Vung Tau is a seaside town in the south, about an hour and a half by car from Ho Chi Minh City. It's a laid-back beach resort where Saigon locals flock for the sea and seafood on weekends. From the Christ statue and lighthouse on the hilltop, you can look out over the town and the South China Sea — the perfect half-day to overnight getaway. This page covers everything from the town's overview and how to get around, to must-see spots, model itineraries, food, souvenirs, and the latest news, with links out to individual articles on cafés, news, and souvenirs.
| Location | Phường Vũng Tàu, Ho Chi Minh City (about 100km southeast of downtown) |
|---|---|
| Characteristics | Weekend resort |
| Best season | December–March (dry season: November–April) |
| Suggested days | 1–2 days |
| Language | Vietnamese (English also understood in tourist areas) |
| Currency | Vietnamese dong (VND) |
| Time difference from Japan | -2 hours |
What kind of town is Vung Tau?
Vung Tau is a seaside town at the tip of a peninsula jutting into the South China Sea, about 100km southeast of downtown Ho Chi Minh City. It's a working port town with an oil refinery base and a fishing harbor, but it's also a beach destination that draws families from Ho Chi Minh City on weekends.
[Important] "Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province" No Longer Exists as of July 2025
Many Japanese-language guide articles still describe"Vung Tau City, the capital of Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province,"but this is nowincorrect.
Under National Assembly Resolution 202/2025/QH15,Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province and Binh Duong Province were merged into Ho Chi Minh City, and the new systemhas been in effect since July 1, 2025. Both "Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province" and "Vung Tau City" have been abolished as administrative units. Vietnam as a whole now has a structure of 34 provinces and centrally governed cities (28 provinces plus 6 centrally governed cities).
| Its current official status | Phường Vũng Tàu (Vung Tau Ward), Ho Chi Minh City |
|---|---|
| Ho Chi Minh City after the merger | Area: 6,772.59km² / Population: 14,002,598 |
| Reorganization of the former Vung Tau City | Split into 4 wards (phường) and 1 commune (xã) |
| Tourist center | Phường Vũng Tàu (home to the Christ statue, lighthouse, and Bach Dinh) |
That said,the place name "Vung Tau" is still used normally. Local signage and bus destination boards still say "Vũng Tàu," so travelers won't run into any trouble. Just be careful when writing an address or when a province name is required for official paperwork.
Front Beach and Back Beach — Two Very Different Stretches of Sea
Vung Tau's coastline is like two different places on the west and east sides of the peninsula. Getting this mixed up can change how satisfying your stay is.
| Front Beach (Bãi Trước) | Back Beach (Bãi Sau) | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Along Quang Trung Street, the town center | The east side of town, along Thuy Van Street |
| Orientation | A west-facing bay, flanked by two hills | Facing east to southeast |
| Swimming | Not suitable | This is the main swimming beach |
| Best for | Sunset, dining, evening strolls | Swimming, staying at a beachfront resort |
| Atmosphere | Relaxed | Busy, packed with tourists |
Front Beach for sunset views, Back Beach for swimming. Hotels in these two areas have different characters too. Back Beach, however, hasa rip current problem, and this isn't something to take lightly — more on it in "Best Season, Budget, and Trip Prep" below.
Getting to Vung Tau and getting around
Getting to Vung Tau haschanged significantly since 2026. Land routes have gotten faster, while sea routes have become uncertain.
Car and bus — the expressway fully opened in May 2026
The Bien Hoa–Vung Tau Expressway fully opened on May 18, 2026. With the final 16km section connected, the roughly 54km route is now a single continuous road. Total project cost was about 17.8 trillion dong. It bypasses National Route 51, long a notorious bottleneck.
| Bien Hoa to Ba Ria | Cut to about 60 minutes |
|---|---|
| Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau | About 70 minutes(an estimate reported at the time of opening) |
| Conditions when it first opened | Speed limit 80km/h; open only to passenger cars seating fewer than 9 |
The "about 70 minutes" figure was an expected time reported at opening, not a measured result. Restrictions are expected to ease once supporting facilities are complete, but it isn't yet confirmed when larger vehicles or coaches will be allowed on. It's safer to still plan onaround 2 hoursfor the bus.
