Vung Tau, a captivating coastal city located just a short drive from Ho Chi Minh City, offers a refreshing escape with its beautiful beaches, historical landmarks, and vibrant local life. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or a longer holiday, this guide to Things to Do in Vung Tau will help you uncover the city’s best experiences, from iconic sights to hidden culinary gems.
Get ready to immerse yourself in the charm of this popular Vietnamese destination!
I. Iconic Landmarks & Must-Visit Attractions in Vung Tau
Vung Tau is rich in history and boasts several distinctive landmarks that offer stunning views and cultural insights.
1. Ascend to the Christ of Vung Tau (Christ the King Statue)
Perched atop Nho Mountain (Small Mountain), the Christ of Vung Tau is an imposing 32-meter-tall statue of Jesus Christ with outstretched arms, reminiscent of Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer. Visitors can climb nearly 1,000 steps to reach the statue’s base and then ascend 133 internal stairs to the statue’s shoulders for a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city and coastline. It’s an iconic Vung Tau sightseeing experience not to be missed.
2. Explore the Historic Vung Tau Lighthouse
Standing proudly on another peak of Nho Mountain, the Vung Tau Lighthouse is one of Vietnam’s oldest lighthouses, built by the French in 1862. A winding road leads to this charming white edifice, offering spectacular vistas of the city, beaches (Bai Truoc and Bai Sau), and the surrounding ocean. It’s a fantastic spot for Vung Tau photography, especially during sunrise or sunset.
3. Step Back in Time at Bach Dinh (White Palace)
Also known as Villa Blanche, Bach Dinh is a beautiful French colonial-era mansion nestled on a hillside overlooking Bai Truoc. Built in the early 20th century, this elegant historical building served as a retreat for French governors and later Vietnamese emperors. Today, it functions as a museum, showcasing antiques, ceramics, and providing a glimpse into Vietnam’s past.
4. Admire the Views from Mui Nghinh Phong (Nghinh Phong Cape)
Meaning “Cape welcoming the wind,” Mui Nghinh Phong is a picturesque cape offering stunning ocean views. It’s a natural gate connecting Bai Truoc and Bai Sau, providing refreshing breezes and dramatic cliffs. This location offers an ideal setting for appreciating the expansive ocean views and capturing unforgettable pictures.
5. Discover Tranquility at Hon Ba Island Temple
During low tide, a rocky path emerges from the sea, leading to the small Hon Ba Island where a sacred temple dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea stands. This unique spiritual site offers a fascinating experience as you walk across the seabed to reach it. Check tide schedules before planning your visit.
II. Beaches & Outdoor Activities in Vung Tau
Vung Tau is synonymous with its beautiful beaches, offering ample opportunities for relaxation and water-based fun.
6. Relax on Bai Sau (Back Beach / Thuy Van Beach)
Bai Sau stands out as Vung Tau’s most frequented and vibrant beach, spanning multiple kilometers. Its long sandy shores are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and various beach activities like parasailing and jet-skiing. You’ll find numerous hotels, resorts, and seafood restaurants lining the beachfront.
7. Stroll along Bai Truoc (Front Beach / Tam Duong Beach)
Though not as ideal for swimming as Bai Sau, Bai Truoc is the city’s scenic bay, famous for its picturesque promenade, lush trees, and vibrant sunset views. It’s a great spot for an evening stroll, enjoying street food, or simply watching the fishing boats come and go.
8. Find Serenity at Bai Dau (Mulberry Beach)
Often quieter than its counterparts, Bai Dau offers a more tranquil atmosphere. Surrounded by rocky cliffs and lush greenery, it’s a peaceful spot for swimming and enjoying the natural beauty.
9. Enjoy Sunset at Bai Dua (Pineapple Beach)
Bai Dua is a small, rocky cove known for its stunning sunset views. While not ideal for extensive swimming, it’s a perfect spot to relax, capture beautiful photos, and enjoy the tranquil evening ambiance.
10. Hike or Trek on Nui Lon (Big Mountain) & Nui Nho (Small Mountain)
Beyond the famous landmarks, both Nui Lon and Nui Nho offer various hiking trails, allowing adventurers to explore the natural landscapes, discover hidden pagodas, and enjoy different perspectives of the city and sea.
III. Fun & Entertainment in Vung Tau
Beyond the natural beauty, Vung Tau also offers various entertainment options for families and thrill-seekers.
11. Experience Thrills at Ho May Park
Located on the top of Nui Lon, Ho May Park is a multi-faceted entertainment complex accessible by cable car. It features an amusement park with thrilling rides, a water park, a beautiful flower garden, a mini-zoo, and stunning panoramic views. It’s a fantastic Vung Tau entertainment option for all ages.
