Vung Tau: A Coastal Escape from Ho Chi Minh City

Planning a Last Minute Trip to Vung Tau?

Booking hotels in Vung Tau: Booking.com is our go-to platform to search for amazing hotels. Here are the top hotels in Vung Tau.

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Budget

V Boutique Hotel

Mid-Range

Fusion Suites

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Best Time to Visit: November to April

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Getting to Vung Tau: The easiest way to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau is by limousine bus, which takes around three hours. Book your bus ticket here!

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Short on time? Join this highly rated day tour from Ho Chi Minh City that lets you explore the highlights of Vung Tau in just one day.

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An Improved Image

Two decades ago, Vung Tau’s reputation wasn’t the strongest. Rapid development, pollution, and waves of short-term holidaymakers left parts of the city feeling worn down. As travelers increasingly turned their attention to Vietnam’s southern islands and central coastline, Vung Tau quietly improved its image.

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Today, streets are noticeably cleaner, infrastructure has improved, and new boutique hotels and stylish cafes have taken root along the hillsides and beachfront. Weekends still get busy (inevitable for a coastal city on the doorstep of a metropolis of millions) but come during the week and Vung Tau feels like one of Vietnam’s most underrated beach cities.

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‍Planning a trip to Vietnam? Here are 17 essential things to know before you go, from visa requirements to travel tips!

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Map to Vung Tau, Vietnam

Things to Do in Vung Tau

To experience both the city highlights and the historical sites beyond town, spend at least two nights here. One full day works well for museums, viewpoints, and seafood along the coast. A second day allows you to explore important war sites in the surrounding countryside.

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Day 1: History, Hilltops & Seafood

After arriving, dedicate your first day to Vung Tau’s museums and colonial landmarks, many of which sit within walking distance of one another.

Provincial Museum

Location: 4 Tran Phu, Vung Tau

Opening Hours: 7:30-11:30am & 1:30-5pm

Entrance Fee: 40,000vnd ($1.50)

Time needed: 60-90 minutes

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The Vung Tau Museum is one of the most detailed provincial museums we’ve seen in Vietnam. Spread across three floors with clear English signage, it gives a clear picture of the region’s history.

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The ground floor explores the lives of indigenous communities, displaying excavated artifacts dating back more than 2,400 years alongside lifelike mannequins and reconstructions.

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Upstairs, exhibitions cover the French colonial period (1859–1954), including a miniature display of the Battle of Phuoc Thang, fought on the very grounds where the museum now stands. There is also a section dedicated to the American War (1954–1975), featuring a life-size replica of the infamous tiger cages from the Con Dao prisons. 

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The top floor focuses on Vung Tau’s industrial and economic development since 1975.

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Bach Dinh (White Villa)

Location: 6 Tran Phu, Vung Tau

Opening Hours: 7:30-11:30am & 1:30-5pm

Entrance Fee: 15,000vnd ($0.50)

Time needed: 30 minutes

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Right next door stands the Bach Dinh, the former weekend retreat of French Governor Paul Doumer, later president of France. Set among frangipani trees, the white colonial facade contrasts beautifully against the blue sea below.

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Inside, the villa is well preserved but feels strangely empty, with only the odd piece of furniture. A portrait of King Thanh Thai hangs on the wall—the 10th Nguyen emperor who was placed under house arrest here from 1907 to 1916 before being exiled to Reunion Island. 

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In front of the villa, six bronze cannons used during the battle of Phuoc Thang face the sea.

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Seafood Along the Coast

For lunch, head toward the waterfront. Restaurants such as Ganh Hao specialize in live seafood displayed in tanks at the entrance. Expect grilled squid, clams in lemongrass, and hotpot all served along the waterfront. 

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Tip: Make a reservation if you’re visiting during peak hours on weekends. 

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French Cannons and Hilltop Views

Location: 444 Tran Phu,Vung Tau

Entrance Fee: Free

Time needed: 30 minutes

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Continue north along the coastal road to the old French artillery site. Perched 150m above sea level, six massive cannons—each weighing around 15 tonnes—overlook Ganh Rai Bay. The complex is connected by old trenches and bunker remnants.