The two major bus operators areHoa MaiandToàn Thắng. One-way fares are generally100,000-150,000 dong, with 9-seat limousine service running a bit higher. Fares change frequently with promotions, so check booking sites each time.
High-speed boat — suspended in 2025; check before you rely on it
The high-speed boat (GreenlinesDP) connecting Bach Dang Wharf in Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau in about 2 hours was long a standard route. However,the route was suspended on May 5, 2025. The reason was that Wharf No. 2 at Bach Dang was handed over to contractors for construction of a pedestrian bridge over the Saigon River.
It was later reported that the operator proposed an alternative wharf and is awaiting a decision from authorities. "Sài Gòn – Vũng Tàu" still appears as a route on the operator's booking site, and the listed address on the Saigon side has changed to somewhere other than Bach Dang.While the route still appears live on the site, we were unable to confirm whether it has actually resumed. Information in Japanese travel blogs mentioning "4–6 sailings a day, 320,000–350,000 dong" may date from before the suspension.
If you're planning to use the high-speed boat, confirm directly with the operator before boarding.It's safer to assume the departure and arrival wharves have changed.
The reliable sea route is the Can Gio ferry
If you want to arrive by sea,the sea ferry connecting Cần Giờ and Vung Tauis the reliable option. You travel overland from central Ho Chi Minh City to Can Gio, then take the boat from there.
| Section | Tắc Suất Wharf (Can Gio) ⇄ Trần Phú Wharf (Vung Tau) |
|---|---|
| Duration | About 30 minutes |
| Operating hours | 6:00–22:00, roughly hourly (more frequent depending on demand) |
| Fee | 70,000 dong on foot / 50,000 dong for a motorbike / 350,000 dong for a car |
| Number of boats | One more boat added in July 2025, bringing the fleet to 5 |
It can carry motorbikes and cars, so it's also popular with touring travelers.
If you're heading on to Con Dao Island
Vung Tau is also the gateway to Con Dao Island (Côn Đảo). The high-speed boat "Thăng Long," after a 5-month suspension,resumed service on February 26, 2026. It departs Vung Tau at 7:30 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and Con Dao at 13:00 on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, with a journey of about 3 hours 30 minutes.
The new Long Thanh Airport isn't open yet
Long Thanh International Airport, currently under construction,sits about 70km from Vung Tau and will become the nearest international airport once it opens. However,as of August 2026 it still hasn't opened. Commercial operations are scheduled to beginDecember 1, 2026, with international flights moving over first.
You may see articles claiming "Long Thanh Airport is the nearest," but that's irrelevant if you're going now. The current reality is landing at Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) and continuing overland.
Getting around town
Vung Tau's main sights cluster at the tip of the peninsula, and the area around Front Beach is walkable. However, Nui Nho (Small Mountain), home to the Christ statue and lighthouse, and Nui Lon (Big Mountain), home to Ho May Park, both require a climb, so use a taxi or Grab from your hotel. Note thata Japanese international driving permit isn't valid in Vietnam, and a local license is required to ride or drive here. Don't casually rent a motorbike. Back Beach stretches far north to south, so walking it end to end isn't realistic.
Classic sightseeing spots in Vung Tau
The Christ Statue (Tượng Chúa Kitô Vua) — Climb Inside a 32m Statue With Outstretched Arms
This landmark, symbolic of Vung Tau, stands atop Nui Nho (176m elevation). With its arms spread horizontally, it resembles the one in Rio de Janeiro, but hereyou can climb inside the statue and step out at the shoulders, which sets it apart.
| Height of the statue | 32m(about 36m including the pedestal) |
|---|---|
| Width of the outstretched arms | 18.4m |
| Interior spiral staircase | 133 steps(up to shoulder height) |
| Stone steps to the summit | Sources vary, roughly 800–1,000 steps |
| Construction | Construction began in 1972, was essentially complete by 1975, and after renovation the statue was formally inaugurated in December 1994 |
You need to climb stone steps from the base to the summit. Japanese-language articles often cite "847 steps," butthe parish's official website says "about 1,000 steps", while Vietnamese-language sources cite 811. The counting seems to start from different points, and we couldn't pin down an exact figure. In any case, expecta fairly serious climb. There's little shade during the day, so bring water and go in the morning or evening.