12. Take a Scenic Cable Car Ride
The cable car to Ho May Park itself is an experience. Soaring above the city, it offers magnificent aerial views of Vung Tau’s coastline and urban landscape.
IV. Culinary Delights: What to Eat in Vung Tau
A visit to Vung Tau wouldn’t be complete without savoring its famous local dishes, particularly the fresh seafood.
13. Savor Authentic Banh Khot (Mini Savory Pancakes)
Banh Khot Vung Tau is a quintessential local delicacy. These small, crispy savory pancakes are made from rice flour, coconut milk, and turmeric, topped with shrimp, spring onions, and served with fresh herbs, lettuce, and a sweet and sour fish sauce. Don’t miss trying it at famous spots like Banh Khot Goc Vu Sua or Banh Khot Co Ba Vung Tau.
14. Indulge in Fresh Seafood at Xom Luoi Market
For an authentic Vung Tau seafood experience, head to Xom Luoi Market. This bustling local market offers an incredible array of fresh-from-the-ocean seafood. You can buy your preferred catch and have it cooked on the spot at one of the nearby eateries, ensuring an incredibly fresh and delicious meal.
15. Try Lau Ca Duoi (Stingray Hotpot)
A unique and popular dish in Vung Tau, Lau Ca Duoi is a flavorful hotpot featuring fresh stingray, bamboo shoots, and various herbs, all cooked in a sour and spicy broth. It’s a must-try for adventurous foodies.
16. Taste the Famous Banh Bong Lan Trung Muoi (Salted Egg Yolk Sponge Cake)
This simple yet incredibly addictive sponge cake, topped with salted egg yolk and often floss, has become a Vung Tau specialty. Grab some as a delicious snack or a souvenir for friends and family.
17. Explore Local Street Food
Beyond the signature dishes, Vung Tau’s streets are filled with various Vietnamese street food options, from grilled skewers and spring rolls to refreshing fruit shakes and traditional desserts.
V. Cultural & Unique Experiences
Delve deeper into the local culture and find some unique activities.
18. Wander Through the Local Markets
Beyond Xom Luoi, explore other Vung Tau markets like Vung Tau Market (Cho Vung Tau) to observe local life, discover fresh produce, and find interesting souvenirs.
19. Visit a Buddhist Pagoda (e.g., Thich Ca Phat Dai)
Vung Tau is home to several beautiful pagodas. Thich Ca Phat Dai is a serene Buddhist complex built into a mountainside, featuring a large Buddha statue and tranquil gardens, offering a peaceful retreat.
20. Capture Moments at Doi Con Heo (Pig Hill)
Doi Con Heo is a lesser-known but increasingly popular spot for its unique rugged landscape and panoramic views, especially loved by young travelers for stunning photoshoots.
21. Practical Tips for Your Vung Tau Trip
To make your Vung Tau trip as smooth as possible, consider these practical tips:
- Best Time to Visit: The dry season (November to April) offers the best weather for beach activities.
- Getting There: Vung Tau is easily accessible from Ho Chi Minh City by bus, private car, or hydrofoil.
- Getting Around: Taxis, Grab, Xanh SM (ride-hailing app), and rented motorbikes are common ways to explore the city.
- Accommodation: Vung Tau offers a wide range of hotels, resorts, and homestays to suit every budget, from luxurious beachfront resorts to cozy guesthouses.
- Cost: Vung Tau is generally an affordable destination, especially if you stick to local eateries.
RELATED: Top Retirement Cities in Vietnam: Guide to an Idyllic Golden Age
Planning Your Vung Tau Itinerary
Whether you have a day, a weekend, or longer, Vung Tau has enough to keep you entertained. A typical Vung Tau itinerary often involves:
- Day 1: Arriving, checking into your hotel, relaxing at Bai Sau, exploring the Christ of Vung Tau and Lighthouse.
- Day 2: Visiting Bach Dinh, enjoying Ho May Park, and indulging in a seafood feast at Xom Luoi Market.
- Extended Stay: Discovering more hidden beaches, exploring local pagodas, or taking a leisurely cooking class.
Vung Tau promises a delightful blend of relaxation, adventure, and culinary discoveries. With this comprehensive guide to Things to Do in Vung Tau, you’re well-equipped to plan an unforgettable escape to this charming Vietnamese coastal city. Enjoy your journey!
- Nearly 2,000 Japanese Beef Bowl Restaurants Closed Due to Mice and Insects in Food
- 5-Day Central Vietnam Motorbike Itinerary: Ride the Best of Vietnam
- Vietnam Digital Nomad Visa 2025: Guide to Remote Work Residency
- Top Retirement Cities in Vietnam: Guide to an Idyllic Golden Age
- Vietnam Travel Budget Tips: Magic on a Budget
