Discover the best one‑day road trips from Ho Chi Minh City for the 2026 New Year holiday, with routes, sights, and the ideal cars to drive. Plan your adventure today!
Even though the 2026 Gregorian New Year holiday stretches to four days, many travelers prefer a single‑day escape with friends or family. If you’re based in Ho Chi Minh City and want to hit the road in a self‑driven car, you need routes that are quick, scenic, and comfortable for a full‑day experience. Below are three top destinations, the best highways to reach them, and the types of vehicles that will make the journey smooth.
1. Phan Thiết – Coastal Escape
Phan Thiết, famous for its white‑sand beaches and rugged cliffs, is an ideal one‑day waypoint for a New Year’s road trip. The quickest route is:
- Ho Chi Minh City → Long Thành → Dầu Giây (via the Ho Chi Minh‑Long Thành‑Dầu Giây Expressway)
- Continue on the Dầu Giây‑Phan Thiết Expressway to the Lâm Đồng interchange
- Turn right onto National Highway 1A and drive another 25 km to the city centre
The total drive takes about 2.5–3 hours, depending on traffic. A six‑lane expressway makes the journey comfortable for small families or a group of friends heading for a beach picnic, a quick surf session, or simply a change of scenery.
Once in Phan Thiết, a short 25 km detour leads to Dốc Hoàng Hôn, a newly popular photo spot. The road is steep and features several tight bends, so maintain a moderate speed and stay alert. A short unfinished stretch offers a gentle off‑road feel, perfect for drivers who want a taste of adventure without venturing far off the pavement.
Compact SUVs such as the Mazda CX‑5, Toyota RAV4, or the locally produced VinFast models are well‑suited. Since luggage space isn’t a priority for a day trip, focus on interior comfort, infotainment screens, and supportive second‑row seats.
2. Suối Tre – The “Da Lat of the East”
For a greener escape, head to Suối Tre in Đồng Nai Province. The route is straightforward:
- Leave Ho Chi Minh City via the Ho Chi Minh‑Long Thành‑Dầu Giây Expressway
- Exit at Dầu Giây, turn right onto National Highway 1A and drive ~4 km toward Long Khánh town
The entire journey is just over an hour (≈60 km). The short drive makes Suối Tre perfect for families with young children who want to enjoy fresh air, waterfalls, and forest trails without a long time on the road.
Because the trip is under two hours, electric cars or compact sedans like the VinFast VF 3, VF 5, Mitsubishi Attrage, or Hyundai Accent handle the distance comfortably while offering ample cabin space for a picnic basket and a few backpacks.
3. Hồ Trị An – Lakeside Camping
Lake Tri An has become the go‑to spot for day‑long camping and picnicking. To reach it:
- Take the Hanoi‑Ho Chi Minh Expressway (Xa Lộ Hà Nội) southbound
- At the Đồng Nai junction, merge onto National Highway 1A and continue about 20 km to the lake entrance
The drive takes roughly 1.5 hours. Around the lake you’ll find private camping areas, easy‑access walkways, and well‑maintained grassy banks – ideal for a light “off‑road” feel without stressing the suspension.
Again, small sedans or sub‑compact EVs are sufficient, but if you plan to bring extra gear (tents, cooking equipment), a slightly larger crossover such as the Honda CR‑V or Kia Sportage adds useful cargo volume.
Traffic Tips for a Stress‑Free Holiday
Even with modern expressways, the four‑day holiday will see a surge of vehicles, especially on the Ho Chi Minh‑Long Thành‑Dầu Giây corridor. Bottlenecks are common at the An Phú interchange and toll stations during early mornings of the first day and evenings of the last day.
To avoid getting stuck:
- Check real‑time traffic on Google Maps, Waze, or local traffic apps at least 30 minutes before departure.
- Leave either before the peak rush (early 6 am) or after it (after 10 am).
- Consider alternative routes such as the older National Highway 1A if the expressway is congested.
By timing your departure wisely and choosing the right vehicle for the terrain, you’ll turn the New Year’s break into a memorable road adventure rather than a traffic nightmare.
Ready to hit the road? Pick your destination, pack a snack, and enjoy the freedom of a self‑driven holiday in Vietnam!