VUNG TAU CITY VIETNAM – THE ESSENTIAL TRAVEL GUIDE 2019

Vung Tau City is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Vietnam. Each year, Vung Tau City attracts millions of tourists because of its natural beauty. If you are planning a summer holiday, you must add Vung Tau City in your consideration list. This article will provide you with all the essential information you need to design a trip to Vung Tau City. Let’s get started.

I. OVERVIEW OF VUNG TAU CITY, VIETNAM

Vung Tau is a coastal city in the southeastern region of Vietnam. Being the largest city of Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province and is just about 120 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau becomes the perfect destination for a day trip escape from the hustle and bustle city. In the 14th and 15th century, a lot of European trading ships visited this city which inspired the name “Vung Tau”, meaning “anchorage”. Today, Vung Tau is well-known as a tourist spot in  Vietnam attracting millions of domestic and international visitors each year. Also, Vung Tau is an important economic center of Vietnam which plays a significant role in Vietnam’s offshore oil industry.

Vung Tau Map 

II. WHEN TO TRAVEL TO VUNG TAU CITY, VIETNAM

1. General Weather in Vung Tau

Vung Tau City has the tropical monsoon climate with 2 distinctive seasons: the monsoon season from May to October and the dry season from November to April. The average temperature is 27^oC with the hottest month experiencing a recorded maximum of 28.6^oC and the coldest month experiences a recorded minimum of  24.8^oC.

Average Temperature in Ho Chi Minh City – the nearest weather station from Vung Tau 

The dry season starts at the middle of December and ends in April. The rainy season in Vung Tau lasts from the middle of May to the end of November. The most west month is September. During these months, Vung Tau suffers from a lot of sudden, big rainfalls, which may ruin your plan for outdoor activities. The rainfall often goes with the typical extreme weather events of Southeast Vietnam including thunderstorm, lighting, and whirlwind. Under the influence of the worldwide climate change, the average temperature of the rainy season in Vung Tau is getting higher and higher. According to the annual weather report, the temperature in Vung Tau in 2018 is 0.6 to 1.2^oC  higher than the previous year.

Average precipitation in Ho Chi Minh City – the nearest weather station from Vung Tau 

2. The best time to visit Vung Tau City

Vung Tau is romantic in the Bong Gon Flower Season

From December to March is the greatest time to visit Vung Tau. During these months, the temperature is more pleasant and there is a little rain. In addition, the sky is clear as well as the sea is pretty calm. Therefore, it’s ideal for many outdoor activities and sightseeing. Especially in February, after the Tet Festival is the time of Bong Gon Flower season. The white flowers blossom along the roads, which makes Vung Tau looks romantic as in the picture. Vietnamese young people favor visiting Vung Tau at this time to take the beautiful picture. 

December is the low season and the best time to visit Vung Tau

Another good period of time to visit Vung Tau is from March to June. This time is in the dry season, so the temperature is pretty high. However, the sea looks much more beautiful under the sunlight. From May to June the wind is strong, which brings you the wonderful chances of kitesurfing. Take it into consideration that this time is the high season of Vung Tau. During the weekends or special occasions, the number of tourists coming to Vung Tau increases significantly which often leads to overloading and the rise of tariff for hotel accommodations and tourism services and so you should plan and book much ahead. One important note is that remember to check the weather forecast to avoid tropical storms when visiting Vung Tau.

III. HOW TO GET TO VUNG TAU CITY VIETNAM

1. Getting to Vung Tau City from Ho Chi Minh City

There are 3 main ways to get to Vung Tau from Ho Chi Minh City.

a. Getting to Vung Tau City by motorbikes

Vung Tau City is just about 120 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City so motorbikes are the most preferred means of transport by a lot of tourists to enjoy the freedom and the beauty of landscapes along the road. The journey can take from 2 to 3 hours. If you do not have your own motorbike or car you can rent one at the rental shops in Ho Chi Minh City. The price can fluctuate from VND 80,000 to VND 200,000 per day depending on the types of motorbike. These are some renowned and licensed rental shops in Ho Chi Minh City:

