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Vung Tau, Việt Nam - Things to Do in Vung Tau

Things to Do in Vung Tau

Vung Tau, Việt Nam - Complete Travel Guide

Vung Tau is a vibrant coastal city located just 125 kilometers southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, making it one of Vietnam's most accessible beach destinations. This former French colonial resort town sits on a peninsula jutting into the South China Sea, offering visitors a perfect blend of beautiful beaches, religious sites, and fresh seafood. The city is famous for its dramatic coastline, featuring both calm bay beaches and more rugged ocean-facing shores, along with the iconic Christ of Vung Tau statue that overlooks the entire area. As a major oil industry hub, Vung Tau has developed into a modern city while maintaining its laid-back beach town charm. The city attracts both domestic and international visitors seeking a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City, offering everything from water sports and beach relaxation to cultural exploration and culinary adventures. With its mix of Vietnamese culture, colonial architecture, and coastal beauty, Vung Tau provides an authentic yet accessible taste of Vietnam's seaside lifestyle.

Top Things to Do in Vung Tau

Visit Christ of Vung Tau Statue

Climb the 847 steps or take the cable car to reach the towering 32-meter Christ statue, one of the largest in Asia. The statue offers panoramic views of the entire city, coastline, and South China Sea, making it perfect for photography and sunset viewing.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around 15,000 VND ($0.60). Visit early morning (6-8 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) to avoid crowds and heat. The climb takes 20-30 minutes, so bring water and wear comfortable shoes.

Relax at Back Beach (Bai Sau)

Enjoy Vung Tau's most popular beach, stretching over 8 kilometers with golden sand and gentle waves. The beach offers excellent swimming conditions, beachside restaurants, and various water sports activities including jet skiing and parasailing.

Booking Tip: Beach access is free, but chair and umbrella rentals cost 50,000-100,000 VND per day. Visit weekdays to avoid crowds, and rent equipment from established operators near the main beach entrance for better rates.

Explore Vung Tau Lighthouse

Visit the historic lighthouse built by the French in 1910, standing 18 meters tall on Small Mountain. The lighthouse offers stunning 360-degree views of the city and ocean, and houses a small museum showcasing the area's maritime history.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is 10,000 VND ($0.40). Open daily 7 AM-6 PM, but best visited during golden hour for photography. The climb is steep, so wear proper footwear and bring water.

Take a Sunset Cable Car Ride

Experience breathtaking aerial views aboard the cable car system that connects various points around the city, including routes to the Christ statue and lighthouse areas. The ride offers unique perspectives of the coastline and city layout, especially beautiful during sunset hours.

Booking Tip: Round-trip tickets cost 100,000-150,000 VND ($4-6). Operate until 6 PM, so plan sunset rides accordingly. Book at stations rather than through third parties to avoid markups.

Discover Local Seafood Markets

Immerse yourself in Vung Tau's fishing culture by exploring the bustling seafood markets, particularly the early morning fish market near the harbor. Watch fishermen bring in their daily catch and sample incredibly fresh seafood prepared by local vendors.

Booking Tip: Visit between 5-7 AM for the freshest selection and most authentic experience. Bring cash (Vietnamese dong) and be prepared to negotiate prices. Look for busy stalls with high turnover for the freshest options.

Getting There

Vung Tau is easily accessible from Ho Chi Minh City via multiple transportation options. The most popular and convenient method is taking a hydrofoil from Bach Dang Wharf in District 1, which takes about 1.5 hours and costs around 350,000 VND ($14). Alternatively, buses depart regularly from Mien Dong Bus Station, taking 2-2.5 hours for about 100,000 VND ($4). Private cars or taxis offer more flexibility but cost significantly more (800,000-1,200,000 VND or $32-48). For international visitors, the nearest airport is Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City, followed by ground transportation to Vung Tau.

Getting Around

Getting around Vung Tau is straightforward with various transportation options suited to different budgets and preferences. Motorbike taxis (xe om) are the most popular and efficient way to navigate the city, costing 20,000-50,000 VND per ride depending on distance. Renting a motorbike costs about 150,000-200,000 VND per day and offers maximum flexibility for exploring. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Grab are widely available and reliable for longer distances or when traveling with luggage. For short distances, walking is pleasant along the beachfront areas, and many attractions are within reasonable walking distance of each other.

Where to Stay

Back Beach Area
Front Beach District
City Center
Thuy Van Beach
Mulberry Beach Area
Downtown Vung Tau

Food & Dining

Vung Tau's culinary scene revolves heavily around fresh seafood, with numerous beachfront restaurants serving everything from grilled fish and prawns to local specialties like banh khot (mini rice pancakes) and fresh spring rolls. The night market area offers excellent street food at budget-friendly prices, while upscale restaurants along Back Beach provide more refined dining experiences with ocean views. Don't miss trying the local specialty of fresh oysters, often served with various Vietnamese dipping sauces. Many restaurants allow you to select live seafood from tanks, ensuring maximum freshness. For authentic local experiences, seek out family-run establishments away from the main tourist strips.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Hcmc

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When to Visit

The best time to visit Vung Tau is during the dry season from November to April, when temperatures are comfortable (24-28°C) and rainfall is minimal. December through February offers the most pleasant weather with lower humidity and gentle sea breezes, making it ideal for beach activities and sightseeing. The rainy season (May-October) brings heavy downpours and higher humidity, though it's still possible to visit with proper planning. Avoid Vietnamese holidays like Tet (Lunar New Year) and major public holidays when accommodation prices spike and attractions become extremely crowded. Weekdays generally offer better value and fewer crowds compared to weekends.

Insider Tips

Visit the fish market at 5 AM to see the daily catch arrival and enjoy the freshest seafood breakfast
Take the back roads on a motorbike to discover hidden beaches and local fishing villages away from tourist crowds
Bargain at markets and with xe om drivers, but always agree on prices before starting your journey or purchase

Explore Activities in Vung Tau