Vung Tau is a coastal city in Ba Ria - Vung Tau province, in the Southeast region. If viewed from the North to the South, Vung Tau is located at the bend that is changing direction from South to West of the lower part of the letter S on the map of Vietnam and protrudes from the mainland.
What season is Vung Tau beautiful?
Vung Tau is located in a tropical monsoon climate zone with two distinct rainy and sunny seasons. The rainy season lasts from May to October and the sunny season lasts from November to April of the following year. The average temperature is 27 degrees Celsius, so it is cool all year round.
Before and after Tet is the right time for tourists to both swim and relax, and admire the cherry blossom forest in full bloom at Nuoc Ngot Pass, Long Hai town. However, you need to check the weather forecast in advance to avoid storms.
On weekends or holidays, tourists flock to the city, causing prices to rise and hotels and motels to be full. To have a memorable vacation, you should avoid these times or limit your stay in the city center.
Move
From Ho Chi Minh City , visitors can choose motorbike, car or speedboat, ferry. If traveling by car, you go in the direction of National Highway 1 - National Highway 51 - Vung Tau; or from Cat Lai ferry (District 2, Ho Chi Minh City) - Nhon Trach (Dong Nai) - National Highway 51 - Vung Tau. For visitors driving their own car, go in the direction of Long Thanh - Dong Nai expressway.
If you want to experience the ferry, visitors from Ho Chi Minh City travel about 70 km to Tac Suat ferry terminal (Can Gio) to board the ferry. The Can Gio - Vung Tau sea ferry takes about 30 minutes. However, passengers should note that the actual time may be longer, depending on weather conditions and sea levels. The ticket price per passenger is 70,000 VND. The fee for transporting motorbikes and bicycles is 50,000 VND per vehicle. Cars from 4 to 26 seats or more cost from 350,000 to 800,000 VND per vehicle.
If you choose to take a bus, you can go to Mien Dong bus station to buy tickets directly or call in advance through the online system. Prices range from 80,000 to 160,000 VND per ticket.
If you take the Pacific Express high-speed train, it will take you about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The ticket price is 200,000 VND per adult. Children from 6 to 11 years old pay 100,000 VND, under 6 years old are free. The ticket price for people over 62 years old is 140,000 VND one way. The train will depart from Nha Rong port.
From Hanoi , visitors must fly or take the train to Ho Chi Minh City and then choose the above means of transport to get to Vung Tau.
Top Vung Tau Attractions – What to See and Do
Sea
Vung Tau has 42 km of coastline, of which the longest and most beautiful is Back Beach, stretching nearly 10 km, located in the south of the city. Back Beach, also known as Thuy Van, is one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam with straight, smooth white sand.
Next is Front Beach , also known as Tam Duong Beach because it is located in the West, where you can watch the sunset on the sea.
Vung Tau also has Pineapple Beach , where the sea penetrates deep into the shore, creating rocky outcrops extending out to the sea, and at the same time creating secluded, poetic bathing pools.
Bai Dau is sheltered from the wind with many interesting rocky rapids. The pristine Vong Nguyet beach lies at the foot of Nho mountain, surrounded by majestic cliffs on three sides, for those who love to explore and experience...
However, the beaches in Vung Tau are often overcrowded during holidays and Tet. If you go during peak season, you should be careful to keep your personal belongings and belongings safe and should not go too far from shore. After having fun at the beach, you can take the time to watch the sunset and relax.
Famous places
Small Mountain and Big Mountain
Small Mountain and Big Mountain are two beautiful mountains of the coastal city. At the foot of Small Mountain is the Ha Long coastal road, recognized as the most beautiful road in Vietnam with many hotels, restaurants, and cafes. On the mountain are the Vung Tau Lighthouse and the famous Statue of Christ the King. Big Mountain is surrounded by Tran Phu Street, with attractions such as Bach Dinh, Thich Ca Phat Dai, and Ho May tourist area.
Go Gang Island is a pristine island belonging to Vung Tau City. Coming to the island, visitors can enjoy the fresh air of the ocean and enjoy many unique seafoods raised here. Grilled oysters are one of the favorite dishes. In addition, the menu also has dishes such as flu, squid, octopus, mackerel...
Ngoc Island is located in the middle of mangrove forests, covering an area of 61 hectares. This is home to many rare birds and seafood species. The tour costs 100,000 VND per person. On the island, you can participate in kayaking, fishing, fishing with nets, taking photos or eating.
The island tour experience is suitable for groups of 5 - 8 people; if you are traveling alone, you can ask to join a group.
Nghinh Phong Cape
Nghinh Phong means "wind catching", also known as Vung Tau Cape, which catches the wind all four seasons. This is the longest cape in the south of Vung Tau peninsula. From here, visitors can see Hon Ba, and further away are fishing boats.
The road to Nghinh Phong cape is bumpy and rocky, you need to wear shoes or sandals, avoid going barefoot. Avoid wearing skirts to make it easier to move. This area is windy so visitors can bring a thin jacket to avoid getting cold.
