vung tau tourist spot

The Top 13 Things to Do in Vung Tau, Vietnam

Vietnam’s south-central coast used to fly under the tourism radar, and was known only to locals and Russian visitors. But Vung Tau’s terrific seafood, activity-filled beaches, and great views couldn’t be kept hidden from the world for long.

Easy access from Ho Chi Minh City has made Vung Tau an easy weekend escape for Saigon city slickers, but there’s no reason they should have this city and its sights all to themselves. The next time you can spare the two hour-hydrofoil ride from Ho Chi Minh City, visit Vung Tau and see what’s driving the hype. 

Surf on Back Beach

The 2-mile-long Bai Sau (Back Beach) is ground zero for water sports in Vung Tau. Thanks to its sandy bottom, steady swells, and forgiving waves, the beach provides a perfect environment for surfing newbies, longboarders, windsurfers, and stand-up paddling enthusiasts. 

Swells from three to six feet in size are par for the course on Back Beach, with the best surfing conditions available between July and November (close to Vietnam’s typhoon season ). With warm waters all year round, you can dispense with the wetsuit when surfing here. The hydrofoil from Ho Chi Minh City allows you to transport surfboards from the southern capital; otherwise, you can rent boards at nearby Vung Tau Beach Club .

Feast on Vung Tau’s Seafood

Vung Tau’s seafood scene combines low prices and great taste. You’ll enjoy only the day’s fresh catch when you sit down at one of the city’s classic dining stops. The city’s must-eat treat is banh khot: bite-size savory pancakes garnished with shrimp or squid. It’s available everywhere, but every local swears by Banh Khot Goc Vu Sua.

There’s more to the local food scene than tiny pancakes, though. A few other options for foodies can be found in Vung Tau: Lau Ca Duoi Hoang Minh for Vung Tau’s other specialty, the fragrant stingray hotpot called lau ca duoi; Ganh Hao for a wider selection of cooked-to-order fresh seafood; and Ginger for a five-star Vietnamese feast.

Tee Off at the Bluffs Ho Tram Strip

Golf enthusiasts can practice their game in earnest on a world-beating course that leverages Vung Tau’s hilly seaside topography to the fullest. Widely recognized as one of Asia's top golf courses, the Bluffs Ho Tram Strip was designed by Greg Norman, who used the lay of the land to create a natural-looking links-style course . The scenery is as integral to the game as the terrain: golfers play through a course flanked by the South China Sea and the Binh Chau-Phuoc Buu Nature Reserve. Players enjoy the best views at the long par-3 15th green at the Bluffs’ highest point, some 165 feet above sea level.

Cross the Sea to Hon Ba Island

Off the southern tip of Back Beach, Hon Ba Island looks completely inaccessible except by boat. But in the middle of the lunar month, a miracle occurs: the sea recedes enough during low tide for devotees to walk to Hon Ba on foot! 

On the island you'll find a small temple, built in 1881 to worship Thuy Long Than Nu, the “water dragon goddess” who influences fishermen’s fortunes. Locals often visit to pray for a good catch. 

Go People-Watching at Front Beach Park

Vung Tau’s Bai Truoc (Front Beach) benefits from a three-hectare park; located between the sand and Quang Trung Street, it's where locals go to relax and socialize. A set of 41 sculptures in the park evokes the connection between Vung Tau and the sea, while bicycles can be rented around the park premises. Wait 'til sunset and watch the sun paint the sky red from your Front Beach Park vantage point. 

Visit a Colonial-Era “White Palace”

This mansion’s name and purpose has shifted over time. Built at the cusp of the 20th century for French Governor-General Paul Doumer, “Villa Blanche” was intended as a summer vacation house, but later served as a temporary jail for Vietnamese freedom fighter Thanh Thai. 

Now called Bach Dinh (“White Palace” in Vietnamese), today it houses a museum of Chinese ceramics and other artifacts rescued from nearby shipwrecks. Linger afterwards for the view; the mansion stands on the side of a hill, some 88 feet above sea level. Walk around Bach Dinh’s lush gardens to enjoy scenic panoramas of the sea and Front Beach below. 

Hike Up to the Christ of Vung Tau

French missionary efforts helped Catholicism retain a solid foothold in Vung Tau. To advertise their faith, local Catholics built a massive statue of Jesus Christ, the second-largest in Asia (exceeded only by the Jesus icon on Buntu Burake, Toraja, Indonesia ). The statue towers 105 feet over Nui Nho (Small Mountain). Inside, a 129-step staircase ascends to a viewing deck at neck-level, with balconies on either shoulder for up to six people.  

The hike from Ha Long Street to the statue involves climbing an 847-step ascent, which can be completed in 30 minutes. A strictly modest dress code is enforced for entry, and shoes must be removed before climbing the statue. 

Admire the View From the Vung Tau Lighthouse

With a base that's 500-plus feet above sea level, the Vung Tau Lighthouse is another Small Mountain climb that’s worth the effort. The lighthouse was built to its present height of 60 feet in 1911, making it one of Vietnam’s oldest lighthouses. 

A well-paved road gently ascends to the lighthouse; in cooler months, the walk to the top can be pleasant, with crisp winds complementing the unfolding views of the sea and cityscape. Admire the vistas from the platform, or ascend 55 steps up to the tower’s top for the ultimate view. 

Pro tip: Many tourists pair a lighthouse visit with a snack stop at Yaourt Co Tien , renowned for its runny eggs and fresh yogurt.

Cosplay Ancient Battles at the Worldwide Arms Museum

Courtesy of Robert Taylor Museum of Worldwide Arms

After his retirement, British expat Robert Taylor turned his considerable weapons collection into a museum for worldwide arms. Housed in a colonial-era villa in Vung Tau’s Ward 1, the Museum of Ancient Weapons contains about 2,500 authentic artifacts from numerous wars across the globe, across time. Altogether, the collection forms the basis of the largest private weapons museum in Asia. (This museum makes little reference to the Vietnam War; visit the museums in Ho Chi Minh City to fill in the blanks.)

If the detailed signage next to each display doesn’t cut it for you, Mr. Taylor himself is often present to talk about his collection. Guests can even have their pictures taken dressed in military uniforms. 

Explore Vung Tau’s Lesser-Known Beaches

Some of Vietnam’s best beaches are located around Vung Tau, but not usually where you’d expect them to be. Back Beach and Front Beach may be extremely accessible from the city center, but these beaches might be too unkempt for tourists’ comfort. Drive north to see some really pristine stretches of sand, like Ho Tram and Ho Coc. While five-star resorts are sprouting up along both beaches, you’ll also find beachside campgrounds for that roughing-it vibe. 

There’s a lot to do and see around these parts, too. High-rollers can gamble at the Grand Ho Tram Strip , while budget tourists can rest their tired joints at the Binh Chau Hot Springs near Ho Coc. 

Visit “Mr. Whale” at the Thang Tam Temple

Vietnamese fishermen honor the whale (called “Ca Ong,” or “Mr. Whale”) thanks to the belief that whales often rescue men whose boats have capsized. The folk belief lives on at the Thang Tam Temple, where whales are worshiped by devotees.

The Thang Tam temple complex holds an altar to three co-founders of Vung Tau in its central building. But the main focus of Ca Ong worship—a set of century-old whale bones in a place of honor—can be found in a side building.

Ca Ong devotion reaches its peak during the Nghinh Ong Festival and immediately after the Mid-Autumn Festival; the latter is centered around Thang Tam Temple.  

Ride a Cable Car to Ho May Park

Courtesy of Ho May Culture & Ecotourism Park

The Ho May Culture & Ecotourism Park was built around the Ho May Lake at an elevation of approximately 700 feet above sea level. The slightly cooler climate and natural vibe make Ho May an excellent setting for a kitschy yet fun-filled day out. If you’re not into bumper cars and roller coasters, check out the largest statue of Buddha in the province, explore remnants of military structures left over by foreign invaders, walk through artificial forests planted around the lake, or watch the spectacular Ho May Grand Show from a 5,000-seat auditorium. 

Ho May is accessible by a cable car from sea level—the scenic view alone is worth the price of admission!

Unwind at the Binh Chau Hot Springs

Bùi Thụy Đào Nguyên (CC BY-SA 3.0)

If you have a full day to spare, spend it relaxing in the toasty waters of the Binh Chau Hot Springs, 40-odd miles from Vung Tau and a short drive from Ho Coc Beach. The complex is 35 hectares in size, offering plenty to see and do.

A geothermal spring heats Binh Chau’s large outdoor pool to about 98.6 F (37 C); locals believe its hot, mineral-rich water improves internal health. Later, boil eggs in Binh Chau’s hottest spring, which reaches temperatures of up to 180 F (82 C). Play tennis at the courts, or practice your golf swing at the driving range. You can even feed crocodiles if you so desire.

Plan to stay overnight at one of the local homestays or resorts; there are some surprisingly cushy choices available. Avoid visiting during the weekend rush. 

Official Website Vietnam Tourism. " Whale Festival. " Retrieved December 30, 2020.

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15 Fun Things to Do in Vung Tau, Vietnam

Vung Tau is not one of the places on the typical Vietnam tourist itinerary , but it’s an incredibly popular beach vacation destination for Ho Chi Minh City residents. Located just about two hours by car (or 90 minutes by ferry) outside of the city, it’s conveniently located. It provides a relaxing respite from the big, bustling city.

And while there are plenty of lavish Vung Tau hotels with such amazing outdoor pools and private beaches that you might not want to venture off the property (check out our favorites below), there are so many other fun things to see and do in Vung Tau.

Check out our list of the best things to do in Vung Tau so you can make the most of your tropical Vietnam vacation !

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

Where to Stay in Vung Tau

The Imperial Hotel Vung Tau

The first thing you’ll notice as you approach the Imperial Hotel Vung Tau is the gorgeous outdoor bar and coffee shop that occupies the front lawn (more on that below). And once you step inside, you’ll love the opulent Victorian-era furniture. Guests can enjoy the private beach, the pristine pools, the relaxing spa, the beach club, and the gaming club. It’s a glamorous hotel and one of our favorites in Vung Tau!

Check Prices on Booking.com

Fusion Suites Vung Tau

Fusion Suites Vung Tau is another great hotel choice for your stay in Vung Tau! This beautiful hotel is located right near Front Beach so you’ll be just a short walk from the ocean. Rooms are big, bright, and impeccably clean with modern decor and lots of amenities. You can take advantage of the fitness center, bar, restaurant, and your own private terrace!

Pullman Vung Tau

The Pullman Vung Tau is another amazing resort in Vung Tau that is located right near Back Beach. It features sleek, clean rooms that are spacious and stocked with everything you’ll need during your stay. The resort offers an outdoor pool, fitness center, bar, restaurant, and private beach area.

How to get to Vung Tau

Vung Tau is just 60 miles (~95 km) from Ho Chi Minh City and the drive typically takes ~2-2.5 hours. While there is a small airport in Vung Tau, helicopters primarily use it bound for the oil rigs stationed just offshore.

The three most common ways of reaching Vung Tao from Ho Chi Minh City are by minibusses, private cars, and high-speed ferries.

Minibus Numerous luxury minibus companies leave for Vung Tau every day of the week. Most of them depart from Nguyễn Thái Bình Street in District 1. Anh Quoc and Hoa Mai are two reliable companies with well-maintained and comfortable vans. A one-way ticket should cost you ~$8-10 USD (180,000-230,000 VND). You can compare all of your different minibus options on Bookaway.com .

Check Minibus Prices & Schedules on Bookaway

Private Car If you’re traveling as a group or don’t mind spending a bit extra for comfort and privacy, you can just hire your own car and driver to take you to Vung Tau. It should cost you ~$40-60 USD for a one-way trip. It depends on the size of the vehicle and your negotiation skills. You can also find private transfer services on Bookaway , but we recommend Vikado Transportation Services. We have used their services quite a bit for trips around Southern Vietnam. It’s run by Tuyen (aka “Dennis”). You can reach him at +84 98 558 34 89 (Line, Viber, WhatsApp, etc.).

High-Speed Ferry The GreenlinesDP ferry service between Ho Chi Minh City and Vung Tau is surprisingly reliable, comfortable, and affordable. The trip takes ~2 hours and there are four daily departures on weekdays and six on weekends. A one-way ticket costs 240,000 VND (~$10.50 USD) on weekdays and 280,000 VND (~$12 USD) on weekends.

The ferry leaves from the Bach Dang Pier in District 1 – right across the street from the Majestic Hotel. And in Vung Tau, it docks right behind the Dopple Mayer Cable Car.

The ferry often sells out on weekends and holidays. It’s best to book your tickets in advance on the GreenlinesDP website . It’s also worth noting that the ferry tends to run a bit behind schedule. Make sure to build some extra time into your travel schedule.

The 15 Best Things to do in Vung Tau

1. climb to the top of the christ the king statue.

The Christ the King Statue stands on top of Mount Nhỏ overlooking the ocean in Vung Tau. It is reminiscent of the Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil. Both have inviting outstretched arms that look like they are ready to give you a big bear hug.

