Vung Tau
“Seaside Escape”
Vung Tau is the closest beach getaway from Ho Chi Minh City, making it a popular weekend escape for city dwellers. This coastal city offers a mix of beaches, seafood restaurants, colonial villas, and religious sites. While not as pristine as other Vietnamese beaches, Vung Tau's proximity to Saigon (2 hours), bustling atmosphere, and fresh seafood make it perfect for a quick coastal break. The giant Christ statue and cable car provide spectacular ocean views.
Why Go to Vung Tau
- ✓Closest beach destination to Ho Chi Minh City
- ✓Fresh seafood at beachfront restaurants
- ✓Giant Christ statue with panoramic views
- ✓Quiet beaches on the Back Beach side
- ✓Historic French colonial architecture
- ✓Easy speedboat connections to nearby islands
Top Attractions
Christ of Vung Tau
32-meter tall statue with 133 steps inside leading to ocean views
Back Beach (Bai Sau)
Longer, quieter beach popular with locals and kitesurfers
White Palace (Bach Dinh)
Former French governor's villa with antiques and ocean views
Ho May Park
Mountain park accessible by cable car with games and views
Lighthouse
Historic French lighthouse offering sunset views
Practical Information
When to Visit
November to April offers the best beach weather with less rain. May to October brings afternoon showers. Weekends and holidays get very crowded with Saigon residents - visit midweek for a quieter experience.
How to Get There
From Saigon: Regular buses (2.5 hours) and hydrofoil speedboats (1.5 hours) from Bach Dang Pier. Private car or Grab takes about 2 hours via expressway. Many tour companies offer day trips from Ho Chi Minh City.
Local Tips
- •Stay near Back Beach for a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere
- •Have fresh seafood at beachfront restaurants along Tran Phu Street
- •Visit on weekdays to avoid Saigon weekend crowds
- •Take the cable car up to Ho May Park for city views
- •Try banh khot (mini savory pancakes) - a Vung Tau specialty
Local Saying
Đi Vũng Tàu ăn hải sản
“Dee Voong Tow an hai sahn”
Go to Vung Tau to eat seafood
Common saying about Vung Tau's famous fresh seafood
Did You Know?
Vung Tau was called Cap Saint-Jacques during French colonial times
The Christ statue is slightly smaller than Rio's Christ the Redeemer
The city is a major center for Vietnam's offshore oil industry