In the Nghinh Phong Cape tourist area, there is also a check-in point called "heaven's gate". "Heaven's gate" is actually a solidly built door on the top of the mountain, but it does not lead to any structure, but opens up a wide open space to the immense beach in front of you.
"Heaven's Gate" is located in a high position, with stone steps on both sides. This location is also right near the road to the famous statue of Jesus with open arms in Vung Tau, you can conveniently combine visiting both attractions.
To get to the gate of heaven at Mui Nghinh Phong, you go to the statue of Christ, on the opposite side there is an abandoned coffee shop. Continue along the trail to the stairs leading down to the sea and you will arrive.
Pig Hill
Located right at Back Beach, Con Heo Hill was formerly a stone quarry. Standing on Con Heo Hill, visitors can see the entire landscape of Vung Tau.
The way up the hill starts from a small alley on Phan Chu Trinh Street (Ward 2) with a length of about 500 m. With steep and winding rocky terrain, to get here, visitors must go by motorbike or on foot.
Relics
Statue of Christ
Located at an altitude of 170m, the statue of Christ, also known as the statue of Christ with open arms looking out to sea, is on Nho Mountain. Built in 1974, the statue was inaugurated in 1994, with a height of 32 meters, the length of the two arms is 18.4 meters. The statue is placed on a pedestal carved with the image of Christ and 12 apostles. Inside is a spiral staircase of 133 steps, running from the pedestal to the arms of the statue - where visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the sea and Vung Tau city.
Right below the statue of Christ are three giant cannons - part of the ancient 11-cannon site on Nho Mountain. Each cannon is placed in a fortification dug deep underground, 10.5 m in diameter. These cannons are linked together by a system of trenches and shelters right below the statue of Christ.
Hon Ba Temple
Hon Ba Temple is a small but sacred temple located on a rocky islet just off the coast of Vũng Tàu, Vietnam. Built in the late 19th century, it is dedicated to the sea goddess, who is believed to protect fishermen and ensure safe voyages. What makes this temple unique is that it can only be reached on foot during low tide, when a narrow path emerges from the sea. Surrounded by stunning coastal views and the sound of crashing waves, Hon Ba Temple offers a peaceful retreat and a spiritual experience for both locals and visitors.
Shakyamuni Buddha Statue
This is a large Buddhist architectural complex, a famous spiritual tourist destination in the coastal city of Vung Tau. Thich Ca Phat Dai is located on the slope of Big Mountain, notable for the statue of Sakyamuni meditating halfway up the mountain. Standing from afar, visitors can also admire the statue.
The Sakyamuni Buddha Temple partly recreates the life of Sakyamuni Buddha with images of the Buddha's birth, Prince Siddhartha's renunciation, Sakyamuni Buddha's enlightenment, Buddha sitting on a lotus throne and Buddha entering Nirvana. In addition, the temple also has a 17-meter-high relic stupa, inside is a golden box containing 13 relics of a true monk. At the foot of the stupa are four large peaks, in which is placed sacred soil brought from the place where Buddha was born.
Vung Tau Lighthouse
The lighthouse is located on Nho Mountain, from here visitors can take in the panoramic view of the city hidden in the mist. To reach the top, you will follow the solidly built tunnel in the two-story house which is the residence and living place of the lighthouse keepers. This place is most beautiful during the fall foliage season. If you come to visit the lighthouse directly , you should come in the evening, the scenery will be more interesting than during the day.
Vung Tau Church
The Catholic church with a strong Asian character was built in 1940. The church is located in the city center, in front of Tran Hung Dao street, about 200m from Bai Truoc, behind Ly Thuong Kiet street and located in the middle of Thong Nhat street, with a spacious campus and rows of ancient trees.
Thang Tam Communal House
This is the place that marks the mark of the ancient Vietnamese settlers who opened up the land. In the grounds of Thang Tam communal house, there is Ong Nam Hai tomb containing the remains and worshiping 180 Ong Nam Hai (whales); recognized as a National Historical Relic in 1991.
White Palace
Also known as Villa Blanche, Bach Dinh is one of the most famous buildings in Vung Tau City. This European-style mansion was built in the late 19th century, located on the slopes of Big Mountain. It was once used as a vacation home for Governor-General of Indochina Paul Doumer. Currently, it still preserves 19 cannons. Address: 10 Tran Phu Street, Vung Tau City.
Robert Taylor Museum of Antique Arms
Located in a 1,500 m2 old French villa at 98 Tran Hung Dao Street, the museum is divided into 3 areas corresponding to 3 historical periods: ancient, medieval and modern. Each artifact on display is a historical story that took place in the past. This is the largest private museum of ancient weapons in Vietnam (Vietnam Record Organization, 2011) with about 4,000 artifacts including weapons, military uniforms, and ancient military equipment from the 12th to the 20th century, collected by owner Robert Taylor from many countries around the world.