The two statues are even similar in size – Vung Tau’s Christ the King is 118 feet tall in total (including the base platform) and his arms span 60 feet. Christ the Redeemer is a similar height but with a slightly longer arm span at 92 feet.

You’ll be rewarded with the best views of Vung Tau from the tiny, cramped viewing platforms on Christ the King’s shoulders. But to get there, you’ll need to climb over 800 stairs to the base of the statue and then another 133 steps once inside. The spiral staircase inside of the statue is small and often crowded. You’ll likely need to wait your turn to get out to the viewing platform.

It’s best to visit early in the morning to avoid the heat and the crowds. Be sure to bring plenty of water. There are a couple of small shops on the walk-up and at the base of the statue if you need some refreshments.

You’ll also notice signs indicating that visitors wearing shorts or tank tops will not be allowed inside the statue. This policy doesn’t seem to be enforced, but it’s still best to dress conservatively and respect the fact that it’s a religious site.

The staircase up to the Christ the King statue is open from 6:30 am – 5 pm daily with the last entrance at 4:20 pm. The interior of the statue is open from 7:15 am – 11:30 am and from 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm. The last entrance is 15 minutes before closing time. On Thursday, it is closed in the afternoon for cleaning.

2. Hike to the Vung Tau Lighthouse

A long and windy road leads up the Nui Nho (“small mountain”) to the whitewashed Vung Tau Lighthouse. Built by the French in 1862, this particular lighthouse is well known as it is the oldest of almost 80 lighthouses in Vietnam.

Once you reach the lighthouse, you’ll be rewarded with 360° views of Vung Tau and it’s a great place to catch the sunset. Note that there isn’t really anything else here aside from a few overpriced coffee shops but if you’re visiting in the heat of the day you’ll appreciate taking a rest with an ice-cold beverage.

3. Ride the Doppel Mayer Cable Car

This fun activity in Vung Tau isn’t just a ride in a cable car, but it also includes a trip to an amusement park that kids will love! The Ho May Culture and Ecotourism Park sits at the top of a hill and you can reach it by a scenic ride in the cable car.

The entrance fee for the Dobbel Mayer Cable Car covers unlimited rides in Ho May park so kids (and adults) can go wild! The rides offered include bumper cars, rollercoasters, go-karts, and more. Adults will love the views over Vung Tau on the cable car ride to the top, and kids will love spending the afternoon playing games in the amusement park. It’s fun for the entire family!

Entrance Fees

400,000 VND per adult to ride the cable car and have unlimited use of the games in the Ho May amusement park.

4. Indulge in High Tea at the Imperial Garden Bar

The Imperial Hotel is a beautiful, old-fashioned hotel located right on the beach in the heart of the city. It’s one of the best places to stay in Vung Tau but even if you don’t spend the night there, it’s worth a visit to their stunning beautiful outdoor garden bar.

The front lawn of the Imperial Hotel has been transformed into a swanky little bar and teashop with classy but comfortable cushions for seating and large tent seats that are perfectly Instagrammable. It’s impossible to resist walking around snapping photos here.

And while they have a variety of alcoholic beverages on the menu, we would suggest opting for their High Tea. It’s a surprisingly good deal at under $20 USD for two people and includes tea or coffee and a selection of sweet and savory treats. And the treats arrive on a darling little dessert tray which will complete your garden bar selfie.

There are no fans in the Garden Bar so we would recommend waiting until 3:30 pm or 4 pm to enjoy your high tea to avoid the midday heat. And if it’s too warm, you can always head inside to the lounge that oozes with old Hollywood glamour.

5. Tour the White Palace

Built in 1898, the White Palace (Bach Dinh) is a mansion that has a French architectural style. It sits far above the city of Vung Tau on Big Mountain. It was originally built as the summer retreat for General Paul Doumer, a French Governor.

The house itself is quite impressive and the expansive views out of the second-story windows are beautiful. But the exhibits are poorly signed and the mansion has no historical information to help you understand what you are looking at.

The most impressive room in the palace is right inside the front entrance which has clearly been well maintained. The rest of the palace and the furniture could use a good scrub and some TLC. There is no air-conditioning or fans inside the palace so you won’t want to stay here for long.

Entrance Fees & Hours

150,000 VND per person Open 7 am – 5 pm daily

6. Wade out to Hon Ba Temple

Hon Ba is a small island off the southeastern tip of the peninsula with a small temple perched on in the middle. During low tide, you can actually walk along a slippery rocky path all the way to the island. Just be careful that you don’t stay too long or you’ll have to swim back to the mainland!

Ask your hotel concierge to check the tide charts before heading out on this adventure in Vung Tau.

7. Walk Around the Boardwalk

Vung Tau is on a peninsula so the small city is bordered by the sea on three sides. Running all along the coast you’ll find a fairly well-maintained sidewalk (a rarity in Vietnam) with plenty of coffee shops, bars, restaurants, food trucks, and even a couple of shaded parks.

It’s a great place for a stroll early in the morning before it gets too hot out or in the late afternoon as the sun is setting. In the morning you’ll see locals exercising, visitors heading to the beach, and fishermen bringing in their daily catch.

8. Lounge on the Beach

The 4 most popular beaches in Vung Tau are Front Beach, Back Beach, Pineapple Beach, and Paradise Beach.

Front Beach (Bai Truoc) and Back Beach (Bai Sau) are the most popular beaches in the city. The water isn’t the cleanest at Front Beach so you may not want to swim here but it is filled with restaurants so you’ll have plenty of delicious seafood dining options. Back Beach can get pretty windy so it’s popular with windsurfers and surfers. It has a long, wide beach so even though it gets quite crowded, you can find a good spot to lounge.

Pineapple Beach (Bai Dua) is the smallest of the four beaches but arguably the cleanest. Here you’ll find calm waters, perfect for swimming. And you’ll have to pay a fee to enter Paradise Beach because it’s part of a resort park so it’s much less crowded and has some high-end dining options. You’ll probably appreciate having access to bathrooms and changing rooms but you’ll pay considerably more here for food and drinks.

9. Listen to Live Music at Cafe Art Mio

Cafe Art Mio is a lovely coffee shop with funky music-themed decor that also has live music on the weekends. The seating is comfortable and it has air conditioning which you’ll appreciate after a day of exploring Vung Tau in the hot sun. They offer a wide selection of refreshing drinks at reasonable prices and the service is friendly.

You’ll want to spend all afternoon at Cafe Art Mio! It’s a great place to get some work done (the upstairs area is quieter) or catch up with friends over a cup of coffee. It’s definitely one of the best coffee shops in Vung Tau!

10. Enjoy a Cocktail at Sunset at the Marina Club

If you want a beautiful place to enjoy views of the ocean at sunset, be sure to head over to the Marina Club Vung Tau about an hour before to nab one of the coveted front-row tables. You can lounge on the expansive sun deck while sipping surprisingly reasonably priced cocktails and enjoying the view of Pineapple Beach and the South China Sea.

11. Stroll Around the Thich Ca Phat Dai Temple

The Thich Ca Phat Dai is a Theravada Buddhist temple located on the Western side of Vung Tau. You’ll follow rambling pathways and staircases up the hillside passing several different buildings and statues representing important stages of the Buddha’s life.

The thick forest surrounding the temple makes you feel like you’re miles away from the city of Vung Tau, and if you come here in the early morning you’ll likely have the place all to yourself except for a few resident monks.

12. Pick your Favorite Pizza Joint

Spoiler alert : The best pizza joint in Vung Tau is David Pizzeria , hands down.

Even though we just spoiled it for you, you can still have fun sampling the various options and deciding for yourself. And if you are wondering why pizza is such a popular cuisine in Vung Tau, we have no idea. If you search Tripadvisor for the best restaurants in Vung Tau, you’ll find Pizza Leo , David Pizzeria , and Luca Pizza all at the top of the list.

We’d recommend that you sample all of them to find your favorite but if you don’t have the time (or if you’d rather avoid an all-pizza diet), just make sure you don’t miss out on David Pizzeria , it really is the best!

13. Visit the Chon Khong Monastery

The Chon Khong Monastery is a peaceful place to visit during your stay in Vung Tau. It is also located on the slopes of Big Mountain so you’ll be able to enjoy views of the city here. The area is nicely landscaped and has some shade if you need to escape the heat.

There is a large Buddha statue being constructed right next to the monastery which will make this destination even more of a must-see during your trip to Vung Tau!

14. Snap Photos at the Upside Down House

The Upside Down House is a fun thing to do in Vung Tau whether you’re 8 or 80 – it’s great for any age! The “house” is several stories of rooms that have been painted to appear upside down. And furniture has been affixed to the walls and the ceiling so when you stand on the floor and take a photo, it appears as though you’re hanging from the ceiling!

There are friendly staff members around to take photos for your group, and there are photos hung on the wall to show you fun poses to consider. Whether you have kids or are just a kid at heart, you’ll love snapping fun photos at the Upside Down House!

There is also an attached coffee shop if you’d like to have a drink while browsing through your silly photos.

40,000 VND for adults 30,000 VND for children 1.1 meters and above Free for seniors and children under 1.1 meters

15. Take Selfies at Nha Seo Fi

The Nha Seo Fi (Selfie House) is similar to the Upside Down House in that there are several floors, each with different scenes for photos. A helpful staff member will guide you around and show you how to pose so they can snap a photo of your group. Unfortunately, there are no photos on the wall to show you what the photo is supposed to look like which makes it a bit more challenging.

If you only go to one of these houses, the Upside Down House was by far our favorite. The photo scenes are more unique and the photos come out sillier. But both are extremely entertaining.

Nha Seo Fi also has an attached coffee shop if you need a pick-me-up after your photoshoot.

That’s it! The best things to see and do in Vung Tau. We hope you have an amazing trip!

Planning a trip to Vietnam? Check out our favorite travel guides and resources!

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About the Author:

Val grew up in Portland, Oregon but moved to Oahu on a whim back in 2013. She sold her house and all of her belongings and bought a one-way ticket. Since then she’s taken two around-the-world trips and has visited 60-ish countries while living out of a duffel bag. Val started documenting the Wandering Wheatleys travels back in 2013 as a way to update friends and family about her whereabouts and to relay humorous daily interactions. The only readers were her mom and her mother-in-law but that didn’t stop her! These days you’ll find Val dreaming up future trips, creating new travel content, managing a team of amazing travel enthusiasts, and chasing around her two adorable but naughty kids.

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2 thoughts on “15 fun things to do in vung tau, vietnam”.

FYI; Paradise Beach is now closed (Feb 2022) but great entry for Vung Tau. This is our 4th trip in 4yrs but found a few new things to improve our time.

Thanks a lot for the recommendations and background. We choosed some for Vung Tau, hat a great time. Best wishes Walter

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Things To Do In Vung Tau

• Filter (13)
• Church & Cathedral (2)
• Buddhist Temple (2)
• Things To Do (2)
• Restaurant (1)

1. Christ of Vung Tau

11 km from city center 1 out of 13 Things To Do in Vung Tau

Built in 1984, this 32-metre-tall statue is the second tallest statue of Jesus Christ in the world and is situated atop Nho Mountain, 170 metres above the sea. Visitors must climb up a series of 1000 steps to get to this statue. The path up the mountain is lined with trees and fragrant flowers and has spots that provide great photo opportunities. Visitors can climb the statue up to the shoulders. This offers spectacular panoramic views of Vung Tau and the South China Sea and a sense of tranquillity.

2. White Palace

10 km from city center 2 out of 13 Things To Do in Vung Tau

Built-in 1898, the White Palace was intended as a resort for the Governor of Indochina. The palace is now a museum, displaying rare ceramics from the Qing Dynasty, as well as artefacts such as the royal book of 1921 and statues of the three gods of happiness, Phuoc, Loc, and Tho. In addition, visitors can marvel at the palace’s French architecture, the porcelain decor, and the 19 preserved cannons on display outside.

3. Vung Tau Lighthouse

11 km from city center 3 out of 13 Things To Do in Vung Tau

Located atop Tao Phung Mountain, the 17-metre tall Vung Tau Lighthouse is believed to be Vietnam’s oldest lighthouse. This white lighthouse is set amidst lush green surroundings and offers magnificent views of the city and the sea stretching to the horizon. The road up the mountain to the lighthouse is lined with plants and trees, and the peace and quiet are a welcome change from the bustle of the city.