There's a dress code.As this is a Catholic pilgrimage site, you won't be allowed in wearing shorts, above-the-knee skirts, tank tops, or other revealing clothing.Clothing that covers the shoulders and kneesis required. When entering the statue,you must remove your shoes. Some visitors are turned away for trying to stop by straight from the beach.
Vung Tau Lighthouse (Hải đăng Vũng Tàu) — A Watch Post Since 1862
This lighthouse stands on the same Nui Nho hill as the Christ statue, at an elevation of around 170m.It was built by the French in 1862 and rebuilt on its current site in 1913, and is often described as the oldest lighthouse in Southeast Asia.
From here you get a sweeping view of the town and the sea on both sides of the peninsula. The difference in terrain between Front Beach and Back Beach is easy to see from above. Admission is said to be free, and it's open until evening.
Bach Dinh — The White Former Governor's Residence
1898This French-style residence, built in 1898, is known by the nickname "White Palace." It sits along Trần Phú Street, a short climb uphill from Front Beach. The white building overlooks the sea, and its interior now houses exhibits. Admission is said to be around 15,000 dong, but we couldn't confirm this officially, so check locally.
Niet Ban Tinh Xa (Nirvana Pagoda) — A 12m Reclining Buddha
This pagoda was built partway up Nui Nho between 1969 and 1974, andfeatures a 12m-long reclining Buddha statue,which is why it's also called "chùa Phật Nằm" (Reclining Buddha Pagoda). The grounds cover about 10,000m², and the complex includes a 21m-tall tower and a 3.5-ton bronze bell. Combined with the Christ statue, it's fascinating that structures from different faiths coexist on the same hill in this town.
Ho May Park — Up Nui Lon by Cable Car
This theme park sits atop Nui Lon (Big Mountain), at an elevation of 250m. You ride a cable car up, and at the top you'll find an amusement park, an animal area, and a lake. It's a classic stop for families with kids.
| All-day package (adult) | 500,000 dong |
|---|---|
| Children 1–1.3m tall | 250,000 dong (free under 1m) |
| Hours | 8:00–22:00 (attractions 8:00–18:00) |
| What's included | Round-trip cable car, electric shuttle, 70+ attractions, 7D cinema, and more |
Some travel blogs list 250,000–400,000 dong, but the all-day package price confirmed on the operator's official site is the figure above. Lower prices you may see elsewhere are likely outdated or refer to a different plan.
Model route for Vung Tau
This itinerary assumes a one-night, two-day trip from Ho Chi Minh City. With the expressway now open, leaving in the morning means you can start exploring by late morning.
Day 1 — Beach on Arrival, Mountain in the Evening
| Time | Behavior | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 | Depart Ho Chi Minh City | Via the expressway; about 2 hours by bus |
| 10:00 | Arrive in Vung Tau, drop bags at the hotel | Luggage can be held even before check-in |
| 10:30 | Swim at Back Beach | Always check where the black flags are before entering the water |
| 12:30 | Lunch: Banh khot | Places like Gốc Vú Sữa; can have long lines at peak times |
| 15:00 | Head to the Christ statue | Wear clothing covering shoulders and knees; about 800–1,000 stone steps |
| 17:30 | Sunset at Front Beach | This is the spot, since it faces west |
| 19:00 | Dinner: Seafood | Confirm price and weight before ordering |
Day 2 — See the Town, Then Head Back
| Time | Behavior | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 | After breakfast, head to Bach Dinh | The white former governor's residence, overlooking the sea |
| 10:00 | Ho May Park or Niet Ban Tinh Xa | The former for families with kids, the latter for a walking tour |
| 12:00 | Lunch | |
| 13:30 | Stroll along Thuy Van Street | Recently redeveloped, completed in late 2025 |
| 15:00 | Pick up banh bong lan trung muoi as a souvenir | Fine at room temperature if you'll eat it the same day |
| 16:00 | Depart Vung Tau |
If swimming is your main goal, you'll likely enjoy the trip more by devoting all of day two's morning to the beach and limiting sightseeing to just one spot.
