Vung Tau beach with Christ statue on hill
Beach
South Vietnam

Vung Tau

Beach getaway popular with Saigon locals, featuring seafood, the Jesus statue, and easy weekend escape vibes.

1-2 days perfect
$30-50 per day
Weekend escape
Where to Stay

Overview

Vung Tau is Saigon's beach - the closest stretch of sand to Vietnam's largest city and a weekend escape for millions. The beaches aren't Vietnam's prettiest, but they're accessible, the seafood is excellent, and there's something endearing about this working-class seaside town with a giant Jesus statue watching over it.

For travelers, Vung Tau works as a quick beach break from HCMC or a ferry connection to Con Dao. The Russian oil industry presence adds an unexpected international flavor, while the old French lighthouse and Whale Temple add cultural interest beyond the beach.

Top Things to Do

1Climb to the massive Christ the King statue for panoramic coastal views
2Take the cable car to Ho May park on Small Mountain for hilltop amusements
3Visit the Whale Temple where local fishermen worship whale bones and maritime spirits
4Watch sunset from Back Beach with a cold beer and grilled seafood
5Explore the White Villa, a former French colonial governor's residence
6Walk the scenic coastal road connecting Front and Back beaches

Getting There & Around

By Air: No airport in Vung Tau. The closest is Tan Son Nhat in HCMC, about 100km away. High-speed ferry from HCMC is the popular choice.

By Train: No train service. High-speed hydrofoils from HCMC (District 1) take about 90 minutes and run multiple times daily. Bus from HCMC takes 2-2.5 hours.

Getting Around: Vung Tau is compact enough for motorbikes (80,000-120,000 VND/day) or bicycles. Grab works well. Walking connects the main beaches and seafood restaurants along the shore.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Destinations in South Vietnam