4. Worldwide Arms Museum

9 km from city center 4 out of 13 Things To Do in Vung Tau

The Worldwide Arms Museum, also known as the Robert Taylor Museum of Worldwide Arms, was inaugurated in 2012. It houses military arms, uniforms and other equipment from all over the world, with comprehensive descriptions in both English and Vietnamese. The museum has an entire section dedicated to the Vietnam War and a section on the French Colonial period here. The exhibits include Chinese, European and Zulu ones. This visual treat of a museum also houses life-size model soldiers dressed in traditional clothing and posing with weapons

5. Thich Ca Phat Dai Pagoda

8 km from city center 5 out of 13 Things To Do in Vung Tau

The Thich Ca Phat Dai Pagoda, built between 1961 and 1963, lies on Lon Mountain. Within the monastery compound is a 6-metre tall statue of Buddha and a Zen monastery at the foot of the mountain. The dense foliage inside the compound houses a variety of birds, and the path inside overlooks the South China Sea. This path is lined with statues that display important events in the life of Gautam Buddha, and there also is a stupa and six dragon statues along the way.

6. Upside Down House

9 km from city center 6 out of 13 Things To Do in Vung Tau

Opened in 2017, the Upside Down House has quickly become one of Vung Tau’s most popular places to visit. The house is filled with rooms with upside-down furniture, including an upside-down bathroom that is a particular favourite, as well as optical illusions. Visitors get a lot of fun and creative photo opportunities amidst the illusions.

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7. Back Beach

10 km from city center 7 out of 13 Things To Do in Vung Tau

Bai Sau, Vung Tau’s back beach, is famous for its crystal clear blue water, golden sand, and unique landscape. The back beach is a lot cleaner than the city’s front beach, and it is where both tourists and locals come to for swimming. You get beach umbrellas and beach chairs for rent, as well as equipment for watersports. The beach also offers freshwater baths to wash away the salt from the sea. Vendors on the beach sell a variety of juices and Banh Khot, a local delicacy, and there are bars on the beach as well. Beyond the beach is a casuarina forest, beyond which is the main road and the city.

8. Duc Me Bai Dau

9 km from city center 8 out of 13 Things To Do in Vung Tau

The statue of Our Lady Bai Dau, or Duc Me Bai Dau, is situated within a well-maintained park. The statue itself is 25 metres high and depicts the Virgin Mary holding Jesus in her arms. The park is a great place to walk around and enjoy the greenery and fresh air, away from the hecticness of life in Vung Tau. The park has shaded benches to sit and enjoy coffee that can be bought here. There is also a cathedral made with stone walls inside the park.

9. Hon Ba Temple

11 km from city center 9 out of 13 Things To Do in Vung Tau

Built on Hon Ba Island, Hon Ba Temple is accessible by boat or foot, depending on the tide. Unfortunately, the walking path is only available a few times a month and leads over rough ground full of jagged shells and oysters. Locally known as the Mieu Ba, this temple was built in 1881 and served as a secret meeting place for communists during wars. The temple has four worship periods each year, typically in January, April, July and October, depending on tides.

10. Cafe Art Mio

10 km from city center 10 out of 13 Things To Do in Vung Tau

Cafe Art Mio, located inside Art Mio Hotel & Apartment, is a relaxing place to sit and observe the pace of life in Vung Tau. The cafe is a blend of vintage and vibrant, with soft upholstered seats, wooden decor, indoor plants, and exhibits hung on the walls. There is live music every weekend, and the cafe is also a great place to hang out with friends. A variety of affordable items are on the menu.

11. Sunset at the Marina Club

11 km from city center 11 out of 13 Things To Do in Vung Tau

Set on Pineapple Beach, the Marina Club has a sweeping sun deck overlooking the South China Sea. It is a great spot to watch the sun go down every evening while sipping on reasonably priced cocktails and feasting on the wide range of seafood available at the restaurant. Visitors should try heading to the Marina Club at least an hour before sunset to be able to grab a front-row table. The sun deck offers a glorious view of the sunset and a peaceful atmosphere from which to enjoy it.

12. Chon Khong Monastery

9 km from city center 12 out of 13 Things To Do in Vung Tau

The Chon Khong Zen Monastery was built in 1966 and underwent a long restoration period till 1995. The monastery is situated on the slopes of a mountain, with the giant statue of the seated Buddha on the slope, and a statue of Fate holding a lotus flower near the entrance. Within the monastery complex are an ancestral tower, the main hall, a meditation hall, a bell tower and a nunnery. The monastery complex provides a serene environment, a welcome change from the bustle of life in the city it overlooks.

13. Nha Seo Fi (Selfie House)

28 km from city center 13 out of 13 Things To Do in Vung Tau

Nha Seo Fi translates into Selfie House, which is precisely what this attraction is. This three-storeyed building combines coffee shop decor with studio lighting, providing visitors with great photo opportunities. The house has over 20 corners dedicated to different themes, allowing visitors to take creative photos. The friendly staff is very cooperative at helping click photographs as well.

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• Vung Tau - A sightseeing wonderland

Sure, you can get to Vung Tau via car, bike, bus or taxi; but why not shuck all convention and travel by hydrofoil from Ho Chi Minh City—it’s the most scenic route. The “Fast Ferry” takes about two-hours and travels up the Saigon River and into the bay before docking in Vung Tau. 

Vung Tau is the port capital of the Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province. Located on a peninsula in Southern Vietnam. Vung Tau has history and all the bells and whistles befitting a trading port dating back to the 14th Century.

Vung Tau was once a hub for European trading ships which anchored in the calm waters for shelter (the name: Vung Tau translates into “Anchorage”). Yet, through up and down of the country, Vung Tau has maintained its charm and inviting seaside vibe. In fact, the cliffs of Vung Tau (Mui Nghinh Phong) translate into “Cape of Breeze Welcome.” 

Back in the time, the French found Vung Tau an idyllic, if not elite, seaside getaway. With many French colonial mansions dotting the hillside haven. 

Vung Tau has the festive, cheerful yet calming vibe for visitors to experience and explore. 

Vung Tau is a wonderful, mixed-bag. Besides its historical significance, there are beaches, myriad religious sites, hiking opportunities and downright bizarre entertainment venues. This is a port town and port towns tend to have a rollicking mix of old and new, of downhome and otherworldly. Here are a few examples: 

There’s no doubt, Vietnam is known for its beaches and Vung Tau doesn’t disappoint (the most well-known being: Pineapple (Dua) beach, Vong Nguyet beach, Front beach (Bai Truoc) and Back beach (Bai Sau). But frankly, beaches aren’t the port’s main draw. Vung Tau is truly a sightseeing wonderland.

Source: Instagram - jonnguyen03

Of course, a bay means seafood and Vung Tau provides a bounty. Not only are their myriad restaurants to choose from (Vung Tau has some signature dishes: spicy string-ray, octopus hotpot and prawn pancakes, to name a few) but Vung Tau also plays host to the famous Tran Phu seafood market (right beside Sao Mai fisherman’s village). This seafood bazaar bustles daily with fishermen delivering their fresh catch each morning at dawn. 

While Rio de Janeiro boasts the monumental, Christ the Redeemer statue, Vung Tau also has its own Christ the King statue. The 32-metre-tall statue is the tallest statue of Jesus Christ in Asia. Located on top of Nho Mountain, the views from the statue’s platforms are awe-inspiring but it takes a bit of devotion to get to them (an 800-step staircase to the base and another 133 to the highest platform).

Keeping with the spiritual theme: Hon Ba is a tiny temple located on the tiny island of Hon Ba. It’s only accessible by boat or on foot during low tide, when you can navigate gingerly on a revealed tide-rock path. For a less perilous spiritual quest you can visit the Buddhist temple: Thich Ca Phat Dai. It’s an active temple, so you can mingle with the monks in the forested, hillside holy site, while marveling at the statues. 

The Chon Khong Monastery is another blissful excursion for trekkers seeking enlightenment and great views. A giant Buddha statue welcomes you.

Source: Internet

Speaking of enlightenment, visitors can amble the winding road that leads to Vung Tau Lighthouse. The oldest lighthouse in all of Vietnam. This relic sentry was erected by the French in 1862. The 360-degree views are ideal for watching the sunset. 

Aerial options also exist in Vung Tau. Visitors can take a sky-tram/cable car to Ho May Culture and Ecotourism Park, which also happens to include an amusement park—perfect for families or the kid inside us all.

Visitors are encouraged to visit the White Palace (Bach Dinh). Built in 1898, the White Palace was constructed as a summer villa with European-style architecture. Hellenic statues, gardens, period furniture. The views of the beaches and mountains are unapparelled. 

For Military History buffs, Vung Tau serves up a direct hit—The Worldwide Arms Museum. Originally the private collection of a British arms aficionada, it is now Vietnam’s largest private arms museum. Here you’ll find several thousand tools of warfare. There’s everything from European medieval armor, to swords, guns and rifles—some dating back to 17th Century. 

In Vung Tau you can move from the beach, to aristocracy, to the absurd in a flash.  You see, Vung Tau also provides a couple of seriously off-beat type attractions. Those being the Upside-Down House and Nha Seo Fi  (the Selfie House). 

The Upside-Down House is an interactive space designed to turn your world, well, upside down! Multiple floors of surrealism, painted topsy-turvy, with furniture affixed to the walls and ceiling—it’s a mind-blower and an epic photo-op. 

Not to be outdone, there is also the Nha Seo Fi (Selfie House), a multi-level space with dozens of oddball virtual motifs, scenes and sets—ideal for selfies with a twilight zone twist.

Vung Tau is certainly a mishmash of cultural diversity, owning to its status as an historical international gateway to Vietnam. Vung Tau is a harbor town with beaches, culture, relic sites and flat-out fun.

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• Best 13 Hotels in Bac Ninh That Exceed All Expectations
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07 most iconic tourist attractions in Vung Tau to visit

• by Chau Nguyen
• October 12, 2022
• 4 minutes read

Vung Tau is a beautiful beach city near Saigon that draws a large number of tourists. Aside from excellent seafood, hundreds of delectable local cuisines, and a stunning coastline, this city is also known for a number of prominent tourist sites. Let’s have a look at some of the tourist attractions in Vung Tau that you may visit on a short vacation!

If you’re new to Vietnam and don’t know where Vung Tau is, start by reading our Vung Tau local information .

Table of Contents

1. jesus christ statue, 2. the lighthouse, 3. the pig hill, 4. nghinh phong cape, 5. lady island (hon ba), 6. alley no.107 tran phu, 7. the white rabbit amusement park.

• Address: Thuy Van Street, Ward 2, Vung Tau City

The statue of Jesus Christ, the city’s symbol, is located on the top of Vung Tau’s Small Mountain. This is one of the most famous Jesus Christ statues in the world, along with one in Rio de Janeiro .

The statue stands 32 meters tall and has two arms that are 18.4 meters long. It stands on a pedestal engraved with depictions of Jesus and the 12 apostles. A spiral inside staircase with133 steps runs from the pedestal to the statue’s head.

To reach to the statue, climb 1,000 steps 500 meters up, and the result is that tourists can see the entire city from above, complete with gorgeous buildings, clear blue ocean on silky white sand, and so on. While standing on Christ’s arm, you can feel the breeze from the East Sea. To us, this is the must visit place among the list of tourist attractions in Vung Tau.

• Address: Top of Small mountain, Ward 2, Vung Tau City

The Vung Tau Lighthouse is regarded as one of the city’s icons. With a tower 18 m high, 3 m in diameter, and painted white, this is the oldest lighthouse architecture in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Stairs inside the lighthouse lead to the roof for a panoramic view of Vung Tau city.

The zigzag route leading up to the lighthouse is really romantic. Cottonwood trees blossom with white flowers in the spring, filling the entire sky and providing a wonderful view to appreciate.

• Address: Alley 222, Phan Chu Trinh Street, Ward 2, Vung Tau City

Because Pig Hill was once a quarry, few people’s footprints were found there. This natural site with this funny name has recently been discovered and has become an interesting destination to have fun, enjoy the environment, and snap pictures.

Pig Hill, with its natural wild sense coupled with a little mystery of the rocky path, a little wild but romantic of the hay hill, and the vastness of sky and ocean all blending together, creates a distinctive draw for everyone who visits.

• Address: 01 Ha Long Street, Vung Tau City

Nghinh Phong Cape is the longest cape in the south of the Vung Tau peninsula; it is the site to welcome the wind throughout the four seasons, hence the name Nghinh Phong. The cape forms two beaches, Vong Nguyet beach and Huong Phong beach, as well as two major bays in the west and east.

Visitors come to Nghinh Phong cape to unwind and relax after a long day of labor. The sea water here is pure and clean, and the air is fresh and pleasant.

• Address: Bai Sau (Back Beach), Vung Tau City

Hon Ba is a magnificent scenery like a little island with an area of around 5,000m2. Among tourist attractions in Vung Tau, Hon Ba has a religious value for the both locals and tourists. When the tide is low, you can follow the rocky road to the island to find Hon Ba Temple. This is a very sacred place that is always full with incense because it is a site of worship and prayer for the local fishing people.

• Address: 107-109 Tran Phu, Vung Tau

This is a new tourist attraction in Vung Tau that is largely renowned as a great photo location. The little alley is on Tran Phu street that has gone viral due to its suitability for high-quality photo shooting. The lane stays on a slope facing the sea, with classic-colored houses, particularly the trees that stand out in the backdrop, which is really charming.