Bao Long Shop
Address: No. 54B, Phan Huy Ich Street, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: (+84) 908 188 130 or (+84) 918 198 079

Vi Na Shop
Address: No. 263, Nguyen Trong Tuyen Street, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: (+84) 946 666 566

b. Getting to Vung Tau City by shuttle bus

c. Getting to Vung Tau City by hydrofoil

Because of the time saving and novel experience, today, more and more tourist get to Vung Tau by hydrofoil. The hydrofoil will departure at Nha Rong Harbor (No. 05, Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City) and the journey lasts for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. There are 2 companies providing the hydrofoil services to Vung Tau 

d. Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) to Vung Tau by ferry boat

Taking the ferry boat or speedboat to Vung Tau is the fastest way to Vung Tau, which takes you about 1.5 hours. The price is around VND 200,000 to VND 260,000. The children under 6 years old are free and children of the age from 6 to 11 years old are half-priced. When traveling by boat, remember to come to the ferry terminal at least 30 minutes before departure. Vung Tau Ferry Terminal is at No. 12/1 Tran Phu Street.

Here are 3 most popular ferry operators in Vung Tau:

PertoexpressGreenlinesVinaexpress

2. Getting to Vung Tau City from Hanoi

a. Getting to Vung Tau City by shuttle bus

b. Getting to Vung Tau City by plane

The distance between Hanoi to Vung Tau City is over 1,700 kilometers and travel by shuttle bus takes over 30 hours to get to Vung Tau City. Therefore, the plane is chosen by a lot of tourists to save time despite the higher price (from VND 1,000,000 to VND 2,500,000 depending on the brand of airline and the time you book the ticket). After coming to Tan San Nhat International Airport, you can choose among three ways to get to Vung Tau City from Ho Chi Minh City as mentioned above.

There are three domestic airlines operating in Vung Tau including Vietnam Airline, Jetstar Pacific, and VietJet Air. In the near future, the new airline in Vietnam – Bamboo Airway will launch the new airway to Vung Tau.

IV. TOP BEAUTIFUL BEACHES IN VUNG TAU, VIETNAM 

a. Back Beach

Back Beach is well-known for its smooth and long white sand-dunes with the gentle waves. Moreover, this is a busy and bustling place where a lot of big resorts, eating area, and entertainment services are located. For these reasons, Back Beach attracts so many tourists each year, especially in summer.

b. Front Beach

Front Beach is located in the center of Vung Tau City with high population density and busy commercial areas, which leads to huge pollution in Front Beach. Therefore, if you want to swim and bathe, Back Beach is the more suitable place. However, Front Beach is still the ideal place to see the sunset and walk along the beach.

c. Ho Coc Beach

Ho Coc Beach is located in Xuyen Moc District about 40 kilometers from Vung Tau City. It is famous for its novel and primitive beauty as well as the pure water and comfortable weather around the year. Besides, the primary cajuput forest next to the coast,  the beach also offers a romantic ambiance because of its natural allure.

d. Suoi O Beach

Suoi O Beach is also a beautiful beach in Xuyen Moc District. This is one of the rare beaches having both freshwater spring and the coast with yellow sand-dunes. Once you come to this beach, you will definitely fall in love with its unique beauty.

e. Con Dao

Con Dao is a beautiful island located about 180 kilometers from Vung Tau City. Today, Con Dao is well-known for crystal-like water, long white sand-dunes under the shadow of coconut trees. With the wild beauty without any tourism services’ influence, Con Dao is a tourist paradise in Vietnam. From Vung Tau City, you can easily take a boat ticket to Con Dao with the price of VND 350,000.

V. THINGS TO DO IN VUNG TAU, VIETNAM 

1. Exploring Vung Tau Nightlife like the locals 

Despite being one of the most popular beaches in Vietnam, Vung Tau nightlife is not as animated as expected. When the night falls, the city is pretty peaceful. The road is full of couples hand in hand. Most travelers choose to admire the beauty of Vung Tau nightlife from the lighthouse. Some opt for exploring street food.

