Vung Tau Travel Guide

Vung Tau City is well-known as one of the most appealing beach vacation destinations in Vietnam, as well as the most popular weekend destination from Ho Chi Minh City. Vung Tau is one of two cities in the coastal province of Ba Ria – Vung Tau, the other being Ba Ria City. The province is bounded on the west by Ho Chi Minh City, on the east and south by Binh Thuan, and on the north by Dong Nai. The province’s southwest coast stretches for over 300 kilometers.

General Information

Vung Tau is not a crowded and busy province, covering an area of 1,989 square kilometers with mountains and a delta and a population of just over one million people, which is one of the true benefits when it comes to nature tourism. In the past, this province created glorious heroic pages with some well-known historical sites such as the Cau Da vestige, the Phao Co battlefield, the Nui Dinh revolutionary base, the Long Phuoc tunnel, the Con Dao prison system, and so on.

Furthermore, Vung Tau is endowed with stunning beaches, poetic mountains surrounding the city, and a cool climate all year. The extremely beautiful shores, the old famous lighthouse, the statue of Jesus Christ with outstretched arms, and numerous delicious foods, among other things, impress both domestic and international visitors. During your visit to Southern Vietnam, you can combine Vung Tau with Ho Chi Minh City tours and Mekong day tours.

Vung Tau Weather and Best Time to Visit

Vung Tau has two seasons: dry (November to April) and rainy (May to October). The best time to visit Vung Tau is from November to April when the weather is mild and the average temperature is pleasant. However, visiting this destination during the rainy season is acceptable because the actual level of precipitation is low. Just stay away from September because it is the wettest month.

Getting to Vung Tau

It is simple and convenient to travel to Vung Tau by bus, car, or hydrofoil from Ho Chi Minh City.

By Bus

There are several bus stations and companies that offer both short-distance and long-distance buses to Vung Tau.

Mien Dong Bus Station

The No. 19 bus from the Central Metropolitan Bus Station (opposite Ben Thanh Market). It usually takes between 25 and 35 minutes, depending on traffic.

Hoa Mai Bus:

• Address: 44 Nguyen Thai Binh Street, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Ticket price: VND 95,000 dong

Phuong Trang Bus:

• Address: 272 De Tham Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh city
• Ticket price: VND 100,000 dong

By ferry

Furthermore, you can reach Vung Tau in just 2 hours or 1 hour 30 minutes by high-speed hydrofoil. Most visitors will prefer ferries because they can see the commercial maritime areas as the boat travels through the Sai Gon River towards the sea.

By car

Rather than taking a taxi, visitors will find that hiring a car with a driver in Vietnam is a better option. You will have the right to use a car on your own to freely choose your favorite destinations for less than $100.

Getting around Vung Tau

By taxi

Taxi prices are 30% higher than those of Sai Son, particularly along the beaches. Vietnam Airport Transfer, Gili Taxi, Petro Taxi, Vinasun, and Mai Linh are among the major companies.

By motorbike

Vung Tau, like other cities in Vietnam, has a plethora of motorbike taxis. They are all pleasant, welcoming, and professional. Choosing a low-cost mode of transportation, such as xe om, is a wise choice for visitors.

By double-bike

Double bikes (tandem bicycles) are very popular among Vung Tau’s youth and teenagers. Riding in groups of at least four along the winding and green streets along the coast is a common sight in Vung Tau.

Walking

Never be afraid to go for a walk around Vung Tau. Vung Tau is not a large city, and the weather here, even in summer, is cool and windy; you won’t have to worry about getting sunburned as in the Northern summer.

Where to Stay in Vung Tau

While Vung Tau isn’t a typical tourist destination, it’s a great place for residents or anyone staying in Saigon for an extended period of time to get away from the city. The air is cleaner, the pace is a little slower. There are many homestays, hotels, and resorts in Vung Tau for you to choose from.

• Pullman Vung Tau

Address: 15 Thi Sach Street, Thang Tam Ward

• Seaside Resort Vung Tau

Address: 18 Tran Phu Street, Ward 1

• Malibu Hotel

Address: 263 Le Hong Phong Street, Thang Tam Ward

• Lan Rung Resort & Spa

Address: 3-6 Ha Long Street, Ward 2

• Phoenix Hotel Vung Tau

Address: 249 Le Hong Phong Street, Ward 8

What to See in Vung Tau

Vung Tau is not a large city, but it is absolutely beautiful and charming. Let’s explore the city to find some interesting spots.

If you search the internet for a weekend destination near Ho Chi Minh City to get away from the city’s hustle and bustle, Vung Tau will undoubtedly come up first. Fantastic beaches with a beautiful blue sky and clear seawater are a big draw for both locals and tourists.

The city’s beach is divided into four sections, two of which are particularly popular. Going to the East Sea allows you to enjoy the beauty of the sun at both sunrise and sunset.

Front Beach (Bai Truoc)

This beach is located in the heart of Vung Tau and stretches one kilometer in length between Big Mountain and Small Mount. The main activity here is the fishermen gathering, which began at 5.30 a.m. There can be up to twenty small fishing boats on the beach at any given time, unloading catch, re-stacking nets, taking on supplies, and so on. Preparing a camera, bringing it to the front beach, and having a delicious breakfast in one of the many coffee shops, breakfast shops, and restaurants there, you will then be free to take as many pictures as you want to satisfy your creativity.