Experience
Visit ships and rigs
In addition to swimming, one of the new and popular activities in Vung Tau is renting a canoe to visit ships and oil rigs. The tour to visit the oil rig costs about 170,000 VND per person. Visitors will be able to see the whole view of the modern oil and gas industry, the largest in the country, including seaports, shipyards, and rig base factories.
Watch dog racing
Another equally interesting activity is watching dog racing at night at Lam Son Stadium (15 Le Loi, Ward 1). The race takes place from 7pm to 10:15pm every Saturday. The ticket price for the regular grandstand is 90,000 VND per turn, the VIP grandstand ticket is 180,000 VND. You can bet as low as 10,000 VND.
View from helicopter
The helicopter has only 2 seats, serving one passenger at a time. The pilot both flies the plane and interacts with the passengers like a tour guide. During the journey, the helicopter flies over famous landmarks in Vung Tau such as the Christ statue, the lighthouse, Front Beach, Back Beach... The 15-minute sightseeing helicopter service costs 3,500,000 VND. Note, this experience is not suitable for customers with a fear of heights or a history of heart disease.
Go to Xom Luoi market
Xom Luoi in Vung Tau is a spontaneous market of fishermen, mainly wholesale fresh seafood. The market is located near Bai Truoc park, right at the intersection of Phan Boi Chau - Nguyen Cong Tru streets.
Seafood here is considered fresh and delicious, with reasonable prices. Visitors have many choices from fish, shrimp, squid to snails, mantis shrimp, octopus, crab, etc. On holidays, many places also offer discounts for customers who buy in large quantities.
In addition to fresh foods, this place also sells dried foods to take home as gifts and snacks to eat directly on the spot. The most popular cooking methods are grilling, steaming or boiling. Customers only need to wait about 10 - 15 minutes to have a delicious dish at a cheaper price than restaurants and eateries in the city.
Check-in alley 107-109 Tran Phu
The alley is known as a " divine check-in spot ". The alley is a bit difficult to find. Visitors go on Tran Phu street to near Dau beach, look to the left and see the bougainvillea row, this alley is nearby. The best time to visit is in the afternoon when the tide is close to the shore.
What to Eat in Vung Tau – Culinary Delights
Seafood
Typical seafood dishes of the coastal region you should enjoy include grilled cockles with scallion oil, stir-fried blood cockles with garlic butter, mantis shrimp, steamed grouper with ginger served with vermicelli, add a plate of garlic fried rice, or enjoy the famous specialty of fried squid with fish sauce.
Banh khot
Vung Tau's famous dish is banh khot. Goc Vu Sua banh khot restaurant is a famous culinary address on Nguyen Truong To street, ward 2, Vung Tau city. This address only serves shrimp banh khot. Although the preparation method is not much different from the surrounding restaurants, Goc Vu Sua still scores points for its unique way of mixing rice flour. The cake is poured directly on a cast iron stove and then brought out to customers, so it remains crispy and hot. The shrimp has a sweet taste.
Stingray hotpot
Many tourists believe that if you go to Vung Tau and don’t eat stingray hotpot, it’s like you haven’t been there. Each restaurant’s stingray hotpot will have a different taste, the spiciness and sourness of the hotpot broth is different, and the firmness of the fish meat is also special, depending on the source of the fish and the seasoning method of the restaurant.
If you want to eat delicious stingray hotpot, you should go to Nguyen Truong To street, because this is a "stingray hotpot" street with many restaurants that have been open for more than 30 years. Some restaurants that prepare dishes according to traditional recipes and are very popular include 7 Luom restaurant, Tran restaurant, Hoang Minh restaurant, Ut Muoi restaurant...
"Throw" noodles
Passed down from generation to generation, Nghiep Ky Mi Gia restaurant located on Ba Cu street in Vung Tau's Front Beach is no longer strange to diners. When you step in here, you will witness the skillful tossing of noodles. The noodles are divided into equal portions and then put into a net to blanch. While blanching, the chef tosses them into the air a few times to drain the water before putting them in a bowl. This has created the special attraction of this address.
Fish cake bread
Fish cake sandwiches cost around 10,000 - 15,000 VND per loaf. In Vung Tau city, visitors can easily find carts and small stalls selling this popular specialty on Hoang Hoa Tham, Vo Thi Sau, Ba Cu, Truong Cong Dinh, Le Lai streets...
Coffee
In Vung Tau, there are many cafes with sea views along Ha Long, Tran Phu, and Hai Dang streets. You can go to Gazebo Beach Front Lounge & Café, which has a Mediterranean-style space, a beautiful sea view, and live music in the evening. Some other cafes are SOHO Coffee, O Cap Coffee, La Vie En Rose...
Hotel, homestay
You should rent a room in the Back Beach and Front Beach areas to have more options and convenient travel. Room rates range from 100,000 VND to several tens of millions of VND depending on the type of hotel, motel, homestay or resort. Some high-end hotels include Pullman Vung Tau, The Imperial Vung Tau, InterContinental Grand Ho Tram, Melia Ho Tram Beach Resort, Holiday Inn Resort Ho Tram Beach...