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The site itself is poorly maintained, and signage is minimal. Views are partially blocked by vegetation, but the historical context still makes it worthwhile if you’re already exploring the area. 

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Note: Further up the hill are also some intact torpedo bunkers, but they are poorly lit and barely worth a visit. Especially if you’re walking. 

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Coffee with a View

On the way down, stop at Bui Roman Cafe for coffee with panoramic views. The decor is ancient-Greece inspired, and there are breezy seating areas with live music performances on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

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Looking for a place to stay in Vung Tau? Discover top-rated options here!

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Worldwide Arms Museum

Opening Hours: 8am-5pm

Entrance Fee: 100,000vnd ($3.80)

Time needed: 60-90 minutes

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The Worldwide Arms Museum houses one of Asia’s largest private collections of military arms and uniforms, curated over five decades by British collector Robert Taylor.

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Reserve your tickets here!

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Spread across four separate buildings, the collection is impressively displayed with excellent English explanations. Staff is available to answer questions, and occasionally, Taylor himself is present. 

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Seafood Market & Sunset on Vung Tau Front Beach

For dinner, head to the seafood market on Nguyen Trong Cu Street. Choose your seafood, have it cooked on the spot, and either eat at plastic tables nearby or take it to Front Beach. 

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Sitting on the concrete promenade at sunset with takeaway seafood and salty ocean air is a popular choice among Vung Tau’s locals.

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Related read: Nhon Hai Fishing Village

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Day 2: Historical Battle Fields & Seaviews

Your second day ventures outside the city center to sites that were the theatre of some significant 20th-century battles. 

Long Tan & Long Phuoc

About 55km north stands the Long Tan Memorial Cross, commemorating the Battle of Long Tan (18 August 1966) between Australian troops and the Viet Cong. The memorial site sits quietly among rubber plantations, and during our visit, we were all alone. Also, keep in mind that this is a place of remembrance, not a tourist attraction, so approach respectfully.

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Nearby, the Long Phuoc Tunnels offer a smaller, less crowded alternative to the popular Cu Chi Tunnels. Sections have been widened to accommodate tourists, but the atmosphere remains intense. Especially because the grounds are rarely visited, so you’ll most likely be by yourself when you navigate your way through the narrow tunnels. 

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Further south, Minh Dam Mountain contains cave hideouts used by Viet Cong forces between 1948 and 1975. The area is relatively small but provides great insight into the guerrilla warfare in the region.

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Tip: Bring enough water, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes.

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All sites can be visited independently by motorbike, but the distances in between sites are quite far and signage is limited, so background information might be hard to find. For more comfort and historical context, consider joining a guided tour.

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Banh Khot Lunch

Back in town, try Vung Tau’s signature dish; banh khot. These small crispy flour pancakes are topped with shrimp or squid and served with fresh herbs, lettuce, grated papaya and fish sauce.

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One of the most famous spots is Banh Khot Goc Vu Sua, where pancakes are fried over wood fires by women covering their faces to protect them from the heat. It’s one of the oldest establishments in town, though many local eateries also serve excellent versions. 

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‍For more Vietnamese delicacies, check out our guide to Da Lat’s 5 must-try dishes here!

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Christ the King Statue

Location: 2 Ha Long, Vung Tau

Opening Hours: 7am-5pm

Entrance Fee: Free (donations are welcome)

Time needed: 60 minutes

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At the southern tip of the peninsula stands Christ of Vung Tau, a 32m statue towering over the city—even taller than Rio’s famous counterpart. 

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Staying the night in Vung Tau? Find the best accommodation here!

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The climb starts with 811 steps to the foot of the statue. Most of the trail is shaded by trees and even though you’re not allowed to bring liquids inside, there are vendors along the way who sell refreshments. 

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‍Tip: If you struggle with the heat, visit in the morning instead. 

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Inside, another 133 narrow spiral steps lead to a small viewing platform in the outstretched arms. It can feel crowded and claustrophobic, especially in the heat, but the panoramic ocean views are spectacular.

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On your way down, stop at Holy Beans Cafe for coffee and pastries with a nice view over the city. 

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Note: Dress modestly if you want to enter the statue, sleeveless shirts and shorts are not allowed. 