• Address: 09 Thuy Van, Vung Tau City

This amusement park is particularly popular among young tourists, not only because of the variety of games, but also because of the ambiance. The park has Japanese style to blend in with the nature of Vung Tau’s coastal metropolis.

The following are some of the tourist sites in Vung Tau that are located within the city and that you can see during your visit. After you’ve had a fantastic time in these places, don’t forget to savor the delectable cuisines in this seaside city, which we have mentioned in 10 delectable native meals you must try if you visit Vung Tau.

Last but not least, we hope you enjoy your trip and do leave a comment if you have any questions.

— VietnamEZ Local Guides Team

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Chau Nguyen

Things to do in con dao, travel to vung tau city for the very first time read our local recommendations.

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VUNG TAU VIETNAM TRAVEL GUIDE: ATTRACTIONS, ACTIVITIES & ACCOMMODATION

Vung Tau City belonging to Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province, is a famous beach city in Southern Vietnam. This is home to many pristine beaches & islands, and interesting tourist attractions. Let’s discover more things to do & see here with the Localtravelidea.

I - Where is Vung Tau Vietnam located? 

Ii - top 6 attractions in vung tau vietnam , 1 - con dao island , 2 - the charming beaches in vung tau city vietnam, 3 - vung tau lighthouse, 4 - quan the am bodhisattva pagoda in vung tau , 5 - niet ban temple (vihara of nirvana), 6 - the local markets in vung tau city, iii - top 6 best things to do in vung tau vietnam, 1 - watching the dog-racing , 2 - shopping in vung tau vietnam , 3 - enjoying vung tau food , 4 - vung tau golf courses, 5 - admiring the beauty of vung tau from above by helicopter, 6 - experiencing vung tau cable car , iv - vung tau map .

The rocky beach - Source: Aine Nguyen

The marine culture is a special highlight of the city. Some festivals that tourists should not miss if having a chance to visit and experience are Nghinh Ong festival (lunar August 16, 17, 18), Duc Thanh Tran's anniversary (lunar August 20), Ba Ngu Hanh Temple festival (lunar October 16, 17, and 18).

Vung Tau Vietnam is a coastal city and most of the local people live by fishing. Travelers are recommended to visit the beaches in the early morning to see how vibrantly a new day starts here.

- Area: 140,1km²

- Postal code: 780000

- Administrative units: 16 wards + 1 island commune: Wards of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Thong Nhat, Thang Nhi, Thang Tam, Rach Dua & Nguyen An Ninh and Long Son Island Commune.  

Con Dao Island is famous for Con Dao Prison - "hell" on earth shocking the world by the brutal torture and mistreatment acts against about 20,000 Vietnamese patriots for over 100 years. This is a historical relic associated with the traumatic past of the Vietnamese people during the war against the French and the Americans. It has been more than 40 years since the truth about this prison was exposed to the light, but when mentioning "Prison of Con Dao", many people still feel shiver and fear. 

Con Dao Island - among the best attractions in Vung Tau city - Source: Saigontimestravel

Currently, the Vietnamese government takes advantage of the richness of nature here to build a new life, develop tourism,... step by step proceed to build a more developing Con Dao island. This is also the archipelago that owns many beautiful beaches that tourists should once get and explore.

Back Beach - Source: Internet

This city is famous for its countless beautiful beaches and it is very flawed if you come here without immersing in the clear blue water, under the golden sunlight so all fatigue will fade away. Front Beach, Back Beach, and Vong Nguyet Beach are always the best beaches here.

Front Beach (Bai Truoc)

Front Beach or Bai Truoc or Tam Duong Beach in Vung Tau Vietnam owns a long and beautiful beach, clear blue water, so many people and tourists play and swim in the sea. The special thing is that at every sunset, many people gather here to admire the scenery and go for a walk along the coast, enjoying delicious seafood dishes.

Location: the beach stretches along the streets of Tran Phu, Quang Trang, and Ha Long

Back Beach (Bai Sau)

Back Beach or Bai Sau or Thuy Van Beach is a famous tourist spot in Vung Tau City. It stretches for nearly 10 km, it has smooth white sand, the water temperature is stable and the waves are very safe. Bai Sau has a semicircular beach with a modern coastal park, lots of green trees and a solid shoreline.

Vong Nguyet Beach

Vong Nguyet Beach is romantic, with a pristine beach and clear sea water at the bottom. However, to reach Vong Nguyet beach, tourists will have to go through a steep and dangerous trail.

The iconic lighthouse - Source: Tranduy

The lighthouse, located on top of Small mountain, in Ward 2 - near Front Beach is a bright spot for ships and a symbol of this city. This lighthouse, built in 1862, is now one of the oldest lighthouses in Vietnam. To get here, you have to go through a tunnel and climb 55 spiral steps 170 meters above sea level. You should go in the evening to enjoy the colorful shimmering space. 

Opening hours: 7am - 10pm

This Pagoda is located on the roundabout of Big Mountain, about 500m from Dau Beach. This pagoda has a statue of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva holding a vase of Sweet-mist standing on the Lotus overlooking the East Sea, airy and pure space. From the pagoda looking out, tourists will see the wonderful beauty of Dau Beach.

Location: Tran Phu Street, Ward 5

The Niet Ban temple - Source: Foox

Niet Ban Temple is one of the most beautiful and largest temples in Vung Tau Vietnam, located on the slopes of Little Mount in ward 1. This temple possesses modern architectural lines, with a reclining Buddha statue and Praija boat, facing the sea. Temple space always creates a feeling of peace and tranquility for tourists every time they visit.

Fresh seafood - Source: Markus Winkler

The local markets are always the most ideal places for tourists to explore more about the daily life & culture of the locals. Some of the most popular markets in this city can be mentioned as: 

Xom Luoi seafood market

- Location: Phan Boi Chau Street and Nguyen Cong Tru Street, Ward 1

- Opening hours: 6am - 6pm 

Vung Tau Night market

- Location: Near Nguyen Bieu and Dao Duy Tu junction (behind the Imperials Hotel)

- Opening hours: 4pm - 3:30am

Co Giang Seafood market

- Location: Co Bac Street, Ward 4

- Opening hours: 5am - 6pm

Ben Da market

- Location: Tran Phu Street, Ward 5

- Opening hours: 6am - 6pm

The interesting dog racing - Source: Timothyrhaslett 

Dog racing is only held at Lam Son Racecourse. This is a new and unique recreational sport including fierce races from dogs with a 450m long track. The race attracts a lot of curiosity of tourists and the locals coming for relaxing and watching. 

- Location: Lam Son Racecourse - No.15 Le Loi Street, Ward 1 

- Time: 7pm - 10:30pm every Friday and Saturday.

- Ticket price: 60,000 VND/ adult ($2.6); 30,000 VND/ kid ($1.3)

- Website: http://duachovietnam.net

For fresh seafood, you should visit the local markets, while for more interesting souvenirs you should not miss: 

Thanh Them Handicraft:

- Address: 8/3 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Thang Tam Ward

- Contact: 0919 250 919

Imperial Plaza Shopping Center:

- Address: No.159-163 Thuy Van Street, Thang Tam Ward

- Contact: 0643 526 688

Seafood is always the most outstanding food here. However, Stingray hotpot and Khot cake are also worth a try. 

Seafood dishes  

Top seafood dishes - Source: Jerry Shen

A beach city is the most ideal place to enjoy the finest fresh seafood in Vietnam. Some top dishes that you should not miss when you visit Vung Tau Vietnam can be mentioned as deep-fried stingray, eel hotpot, pineapple fish hotpot, grilled shrimp, steamed clams. Seafood restaurants or local markets such as Xom Luoi seafood market and Vung Tau night market are the best places to try. 

Price: 40,000 - 200,000 VND / dish ($1.7 - 8.6).

Stingray hotpot

This coastal city is quite famous for stingrays. The firm stingray meat is served with some vegetables like bamboo shoots, bean sprouts & fresh green veggies; fresh rice noodles; and the hotpot broth. You can enjoy a stingray hotpot with price of 130,000 - 200,000 VND / pot ($5.6 - 8.6)

Khot cake - Source: Afamily

This cake is made from rice flour with fresh shrimp. It is served with some fresh vegetables, sliced ​​papaya and sweet and sour dipping sauce.

Price: 40,000 VND / portion ($1.7)

A beautiful golf course - Source: Golfnews

This city is famous for its golf clubs and many classy golf courses with great services. 

The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip Golf Course

- Address: Phuoc Thuan commune, Xuyen Moc district 

- Cost: 3,570,000 - 4,250,000 VND / person ($154 - 183)

- Contact: 02543 788 666

- Website: https://thebluffshotram.com

Paradise Golf Course

- Address: No.01 Thuy Van street, Nguyen An Ninh ward

- Cost:1,300,000 - 2,000,000 VND / person ($56 - 82)

- Contact: 0254 3853 428

- Website: http://www.golfparadise.com.vn

Traveling by helicopter is one of the most wonderful experiences when you can see the beauty of a nice beach city from above. A helicopter has 02 seats available for 01 pilot and 01 guest. There are several tours lasting from 15 minutes to 60 minutes offered to tourists. The helicopter takes you past some of the outstanding attractions in Vung Tau City such as Bach Beach, Christ Statue, Long Hai Beach, Lighthouse, Paradise golf course

Price list: 

- A 15-minute tour: 3.5 million VND/person ($150)

- A 30-minute tour: 6 million VND/person ($258)

- A 45-minute tour: 9 million VND/person ($388)

- A 60-minute tour: 12 million VND/person ($517)

For more details, please visit http://www.helicoptertraining.vn 

Ho May tourist site offers a great cable car service that connects from the ground to the peak of the Lon mountain which has an altitude of 210m above sea level. With a large transport capacity and 30 cabins, each with 8 seats, the travel by Vung Tau cable car from the sea to the top of the mountain takes less than 10 minutes. When taking the cable car, you have the opportunity to see the whole city and the immense blue sea. 

Cable car ticket prices: 

- Adults: 400,000 VND/2-way ($17)

- Children from 1m to 1.3m: 200,000 VND/2-way ($8.5)

- Children under 1m: Free

Vung Tau Vietnam is a really nice destination to visit for days that is quite near Ho Chi Minh city. This city is recommended for beach joining beach activities and enjoying fresh seafood.

RELATED TOPICS

Vung Tau nightlife

VUNG TAU HOTELS

Vung Tau Weather

VUNG TAU BEACHES

VUNG TAU RESTAURANTS

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Top 10 Tourist Attractions and Activities in Vung Tau, Vietnam

There are many tourist places and interesting activities when you visit Vung Tau . It is likely the first stop in the South of Vietnam if you want to have some Vitamin Sea. Whether you are a huge fan of the beach or not, you still have many amazing destinations to see and interesting things to do. It is hard sometimes to make a decision of where to go and what to do. Let us give you a hand. Here are major places and interesting activities that you should not miss in Vung Tau.

Although Vung Tau does not have greatest reputation for clean beach or blue water, it is famous for seashores and beautiful sea view. Sunrise and sunset here never cease to surprise you. Simply having a walk on the sand and/or laying out for sunbath will surely refresh you. There are two popular beaches in the city including Front Beach and Back Beach. Access is all free. These two are typically crowded and located in the center of the tourist city. Chi Linh and Thuy Tien beaches are situated on the outskirts of the city, but they are very clean, spacious and less expensive as well.

2. Con Dao Islands and Con Dao Museum

You are being in Vung Tau. You expect to see pristine beaches. You desperate to swim or dive into the clean water. We encourage you to visit Con Dao islands which are about 200 km from Vung Tau. Beside interesting history, its natural beauty attracts many tourists inside and outside of the country. Majority of area is covered with green forest, and wild animals are very diverse as well. The place has many sandy clean beaches that you can dive and watch gorgeous coral reefs and aquatic animals. Con Dao Museum is one of the top 7 most impressive museum in Vietnam. That is very well laid out and informative. Indoor an outdoor exhibitions clearly demonstrate the life and activities of aboriginal islanders. Moreover, amazing unknown stories of political prisoners during colonialism will blow your mind. No entrance fee and opens from 7am – 5pm, and definitely worth visiting while on Con Dao.

3. Giant Statue of Jesus Christ

Built on Little Mount, you probably have to say “wow” when seeing another replicate of Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil. But seeing is not enough for adventurous travelers. Climbing up inside of 30 plus m high-statue is one of the highlight activities of visitors. It is about 100+ stairs to the arm where you can enjoy panoramic view of the whole area. There is no entrance fee but donation is appreciated. Open hour is from 7:30 am – 4:30 pm.

4. Platform of Shakyamuni Buddha in Thich Ca Phat Dai Buddhist temple

No matter what religion you follow, this is an interesting park-like temple that you should not miss. The temple is a great place to see natural landscape and religious architecture. Best known with the biggest statues of Buddha, the temple attracts many domestic tourists come to worship every year. In addition, the garden is full of different flowers blooming all year, which enhances the beauty of the temple. VND5,000/person for the entrance fee and it opens from 8am – 5pm.

