Vung Tau is a coastal city in southern Vietnam and a popular weekend getaway from Ho Chi Minh City. Board a hydrofoil to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and explore Vung Tau’s beautiful beaches and mountains.
There are two main tourist beaches in Vung Tau: Bai Truoc (Front Beach), popular for swimming and sunbathing, with many seafood restaurants nearby, and Bai Sau (Back Beach), known for water sports like parasailing and canoeing. For spectacular views of the city, hike up Nui Nho (Small Mountain) or Nui Lon (Big Mountain).
Don't miss the Christ of Vung Tau, a 32-meter statue of Jesus Christ standing on top of Small Mountain, offering panoramic views from behind its shoulder. With its numerous attractions and proximity to Ho Chi Minh City, make sure to include Vung Tau in your itinerary!
Being a coastal city, Vung Tau is a great place to ride bicycles. The best cycling route is along the coast and on the paths to Big Mountain or Small Mountain. You can rent a bike from your accommodation for around VND 50,000 per day.
Don't miss the iconic Christ of Vung Tau statue, offering panoramic views of the city, and Thich Ca Phat Dai Pagoda with its sitting Buddha statue. Spend a relaxing day at Bai Truoc (Front Beach), popular for swimming and delicious seafood eateries. Nature lovers can hike up Nui Lon (Big Mountain), one of the highest peaks in Vung Tau. If you’re traveling with family, enjoy Ho May Park, an amusement park featuring cable cars, roller coasters, a 7D theater, and many more.
The Christ of Vung Tau statue is conveniently located in the city center, specifically atop Nui Nho (Small Mountain). It's easily accessible with a 10-minute motorbike ride. After that, you'll need to climb a long staircase to get to the base of the statue. Keep in mind that Christ of Vung Tau is open daily from 07:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m., so plan your visit accordingly within these hours.
The best time to visit Vung Tau is during the dry season, from November to April, when the weather is sunny and rainfall is minimal. This period is ideal for sightseeing and exploring outdoor attractions like the beaches and mountains. The rainy season, from May to October, may bring occasional showers, but Vung Tau remains a popular destination year-round.
To travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau, the most convenient way is by car, which takes about 2 hours. Alternatively, you can travel by bus or shuttle van from various departure points, such as Quan 1 Bus Station, Mien Tay Bus Station, and Nguyen Thai Binh Bus Station. There are frequent departures throughout the day, with prices ranging from VND 165,000 to 300,000. For a unique experience, take a 2-hour hydrofoil ride from Bach Dang Pier to Ho May Tourism Area Pier.
When in Vung Tau, you must try banh khot, a local specialty. These savory mini pancakes, usually topped with shrimp, are served with dipping sauce and thinly sliced green papaya. Other must-try dishes include banh canh (thick noodle soup), and banh xeo (crispy rice pancakes with various fillings). For a more authentic experience, try these dishes at local restaurants, street food stalls, or seafood markets.
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