Vietnam EV Road Trip: Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat — Complete Guide

There’s a moment on the road to Da Lat when the air changes. The humidity of the Mekong Delta falls away, the windows come down, and suddenly you’re breathing pine. The road twists upward through coffee plantations and cloud forests, and your electric car hums along, silent except for the crunch of gravel at the hairpins. This is not your typical Vietnamese road trip. This is an EV journey from the chaos of Ho Chi Minh City to the cool, misty heights of the Central Highlands — a 300-kilometer route that proves electric vehicles are not just for city commutes, but for exploring the spine of Vietnam.

I drove this route in a VinFast VF 8, Vietnam’s homegrown electric SUV, and I’m here to tell you: it’s not only possible, it’s glorious. With a bit of planning, the right charging stops, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected, you can trade petrol fumes for mountain breezes. Here’s everything you need to know.

Why This Route Matters

The drive from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Da Lat is a classic Vietnamese journey. It takes you from the flat, rice-paddied expanse of the south into the rolling hills of Lâm Đồng Province. The distance is around 300 kilometers (186 miles), but don’t let the number fool you — the last 100 kilometers are pure mountain road, with switchbacks that slow you to a crawl. In a petrol car, you’d fill up once and be done. In an EV, you’ll need to plan for two charging stops, but you’ll also discover roadside coffee stands, waterfalls, and a pace that forces you to actually see the country instead of just passing through.

The Vehicle: VinFast VF 8

I chose the VinFast VF 8 because it’s the most common EV in Vietnam, and the charging network is built around it. The VF 8 has a claimed range of 471 km (WLTP), but real-world driving — especially with air conditioning and mountain climbs — drops that to about 350–380 km. For this route, that’s more than enough, but you’ll still want to charge twice to be safe. The SUV handles the mountain roads well, with a low center of gravity from the battery pack, and the regenerative braking is a godsend on the descents.

Cost to rent: Approximately 1,200,000 VND per day (about $50 USD) from VinFast’s rental service or third-party apps like Be Group.

The Route: Step by Step

## Ho Chi Minh City to Trảng Bom (60 km)

Start early. The best time to leave Saigon is 6:00 AM, before the city’s legendary traffic turns the streets into a parking lot. Head north on National Highway 1A, which is the main artery out of the city. It’s not scenic — expect trucks, motorbikes, and the occasional chicken crossing — but it’s efficient.

Your first charging stop is VinFast Charging Station at Trảng Bom, located at the PetroVietnam gas station on QL1A. It’s about 60 km from central Saigon.

• Distance from start: 60 km
• Charging time: 25–30 minutes for a 20%–80% charge (DC fast charger)
• Cost: Approximately 90,000 VND ($3.70 USD) for 30 kWh
• Amenities: A small convenience store, clean restrooms, and a coffee stall selling cà phê sữa đá for 15,000 VND.

Tip: Don’t skip this stop even if you have range. The next charging point is 120 km away, and you’ll want a buffer for the hills.

## Trảng Bom to Bảo Lộc (120 km)

From Trảng Bom, continue north on QL1A for about 30 km, then merge onto National Highway 20 (QL20). This is where the landscape starts to change. The flat fields give way to rubber plantations and rolling hills. The road is mostly two lanes, with occasional overtaking opportunities. Drive defensively — trucks and buses will pass you on blind corners.

After about 90 km, you’ll reach the town of Bảo Lộc, famous for its tea plantations and the massive Đại Bình waterfall. But before you explore, charge.

Charging stop: VinFast Charging Station at Bảo Lộc, located at 115 Trần Phú Street, right off QL20.

• Distance from Trảng Bom: 120 km
• Charging time: 30–35 minutes
• Cost: 110,000 VND ($4.50 USD) for 35 kWh
• Amenities: A full-service gas station with a mini-mart, phở shop (30,000 VND for a bowl), and a mechanic if you need tire pressure checked.

Family activity: While charging, walk 200 meters to the Bảo Lộc Tea Hill viewpoint. It’s free, and kids love watching the tea pickers in their conical hats. Grab a box of green tea (50,000 VND) for the road.