To discover the true beauty of Vung Tau at night, let’s go for a walk along the beach, refresh yourself with the cool weather blowing from the sea. Then, drop in a small restaurant to enjoy the delicious seafood. Don’t forget to try the snail ad grilled oyster which no first-time visitor want to miss out.

2. Joining the Nightlife Party in Vung Tau Bars & Clubs

Unlike Nha Trang, Vung Tau is not a mecca for the party animal. Vung Tau nightlife is also not as animated and fascinated as Saigon or Danang. There are a handful of bars and clubs in Vung Tau.

Vung Tau Beach Club

Located on the Back Beach, Vung Tau Beach Club is not the best beach bar but a professional water sports as well as surf SUP Kitesurfing school. Opened in 2006, Vung Tau Beach Club is the valuable gem with great spirit and alcohol list. In addition, many people like it because of the great music and the perfect relaxing atmosphere.

Address: No. 8 Thuy Van, Back Beach, Vung Tau, Vietnam (Opposite Circle K)
Tel:  (+84) 1218563653

Black Pearl Bar Vung Tau

Black Pearl Bar is one of the hottest nightspots in Vung Tau thanks to its awesome entertainment and pirate decoration style which was inspired by Disney’s Pirates of the Carribean movies. The bands here can play a lot of types of music but occasionally they like playing rock and popular pop. This bar serves both daily drink specials and an extensive drinks menu which many people complain that the prices are ridiculously expensive. Sometimes, the music is commented that it’s too loudly.

Address: No. 64 Ha Long Street, Ward 02, Vung Tau
Prices: 200.000 – 500.000 VND
Opening hours:  19:00  – 00:30 ( Live music from 21:00 )
Phone: (+84) 937 882 264

Gazebo Beach Front Lounge & Cafe Vung Tau

This great lounge offers you a magnificent sea view as well as sunset getaway with incredible twilight. Gazebo Beach Front Lounge & Cafe is famous for its great lounge jazz music. Visitors here also impress with the stage of Hip Hop and Deep House music here. Unlike other lounges in Vung Tau, Gazebo servers coffee, cocktails, and other types of drinks from the early morning. Stay here until 19:00 if you want to enjoy the live music show.

Address: No. 90 Ha Long Street, Ward 02, Vung Tau
Opening hours: Cafe: 07:00 – 19:00; Bar: 19:00 – 02:00
Price: VND 100,000 – VND 500,000

3. Experiencing Vung Tau Casino- The Grand Casino

Located at the resort complex near Ho Coc Beach, The Grand Casino is a premier gaming destination in Vung Tau. Being beautifully adorned, this casino brings the comfortable moments to the visitor. The Grand Casino features 500 exciting slot machines and 90 tables games. You can opt for many games including Baccarat, Roulette, Sic Bo, Blackjack. There are some special games you should try such as Ho Tram Stud Poker Progressive, Ho Tram Hold’em Poker Progressive and ETG Roulett. This Vung Tau Casino offers an extra level of privacy high limit tables in addition to complimentary food and beverage for the premium customer.

Address: Phuoc Thuan, Xuyen Moc, Ba Ria Vung Tau, Vietnam
Tel: (+84)254 378 8888
Fax: (+84) 254 378 8669
Email: [email protected]

4. Joining Vung Tau Paradise Golf

Featuring the Taiwanese design, Vung Tau Paradise Golf Resort is the first seaside golf course in Vietnam. With the 27 hole layout and decent practice facilities with full putting, chipping, driving range, Vung Tau Paradise Golf Resort is suitable for golfers of all levels. The advantage of this golf resort is the spectacular ocean view. In addition, the clubhouse in this resort has a wonderful restaurant offering some unique Vietnamese cuisine, seafood, and cold beer. What’s more, the Massage, Sauna and Spa Center together with Swimming Pool are the nice places for you to relax after golf.