Back Beach (Bai Sau)

Back Beach, Vung Tau’s main tourist attraction, is one of Vietnam’s largest and most beautiful beaches. It has over 10 kilometers of fine sand beach and is always crowded with tourists on weekends and holidays. The white sand dunes, calm sea surface, and vast casuarina forest immediately entice visitors. All the stress and burdens of city life will be dispelled by coming here, taking a deep breath, feeling the tiny vibration on your skin, and listening to the harmonious songs sung by the Casuarinas foliages. There are numerous leisure and relaxation centers, including Paradis, an upgraded swimming and relaxation area, and a hotel system.

Pineapple Beach (Bai Dua)

This is a small beach near Small Mountain off Ha Long Street. The name dates back a long time. Locals claimed that there used to be a variety of pineapple trees on the beach, so they named it Pineapple. Tourists are drawn to the cool environment created by stunning rock mountains that run from land to sea, forming poetic and beautiful small beaches and a shady row of trees. There are also numerous hotels and villas on the hill with reasonable rental fees.

Mulberry Beach (Bai Dau)

This is yet another small beach at the base of Big Mountain. With the small waves, there is some wind. The number of visitors who come here to swim in the sea is not large. As a result, it is an ideal location for those who appreciate peace, cleanliness, and quiet beauty.

Vung Tau Lighthouse

This was constructed on the summit of Small Mountain in 1907. The house is 3m in diameter and 18m in height, and it has been relocated to a higher peak. With available telescopes, the lighthouse can project light as far as 35 sea miles (64.75km) and follow and direct ships on the sea.

The top of the lighthouse provides a panoramic view of Vung Tau. There is no admission fee, but you must pay about VND 5,000 dong per visit.

Statue of Jesus Christ

The Jesus statue, perched atop Small Mountain with outstretched arms, gazes across the East Sea. It was started in 1974 and finished 20 years later. The statue is 32 meters long and 170 meters above sea level. The interior of the statue is hollow, with a spiral staircase of 129 steps leading to the statue’s neck, shoulders, and wrists, where four or five people can stand and enjoy a magnificent view of the surrounding landscape. Each hand is 2.2m wide, the middle finger is 1.1m long, and each foot is 1.1m wide. This statue is similar to the one in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro.

The White Palace (Bach Dinh)

The Palace was built by the French (1898 – 1916) as a summer palace for French Governor General Paul Doumer and stands 50 meters above sea level along Tran Phu Street. Bach Dinh has a Roman architectural structure with three floors and a height of 19 meters. A long row of 19 cannons has been preserved here until now.

What to Do in Vung Tau

• Hiking/Walking
• Swimming
• Climbing
• Riding double bikes (VND 20,000 dong/hour)
• Seeing greyhound racing (VND 60,000 dong/hour)
• Golfing

What to Eat in Vung Tau

Not only does Vung Tau have a beautiful sandy coastline, but it also has delicious food, making it an absolutely perfect destination for you to stop by and experience a perfect tour of Southern Vietnam.

Banh Khot Vung Tau (Vietnamese mini pancake)

It is not an exaggeration to say that some people travel to Vung Tau sol

Ely to eat Banh Khot. These small round Khot cakes have a white surface, a red layer made of mixed flour and curry powder, and are filled with seafood such as shrimp and squid before being topped with green onion and shrimp powder.

Where to try Banh Khot

Goc Vu Sua Restaurant

• Address: 14 Nguyen Truong To, Ward 2, Vung Tau City
• Phone number: 090 307 33 04
• Opening hours: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm

Goi Cá Mai ( Mai fish salad)

Goi ca mai is regarded as one of the most appealing dishes in Nha Trang. Mai fish is similar to anchovies in appearance and flavor and is frequently used in salads. Locals believe that the best goi ca mai is made by selecting the freshest live Mai fish – the fresher the fish, the more delicious the salad.

Lẩu cá đuối (Sawfish hotpot)

Sawfish hot pot is a delicious folk food in Vung Tau with a distinct flavor and ingredient. Sawfish is a boneless fish with only soft cartilage that will be chopped into medium pieces and stewed on low heat to create a sweet broth before being seasoned. Take a bite of everything together to get the most delicious bite ever.

Where to eat Sawfish hot pot

Lau ca duoi Hoang Minh

• Address: 44 Truong Cong Dinh Street, Ward 3, Vung Tau City
• Phone number: 0254 3531 147
• Opening hours 9:00 am – 10:30 pm

Chao Hau (Oyster Porridge)

Oyster porridge is a popular dish in Vung Tau. When every shop serves it, it’s difficult to find a bowl of delicious dish. The food appears to be simple to prepare; however, making a delectable oyster porridge is difficult. To balance the taste of the porridge, use a reasonable amount of seasoning.

Banh Canh

Tourists frequently stop in Ba Ria on their way from Saigon to Vung Tau for snacks and a bowl of banh canh Long Huong. There’s no need to be fussy with many ingredients because this long-standing vendor has won over many foodies with its simplicity and purity. Banh Canh is a Vietnamese dish made of rice and tapioca flour, light broth, tender and greasy pig legs, and pork. After a long ride, all you need is a bowl of banh canh and sugarcane juice to revive you and allow you to continue your journey with many other activities in Vung Tau.

Fresh Seafood

Never leave Vung Tau without sampling the fresh seafood on offer. Every day, crabs, snails, shrimp, blood clams, amberjack fish, and other sea creatures are brought directly from the sea.

Where to buy the best seafood

Xom Luoi Market

• Address: Nguyen Cong Tru Street, Ward 1
• Opening hours: 5:00 am – 6:00 pm

We hope the information provided above is useful to you. Please contact us for more information, and start planning your adventure right away!