5. Robert Taylor Museum of Worldwide Arms

Whether you are the huge fan of history or fashion, the museum is worth visiting. Uniforms and military weapons coming from different countries around the world are displayed here. Museum has a comprehensive collection of uniforms, weapons, and instruments dating from medieval times until the end of Vietnam War. The place is excellent for those who are interested in history. Entrance fee is VND100,000/person and it opens from 8am - 5pm.

6. Upside Down House in Vung Tau

Quirky and amusing! Upside down house is another attractive place in Vung Tau. All furniture, motorbike, and even the bathroom are upside down. You probably spend most of your time to take photos here. Hence, group visit is better and has more fun. But if you visit alone, the staff is very helpful and takes nice pictures for you. Ticket can be bought with VND50,000/person and the place opens from 7am – 10pm.

7. Ho May Park

Ho May is a theme park that have many fun activities such as cable car, zip-line, roller coaster, 4D cinema, horse ride, paddling, and sightseeing. Bigs statues of Buddha and Arhats are also displayed as well. Compared to other activities in town, the entrance fee is quite expensive (VND300,000/person), but it may be a fun place for kids and young people.

8. Trekking & Hiking

Explorers are keen on seeing new places and dig into fun activities. If there is a moment you may want pause and get fresh air. Hiking allows you to stay refreshing and find peaceful moments while you still can embrace the beauty of local attractions. Trails to Little Mountain is beautiful and leads you to some top tourist places in Vung Tau such as Lighthouse and Statue of Jesus. Alternatively, you can hike to the top of Big Mountain and enjoy the magnificent views. Foods are served on the top of mountain too.

9. Boat ride or Catching Mantis Shrimp

Boat ridding gives travelers a chance to exploring typical daily activities of local fishermen. Nothing luxury, nothing expensive like you stay in giant cruses, but we bet you will never forget the experience of paddling, sitting on the small boats, fishing and enjoying the ocean view. The price is about VND80,000/person/hour.

Catching mantis shrimp along the coastal side. It is easy and fun! What you need are a fishing line and a bait. You may not know at first but fisherman will help you to identify holes in the sand where shrimp digs and stays under. Drop the fishing line to the hole and you can pull it up once shrimp eat the bait.

10. Explore Xom Luoi seafood market and show your cook talent

Seafood can be found in any corner of Vung Tau from large eateries to tiny food stalls on the street. Seafood is caught daily from the sea so it is very fresh and cheap. The fun part is that you can actually cook by yourself or have it prepared in front of you at the cooking stalls. For those who enjoy street food, this is a great way to taste the crab, lobster, squid, fish, snail, and many others.

Amazing landscapes, high-quality seafood, a religious complex of both Christianism and Buddhists are the major reasons that you may want to visit Vung Tau at least one time in your life. Most tourist attractions are free to enter or have reasonable entrance fees. Food prices can vary from place to place. To avoid being scammed, going with a tour guide or local friend is encouraged and always asking the price before purchasing anything. Booking tour trip with Tourist Company makes you feel safe. But it is time-dependent and your understanding about visited places may be quite superficial. The weekend is always crowded and costs often increase significantly. If you are a motorist, having a motorbike ride in Vung Tau will be absolutely a great idea to enjoy the city. This also allows you to explore remote beaches and untouched locations within a day.

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10 best places to visit in vung tau, vietnam.

We always choose Vung Tau to be a destination to get out of the city on weekends because its location is very close to Ho Chi Minh City. In addition to beautiful beaches and tasty dishes, Vung Tau also has many interesting attractions for you to explore. Another good point is that Vung Tau has a wide variety of hotels from budget hotels to luxurious ones. These are 10 best places to visit in Vung Tau, Vietnam.

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1. Thich Ca Phat Dai pagoda (Platform of Shakyamuni Buddha)

A large pagoda located on the slopes of Big mountain in Vung Tau city. The beauty of the pagoda is the artful combination between religious architecture and natural landscape. The remarkable points in this pagoda are the 19-meter-high Bat Giac tower and the meditating Shakyamuni Buddha statue on a lotus sculpture built halfway up the mountain which visitors can see from afar.

Direction: Visitors can reach Thich Ca Phat Dai pagoda by go along Le Loi street, turn to Tran Phu street or from Tran Phu street (in Front beach) go along the coastal road, pass Strawberry beach, come to Ben Da area and then you can see Thich Ca Phat Dai pagoda.

2. Jesus Christ Statue

The Jesus Christ Statue (The statue of Kito) or the statue of Jesus spreading his arms is a statue standing on top of Small mountain in Vung Tau city. The statue was built in 1984 with the size of height of 32 meters and arms’ length of 18.3 meters, standing on a-170 meters-high platform and facing the sea. Inside the statue, there are 133 steps leading to the arms. This statue can be considered similar to one in Rio de Janeiro city of Brazil .

Location: The statue is on top of Small mountain, Vung Tau city.

3. Bach Dinh (White Palace)

In 1898, the French Governor General of Indochina, Paul Domer built Bach Dich (in French: Villa Blanche) on the base of Phuoc Thang fortress which had fired the French warships nearly 50 years before. Bach Dinh is a Roman architectural structure having 3 floors with the height of 19 meters and the back leaning against Big mountain. Here, there are still 19 cannons preserved nowadays.

Location: 10 Tran Phu street, Vung Tau city

4. Thang Tam monument

In this monument, apart from Ngoi Tien Hien and Lang Ong Nam Hai (Ong Nam Hai Royal Tomb), Mieu Ba Ngu Hanh (Ba Ngu Hanh temple), there are Mieu Ba (Ba temple) located on a tiny island protruding towards the sea. Nghinh Ong Thang Nam festival of Vung Tau is considered to be one of the features of spiritual tourism in Ba Ria Vung Tau, which attracts many tourists, especially toursits from foreign countries.

Location: 77A Hoang Hoa Tham street, Thang Tam ward, Vung Tau

5. Niet Ban Tinh Xa pagoda (The Monastery of Nirvana)

This is one of the most beautiful pagodas in Vung Tau with modern architecture. Niet Ban Tinh Xa pagoda, also called the pagoda of the “Lying Buddha” was built on the slopes of Small mountain and faces the sea. The pagoda was brought under construction in 1969 and inaugurated in 1974 with money donated from fellow Buddhist. The Venerable Thich Thien Hue took care of construction.

Location: Ha Long street, ward 1, Vung Tau city

6. Quan The Am Bo Tat pagoda (The pagoda of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva)

This is a small pagoda with the 19-meter-high white Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva statue facing the sea with a hand holding Cam Lo bottle and gentle, virtuous face. It is a beautiful statue and also an attraction of the tourists when coming to Vung Tau.

Location: The pagoda is on the Big mountain detour, Vung Tau city, 500 meters away from Strawberry beach.

7. The Epigraphic of Linh Son (Linh Son Co Tu Pagoda)

Inspite of being not huge and large, the Epigraphic of Linh Son is the oldest pagoda in Vung Tau. In the sanctum, there is a 1.2-meter-high gilded stone Buddha statue which was cleverly sculpted, creating an lively and compassionate feeling on the face of Buddha.

Location: 61 Hoang Hoa Tham street, Vung Tau

8. Vung Tau Lighthouse

Coming here, after follow the tunnel built in a 2-floor house where the lighthouse watchmen live, you will reach the top of the lighthouse. From that position, you can see the whole view of Vung Tau city, the crescent shaped beaches, green Minh Dam mountain. Or just look down, a “forest” of flowers is blooming, making the the entire lighthouse more unique.

Location: On top of Small Mountain (Nui Nho), Vung Tau city

9. Long Son Big House (Ong Tran Temple)

Long Son Big House, also called Ong Tran temple is an architectural complex with ancient style of art, made of bricks and precious type of wood. The Big House is located in block 5 with a total area of about 2 hectares and is divided into three zones: zone of worship; zone of festive house, school, market, Ghe Sam reserve house and zone of Mister Tran’s tomb.

Location: At the foof of Pineapple mountain, block 5, Long Son commune, Vung Tau

10. Museum of Antique Weapons

The Museum of antique weapons (Worldwide Arms Museum) is opened by Mr. Robert Taylor (English) and his wife – Mrs. Nguyen Thi Bong. According to the visitors, this is one of the most worth seeing museums in Vietnam. Imaugurated from the beginning of 2012, the museum exhibits 500 effigies with size of a real person wearing gorgeous uniforms, representing the images of warriors all over the world in different periods; more than 1,200 guns, 1,000 ancient swords with the history and stories in them… In addition, there are very rare collections (such as Dutch antique gun – there are only 2 in the world). This museum is also appreciated thanks to its logical arrangement in the exhibition space.

Location: 14 Hai Dang street, Vung Tau city. Ticket’s price: 50,000 VND.

Read more Vung Tau travel guide at here .

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Vung Tau tourist spot: 10 places to visit Vung Tau for you to have fun

• By lilystravel
• Blog , Travel Insight

Vung Tau is a popular spot for spontaneous outings. On the one hand, the distance from Saigon to Vung Tau attractions is not too far. On the other hand, this city seems to be renewed day by day. Every day has a destination with unforgettable beauty. Before starting your tour, do not forget to book a hotel room in Vung Tau with Lily’s Travel.

Binh Chau National Forest

As a primeval forest running along the coast of Xuyen Moc, Binh Chau National Forest is also a place of harmony between the forest and the ocean. Covering a total area of ​​up to 11,000 hectares, this forest has an extremely diverse ecosystem with vegetation, lakes, and birds. Binh Chau National Forest is one of the most beautiful places to visit when traveling to Vung Tau.

Whether it’s the rainy or dry season, nature in Binh Chau National Forest has its color. In particular, the weather and air here are always cool and fresh. So you can check in at this destination almost any time of the year.

Location: Xuyen Moc District, Ba Ria Vung Tau Province

Ticket price: 20,000 VND/person

Read more: Vung Tau Travel: Top 24 hottest destinations in 2023 (Par 1)

Da Xanh lake

Located right next to the slopes of Dinh mountain, Da Xanh lake is a favorite check-in point for photography enthusiasts because of its extremely “virtual” scenery. This place impresses with a large lake space, calm, blue water surrounded by trees and cliffs.

At this point, you just need to raise your hand to have a poetic photo and it doesn’t take too long to align the camera angle. In addition, you can also experience boating activities to explore the lake and visit sheep fields.

Address: Tan Thanh district, Kim Dinh, Ba Ria Vung Tau

Opening hours: 8:00 – 18:00

Ticket prices for sightseeing and photography:

Photography fee: 20,000 VND/person

Wedding photography fee: 150,000 VND

Photography fee with sheep: 50,000 VND/person

Ho May tourist area

One of the most famous Vung Tau attractions is Ho May tourist area. Located at an altitude of more than 210m, this place has a cool, temperate climate and can see the whole city from Ho May. Therefore, this place is also known as “miniature Da Lat” of Vung Tau.

To get to Ho May tourist area, you can choose to go by road (car or motorbike) or take the cable car from Big Mountain. Lily’s Travel recommends you try the Ho May cable car experience to see Vung Tau’s “lovely” nature from above.

Divided into 5 areas, Ho May brings together a lot of interesting games and activities. In which, water skiing, paintball shooting, zipline, 5D cinema … are must-try experiences here. There are 5 restaurants on Ho May’s campus, so you won’t have to worry about being hungry during your visit.

Location: 1A Tran Phu, Ward 1, Vung Tau City

Opening hours: 8:30 – 18:00 or 8:30 – 22:00

Entrance ticket price:

Adults: 400,000 VND/person/day and 200,000 VND/person/night

Children: 200,000 VND/person/day and 100,000 VND/person/night

Upside down house

The upside-down house in Vung Tau is a 3-story building divided into a coffee and sightseeing area. As soon as you enter this building, you will see a lovely cafe on the first floor. The remaining floors are sightseeing spaces divided into 7 rooms.

As the name suggests, everything inside the rooms is upside down. This reversal makes you feel like you are traveling in space. In particular, the interior and exterior of the upside-down house are decorated very eye-catching and visually attractive. Therefore, you will have a lot of beautiful photos when you check in here.

Address: 66 Co Giang, Ward 4, Vung Tau City

Opening hours: 6:00 – 22:00

Ticket price: 40,000 VND/person

Alley 444 Tran Phu

Those who love the scenery filled with falling yellow leaves in Korean movies will love this place. The way to get here needs a bit arduous, challenging. However, your results are well worth it.

Alley 444 Tran Phu is a small road with two rows of ancient trees surrounding the cliff and the adjacent sea. From here, you can also enjoy the view of the city from above. All create an unforgettable and poetic scene.

The best time to explore alley 444 is early morning and late afternoon when sunrise and sunset cover this place. In addition, March is the time when the trees here turn yellow, creating a beautiful scene like Korea.