If you prefer playing golf near the pristine beaches while enjoying the cool, fresh air breezing from the sea will be an unforgettable experience, a 2-day golf tour in Paradise Marina Club, Vung Tau is the perfect choice for you.

5. Visiting Statue of Jesus Christ

Statue of Jesus Christ is the highest statue in Asia with the height of 32 meters and also the mini version of Statue of Jesus Christ in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. You have to walk through 1000 steps to get to the foot of the statue and a spiral staircase with 133 steps to get to the hands of the statue where you can enjoy the best view of the sea and Vung Tau City.

6.  Admiring the beauty of the city at night from Vung Tau Lighthouse

Located in the top of Small Mountain, Vung Tau Lighthouse is well-known for its impressive architecture colored in white. When you reach to the balcony at the top of the lighthouse, you can see the 360-degree vista of the Vung Tau City and the sea.

7. Visiting Thich Ca Phat Dai Pagoda

Thich Ca Phat Dai Pagoda is located in the top of Big Mountain of Vung Tau City. This pagoda’s beauty is the harmonious combination of Buddhist architecture and natural landscapes. If you are a Buddhist or you want to explore about Vietnamese Buddhist culture, you definitely visit this pagoda.

8. Combining your trip with Mekong Delta Tour

5-day is an ideal duration for you to experience a little taste of the Vietnamese culture from Ho Chi Minh (the dynamic, fascinating city), to Vung Tau (the stunning coastal city), and to Mekong Delta (the miracle agriculture land and the biggest rice bowl of Vietnam). You will visit some famous tourist attractions including  Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral,  Saigon Central Post Office, Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh. Then, let’s drive to Vung Tau beach city for short beach escape. After that, you will cruise the riverboat to discover My Tho, take a hand-rowed sampan to admire the beauty of Ben Tre, and visit Vinh Trang Pagoda.

VI. VUNG TAU FESTIVALS

Each year, the local people in Vung Tau City held a lot of traditional festivals to represent the folk religion and traditional culture. These festivals attract a plenty of local residents as well as tourists coming to thurify and enjoy the festive atmosphere with many traditional games as well as cultural activities. Here are some well-known festivals that you should join in if travel to Vung Tau City.

1. Tran Hung Dao Festival

This festival is held to be dedicated to Tran Hung Dao – the great general of Vietnam who contributed a lot to protect Vietnam’s freedom.

Time: 20th August of the Lunar Calendar

Place: No. 68, Ha Long Street, Ward 2, Vung Tau City, Vietnam

2. Dinh Co Festival

This is a festival held in Dinh Co Temple which is located in the coast of Long Hai Beach and well-known for its unique architecture.

Time: 10th – 12th February of the Lunar Calendar

Place: Long Hai Town, Long Dien District, Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province, Vietnam

3. Nghinh Ong Festival

This is the biggest water festival of fishermen in Vung Tau City to pray for a year of bumper fishing.

Time: 16th – 18th August of the Lunar Calendar

Place: Ca Ong Tomb, Hoang Hoa Tham Street, Ward 2, Vung Tau City, Vietnam

VII. WHERE TO STAY IN VUNG TAU CITY, VIETNAM

Accommodation in Vung Tau is absolutely diverse so depending on your budget and demand, you can easily choose an appropriate accommodation for your trip. Here are some recommendations for resorts, hotels, and apartments having good review from tourists recently.

1. Well-served resorts in Vung Tau City

a. Lan Rung Spa & Resort – A European-style resort with private beach

Highlight: Seaside resort with private beach, European architecture, a year-round outdoor swimming pool, and all modern  facilities (all units have air conditioning, a desk, flat-screen TV with cable channels, an electric kettle, a minibar, and an en-suite bathroom), The resort serves a variety of dishes including Western, Asian, Vietnamese and seafood.

