{"id":426,"date":"2026-01-13T03:00:40","date_gmt":"2026-01-12T18:00:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vietnam-gift.com\/?post_type=gallery&p=426"},"modified":"2026-08-02T00:40:43","modified_gmt":"2026-08-01T15:40:43","slug":"vung-tau","status":"publish","type":"area_post","link":"https:\/\/vietnam-gift.com\/en\/area_post\/vung-tau\/","title":{"rendered":"Vung Tau sightseeing guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

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 \u2014 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 caf\u00e9s, news, and souvenirs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location<\/th>Ph\u01b0\u1eddng V\u0169ng T\u00e0u, Ho Chi Minh City (about 100km southeast of downtown)<\/td><\/tr>
Characteristics<\/th>Weekend resort<\/td><\/tr>
Best season<\/th>December\u2013March (dry season: November\u2013April)<\/td><\/tr>
Suggested days<\/th>1\u20132 days<\/td><\/tr>
Language<\/th>Vietnamese (English also understood in tourist areas)<\/td><\/tr>
Currency<\/th>Vietnamese dong (VND)<\/td><\/tr>
Time difference from Japan<\/th>-2 hours<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What kind of town is Vung Tau?<\/h2>\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[Important] \"Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province\" No Longer Exists as of July 2025<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many Japanese-language guide articles still describe\"Vung Tau City, the capital of Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province,\"<\/strong>but this is nowincorrect<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under National Assembly Resolution 202\/2025\/QH15,Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province and Binh Duong Province were merged into Ho Chi Minh City<\/strong>, and the new systemhas been in effect since July 1, 2025<\/strong>. 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).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its current official status<\/th>Ph\u01b0\u1eddng V\u0169ng T\u00e0u (Vung Tau Ward), Ho Chi Minh City<\/td><\/tr>
Ho Chi Minh City after the merger<\/th>Area: 6,772.59km\u00b2 \/ Population: 14,002,598<\/td><\/tr>
Reorganization of the former Vung Tau City<\/th>Split into 4 wards (ph\u01b0\u1eddng) and 1 commune (x\u00e3)<\/td><\/tr>
Tourist center<\/th>Ph\u01b0\u1eddng V\u0169ng T\u00e0u (home to the Christ statue, lighthouse, and Bach Dinh)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

That said,the place name \"Vung Tau\" is still used normally<\/strong>. Local signage and bus destination boards still say \"V\u0169ng T\u00e0u,\" 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Front Beach and Back Beach \u2014 Two Very Different Stretches of Sea<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/th>Front Beach (B\u00e3i Tr\u01b0\u1edbc)<\/th>Back Beach (B\u00e3i Sau)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Location<\/td>Along Quang Trung Street, the town center<\/td>The east side of town, along Thuy Van Street<\/td><\/tr>
Orientation<\/td>A west-facing bay, flanked by two hills<\/td>Facing east to southeast<\/td><\/tr>
Swimming<\/td>Not suitable<\/strong><\/td>This is the main swimming beach<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Best for<\/td>Sunset, dining, evening strolls<\/td>Swimming, staying at a beachfront resort<\/td><\/tr>
Atmosphere<\/td>Relaxed<\/td>Busy, packed with tourists<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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<\/strong>, and this isn't something to take lightly \u2014 more on it in \"Best Season, Budget, and Trip Prep\" below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting to Vung Tau and getting around<\/h2>\n\n

Getting to Vung Tau haschanged significantly since 2026<\/strong>. Land routes have gotten faster, while sea routes have become uncertain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Car and bus \u2014 the expressway fully opened in May 2026<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Bien Hoa\u2013Vung Tau Expressway fully opened on May 18, 2026<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bien Hoa to Ba Ria<\/th>Cut to about 60 minutes<\/td><\/tr>
Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau<\/th>About 70 minutes<\/strong>(an estimate reported at the time of opening)<\/td><\/tr>
Conditions when it first opened<\/th>Speed limit 80km\/h; open only to passenger cars seating fewer than 9<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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 hours<\/strong>for the bus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The two major bus operators areHoa Mai<\/strong>andTo\u00e0n Th\u1eafng<\/strong>. One-way fares are generally100,000-150,000 dong<\/strong>, with 9-seat limousine service running a bit higher. Fares change frequently with promotions, so check booking sites each time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

High-speed boat \u2014 suspended in 2025; check before you rely on it<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was later reported that the operator proposed an alternative wharf and is awaiting a decision from authorities. \"S\u00e0i G\u00f2n \u2013 V\u0169ng T\u00e0u\" 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<\/strong>. Information in Japanese travel blogs mentioning \"4\u20136 sailings a day, 320,000\u2013350,000 dong\" may date from before the suspension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you're planning to use the high-speed boat, confirm directly with the operator before boarding.<\/strong>It's safer to assume the departure and arrival wharves have changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reliable sea route is the Can Gio ferry<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you want to arrive by sea,the sea ferry connecting C\u1ea7n Gi\u1edd and Vung Tau<\/strong>is the reliable option. You travel overland from central Ho Chi Minh City to Can Gio, then take the boat from there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Section<\/th>T\u1eafc Su\u1ea5t Wharf (Can Gio) \u21c4 Tr\u1ea7n Ph\u00fa Wharf (Vung Tau)<\/td><\/tr>
Duration<\/th>About 30 minutes<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Operating hours<\/th>6:00\u201322:00, roughly hourly (more frequent depending on demand)<\/td><\/tr>
Fee<\/th>70,000 dong on foot \/ 50,000 dong for a motorbike \/ 350,000 dong for a car<\/td><\/tr>
Number of boats<\/th>One more boat added in July 2025, bringing the fleet to 5<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It can carry motorbikes and cars, so it's also popular with touring travelers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you're heading on to Con Dao Island<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Vung Tau is also the gateway to Con Dao Island (C\u00f4n \u0110\u1ea3o). The high-speed boat \"Th\u0103ng Long,\" after a 5-month suspension,resumed service on February 26, 2026<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The new Long Thanh Airport isn't open yet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Long Thanh International Airport, currently under construction,<\/strong>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<\/strong>. Commercial operations are scheduled to beginDecember 1, 2026<\/strong>, with international flights moving over first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting around town<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Classic sightseeing spots in Vung Tau<\/h2>\n\n