Address: alley 444 Tran Phu, Vung Tau City

Opening hours: 24/7

Entrance ticket price: free

Hon Ba is a small island located in the middle of Vung Tau sea, close to Nghinh Phong cape and about 200m from the foot of Nho mountain. This is a famous spiritual tourist destination of Vung Tau because there is a temple worshiping Thuy Long Goddess on the island.

To reach Hon Ba, you can travel by boat or wait for the water to recede and walk by a small oyster stone path leading to the island. However, the interesting thing is that it is not always possible to walk to the island, so check the sprint schedule before coming here.

Address: Back Beach, Vung Tau City, Ba Ria – Vung Tau

This will be the ideal destination for those who like wild and close natural scenery. You seem to be returning to your childhood with the wooden bridge at Ho Coc. It has a cool climate with green trees everywhere.

In particular, take the time to listen to the sound of the waves. Each sound of the waves is abundant, consecutive as if merging into each other like melodious music. Somewhere in that scene there was a gentle wind. Everything is like a symphony that makes our hearts strangely peaceful.

Locction: Bung Rieng commune, Xuyen Moc district, Ba Ria – Vung Tau province.

Completely different from the name, pig hill is a pretty wild hill with a beautiful view – embracing Thuy Van street and Vung Tau sea. This hill still retains its original character with many shrubs and weeds. However, it is the favorite check-in point of Vung Tau youth.

After an extremely hard journey to reach pig hill, you will find it worth it. Because from here, you can see the whole big picture of nature in front of you. The best time to explore this place is sunrise and sunset. In addition, the movement enthusiasts also often camp overnight right on the hill.

Address: alley 222 Phan Chu Trinh, Ward 2, Vung Tau City Entrance ticket price: free

This is both the first “lemongrass” marina and the most checked-in Vung Tau attraction. Located on Sinh River and adjacent to Long Son Island, this marina was built to welcome passengers joining riverside tourist routes from Ho Chi Minh City.

The scene of boats and canoes moored behind will be a “background” for taking photos of extreme luxury for the “virtual living” enthusiasts. The identifying feature of this marina is the yellow pier. You can come here both during the day and at night to explore.

In addition, you can also experience surfing or canoeing to explore the Sinh River. In particular, the seafood dishes served at the restaurants on the marina have a very good taste.

Address: No. 1, Dong Xuyen Industrial Park, Rach Dua, Vung Tau

Canoe Price: 280,000 VND/person

Boat price: 2,700.00 VND/boat

Dong Cuu Suoi Nghe

This is one of the “hot” Vung Tau attractions for travel enthusiasts, especially the paparazzi. This place was originally a vacant lot and gradually became famous when the locals graze sheep here. Currently, there are about 3 flocks of sheep with more than 150 heads.

You don’t have to go too far or to Europe to take beautiful photos with sheep anymore. With only about 2 hours of traveling from Saigon, you will reach Dong Cuu Suoi Nghe.

You should come here early in the morning (before 10 am) and in the afternoon (3-4 hours). At this time, sheep are herded the most by the people and the weather is pleasant enough. Don’t forget to dress in a nomadic style for the most sparkling photos.

Address: Street No. 11, Suoi Nghe, Chau Duc, Ba Ria – Vung Tau

Opening hours: 6:00 – 17:00

Photography price: 50,000 – 100,000 VND/time

Read more: All the reasons to explain why Vietnam is a good place to visit for foreigners?

Find out more about Vung Tau tours here: Click here

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Small mountain vung tau: a brief guide for first-timers.

There are many factors that make Vung Tau Vietnam a sought-after destination for both domestic and foreign visitors. These include the breathtaking views of Vung Tau beaches , well-equipped Vung Tau beach resorts , and Vung Tau delicacies , among others. Notably, the mountains, especially the Small Mountain Vung Tau , attract a large number of visitors each year. But is Small Mountain truly captivating? Let’s find out with Asia Legend Travel in the article below!

Overview of Small Mountain Vung Tau

Small Mountain, also known as Tao Phung Mountain , is a significant landmark in Vung Tau . It covers an area of over 100 hectares and stands more than 170 meters high. Its location near the sea offers visitors the chance to travel along breathtaking coastal routes to reach it. This journey, coupled with stunning panoramic views, ensures a unique and worthwhile experience.

The unique feature of Vung Tau Small Mountain is that it has not one, but two peaks. The Christ of Vung Tau statue resides on the lower peak, and the Vung Tau lighthouse stands on the higher one. Both are popular tourist attractions in Vung Tau, drawing a considerable number of visitors each year. With its vast greenery, Small Mountain Vung Tau serves as the city’s lung, enveloping the city with its lush landscape. Its geographical location, where the sea meets the mountain, gives this coastal city a sense of being uplifted by Mother Nature.

At the base of Small Mountain Vung Tau , visitors can find a variety of tourist services. This area is home to coffee shops, hotels, and restaurants, all providing excellent views and comfortable spaces for relaxation and dining. The coastal road around Small Mountain is considered one of the most beautiful in Vung Tau. Moreover, the Nghinh Phong peak, which overlooks Huong Phong beach and Vong Nguyet beach, is just a short distance from Small Mountain.

The Legend of Small Mountain Vung Tau

Small Mountain, also known as Tao Phung, is tied to a romantic tale passed down from ancient times by the locals. According to the story, a fairy, the Ocean King’s daughter, transformed into a goldfish for an adventure and was caught by a young fisherman. Enchanted by the fish’s beauty, he took it to the mountain, made a stone pond, and kept the fish there.

One day, the fisherman returned from the sea to find the goldfish had turned into a beautiful woman. They got married, but their joy was short-lived. A stranger transformed the fairy back into a goldfish and locked her into a gem box. Despite the husband’s pleas, his wife was only allowed to meet him at Small Mountain Vung Tau every five years. The mountain is now known as Tao Phung, a tribute to their tale.

How to Get to Small Mountain Vung Tau

From the center of Vung Tau city , head towards Bai Truoc park and proceed onto Ha Long street. Continue a little further along the foot of Small Mountain Vung Tau . From there, you will easily find the roads leading up to the two mountain peaks.

Move to the Lighthouse

Begin at Thuy Van Street or Back Beach. Follow Hoang Hoa Tham Street straight. At the end, make a left onto Ha Long Street. Stick to the left and go up the small hill until you reach Hai Dang Street. The lighthouse is located at the end of Hai Dang street.

The path to the lighthouse is lined with numerous kapok trees, which are at their most beautiful in April and May during full bloom. The white flowers set against the blue sky create a stunning, poetic landscape. Thus, taking photographs along this path during the blooming seasons is one of the best things to do in Vung Tau .

Move to the Christ of Vung Tau

To visit the mountaintop where the Christ the King statue stands, head down Thuy Van Street towards Tao Phung Park. From there, climb about 800 steps to reach the summit. For a panoramic view of the city, leave your shoes at the base of the statue and climb over 130 spiral stairs to Christ’s arm. This viewpoint offers an excellent chance to explore Vung Tau and appreciate its full beauty.

Tourist Spots in Small Mountain Vung Tau

Small Mountain Vung Tau is widely known for its untouched beauty and impressive sightseeing spots.

Vung Tau Lighthouse

Located in Ward 2 of Vung Tau city , the Lighthouse was initially built by the French in 1862, 149 meters above sea level, to guide maritime traffic. The structure was renovated in 1913, with its height increased to 170 meters, making it one of the oldest lighthouses in Southeast Asia.

As for its actual size, the Vung Tau Lighthouse is an 18-meter-high white cylindrical tower with a 3-meter diameter. Not only does it continue to serve as a navigational aid, but it has also become a unique tourist attraction that draws many visitors. Inside, a staircase leads almost to the top, where a balcony offers a stunning view.

From this viewpoint, visitors can enjoy the cool sea breeze and a panoramic view of Vung Tau city. Below, a lush flower forest complements its majestic architecture and classic design. Today, the Vung Tau Lighthouse stands as a symbol of this beautiful coastal city.

Christ of Vung Tau

The statue of Christ the King, also known as Christ of Vung Tau, was built in 1974, depicting Jesus Christ with his arms extended. In 2012, it was recognized as the largest Jesus statue in Asia. This statue has since been a significant symbol of Vung Tau.

Regarding its dimensions, the statue stands approximately 30 meters tall, with two arms spanning about 18 meters. The base is carved with figures of Jesus and his apostles. Inside this enormous statue, there is a spiral staircase of more than 130 steps. It can accommodate about 100 visitors at once. The path leading up to the statue comprises about 800 steps. From the top of the statue, visitors can view the panorama of Vung Tau from an entirely different perspective.

Practical Tips for Visitors

Here are a few tips to make your travel journey to Small Mountain Vung Tau more comfortable:

• Be careful when climbing the mountain, as the roads and steps can be challenging.
• Wear comfortable clothes for easy movement.
• The area may become crowded, so keep an eye on your belongings.
• Consider parking near the mountain’s peak to cut down on walking.
• There are stone benches and trees along the road to the mountain peak for short rests.

In addition to Big Mountain , Small Mountain Vung Tau is an ideal stopover that travelers should not miss when visiting this beautiful coastal city. With breathtaking views, crisp air, and gorgeous landscapes, it’s a perfect spot for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a tranquil escape. So, when you’re jotting down the must-see Vung Tau attractions , make sure to put Small Mountain on your list for a travel experience you won’t forget. Trust us, it’s worth it!

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Vung Tau Day Trip

Shirleen Bui

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Vung Tau, the closest fascinating coastal enclaves to Ho Chi Minh city

As one of the most prominent seas in the South Central region, only about 100km from Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau is drawing strong attention to world-class golf courses and numerous luxury resorts. However, the city’s originally natural attractions are no less wealthy, with a collection of family-friendly long sandy beaches like Bai Truoc, Bai Sau, Ho Tram – Ho Coc, and Suoi O, or even the lately-renowned deserted archipelago, Con Dao islands. Also, Vung Tau is a food paradise where visitors could quickly stuff their stomachs with abundant delicious street food to full plates of satisfying fresh seafood.

I. About Vung Tau

Easily accessible from the center of Ho Chi Minh City with just a 3-hour drive, Vung Tau is one of the favorite short-term destinations of southern tourists. Located completely protruding from the mainland like a strip of land, from here, one can see the East Sea both at sunrise and at sunset on the 20km long coastline.

Vung Tau has two mountain ranges, Big Mountain (Tuong Ky) and Small Mountain (Tao Phung), both of which have mixed forests. On Small Mountain is an 18-meter-high lighthouse shining up to 30 nautical miles and over 100 years old, considered the oldest lighthouse in Vietnam. Meanwhile, On Big Mountain is Ho May, a large freshwater lake among the primeval forest.

Surrounded by the sea, primeval forests, high mountains, rivers, and large lakes, the climate here is cool all year round with the average annual temperature is 27 ° C. The dry season from November to April next year is the best time for Vung Tau tourism, while the period from May to October is the rainy season when you need to check the weather forecast carefully to avoid the storms before the trip. On weekends and public holidays, Vung Tau attracts countless tourists, so the service prices are also rising.

Read more: 9 COMMON TRAVEL MISTAKES OF TOURISTS

II. Vung Tau attractions

Some of the Vung Tau beaches that you can find right in the city center are Bai Sau, Bai Truoc, Dau Beach, Dua Beach; A little further away are Long Hai Beach, Ho Tram – Ho Coc, and Suoi O.

Bai Sau is famous for its nice stretching, gentle waves, and is less crowded. This is also where many hotels and dining areas are located. In contrast, Bai Truoc seems busier as it faces the shopping areas as well as high-rise buildings. Still, this is an ideal place to watch the sunset.

12km from the center of Vung Tau city, Long Hai Beach has crystal clear water nearby stretching golden sand. The tranquility makes this area a perfect spot for sea-front resorts. Plus, it’s also a good place to enjoy fresh seafood at quite low costs. On the Long Hai Beach route, you should visit Suoi O, where there is a freshwater stream and vast blue seawater, as well as Binh Chau hot mineral spring.

Ho Tram – Ho Coc are two pristine beaches in Xuyen Moc district. Ho Tram beach is gentle, with fine white sand, turquoise water next to the deep blue poplar forest running along the coast. Ho Coc beach is located next to the primeval forest, fully inheriting the cool and clean atmosphere.

2. Con Dao Islands

Con Son Islands are an archipelago as well as a district of Ba Ria–Vung Tau Province. In 1861, the French conquest and turned the islands into a notorious prison with “Tiger Cages” to hold and torture Vietnamese political prisoners. The islands with all favorable conditions – magmatic rock cliffs bordering turquoise water with abundant sea creatures, tropical forests, pristine islets, have gradually become a fascinating resort for anyone who wants to escape from the hustle and bustle in big cities.

Among 16 islands in this archipelago, Con Son is the largest one, where the district’s airport is located. Con Son is also renowned for its pristine condition; even more than half of its area is currently still forests. There, you will have a chance to witness wild sea turtles crawling to the shore laying eggs, and other rare forest species such as bow-fingered geckos, black giant squirrels, etc.