Suitable for: Couples, family, and small groups
Price: From VND 1,616,000/couple/night/room.
Address: No. 3-6, Ha Long Street, Ward 2, Vung Tau City, Vietnam
Tel: (+84) 254 3526 010

Review rating:

b. The Wind Boutique Resort – One of the top picks in Vung Tau City

Highlight: Cozy and modern architecture, great view of the mountain and tropical gardens, 2 outdoor swimming pools and just about 10 minutes to get to the beach by free shuttle bus, this resort offers  a hot tub, steam room, sauna, gym, billiards, a children’s playroom, board games room, and table tennis inside the campus.

Suitable for: Newly married couples, family, and small groups
Price: From VND 1,431,000/couple/night/room.
Address: No. 84-B10, Phan Chu Trinh Street, Ward 2, Vung Tau City, Vietnam
Tel: (+84) 254 3858 859

Review rating:

c. Leman Cap Resort & Spa – one of the best villas for relaxation in Vung Tau City

Highlight: Modern French architecture with neutral palettes, great view of the ocean and surrounding gardens with complete set of modern amenities, and a good restaurant serving an array of local and Western delicacies, this resort offers a quiet and private space.

Suitable for: Couples and family

Price: From VND 1,881,000/couple/night/room.

Address: No. 60, Ha Long Street, Ward 2, Vung Tau City, Vietnam

Tel: (+84) 254 3513 136

Review rating:

2. Rental apartment in Vung Tau City

If you plan a long holiday to Vung Tau City with your family or group of best friends, the rental apartment in Vung Tau City is a great choice for you because of its cozy and private space.

a. Thuy Tien Seaview Apartment – A favorite place for families with kids

Highlight: An apartment with 2 bedrooms and a kitchen with complete facilities, spacious view of sea and forest, good location and situated near great restaurants and Vung Tau City’s iconic landmarks.

Suitable for: Family with kids

Price: From VND 1,441,000/apartment/night/room.

Address: Unit 513, Floor 5, Thuy Tien Building, No. 84, Tran Phu Street, Ward 5, Vung Tau City, Vietnam

Review rating:

b. Lotus Apartment – A mini apartment for couples

Highlight: A mini apartment with a small kitchen and modern amenities, along with housekeeping and dry cleaning services.

Suitable for: Couple

Price: From VND 617,000/apartment/night/room.

Address: No. 6/11, Nguyen Du Street, Ward 1, Vung Tau City, Vietnam

Tel: (+84) 254 3812 979

Review rating:

c. Blue Sapphire Apartment – A minimalist-architecture apartment

Highlight: Modern design following minimalist style, including 2 bedrooms, a kitchen and a living room with great view of the sea and surrounding areas

Suitable for: Family with kids and group of friends

Price: From VND 1,779,000/apartment/night/room.

Address: Unit A305, Blue Sapphire Resort Zone, 79 D5 Street, Ward 10, Vung Tau City, Vietnam

Tel: (+84) 903 368 469

Review rating:

3. Hotels in Vung Tau City with reasonable price

a. Sunvilla Hotel – One of the best-rated hotel in Vung Tau City

Highlight: Just 10 minutes walking from the beach, spacious rooms with complete facilities, having a garden with outdoor furniture to relax.

Suitable for: Couple, family with under 2 children and small group

Price: From VND 365,000/couple/night/room.

Address: No. 9B, Phan Chu Trinh Street, Ward 2, Vung Tau City, Vietnam

Tel: (+84) 968 396 839

Review rating:

b. Star Motel – Less money, more benefit

Highlight: Great location, just 2 minutes walking from the beach, near many tourist attractions in Vung Tau City, pristine view of surrounding areas, and differenttypes of fully-equipped rooms.

Suitable for: Couple, family, group of friends

Price: From VND 265,000/couple/night/room.

Address: No. 129/1, Phan Chu Trinh Street, Ward 2, Vung Tau City, Vietnam

Review rating:

c. VeeVoo Hotel – A favorite hotel for couples

Highlight: Modern design, spacious room with complete facilities, just 2 minutes walking from the beach.

