Summary

Heading out or into Ho Chi Minh is not the chaotic battle that people assume. There are route options that avoid most of the chaotic traffic. To properly exit / enter Ho Chi Minh is around 4 hours of driving, however the “bad” traffic lasts around one hour.

High Lights

A pleasant drive up the river, which quickly turns into rural Vietnam. There are options of serious offroading as well.

Expected Scenery

The scenery along the Dong Na River is beautiful countryside farmland that shifts to lush jungle and forest inside the park. The setting is very natural and there are no services inside the park aside from a few villages.

Activities

In and around the national park you’ll have the opportunity to go hiking, spot primates, birds & crocodiles, visit local villages, or take a cruise up the Dong Na River. Stop for a cold beer or the night at the Green Bamboo Lodge.

Summary

A great drive that takes you through the mountains between Mui Ne and Dalat. It does get slightly remote, but overall this is a manageable pleasant road for any driver. There is no right or wrong answer between QL55 and QL55B, they are similar roads to drive.

High Lights

All round reasonable beauty and a drive length that is very manageable.

Expected Scenery

  • Near to Mui Ne is Sand Dunes
  • Near to Dalat becomes pine trees and dense forest

Summary

This is one of the most under rated drives in the country, with the DT 725 providing an immense mix of stunning scenery.

High Lights

With great planning a driver will have an incredible day of scenery, but also the chance to visit the might Elephant Waterfall near Dalat.

Expected Scenery

  • Mountain roads (open meandering roads)
  • Coffee plantations
  • Lush pine tree forests

Activities on route

Summary

The only sensible way of connecting Vung Tau and Ho Chi Minh is with the QL 51 and the use of the Cat Lai Ferry. It is by no means a pleasant drive, busy highway all the way. However the road is straight and easy enough to drive. The drive takes between 3 and 4 hours.

High Lights

There are no notable distractions to head off to on this route.

Expected Scenery

  • Highway
  • Trucks and card

Summary

The drive has some moments of coastal views, unfortunately the bulk of the journey is done just inland from an ocean view. Most of this drive the sea is covered by trees. The journey along the coast goes between busy country lanes and the slightly less busy country lanes. For a new driver to Vietnam there is a lot of “people/culture” to see and enjoy. For the experienced driver, it is a fairly bland drive.

High Lights

Lagi Coco Beachcamp is worth a stop for a coffee or to rest for the night. A beautiful piece of coastline to be had.

Expected Scenery

  • Glimpses of the ocean
  • Mostly trees and Vietnamese life along the tree line

Activities on route

Summary

Heading out or into Ho Chi Minh is not the chaotic battle that people assume. There are route options that avoid most of the chaotic traffic. To properly exit / enter Ho Chi Minh is around 4 hours of driving, however the “bad” traffic lasts around one hour.

High Lights

A pleasant drive up the river, which quickly turns into rural Vietnam. There are options of serious offroading as well.

Expected Scenery

The scenery along the Dong Na River is beautiful countryside farmland that shifts to lush jungle and forest inside the park. The setting is very natural and there are no services inside the park aside from a few villages.

Activities

In and around the national park you’ll have the opportunity to go hiking, spot primates, birds & crocodiles, visit local villages, or take a cruise up the Dong Na River. Stop for a cold beer or the night at the Green Bamboo Lodge.

Summary

This is one of the most under rated drives in the country, with the DT 725 providing an immense mix of stunning scenery.

High Lights

With great planning a driver will have an incredible day of scenery, but also the chance to visit the might Elephant Waterfall near Dalat.

Expected Scenery

  • Mountain roads (open meandering roads)
  • Coffee plantations
  • Lush pine tree forests

Activities on route