As the primary deep-water maritime gateway for Southern Vietnam, Phu My Port (located in Ba Ria – Vung Tau province) welcomes the world’s most prestigious cruise lines-including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Princess, and Cunard. While the port itself is heavily industrial, it serves as your launchpad to two of Vietnam’s most captivating destinations: the high-octane metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), situated roughly 70 kilometers away, and the scenic coastal city of Vung Tau.
Because cruise ship schedules operate with strict all-aboard deadlines, securing reliable transportation is the most critical element of your day ashore. Booking a private car rental from Phu My Port with a professional driver provides the speed, comfort, and logistical security required to explore Southern Vietnam at your own pace without the fear of missing your ship.
Why Avoid Cruise-Bus Excursions and Standard Port Taxis?
When your ship docks, you will be faced with transit choices. Opting for a pre-booked private vehicle easily outperforms the alternatives:
Beat the Crowds & Tour Buses: Large ship-organized shore excursions force you to travel with up to 50 people per bus. This translates to slow disembarkation, rigid itineraries, and hours wasted waiting at commercial souvenir hubs. A private car departs the moment you step off the ship.
Guaranteed On-Time Return: Traditional metered taxis picked up haphazardly outside the gates may not understand cruise schedules or expressway traffic patterns. Professional private operators synchronize explicitly with your ship’s itinerary, ensuring you return safely to the dock 1.5 to 2 hours before the gangway closes.
Custom Itineraries: Want to skip a museum to spend more time sampling street food at Ben Thanh Market, or take an unexpected detour to a hidden temple? Your private vehicle moves purely at your command.
Popular Shore Excursion Routes & Travel Times
Depending on your travel party’s interests, drivers primarily service two main day-trip corridors from the Phu My cruise terminal
Route 1: Phu My Port to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon City Tour)
Drive Time: 1.5 hours each way via the Ho Chi Minh City – Long Thanh – Dau Giay Expressway.
Must-See Highlights: The Independence (Reunification) Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, War Remnants Museum, and Ben Thanh Market
Route 2: Phu My Port to Vung Tau Coastal Tour
Drive Time: 45 to 60 minutes each way via National Route 51 (QL51).
Must-See Highlights: The giant Jesus Christ Statue (boasting panoramic ocean views), Back Beach, the beautiful White Palace (Villa Blanche), and fresh local seafood dining by the coast
Fleet Categories & All-Inclusive Round-Trip Rates
Vehicles are kept in pristine, air-conditioned, non-smoking condition and are fully licensed for international transit.The table below outlines estimated baseline pricing for a standard Full-Day Round-Trip Shore Excursion (Phu My Port $\rightarrow$ Destination $\rightarrow$ Back to Phu My Port), covering all fuel, highway toll roads, parking fees, and driver allowances:
| Vehicle Classification | Max Capacity | Ideal For | Estimated Price (Round-Trip) |
|
4-Seater Sedan (Toyota Vios / Mazda 3) |
3 Passengers + 3 Bags | Couples, solo historians, independent travelers |
From $130 – $150 USD
(approx. 3.3M – 3.8M VND) |
|
7-Seater Premium SUV (Toyota Fortuner / Innova) |
5 Passengers + 4 Bags | Small families, passengers wanting extra space |
From $135 – $170 USD (approx. 3.4M – 4.3M VND) |
|
16-Seater Executive Van (Ford Transit / Hyundai Solati) |
12 Passengers + 8 Bags | Multi-generational families, small cruise groups |
From $170 – $215 USD (approx. 4.3M – 5.4M VND) |
|
9-Seater Luxury Limousine (Premium DCar Cabin) |
8 Passengers + 6 Bags | VIP shore excursions, ultimate executive comfort |
From $220 – $250 USD (approx. 5.6M – 6.3M VND) |
Important Pick-Up Options Explained
When booking your private vehicle, you will need to choose between two distinct pickup methods based on your budget and physical mobility requirements:
Option 1: Meeting at the Main Gate (Free of Charge): Your cruise ship docks roughly 500 to 600 meters inside the industrial shipyard. With this option, you will enjoy a short 5-to-10-minute walk (or take the free port shuttle if provided by your ship) to the outer security exit gate. Your driver will be waiting directly outside the gate holding a personalized name board.
Option 2: Inside-Dock Gangway Pick-Up (Requires Port Permit Add-On): If you prefer not to walk, have limited mobility, or face extreme heat or rain, you can request an Inside Port Permit. For an additional fee (typically $20 to $25 USD per passenger due to port authority maritime security codes), your driver receives clearance to drive directly into the harbor, waiting for you right at the ship’s exit gangway.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happens if our cruise ship changes its arrival time or itinerary?
Top-tier private car companies closely monitor marine radar logs. If your ship is delayed due to weather or alters its docking time, your pickup window shifts automatically with zero penalty or cancellation fees.
Do drivers speak English?
Drivers assigned to Phu My Port transfers speak basic, operational English. They understand transit navigation, drop-off timing, and routing requests perfectly. If you require a deep dive into Vietnam’s war history or architectural context, you can request an optional licensed English-speaking tour guide to accompany you in the vehicle for approximately $40 to $50 USD per day
Can we combine a city tour with the Cu Chi Tunnels in a single day?
While technically possible if your ship docks for 12+ hours, it is generally not recommended for standard 8-to-10-hour port windows. The Cu Chi Tunnels are located on the opposite side of Saigon, bringing total transit time to over 5 hours round-trip, which risks cutting your buffer time dangerously close. Stick to a comprehensive Saigon City Tour or a Vung Tau loop to guarantee a relaxed return.
Secure Your Private Cruise Transfer Today!
Don’t gamble your limited time in Vietnam on erratic transport or crowded tourist buses. Enjoy complete flexibility, air-conditioned comfort, and an uncompromised back-to-ship guarantee. Contact our booking desk via WhatsApp / Zalo or fill out our online shore reservation form to lock in your private car rental from Phu My Port today!
Hotline: (+84) 91 818 9599 (Free: WhatsApp, Line, Viber, Wechat, Snapchat)
Kakao Talk: +84 91 818 9599
Email: vietnamrentacar@gmail.com