The Christ Statue (T\u01b0\u1ee3ng Ch\u00faa Kit\u00f4 Vua) \u2014 Climb Inside a 32m Statue With Outstretched Arms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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<\/strong>, which sets it apart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Height of the statue<\/th>32m<\/strong>(about 36m including the pedestal)<\/td><\/tr>
Width of the outstretched arms<\/th>18.4m<\/td><\/tr>
Interior spiral staircase<\/th>133 steps<\/strong>(up to shoulder height)<\/td><\/tr>
Stone steps to the summit<\/th>Sources vary, roughly 800\u20131,000 steps<\/td><\/tr>
Construction<\/th>Construction began in 1972, was essentially complete by 1975, and after renovation the statue was formally inaugurated in December 1994<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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\"<\/strong>, 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<\/strong>. There's little shade during the day, so bring water and go in the morning or evening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There's a dress code.<\/strong>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 knees<\/strong>is required. When entering the statue,you must remove your shoes<\/strong>. Some visitors are turned away for trying to stop by straight from the beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vung Tau Lighthouse (H\u1ea3i \u0111\u0103ng V\u0169ng T\u00e0u) \u2014 A Watch Post Since 1862<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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<\/strong>, and is often described as the oldest lighthouse in Southeast Asia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bach Dinh \u2014 The White Former Governor's Residence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

1898<\/strong>This French-style residence, built in 1898, is known by the nickname \"White Palace.\" It sits along Tr\u1ea7n Ph\u00fa 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Niet Ban Tinh Xa (Nirvana Pagoda) \u2014 A 12m Reclining Buddha<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This pagoda was built partway up Nui Nho between 1969 and 1974, andfeatures a 12m-long reclining Buddha statue,<\/strong>which is why it's also called \"ch\u00f9a Ph\u1eadt N\u1eb1m\" (Reclining Buddha Pagoda). The grounds cover about 10,000m\u00b2, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ho May Park \u2014 Up Nui Lon by Cable Car<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All-day package (adult)<\/th>500,000 dong<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Children 1\u20131.3m tall<\/th>250,000 dong (free under 1m)<\/td><\/tr>
Hours<\/th>8:00\u201322:00 (attractions 8:00\u201318:00)<\/td><\/tr>
What's included<\/th>Round-trip cable car, electric shuttle, 70+ attractions, 7D cinema, and more<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Some travel blogs list 250,000\u2013400,000 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Model route for Vung Tau<\/h2>\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 1 \u2014 Beach on Arrival, Mountain in the Evening<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Time<\/th>Behavior<\/th>Notes<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
8:00<\/td>Depart Ho Chi Minh City<\/td>Via the expressway; about 2 hours by bus<\/td><\/tr>
10:00<\/td>Arrive in Vung Tau, drop bags at the hotel<\/td>Luggage can be held even before check-in<\/td><\/tr>
10:30<\/td>Swim at Back Beach<\/td>Always check where the black flags are before entering the water<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
12:30<\/td>Lunch: Banh khot<\/td>Places like G\u1ed1c V\u00fa S\u1eefa; can have long lines at peak times<\/td><\/tr>
15:00<\/td>Head to the Christ statue<\/td>Wear clothing covering shoulders and knees; about 800\u20131,000 stone steps<\/td><\/tr>
17:30<\/td>Sunset at Front Beach<\/td>This is the spot, since it faces west<\/td><\/tr>
19:00<\/td>Dinner: Seafood<\/td>Confirm price and weight before ordering<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Day 2 \u2014 See the Town, Then Head Back<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Time<\/th>Behavior<\/th>Notes<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
8:00<\/td>After breakfast, head to Bach Dinh<\/td>The white former governor's residence, overlooking the sea<\/td><\/tr>
10:00<\/td>Ho May Park or Niet Ban Tinh Xa<\/td>The former for families with kids, the latter for a walking tour<\/td><\/tr>
12:00<\/td>Lunch<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
13:30<\/td>Stroll along Thuy Van Street<\/td>Recently redeveloped, completed in late 2025<\/td><\/tr>
15:00<\/td>Pick up banh bong lan trung muoi as a souvenir<\/td>Fine at room temperature if you'll eat it the same day<\/td><\/tr>
16:00<\/td>Depart Vung Tau<\/td><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food and specialties of Vung Tau<\/h2>\n\n

Banh Khot \u2014 The Town's Signature Dish<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The name comes from the\"kh\u1ecdt kh\u1ecdt\" sound<\/strong>made when removing the cooked batter from the mold. Banh khot itself is eaten across southern Vietnam, butVung Tau's version is the most famous<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What sets the Vung Tau version apart isa thinner batter than other regions use,<\/strong>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n