Read more: Con Dao Islands, a reviving secluded paradise in the East Sea

3. Small Mountain (Nui Nho)

Small Mountain, or Tao Phung Mountain, is located in the south of Vung Tau city with an area of ​​about 120ha and an altitude of about 170m. The mountain consists of 2 peaks combined with coastal roads leading to innumerable hotels, restaurants, cafes, etc.

At the highest peak stands the Lighthouse built by the French in 1862. The way up here is a long windy concrete road that makes it easy for tourists to travel by motorbike. The interesting point of the Lighthouse is its spiral stairs to the top. Not only that, but it also has a balcony to enjoy the panoramic view of the city. At the foot of the Lighthouse are four ancient French cannons over 10 meters long and weighing tons. During the war, this area was used to prevent enemy attacks from afar.

The lower peak of Small Mountain is where the 32-meter-high statue of Jesus the King is situated – the tallest statue of Jesus in the world. To get here, you need to pass more than 800 steps, then climb up narrow stairs inside the statue to reach Jesus’s shoulder where you will have various stunning views making up for the hard work of climbing. Note: dress politely when going inside the statue, as well as carry much water to drink as it is hot and humid as you climb up. The time this place closes is at 5 pm.

4. Local markets

The local markets in Vung Tau are the right place to enjoy seafood as well as other famous specialties. Some places you should not miss are Tran Phu market next to Sao Mai village, Xom Luoi market, and Vung Tau night market. In particular, Xom Luoi market is always a crowded place, especially in the time frame from 3 pm to 4 pm, because at that time the boats come back, carrying extremely fresh seafood. The price here is much cheaper than the shops near the beach because this place is a wholesale outlet.

Vung Tau Seafood night market starts operating at 5 am – 5:30 pm and ends around midnight. The ideal time for tourists to visit the seafood night market and visit the restaurant to enjoy attractive seafood dishes is around 6 am – 7 am. At this time, the place is super crowded and bustling, subtly the pleasing aroma of seafood being processed. Don’t forget to try Lau Ca Duoi (the stingray hot pot), served with sour bamboo shoots and vermicelli. As for street food, some top-ten dishes should be Banh khot, Banh xeo, crab soup noodles, etc.

III. How to get to Vung Tau

Currently, there are 3 main means of transportation from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau: motorbike, bus, or hydrofoil.

1. Motorcycle

Traveling to Vung Tau by motorbike is extremely popular among travelers from Ho Chi Minh City due to the beautiful and easy road requiring only 2.5 hours traveling.

Option 1: From Ho Chi Minh City, follow Highway 1, cross Dong Nai bridge to a traffic roundabout (Vung Tau intersection). From here, turn right along Highway 51 and go about 100km further to Vung Tau.

Option 2: From the city, you can choose the route from Cat Lai ferry (District 2) to Nhon Trach – Dong Nai. This road will lead to National Highway 51, the entrance to Nhon Trach Industrial Park, 20 km shorter than the above way. The Cat Lai ferry ticket price is 5,000 VND/time.

Buses from Ho Chi Minh city to Vung Tau are rather diverse – some famous buses: Toan Thang, Hoa Mai, Phuong Trang – with reasonable prices. In addition, those companies have also launched VIP Limousines with more convenient services: spacious and comfortable seats, free WiFi all the way with only about 160,000 VND/ticket.

Hoa Mai – 0283.821.8928 – 0962,200,200 (VIP)

Toan Thang – 0283.9144.052 – 0908.121.135

Phuong Trang – 19006067 – 0283.838.6852

3. Hydrofoil

The hydrofoil is a recently-exploited sea transport vehicle, making the journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau faster and more enjoyable. Hydrofoil routes usually operate from 8:00 to 16:00, every 1 hour, and it only takes 2 hours to reach the wonderful coastal city. The ticket price: 120,000 VND/child and 240,000 VND/adult.

4. Getting around the city

Motorbikes are the most reasonable choice to travel around Vung Tau city because the attractions are not too far away from each other, and it makes it easy for you to enjoy the full “taste” of the sea. Renting a motorbike in Vung Tau is also a piece of cake as the travel service is quick and professional.

*A few references:

– mr. tan phat.

Address: 119 Hoang Hoa Tham, Thang Tam Ward, City. Vung Tau

Phone number: 0792 323 023

– Mr. Minh Hai

Address: 15 Xo Viet Nghe Tinh, Thang Tam Ward, City. Vung Tau

Phone number: 0918 308 772

– Mr. Can

Address: 139 Phan Chu Trinh, Ward 2, City. Vung Tau

Phone number: 0936 436 606

Read more: Cai Rang floating market, a lively water commerce spot through generations

IV. Accommodation

As the busiest coastal city in the South, accommodating services in Vung Tau are diverse, from high-end hotels to pretty homestays. You can find a place to stay at big beaches, including Bai Truoc, Bai Sau, Dau Beach, and Dua Beach. However, bear in mind that the peak time of Vung Tau tourism is on weekends and holidays.

Room prices here are also clearly segmented:

Hostel, homestay, one-star hotel: from 150,000 – 300,000 VND/night.

Two-star hotel: from 350,000 – 600,000 VND/night.

Three-star hotel: from 500,000 – 800,000 VND/night (including breakfast).

Four to five-star hotels and resorts: from 1,000,000 VND or more, with full utilities and perfect services.

*Suggestions:

Sakura Hotel: H15 Road 1 Hamlet A Chau, Vung Tau

Sea Memory Hotel: 26 Phan Huy Ich, Ward 2, Vung Tau

An Yen Homestay: 60/54/8 Pham Hong Thai Street, Ward 7, Vung Tau

Imperial Hotel Vung Tau: 159 Thuy Van, Thang Tam Ward, Vung Tau

Read more: MINI FARM – A SUPER LOVELY FARM IN VUNG TAU

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• Ho Chi Minh City

• Destinations

Vung Tau Attractions

4 Best Places to Visit In Vung Tau

Vung Tau is an appealing destination of various sunny beaches, unspoiled wilderness, mysterious temples and instagrammable places for selfies. It is only 2 hours away from Ho Chi Minh city and hence a very convenient hideaway to escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Check out these must-see attractions on your trip to Vung Tau.

Ho Tram Beach

Ho Tram beach is a beautiful beach with clean water and fine sand. From Mien Dong Coach station in Saigon, you can take a bus to Vung Tau and drive or take a bus to Ho Tram beach.

Binh Chau Natural Reserve

Located in Xuyen Moc district, Binh Chau - Phuoc Buu Nature Reserve is an amazing destination.

Nghinh Phong Cape

This cape is a locals' favourite getaway at weekends. It is the south pole of Vung Tau, situated at No.1 Ha Long street, right in between Vong Nguyet beach and Dua beach.

Hon Ba Isle

Hon Ba is a small island on Vung Tau coast.

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Vung Tau is a picturesque seaside city in southern Vietnam and a perfect weekend getaway from the busy metropolis lifestyle in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Vung Tau is an affluent and prosperous coastal city with a busy port, a stunning natural landscape lush green hills (affectionately called mountains by locals) and beautiful sunsets. Although it’s almost close enough to Saigon to visit as a day trip, there are plenty of things to do in Vung Tau to make it worthwhile spending a few days. 

Perched on a peninsula lined with beaches, Vung Tau is considered the go-to coastal destination for city dwellers in Saigon. With water on three sides of the city, wide boulevards, colonial architecture and other Vietnamese landmarks , it’s easy to see why Vung Tau is so appealling.

Elena Tchijov from Traveling Bytes spent two months living in Vung Tau and has written this mini-guide with everything you need to know, including its history, Vung Tau weather   and when to visit, what to do, what to eat and the best restaurants in Vung Tau as well as which Vung Tau beaches to choose. 

As Vung Tau has the closest beaches to Ho Chi Minh City, it’s a popular beach getaway for those who live in that city, however, when judged on beaches alone, Vung Tau may not be considered worthwhile to a foreign visitor.

Fortunately, this coastal city has plenty to offer beyond swimming and sunbathing as there are some interesting things to do in Vung Tau that make it an enjoyable and fun destination in Vietnam to visit.

A Brief History Of Vung Tau

The hot and rainy season, the cooler months, best time for cheap accommodation, best season for festivals, best days of the week to visit vung tau, 1- relax on the vung tau promenade, 2- meditate at niet ban tinh xa (temple of nirvana), 3- climb the jesus christ statue, 4- visit the vung tau lighthouse, 5- ride the vung tau cable car to ho may park, 6- discover vung tau cannon fort, 7- explore the white palace, 8- visit the robert taylor worldwide arms museum, 9- buy fresh fish at chợ xóm lưới (fish market), 10- shop at quán cô nhung thái bình (night market), 11- wander around book street, 12- play golf, front beach (bãi trước), back beach(bãi sau), pineapple beach (bãi dứa), paradise beach (bãi dâu), david pizzeria, bistro nine bakery cafe, don quijote, sushi tokyo restaurant, kozak restaurant and bar, how to get to vung tau, getting around vung tau, vung tau tips.

• Vung Tau Full Day Trip – explore the city’s main sights with a local guide.
• Skip the Line: Ho May Park Package Ticket – reserve it here.
• Baria – Vung Tau Tour – explore the city and the region.

Vung Tau was initially known as Tam Thang, or “three boats” after the first three villages in the area.

The current name, Vung Tau, means “ships bay” or “anchorage” due to its use as a European trading port during the 14th and 15th centuries.

It was also called Sant’lago by Portuguese navigators and then Cap Saint Jacques by the French in the mid-19th century.

Some scattered remnants of battlements and cannons serve as evidence of the Vietnamese resistance to French colonization.

Those canons were first fired at French battleships way back in February 1859 and are an important landmark of Vietnamese resistance to the French but despite all efforts, Vung Tau was ultimately colonised.

For centuries, the fishing industry was the primary source of income for the local population.

Suddenly, in 1981, Vung Tau’s fortune changed, thanks to off-shore oil deposits discovered nearby.

Since then, Vung Tau’s economy has taken off, fuelled by a booming oil and gas exploration.

The city has developed along with the industry, which is a leading contributor to Vung Tau’s current affluence.

Nowadays, Baria-Vungtau province is the richest in the country but thankfully, the influence of oil and gas has not interfered with the relaxed coastal vibe of Vung Tau.

During the Vietnam War, the city was a popular resort spot for in-country R&R for U.S. troops.

Years later, Vung Tau became the tourist destination it is today and is now visited by more than 10 million local and foreign tourists every year.

Since 2013, tourism has contributed almost USD$150 million to Vung Tau’s economy.

Recommended tour: Baria/Vung Tau Tour

Vung Tau Weather

Overall, Vung Tau has relatively cool weather year-round but “relatively” is the operative word here –  remember you’re in Vietnam. 

The average temperature varies very little in Vung Tau, with daytime temperatures in the high 20s to mid-30C.

Cloud cover and high humidity contribute to the balmy climate but, luckily, wind (from a light breeze to some pretty strong gusts) is ever-present in the city providing much-needed relief.

The hottest and most humid months are April, May and June.

These are also the rainiest months, however, ‘rainy season’ in Southern Vietnam typically means a few afternoon showers.

The coldest and driest months are December through March, thus making this the “best time to visit” Vung Tau.

December is the low season for visitors and you may be able to find good deals when booking accommodation.

Like other popular destinations in Vietnam, Vung Tau is packed with tourists in February during the Tet Festival.

If you choose to visit Vung Tau during the busiest time, Tet Festival, you’ll be rewarded with the Bong Gon Flower Season when white flowers bloom in abundance everywhere.

They almost look like the Japanese cherry blossoms, which might make braving the crowds worth it.

It’s also good to remember that Vung Tau is a getaway from Ho Chi Minh City, so it’s a lot more crowded on the weekends and National holidays compared to weekdays. 

If you have a flexible schedule, visit between Monday and Friday for an even more relaxed atmosphere.

Things to do in Vung Tau

As resort cities go, Vung Tau certainly offers more than just a beach experience.

The hilly landscape calls for hiking and there’s an adventure park at the top of the mountain will give you an adrenaline rush.

Legendary Vietnamese affordability makes golf lessons suitable for any budget. 

For temple enthusiasts, Vung Tau is the place to go as in the hills above the city, there are at least half a dozen ornate and colourful temples and pagodas overlooking the sea.

Here are 12 things to do in Vung Tau to tick off your list. 

Especially popular for sunset viewing, relaxing on the promenade is a favourite thing to do in Vung Tau for Vietnamese and visitors alike.

The Vung Tau Promenade connects Vung Tau’s Front Beach and Back Beach.

It is fair to say that the promenade is equally popular even after the sunset when the heat of the day goes down.

It is lined with street vendors serving fresh seafood and Vietnamese favourites, so sit and eat takeout or cross the street to have a meal in a restaurant or just grab a drink.

The promenade encapsulates the Vung Tau vibe and it’s nice to just sit on the parapet and take in the town.