## Bảo Lộc to Da Lat (120 km)

This is the heart of the journey. The road from Bảo Lộc to Da Lat climbs from 200 meters to 1,500 meters above sea level. The temperature drops noticeably, and the air smells of damp earth and pine. The road is winding, with steep gradients and sharp curves. In an EV, this is where you’ll see your battery percentage drop faster than expected — expect to use 1.5x the energy per kilometer compared to flat ground.

But here’s the secret: The descent into Da Lat is almost free energy. Use regenerative braking on “B” mode (maximum regen) and you’ll recoup 10–15% of your battery on the final 30 km downhill. It’s like a gift from the mountains.

Charging stop: You won’t need to charge before reaching Da Lat if you left Bảo Lộc with 80% or more. The VF 8 will arrive with about 20–25% remaining, depending on your driving style.

Scenic stop: Pull over at Pongour Waterfall (km 157 on QL20). It’s a 7-tier cascade that’s particularly impressive in the rainy season (May–October). Entry fee: 20,000 VND per adult, children free. There’s a small parking lot with a basic EV charger (not VinFast, but a Type 2 socket) if you need a top-up.

Charging Station Table

Here’s a quick reference for the three main charging stops on this route:

Note: All VinFast chargers accept contactless payment via MoMo or bank card. Download the VinFast app beforehand to check real-time availability.

Family Activities in Da Lat

Da Lat is a city built for families. The cool climate (15–22°C year-round) means no one is sweating through their shirts, and the activities are wholesome.

## 1. The Valley of Love (Thung Lũng Tình Yêu)

A sprawling park with swan boats, flower gardens, and a small zoo. Entry: 100,000 VND per adult, 50,000 VND for kids. The kids will love the pedal boats (50,000 VND for 30 minutes).

## 2. Da Lat Night Market

Every evening from 5 PM, the market on Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai Street comes alive. Try bánh tráng nướng (Vietnamese pizza) for 15,000 VND, or grilled corn with cheese. The strawberry jam (80,000 VND a jar) makes a great souvenir.

## 3. Elephant Waterfall (Thác Voi)

30 km south of Da Lat, this is a short hike to a powerful waterfall. Entry: 10,000 VND. The path is rocky, so wear sturdy shoes. Kids under 10 should be carried.

## 4. Clay Tunnel (Đường Hầm Đất Sét)

A bizarre but wonderful art installation made entirely of clay — a miniature version of Da Lat’s landmarks. Entry: 50,000 VND. The kids will love the giant clay mushrooms.

Costs Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll spend for a 3-day, 2-night trip (family of four):

Savings compared to petrol: A petrol SUV would cost about 1,200,000 VND in fuel for the same distance. You save 880,000 VND by going electric — plus you get to skip the smell of gasoline at every stop.

Practical Tips

• Download offline maps. Google Maps works, but data can be spotty in the mountains. Download the route beforehand.
• Bring a jacket. Da Lat is cool, especially in the evening. 15°C is common in December.
• Check charger availability. The VinFast app shows real-time status. Avoid the Trảng Bom charger between 11 AM and 1 PM — it’s popular with truck drivers.
• Drive slowly on the descents. Use regenerative braking to save your brake pads. The VF 8’s “B” mode is aggressive enough for most hills.
• Pack snacks. The mountain roads have few convenience stores. Bring water, dried fruit, and bánh mì from Saigon.

The Final Verdict

Driving an EV from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat is not just feasible — it’s the best way to do this route. The enforced charging stops force you to slow down, to drink coffee in a roadside shack, to watch the tea pickers, to feel the temperature change. The silence of the electric motor means you hear the birds, the wind, the waterfall before you see it. And when you finally roll into Da Lat, with its pine forests and French villas, you’ll feel like you’ve earned the cool air.

This is the future of Vietnamese road trips. It’s quieter, cheaper, and kinder to the planet. And it starts with a single charge.

Happy driving, and don’t forget the cà phê sữa đá.

— A travel writer who now swears by EVs in the Highlands.