Food and specialties of Vung Tau
Banh Khot — The Town's Signature Dish
This dish is made by pan-frying bite-sized rice flour batter in a griddle with rows of small round wells. It's topped with shrimp, squid, or minced meat, wrapped in fresh herbs, and dipped in pickled vegetables and nuoc mam.
The name comes from the"khọt khọt" soundmade when removing the cooked batter from the mold. Banh khot itself is eaten across southern Vietnam, butVung Tau's version is the most famous. It was named one of "Asia's 12 most distinctive dishes" in 2011, and Vung Tau registered it as a collective trademark with Vietnam's Intellectual Property Office in 2017.
What sets the Vung Tau version apart isa thinner batter than other regions use,along with a wider variety of toppings. Being a fishing port town, local seafood goes into the mix. Traditionally, it's cooked over a wood fire.
- Gốc Vú Sữa(Gốc Vú Sữa) — An establishment of more than 30 years. The name comes from a large vú sữa (star apple) tree that stood in front of the shop
- Gốc Cây Đa(Gốc Cây Da)
- Cô Ba(Cô Ba)
- Cây Sung(Cây Sung)
Some articles explain the name Gốc Vú Sữa as coming from "using milk," butthis is incorrect. Vú sữa is the name of the star apple fruit, and the shop's name comes from the tree out front.
Seafood — Confirm Price and Weight First
As a fishing port town, seafood is abundant. One-day sun-dried squid (mực một nắng) is one specialty. That said, tourist-price disputes have actually occurred, so be careful how you order. Details are covered in "Best Season, Budget, and Trip Prep" below.
Banh Bong Lan Trung Muoi — Sponge Cake With Salted Egg
A sweet sponge cake withsalted eggbaked inside, this is the most classic Vung Tau souvenir. It has a distinctive flavor where sweetness, saltiness, and richness all hit at once. Old records trace its origin to versions first sold at Ben Dinh Market in 1968.
| Plain | 25,000–30,000 dong / box |
|---|---|
| With toppings | 35,000–60,000 dong / box |
| Main venues | Cây Cột Điện (long-established), Golden (28 varieties), Davi (12 locations) |
Souvenirs worth buying in Vung Tau
Vung Tau isn't a town known for crafts, so it's practical tostick to foodfor souvenirs.
| Item | Guide | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Banh bong lan trung muoi | 25,000–60,000 dong / box | The top classic choice.Being a fresh cake, though, it doesn't keep — only buy as much as you'll eat that day or the next |
| One-day sun-dried squid (mực một nắng) | Prices vary widely by shop | Needs refrigeration since it's only partly dried; keep it cool if taking it home |
| Dried fish (khô cá) | Same as above | Has a strong smell, so seal it well |
| Cashews and dried fruit | — | A general Vietnam souvenir; keeps well |
Since most options here don't keep well,fresh cakes and semi-dried seafood aren't well suited as souvenirs to bring back to Japan. It's better to buy more once you're back in Ho Chi Minh City, or treat Vung Tau's offerings as something to enjoy on the spot. Banh bong lan trung muoi does make a well-received gift for friends back in Ho Chi Minh City.
Latest topics from Vung Tau
Recent topics related to Vung Tau are covered in more detail in individual articles.
Best season, budget, and trip preparation
Best Season: December to March
Vung Tau hasclearly defined dry and rainy seasons. If the beach is your goal, go during the dry season.
| Month | High / Low (°C) | Rainfall | Rainy days | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29.3／23.1 | 4.3mm | 1.0 days | ◎ Best |
| February | 29.6／23.9 | 1.1mm | 0.4 days | ◎ Almost no rain |
| March | 30.6／25.5 | 5.2mm | 1.0 days | ◎ Longest sunshine |
| April | 32.0／26.8 | 34.0mm | 3.7 days | ○ Hot, but swimmable |
| May | 32.4／26.6 | 181.7mm | 14.3 days | △ Rainy season begins |
| June–September | Around 31 / around 25 | Over 200mm | 18–20 days | × Rainy season |
| October | 30.7／25.0 | 239.5mm | 16.9 days | × Wettest month of the year |
| November | 30.6／24.7 | 63.6mm | 6.8 days | ○ Improving |
| December | 29.8／23.6 | 16.4mm | 3.5 days | ◎ Best |
December to March is best. It hardly rains, temperatures are comfortable at 29–31°C, and sunshine hours are at their longest. From June to October, rainfall exceeds 200mm a month, and May sees close to 180mm too. During the rainy season, rougher waves and murkier water make it less suited for swimming. That said, the lowest temperature never drops below 23°C year-round, so swimming itself is possible any time of year.