Also known as Pagoda of the Reclining Buddha, this temple is a Vung Tau attraction about 3km from the city centre on a mountain and faces the ocean.

It’s a picture-perfect pagoda, with complicated granite and ceramic work and intricate architectural detail.

The temple is a bit off the beaten path and even local taxi drivers can get lost trying to find it, making it a quiet and secluded place for meditation.

Rio, that you?

Smaller than its twin in Brazil , this Jesus statue on top of a mountain is the biggest in Asia but unlike the one in Rio de Janeiro, the Vung Tau statue has a 133-step staircase inside the figure that you can climb.

It’s a 1000-step walk from the base of the mountain right into Jesus’s arms and if you’re up for the trek, you’ll be rewarded with impressive views of the city.

Admission is free to this Vung Tau tourist spot and you don’t exactly need to dress in your Sunday best but do dress modestly.

You might be denied entry if you show up sleeveless or wear shorts or skirts that are too short. Shoes, hats and bags are not allowed inside either.

Continuing with this theme, there is also a statue of the Virgin Mary holding Baby Jesus in a lovely park on a nearby hill.

Recommended tour: Vung Tau Full Day Trip Vung Tau Full Day Trip

Built in 1862 by the French, this is the oldest of the 79 lighthouses in Vietnam.

With 360-degree views of the city, this is one of the most fabulous of Vung Tau’s many sunset viewing spots.

Come back there at night time to enjoy the lighted panorama of the city.

You can drive a motorbike or a car to the base of the lighthouse or opt for a more ambling path along the mountainside.

The most relaxed way to take in views of the city and the coastline is by riding a cable car to Nui Lon’s peak the top of the hill.

The trip is relatively short but gives you enough time to enjoy the scenery and take pictures.

The cable car ride costs 300,000VND, which is a bit more than your typical Vietnamese attraction but the ticket includes amusement park access to Ho May Park . 

You can get to Ho May Park by road but it makes more sense to take the cable car. 

Ho May Park covers an expansive territory at the top of an impressive hill.

The amusement park has a few smaller rides, a zip line, games and a peculiar collection of exotic animals.

If you are not in the mood for any of these attractions, you can still enjoy a lovely stroll under the shade of blooming trees along a few charming ponds in an almost Japanese setting.

Pay respects to a giant Buddha and enjoy even more stunning views of Vung Tau. Skip the line and book your park tickets here .

If you’re interested in seeing historical landmarks, visiting this fort is one of the things to in Vung Tau as Vung Tau Cannon Fort was part of Vietnam’s coastal defence system.

Currently, you can see several large cannons at the site that were installed by the French in 1892 to prevent approaches up the Saigon River.

The fort is another historic site with panoramic views of the city and the sea in Vung Tau.

Located in a clearing on top of a small mountain, the path to the fort is a bit steep, narrow and bumpy.

You’ll need to walk or ride a motorbike, if you’re game, to the entrance.

The best time to explore the fort is in the morning before the sun gets too hot.

Also known as Villa Blanche or the White Villa, the palace was a summer house of a French governor, Paul Doumer who later became a French president.

Built in the romantic style of 19th-century French architecture, the opulent mansion is decorated with ancient Greek designs and portraits of Greek Gods and Goddesses.

The palace overlooks the bay with sweeping views of the coastline.

The White Palace is one of the best places to visit in Vung Tau if you want to know what life was like for the elite in Vietnam during the early 1900s.

The interior is surprisingly modern with oriental touches, while the garden has an open-air dance floor and is filled with frangipani.

English engineer Robert Taylor spent over 50 years acquiring an enormous collection of 2,500 military artefacts from different countries.

One of the unique places to visit in Vung Tau is the Robert Taylor Worldwide Arms Museum, which is the largest private arms museum in Vietnam. 

The museum has impressive displays of uniforms, weapons and guns from all over the world. 

Unique artefacts include a rifle used in the 1815 Battle of Waterloo, 15th-century armour and Vietnamese swords. 

Robert Taylor Worldwide Arms Museum is at 98 Tran Hung Dao Street, Ward 1, Vung Tau City.

Chợ Xóm Lưới is the biggest seafood market in Vung Tau and my personal favourite.

There are a few fish markets in Vung Tau but this one, without doubt, is the most colourful.

Fishermen bring the catch of the day around 4 pm in the afternoon, so that’s the time you want to be there for the freshest selection of seafood.

The prices are excellent and if you can bargain, expect to save about 10 to 15% of the asking price.

The unique, and obviously the best thing about this fish market is that you can have everything prepared to order.

Visiting the fish market is one of the best things to do in Vung Tau is you’re a seafood lover. 

If your cravings weren’t satisfied by the fish market, head over to the night market for even more fresh seafood, prepared according to the menu on location.

This market is more visited by tourists, so expect the prices to be slightly higher than the fish market.

Inspired by Saigon, Vung Tau opened its own Book Street in 2018.

Going beyond books, you can find lots of cute souvenirs and lovely coffee shops there.

The shopping street saw over 10,000 visitors over its first Tet Holiday.

The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip Golf Course was designed by Greg Norman, a true legend of the game.

Set on the coastline, The Bluffs provides the experience of playing golf among the dunes of southern Vietnam surrounded by dramatic ocean views throughout your round.

What could be better for a true golf enthusiast than spending a morning or an afternoon playing the 35th-ranked course in the world outside the U.S.?

Vung Tau Beaches

Compared to the many wonderful beaches in Vietnam , to a spoiled beachgoer, Vung Tau might not look like a prime destination.

Nevertheless, as they are the closest to Saigon, the beaches are of course, still one of Vung Tau’s biggest draws and worth mentioning.

In fact, the beaches here have improved a lot in recent years.

In 2016, the People Committee of Vung Tau passed a law that banned beach barbecues.

They also opened a training course for over 100 beach vendors with goal of enhancing tourism.

This has made a visible difference in pollution, and the beach ambience is now a lot more desirable.

There are four main beaches in Vung Tau.

Think city beach – Front Beach lies below the promenade with motorbikes cruising up and down.

The sand is dotted with large clusters of umbrellas with families underneath them.

Front Beach has the most food stalls, restaurants and bars and, with that, the most visitors and pollution.

This is the beach with the most visible improvements after the beach barbecue ban, where visitors were no longer allowed to bring uncooked food and alcohol onto the beaches in Vung Tau. 

For a typical beach day in Vung Tau, most people head to Back Beach.

It’s the biggest, stretching 3km, and the most popular.

Umbrellas, kite surfing, surfing, paddleboards and various water sports are available here.

Named after the wild pineapple trees that sprout along the shore, Vung Tau’s smallest beach is nestled at the foot of Nho Mountain.

It’s more of a rocky little cove than a beach, without umbrellas or any other beach frills, however the water’s calmer and cleaner than other beaches.

Pineapple Beach is a great spot to watch the sunset.

This beach is part of a resort park and there’s an entrance fee to Paradise Beach.

It’s actually just a paid section of Back Beach and has more of a beachside club feeling.

If you’re feeling fancy, you can pay the entrance fee for changing rooms and bathrooms.

There are refreshments for sale here that are also up charged.

What And Where To Eat in Vung Tau

It goes without saying, if you come to a coastal city, fresh seafood should be at the top of your mind.

Indeed, it is Vung Tau’s specialty, and the most popular way to enjoy it is a regional version of hotpot called lau.

Walking around Vung Tau, you will see the endless stream of eateries serving lau.

Every place has its version and all of them are delicious.

If there were an award for a foodie-friendly city, Vung Tau would be a worthy contender for the top prize.

From street food to cafes to restaurants, local chefs of all calibre are impressively skilled and treat you with scrumptious meals.

Yet, I want to share places that I frequented most since every one of them had that special something that drew me back over and over again.

David Pizzeria is an Italian restaurant with a sea view but don’t go there if you’re in a rush as the waiters have a laid back attitude.

David Pizzeria is a Vung Tau’s favourite, especially among expats and as you get to meet more people in Vung Tau, you’ll find that most locals will mention this restaurant sooner or later.

Its reputation is well deserved as the food is delicious and the selection of wine is fantastic.

Sitting at the table overlooking the seashore, it felt like I was back in Sicily.

David Pizzeria is at 92 Hạ Long, Phường 2, Vietnam, Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu, Vietnam Phone: +84 254 3521 012

Owned by a world-class French chef with a distinguished career, this restaurant specialises in a modern take on French cuisine enhanced by Vietnamese influences.

The wine cellar is exquisite.

The bread is baked daily in-house and the home-made chocolate is to die for.

Bistro Nine Bakery Cafe is at 9 Trương Vĩnh Ký, Phường 1, Thành phố Vũng Tầu, Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu, Vietnam Phone: +84 254 3511 571

Maybe because of the name or, perhaps, due to some dishes I ate there first, I always perceived Don Quijote as a Spanish restaurant.

However, they identify themselves as the French one.

In hindsight, I shall say they incorporate ingredients and ideas from both countries.

The chef takes local ingredients and transforms them into French-Spanish-inspired meals.

Their vegetable terrine is a stroke of genius.

Don Quijote is at 98 Đường Xô Viết Nghệ Tĩnh, Phường Thắng Tam, Thành phố Vũng Tầu, Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu 79000, Vietnam Phone: +84 254 6508 033

At Vung Tau’s Sushi Tokyo Restaurant, I had the best sashimi outside of Japan.

If you want seafood served in a sophisticated way, this is the place.

Sushi Tokyo Restuarant is at 201 Thống Nhất, Phường 8, Thành phố Vũng Tầu, Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu, Vietnam Phone: +84 254 3807 066

Hearty home-cooked meals are the core of the menu at Kozak Restaurant and Bar.

Perhaps, not the most refined or sophisticated cuisine, but you never leave this place hungry.

They serve a mix of Ukranian, Russian, and Vietnamese dishes.

Kozak Restaurant and Bar is at 7 Nguyễn Tri Phương, P. 7, TP. Vũng Tàu, Vietnam Phone: +84 254 3563 776

Quán La Cà is a Vietnamese barbecue spot popular with patrons watching sports games while drinking beer.

This place has terrific grilled oysters at a low price. Coming there on weekends or during football game days is a fun way to experience local party culture.

You will need a ride to get there.

Quán La Càis at 600 Bình Giã, Nguyễn An Ninh, Thành phố Vũng Tầu, Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu, Vietnam Phone: +84 90 627 29 04

There are two major ways to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau: by land or by water.

Travelling from downtown Saigon to Vung by high-speed ferry is an experience in itself.

The Saigon to Vung Tau ferry goes down the river, past the Mekong Delta and out towards the South China Sea.

Ferry boats depart from Bach Dang Speed Ferry Terminal and the travel time is around 90 minutes but if you’re travelling on weekends and holidays, book in advance online. 

Alternatively, take a bus, taxi, private car or motorbike. Some buses are slightly cheaper than the high-speed ferry and take about three hours.

If you’re travelling by taxi, car or bike, your travel time is about two hours. Rent a sports bike here .

Unless you’ve brought your own transportation or want to enjoy the nightlife, using Grab is the best way to get around as there’s no Uber in Vietnam.

Grab offers car and motorbike rides and works the same way as Uber does through an app, which you install on your smartphone.

The advantage of using Grab instead of a taxi is that you will not need to explain to your driver where to go (the language barrier can be challenging!).

Restaurants, bars, cafes and hotels will call a taxi for you but make sure you carry cash to pay for your taxi ride.

Renting a motorbike is not necessary and not really the most convenient form of transport as finding a parking spot in the middle of the city can be difficult.

Recommended tour: Vung Tau excursion from Phu My port

Cash is king in Vietnam, however, supermarkets and larger restaurants will accept credit cards.

Have cash for traditional taxi rides.

With Grab, you can either pay by card or cash, although add your card information into the app before booking a ride.

There are plenty of ATMs around but like most places in Vietnam, not all ATMs accept foreign cards. 

Vietnamese ATMs are also likely to run out of money on the weekend or even late into the day.

To increase your chances of obtaining cash, hit the ATMs in the mornings.

Sometimes using ATMs in Vietnam are a trial and error process and you might need to try a few before you are successful at getting cash out. 

For more things to do in Vietnam, read:

• 20 Things To Do In Ho Chi Minh City
• 15 Things To Do In Hanoi
• 15 Things To Do In Hoi An
• Things To Do In Hue
• Vietnam River Cruise
• Hanoi vs Ho Chi Minh City
• 20 Beaches In Vietnam
• 20 Vietnam Cities
• Where To Stay In Hanoi
• Where To Stay In Ho Chi Minh City
• Where To Stay In Hoi An
• 20 Things To Do In Phu Quoc
• 20 Things To Do In Nha Trang
• 20 Islands In Vietnam
• 20 Things To Do In Danang
• 20 Things To Do In Dalat
• 20 Things To Do In Sapa
• Everything You Need To Know About Living In Vietnam
• 15 Things Vietnam Is Famous For
• 20 Beachfront Villas and Overwater Bungalows in Vietnam

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