Vung Tau Travel Guide 2026: Beach Escape Near Ho Chi Minh City

Vung Tau is Ho Chi Minh City's beach. Just 2 hours southeast of the metropolis, this coastal city is where Saigonese escape on weekends for seafood, swimming, and sea breezes. It's not Vietnam's prettiest beach destination, but it's the most accessible from the south's biggest city.

Once a French colonial retreat called Cap Saint-Jacques, Vung Tau retains some of that heritage in its lighthouse, villas, and the enormous Christ the King statue that overlooks the city. For travelers, it's either a quick beach break from Ho Chi Minh City or a jumping-off point for ferries to Con Dao.

Quick Facts

• →Location: Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, Southern Coast
• →Coordinates: 10.3460°N, 107.0843°E
• →Region: South Vietnam
• →Best Time to Visit: November to April (dry season)
• →Rainy Season: May to October
• →Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND) - $1 USD = 24,000 VND (2026 rates)
• →Population: 530,000
• →Nearest Airport: Tan Son Nhat (SGN), Ho Chi Minh City - 95km
• →From Ho Chi Minh City: 95km / 2 hours by car or 1.5 hours by hydrofoil

Why Visit Vung Tau

Vung Tau serves a specific purpose - beach access without flights or long bus rides from HCMC.

▸Closest Beach to HCMC

No other beach is as accessible from Ho Chi Minh City. You can leave in the morning, spend the day on the beach, and be back for dinner. Or stay overnight for a proper weekend escape.

▸Seafood Paradise

Fresh seafood at reasonable prices is Vung Tau's strength. The fishing fleet brings in daily catches, and restaurants along the beach serve it grilled, steamed, or in hot pot.

▸Con Dao Gateway

High-speed ferries to Con Dao depart from Vung Tau. If you're heading to Vietnam's most pristine islands, you'll likely pass through here.

▸Local Beach Culture

This isn't a tourist beach - it's where Vietnamese families vacation. The atmosphere is local, the prices are fair, and you'll experience a side of Vietnam that international tourists often miss.

Top Attractions

▸Christ the King Statue (Tuong Dai Chua Kito Vua)

A 32-meter Jesus statue on Small Mountain, arms outstretched over the city. Climb inside to reach the viewing platform at the arms for panoramic views. Similar to Rio's Christ the Redeemer but less famous.

• →Entry: Free
• →Steps: 800+ to reach the statue
• →Time needed: 1-2 hours
• →Tip: Go late afternoon for sunset views

▸Vung Tau Lighthouse

Built by the French in 1910, this working lighthouse on Small Mountain offers 360-degree views. The grounds are peaceful, and the colonial architecture is well-preserved.

• →Entry: $1
• →Time needed: 30 minutes
• →Best combined with: Christ statue (same mountain)

▸Front Beach (Bai Truoc)

The city's main beach, lined with hotels and restaurants. The water isn't the cleanest, but the promenade is pleasant for walking and the sunset views are good.

• →Entry: Free
• →Swimming: Possible but not ideal
• →Best for: Evening walks, sunset drinks

▸Back Beach (Bai Sau)

The better beach, stretching 8km along the eastern coast. Cleaner water, more swimming-friendly, and lined with seafood restaurants. This is where most visitors spend their beach time.

• →Entry: Free (beach chairs $2-3)
• →Length: 8km
• →Best for: Swimming, sunbathing, seafood

▸White Palace (Bach Dinh)

Former residence of French governors, later used by South Vietnamese presidents. The white colonial villa sits on a hill surrounded by gardens, with a small museum inside.

• →Entry: $2
• →Time needed: 1 hour
• →Architecture: French colonial

▸Ho May Park

A hilltop amusement park reached by cable car. The views are excellent, and there's a temple, gardens, and family attractions at the top. Touristy but fun.

• →Cable car: $10 round trip
• →Time needed: 2-3 hours
• →Best for: Families, views

Where to Stay

▸Back Beach (Best for Swimming)

Most visitors stay along Back Beach for easy beach access. Hotels range from basic to comfortable, with sea views common at mid-range prices.

Price range: $25-80/night

▸Front Beach (Most Convenient)

Closer to restaurants, the ferry terminal, and city attractions. The beach isn't as good, but the location is practical.

Price range: $20-60/night

▸City Center (Budget)

Cheaper options away from the beach. Fine if you're just passing through to Con Dao or want to save money.

Price range: $15-35/night

Food and Dining

Seafood is the star in Vung Tau. The fishing fleet ensures freshness, and competition keeps prices reasonable.

▸Must-Try Dishes

Banh Khot - Crispy mini pancakes topped with shrimp, Vung Tau's signature dish. Served with lettuce wraps and fish sauce. $2-3

Grilled Seafood - Choose from tanks at beachside restaurants. Prawns, squid, fish, scallops - grilled over charcoal. $8-20 depending on selection.

