Long Hai City
Coastal town with sandy beaches and fishing villages
Long Hai is a seaside town with broad beaches, modest seafood shacks and a coastline good for swimming and cheap weekend escapes from Saigon. Hikers head up nearby Nui Lon for panoramic views of the South China Sea.
Why Visit Long Hai?#
A coastal escape on Vietnam’s southern shore, Long Hai attracts travelers seeking wide beaches and relaxed seafood culture. The long public shoreline and Long Hai market showcase fresh catches and lively fishing-village life, while beachside shacks serve signature dishes like grilled prawns and banh xeo. Festivals tied to the sea and easy access from nearby cities make it an appealing low-key alternative to busier resort towns.
Best Things to Do in Long Hai#
Long Hai Bucket List#
Long Hải Beach - Spend time on Long Hải Beach’s sandy shore, swimming and seafood restaurants nearby.
Minh Đạm Relics - Explore Minh Đạm hill base ruins and wartime tunnels with local guides.
Long Hải Fishing Village - Visit Long Hải Fishing Village to watch traditional boats and purchase fresh catches.
Long Hải Market - Shop Long Hải Market for tropical fruit, dried seafood, and daily local life scenes.
Coastal fishing piers - Stroll lesser-known coastal piers at dawn to see fishermen mending nets and selling catches.
Local seaside cafes - Sample seafood at small seaside cafes frequented by locals for authentic regional flavors.
Vũng Tàu - Take a short drive to Vũng Tàu for seaside promenades, colonial villas, and seafood.
Hồ Tràm - Visit Hồ Tràm beaches and dunes for quieter sand and coastal resort dining.
Best Time to Visit Long Hai#
Long Hai is best from November through February when the coast is dry, breezy and pleasant for beaches and day trips. Avoid the summer rainy months if you dislike heavy tropical downpours and high humidity.
November - February
22°C - 28°C (72°F - 82°F)
Clear skies, lower humidity and calm seas make beach trips and coastal drives easy and comfortable - ideal for outdoor exploration.
March - May
26°C - 33°C (79°F - 91°F)
Increasing heat and humidity before the rains; beaches are busy and afternoons are blazing - good for sunseekers who tolerate high temperatures.
June - October
24°C - 31°C (75°F - 88°F)
Regular heavy showers and short storms dominate; mornings can be fine, but expect afternoon downpours and occasional flooding in low areas.
Long Hai's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1636 mm/year), wettest in July with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C. The driest month with just 1 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).
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May
May is the hottest month, feeling like 33°C due to high humidity. Heavy rain (221 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (243 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (280 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (234 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (274 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (230 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Regular rainfall (80 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Long Hai#
Long Hai is a coastal town in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province popular for beaches and resorts. Most international travellers arrive at Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) and continue by intercity bus, private shuttle or taxi to Long Hai.
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN): The nearest major international airport is Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City (SGN). From SGN you can reach Long Hai by intercity bus or private transfer: express buses/minivans to Vung Tau or Long Hai run from several operators (see Phuong Trang/Futa or private shuttle services); expect around 2-3 hours and fares roughly 100,000-200,000 VND per person depending on the service.
Nearest regional airports (for domestic connections): Cam Ranh (Nha Trang) and Can Tho are regional airports but not practical for direct travel to Long Hai; most travellers fly into SGN and continue by road.
Train: There is no direct national rail station in Long Hai; the nearest major railway hubs are in Bien Hoa or Vung Tau region (Vung Tau itself is not on the main North-South line). Trains are not the practical option for most trips to Long Hai.
Bus: Interprovincial buses and private shuttle vans from Ho Chi Minh City (Mien Dong bus station and various hotels/terminals) run to Vung Tau and Long Hai. Futa Bus (Phuong Trang) and private vans operate the route; fares from HCMC to Vung Tau typically cost 100,000-200,000 VND and take about 2-3 hours, then a short local taxi or bus (15-40 minutes) reaches Long Hai.
How to Get Around Long Hai#
Road transport (intercity buses, shuttle vans or private cars) is the practical way to reach Long Hai from Ho Chi Minh City; once there, a mix of local buses, xe ôm, rental motorbikes and walking makes getting around easy.
- Intercity bus / shuttle van (100,000-200,000 VND) - The most common way to reach Long Hai from Ho Chi Minh City is by intercity bus or private shuttle van (operators include Phuong Trang/Futa and many private carriers). Buses drop passengers at Vung Tau or Long Hai; book ahead in high season. Buses are comfortable and affordable but subject to road traffic.
- Taxi / Private car (500,000-1,500,000 VND (approx.)) - Taxis or private transfers provide door-to-door service and are faster and more comfortable, especially with luggage. Expect higher cost than buses but greater flexibility on departure times. Agree a price or ensure the meter is used for longer intercity trips.
- Local bus / xe ôm (motorbike taxi) (10,000-50,000 VND) - Within Long Hai and nearby towns, local buses and motorbike taxis (xe ôm) are common for short journeys. Xe ôm are quick and cheap for single passengers; negotiate a fare before you ride. Keep small change for local buses.
- Car hire / motorbike rental (200,000 VND/day for motorbike; cars vary) - Renting a car or motorbike gives freedom to explore the coast and nearby attractions. Roads around Long Hai are generally straightforward but check local regulations and helmet requirements for motorbikes. Ensure insurance and a valid licence for rental.
- Cycling (20,000-100,000 VND/day) - Long Hai’s beachfront and nearby villages are pleasant to explore by bicycle for short distances. Rentals are available locally and are an economical, flexible option in good weather.
- Walking - The town centre and beachfront are very walkable. Walking is the easiest way to move between beaches, restaurants and markets within Long Hai.
Where to Stay in Long Hai#
Beachfront / Long Hai town - $10-40/night
Long Hai offers basic beachfront bungalows and family-run guesthouses. Online booking is limited; many places accept walk-ins or local phone reservations.
Beachfront / Phuoc Hai - $40-120/night
A handful of seaside resorts and mid-range hotels offer pools and beach access. Better choices appear during weekends and holiday seasons.
Lan Rung Resort & Spa (Long Hai) - Established seaside resort option.
Local mid-range hotels - Comfortable seaside hotels with pools.
Ho Tram / Nearby resorts - $150+/night
Long Hai has few true luxury hotels; most travelers seeking high-end resorts stay a short drive away at larger Ho Tram properties.
The Grand Ho Tram Strip (nearby) - Large resort a short drive away.
Private upscale villas - Bookable for groups and events.
Where to Eat in Long Hai#
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Long Hai’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Shopping in Long Hai#
Shopping is modest and centered on the local market and small seaside stalls selling seafood, snacks and basic tourist souvenirs. Expect simple local handicrafts and seafood specialties rather than large malls or brand stores.
Nightlife in Long Hai#
Nightlife is relaxed and low-key: beachfront seafood restaurants and a few informal bars that stay open late. Don’t expect a club scene - evenings are about dining by the sea and casual drinks.