[Important] Rip Currents at Back Beach — Know What the Black Flags Mean
Please don't skim past this section. Back Beach (Bãi Sau) isthe stretch of sea in this area with the highest concentration of "whirlpools" (ao xoáy),is how it is described.and the rip current speed here is about 2m/s. Even an adult cannot swim back against it.
There is a local warning system in place.
- Black flags (cờ đen) = danger zones. Rescue teams patrol daily and plant black flags at spots with whirlpools, deep water, or rip currents
- They also watch from elevated positions with binoculars and blow a whistle to warn swimmers of danger
- Never swim near a black flag. This is the single most important rule. Also follow lifeguard instructions, keep an eye on the day's waves and wind, and never take your eyes off children
As recently as April 2026, two tourists were swept out to sea and had to be rescued. It's now routine for city authorities to repeat warnings not to swim near the black flags during long holiday weekends.
Some Japanese-language travel blogs describe Back Beach as "calm and suitable for children and elderly visitors," butthis is inaccurate and dangerous. Front Beach is the calm one — but, conversely, it isn't used for swimming.
Guarding Against Seafood Overcharging
City authorities have explicitly declared a crackdown on "overcharging" (chặt chém), and there have been actual penalties. In May 2026, a restaurant that charged 12.5 million dong by serving more than customers ordered was sanctioned. There have also been cases of unlicensed stalls caught selling under-300g portions of shellfish for 150,000 dong, and ofrigged scales(ones that show 0.5 liters of water as nearly 1kg) being confiscated.
Protecting yourself is straightforward.
- ① Check the posted price before ordering
- ② Have items weighed in front of you
- ③ If a dish you didn't order arrives, refuse it on the spot
That said, authorities have also made clear that it isn't illegal if the price is posted and the customer agrees to order at that price. The basic rule is: if it seems expensive, don't order it. Note also that posting a false accusation on social media without verifying the facts can reportedly carry a fine of 10–20 million dong. This doesn't apply to reporting or seeking help after an actual case of overcharging.
Budget guide
| One-way bus from Ho Chi Minh City | 100,000-150,000 dong |
|---|---|
| Ferry from Can Gio | 70,000 dong (on foot) |
| Bánh khọt | Tens of thousands of dong per dish |
| Ho May Park, all day | 500,000 dong (adult) |
| 5-star hotel | From 1.7–2 million dong per night |
Vung Tau hotels and where to stay
Where you stay shapes how you experience Vung Tau. Choose based on whether you want to "swim in the sea" or enjoy "the town and sunset."
| Area | Nature | Suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Back Beach (along Thuy Van Street) | Concentrated with beach resorts; the sea right in front | For those whose main goal is swimming, and families with kids |
| Front Beach (town center) | Plenty of restaurants and easy to walk around; sunset views | For those who want to enjoy dining and the town atmosphere |
| Ho Tram / Long Hai (outskirts) | Large integrated resorts; a car ride from downtown | For those who want to stay in and relax, or golf |
Examples of actual hotels
- Fusion Suites Vũng Tàu— 5-star, right by Front Beach, with an infinity pool
- Pullman Vũng Tàu— A 5-star international chain
- The Imperial Vũng Tàu
- Marina Bay Vũng Tàu
- The Grand Hồ Tràm— A large resort on the outskirts
For 5-star class, expect roughly1.7–2 million dongper night and up — that's from the low tens of thousands of yen. We couldn't confirm typical rates for mid-range or budget options, but Vung Tau has plenty of accommodations aimed at domestic travelers, so choices are wide-ranging.
Weekends get crowded.Day-trippers and overnight visitors from Ho Chi Minh City concentrate here, so book Friday or Saturday nights early. On weekdays, conversely, the same hotels get considerably cheaper.
Vung Tau on the map