Lau Ca Duoi (Stingray Hot Pot) - Local specialty - stingray cooked in sour soup with vegetables. $10-15

Oc (Snails) - Various sea snails prepared a dozen ways. Point at what looks good. $3-5

Muc Mot Nang (One-Sun Dried Squid) - Squid dried briefly in the sun, then grilled. Chewy and flavorful. $5-8

▸Where to Eat

Ganh Hao - Famous for banh khot. Simple setting, perfect crispy pancakes. $2-4

Back Beach Seafood Row - Multiple restaurants with tanks of live seafood. Prices similar; pick one that's busy. $10-25

Quan Oc Dao - Popular snail restaurant. Wide variety, local crowd. $5-10

Lang Nuong Nam Bo - Grilled dishes on a breezy terrace. Good all-rounder. $8-15

Getting Around

▸Getting to Vung Tau

From Ho Chi Minh City:

• →Hydrofoil: 1.5 hours from Bach Dang pier, $12-15 (fastest, most scenic)
• →Bus: 2-2.5 hours, $4-6 (frequent departures)
• →Private car: 2 hours, $50-70
• →Motorbike: 2.5 hours (popular with locals)

To Con Dao:

• →High-speed ferry: 3.5 hours, $35-50 (daily departures)

▸Getting Around Vung Tau

Motorbike: Best way to explore. Rent for $5-8/day. The coastal roads are scenic.

Grab: Available throughout the city. $1-4 for most trips.

Walking: Front Beach area is walkable. Back Beach is long - you'll want transport.

Bicycle: Available at some hotels. Good for the promenade but hilly elsewhere.

Budget Guide

▸Budget Travelers ($30-45/day)

• →Guesthouse: $12-18
• →Local food and seafood: $8-12
• →Motorbike: $6
• →Beach and sights: $3-5

▸Mid-Range Travelers ($50-80/day)

• →Sea-view hotel: $35-50
• →Seafood restaurants: $15-25
• →Cable car/attractions: $10-15
• →Grab rides: $5-8

▸Weekend Trip from HCMC ($80-120 total)

• →Hydrofoil round trip: $25-30
• →One night hotel: $30-50
• →Meals and seafood: $20-30
• →Activities: $10-15

Practical Tips

▸Best Time to Visit

November to April: Dry season with calm seas. Best beach weather.

May to October: Rainy season with afternoon showers. Still visiteable but swimming can be rough.

Weekends: Very crowded with HCMC visitors. Weekdays are much quieter.

▸Hydrofoil Tips

• →Book in advance for weekends and holidays
• →Greenlines and Vina Express are reliable operators
• →The Bach Dang pier in HCMC is near District 1
• →Departure times are fixed - don't be late
• →Views from the upper deck are worth it

▸Beach Tips

• →Back Beach is cleaner than Front Beach
• →Bring your own towel (chair rentals often don't include)
• →Jellyfish can appear - ask locals about conditions
• →Evening is better than midday (less hot, better atmosphere)

▸Nearby Destinations

| Destination | Distance | Travel Time | Direction | |-------------|----------|-------------|-----------| | Ho Chi Minh City | 95km | 2 hours by car | Northwest | | Con Dao | 180km | 3.5 hours by ferry | Southeast | | Mui Ne | 150km | 3 hours by car | Northeast |

▸Common Mistakes

• →Don't expect pristine beaches - this is a local getaway, not a tropical paradise
• →Don't visit on weekends if you want peace - it's packed with HCMC residents
• →Don't skip the banh khot - it's better here than anywhere else
• →Don't swim at Front Beach if you can reach Back Beach
• →Don't forget to book ferries in advance for Con Dao

FAQ

Is Vung Tau worth visiting?

Yes, for the right expectations. It's a convenient beach escape from HCMC with great seafood. It's not comparable to Phu Quoc or Con Dao for beach beauty, but it's accessible and authentically Vietnamese.

How many days for Vung Tau?

1-2 days is enough. A day trip from HCMC works if you leave early. An overnight stay lets you enjoy sunset, seafood dinner, and morning beach time.

Vung Tau or Mui Ne?

Different purposes. Vung Tau is closer (2 hours vs 4-5 hours from HCMC) but less scenic. Mui Ne has sand dunes, kitesurfing, and better beaches. For a quick escape, Vung Tau. For a proper beach vacation, Mui Ne.

Can I take a ferry from Vung Tau to Con Dao?

Yes, high-speed ferries run daily (weather permitting). The journey takes 3.5 hours and costs $35-50 one way. Book in advance, especially during peak season.