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Lighthouse

Location: 40 Hai Dang, Vung Tau

Entrance Fee: Free

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North of the statue stands the Vung Tau Lighthouse. Although it appears close on the map, a military zone separates the two sites, so you must ride around the hill.

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The lighthouse interior is not open to visitors. People come here primarily for the city views, but if you’ve already climbed the statue or visited Bach Dinh, you may choose to skip it. 

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Also read: Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Vietnam

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Day 3: Sunrise & Temples

Before leaving Vung Tau, make sure to enjoy a quiet morning at the coast. 

Sunrise on Vung Tau Back Beach

Back Beach offers unobstructed sunrise views over the East Vietnam Sea. The area has recently been redeveloped into a landscaped boulevard with cycling paths, green spaces, and plenty of seating. In the early morning, the area mainly belongs to pensioners exercising and fishermen returning to shore.

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Looking for the ultimate beach getaway? Here is our guide to visiting Phu Quoc Island, home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam.

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Hon Ba Temple

At the far southern end of Back Beach sits Hon Ba Temple, built in the 18th century on a small offshore island.

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During high tide, the temple seems inaccessible, but during low tide, a rocky path reveals itself, allowing visitors to walk across.

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Tip: Check tide times in advance and wear sturdy footwear—the rocks are sharp and slippery.

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Eating & Drinking in Vung Tau

Quach’s: A well-loved seafood spot near the main beach, known for fresh dishes like razor clams and blue crabs. 9am-10pm

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Black Pan: If you’re craving something other than seafood, this highly rated restaurant serves steaks, sushi, and meat platters.10am-1:30pm; 5-9:30pm

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Lightroom Coffee: A beautifully decorated multi-level cafe built into the hillside, with terraced seating and sweeping sea views. 7am-11pm

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Nali Beach 2: Set right on Dau Beach, this relaxed cafe is a great place to watch the sunset with a refreshing tea or a Vietnamese coffee. 6:30am-10:30pm

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Plan Your Trip

Best Time to Visit

Vung Tau is best visited during the dry season, which typically runs from November to April. During these months, you can expect clearer skies and pleasant weather, ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

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From May to October, the rainy season brings more frequent showers, with the heaviest rainfall usually occurring in September and October. While rain can fall almost daily during this period, it rarely lasts long.

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It’s also best to avoid weekends and public holidays, as Vung Tau is a popular getaway for the Saigonese and can become very crowded.

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Read More: Best Time to Visit Vietnam

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Where to Stay

Most accommodation in Vung Tau is concentrated around the southern tip of the peninsula, particularly near the main beaches, where restaurants and cafes are within easy reach. This area offers the widest range of options and the most convenient base for exploring the city. ‍

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Find all accommodation in Vung Tau here.

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Here are our most recommended hotels in Vung Tau:

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Budget

V Boutique Hotel

Mid-Range

Fusion Suites

How to Get There

The most convenient way to reach Vung Tau is via Ho Chi Minh City. From here, several transportation options are available, and it typically takes around three hours depending on traffic.

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Limousine: The best way to reach Vung Tau with modern and comfortable limousine vans departing daily, including drop-offs right at your accommodation.

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Book your limousine ticket here!

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Ferry: The high-speed ferry operated by Greenlines DP departs from Bach Dang Ferry Terminal at 9am and 12pm on weekdays, with an additional 2pm departure on weekends.

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Private Car:  For the most convenient option, book a private transfer from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau. The trip is faster and allows you to choose your departure time.

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Book your private transfer here!

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Getting Around

The best way to explore Vung Tau is by renting a motorbike, which makes it easy to cover longer distances around the peninsula. Rentals are widely available at hotels and guesthouses, with rates starting from around 150,000  ($6) per day.

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If you’re not comfortable riding a motorbike, taxis are easy to find around the city. You can also use Grab, which offers both motorbike and car rides.

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Read More: Getting Around Vietnam

And that’s our guide to visiting Vung Tau!

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From one coastal city to another, head north to Quy Nhon, where hidden beaches and fishing villages dot the coastline. For something more adventurous, about 180km northeast of Vung Tau lies Mui Ne, a small seaside town famous for water sports, from windsurfing to sailing, and its vast dunes that are best explored by 4x4.

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If you have any questions, let us know in the comments below.