho Chi Minh City—Phan Thiet, Suoi Tre, Trị An Lake—and learn which cars fit each route. Plan your getaway now!
Looking for a quick escape this New Year without spending a night away? From Ho Chi Minh City you can reach several scenic spots in just a few hours, enjoy a change of scenery, and still be back before the evening. Below are three popular day‑trip routes, the type of roads you’ll face, and the most suitable cars for each adventure.
Phan Thiet – Coastal Escape
Phan Thiet, the breezy seaside town in Binh Thuận, is about 2.5–3 hours away via the TP.HCM‑Long Thành‑Dầu Giây expressway, then the Dầu Giây‑Phan Thiet highway. The well‑maintained six‑lane road makes it ideal for small families or a group of friends heading to the beach, a quick picnic, or a sunset photo shoot.
Just 25 km beyond the city centre, the Dốc Hoàng Hôn (Sunset Hill) offers dramatic cliffs and sharp bends. Drive at a comfortable speed, especially on the winding sections, and you’ll get a taste of light off‑road driving on a short, unfinished stretch that’s perfect for testing a compact SUV’s handling.
Best car picks: compact crossovers or small SUVs such as the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR‑V, or Vietnam‑made VinFast VF5. These models provide enough cargo space for beach gear, a comfortable ride for two rows of passengers, and modern infotainment that keeps everyone entertained.
Suối Tre – “Da Lat of the East”
Suối Tre, a lush waterfall resort in Đồng Nai, lies only about 60 km from the city – roughly a one‑hour drive via the same expressway, then a short turn onto QL 1A toward Long Khánh. The short distance and gentle roads make it perfect for families with young children who want a quick nature fix.
The scenery is a mix of forested valleys and refreshing streams, ideal for picnics and easy hikes. Because the trip is brief, interior space isn’t a major concern, but a smooth ride and good fuel efficiency are.
Best car picks: electric city cars or compact sedans such as the VinFast VF3, VinFast VF5 (electric version), Mitsubishi Attrage, or Hyundai Accent. Their small footprints make parking easy, while their low running cost keeps the day‑trip budget friendly.
Lake Trị An – Camping by the Water
Lake Trị An in Đồng Nai has become a favorite spot for day‑long camping and water‑side picnics. From the city, take the Hà Nội Highway toward Đồng Nai, then follow QL 1A for another 20 km to the lakeside camping area.
The roads around the lake transition from paved to well‑graded dirt paths surrounded by grass. These gentle off‑road sections let drivers feel a mild 4×4 vibe without stressing the vehicle’s suspension.
Best car picks: any small crossover with decent ground clearance—think Mazda CX‑30, Kia Seltos, or again the VinFast VF5. They can handle the soft dirt while still offering a comfortable cabin for a few hours of relaxation.
Traffic Tips for the Long Weekend
Even though the expressways cut travel time dramatically, the four‑day New Year holiday brings a surge of vehicles, especially at the An Phú interchange and toll plazas. To avoid getting stuck:
- Check live traffic maps (Google Maps, Waze) at least 30 minutes before you leave.
- Consider “off‑peak” departure times—early morning (before 7 am) or late evening (after 8 pm).
- Keep an eye on toll‑booth queues; using electronic toll tags can shave minutes off your journey.
Choosing the Right Car for Your Day Trip
For a single‑day outing you don’t need a massive boot, but comfort, easy maneuverability, and enough tech (air‑conditioner, touchscreen infotainment, supportive seats) are key. Small SUVs and compact sedans strike the right balance between cargo capacity and fuel efficiency.
Whether you head to the coastline, a rainforest waterfall, or a tranquil lake, picking a car that matches the terrain ensures a relaxed and enjoyable ride.
Ready to hit the road? Pick your destination, choose a suitable car, and make this New Year a memorable adventure without the hassle of overnight bookings. Safe travels!