Suitable for: Couple

Price: From VND 470,000/couple/night/room.

Address: No. 47, Phan Van Tri Street, Tam Thang Ward, Vung Tau City, Vietnam

Tel: (+84) 254 3586 000

Review rating:

VIII. WHAT TO EAT IN VUNG TAU CITY, VIETNAM

1. Top 3 must-try dishes in Vung Tau City

  a. Seafood

Vung Tau is a coastal city. Therefore, seafood is an absolute-try dish when you are in Vung Tau. There are a lot of seafood restaurants in Vung Tau from luxury to budget restaurants. Here are some good restaurants in Vung Tau City:

Ganh Hao Restaurant
 A famous seafood restaurant in Vung Tau City. The dishes here are a bit more expensive compared to other restaurants, but the quality always is rated at the top.
Price: VND 300,000 – VND 1,600,000.
Address: No. 03, Tran Phu Street, Ward 5, Vung Tau City, Vietnam
Tel: (+84) 254 3550 909
Open hours: 07:00 hrs – 23:00 hrs

Xom Luoi Market
A seafood market where seafood from the fishing boats is sold. You can choose fresh seafood and the sellers will process it at cooking stalls inside the market, then you can bring it to the beach and enjoy it amidst the beauty of the shoreline.
Price: VND 50,000 – VND 300,000.
Address: Nguyen Cong Tru Street, Ward 2, Vung Tau City, Vietnam
Open hours: 05:00 hrs – 18:00 hrs

b. Lau Ca Duoi – The stingray hotpot Vietnam

Stingray hotpot is a popular folk food in Vung Tau City. It has a distinctive taste because of the combination of a lot of ingredients including stingray, baby bamboo soup, chili, pepper, and some kinds of herbs. Here is one of good stingray hotpot restaurants in Vung Tau City:

• Hoang Minh Restaurant: A stingray hotpot restaurant within reasonable price and diverse menu

Price: VND 180,000/hotpot

Address: No.40, Tran Cong Dinh Street, Ward 3, Vung Tau City, Vietnam

Open hours: 09:00 hrs – 22:30 hrs

c. Banh Khot Vung Tau – Vung Tau mini pancake

Banh Khot is not a novel dish with many tourists because you can eat it in many places. However, Banh Khot Vung Tau is still the best version of Banh Khot with the original taste which you should try when get to Vung Tau City.

Banh Khot Co Ba Vung Tau: A famous Banh Khot eatery in Vung Tau City
Price: VND 40,000 – VND 90,000
Address: No.01, Hoang Hoa Tham Street, Ward 3, Vung Tau City, Vietnam
Open hours: 07:00 hrs – 22:00 hrs

Banh Khot Goc Vu Sua: A long-standing eatery with tasty pancake
Price: VND 50,000
Address: No. 14, Nguyen Truong To Street, Ward 12, Vung Tau City, Vietnam
Open hour: 07:00 – 20:00

2. Top 3 great cafes in Vung Tau City

MILLA Nakedsoul

a. MILLA Nakedsoul – The best place to see the sunset in Vung Tau City

MILLA Nakedsoul is a seaside cafe which is considered as the best place to see the sunset in Vung Tau City. When you come to MILLA Nakedsoul, you can listen to the sound of the wave and drink a cup of cocktail while enjoying the scene of an afternoon by the sea.

Price: VND 35,000 – VND 100,000

Address: No. 30, Ha Long Street, Ward 2, Vung Tau City, Vietnam

Open hours: 17:00 hrs – 23:30 hrs

b. Bohemiens Cafe – A quiet place in the small alley of Vung Tau City

Bohemiens Cafe is the place for those who are tired with the noise and the crowd of the city. When you come to Bohemiens Cafe, the old decorations such as first-version TVs, bicycles of Thong Nhat Brand, ancient cameras, books, and many other antique itemswill remind you about the childhood. Despite the small area of the cafe, each guest still gets the separated space to enjoy the cup of coffee in their own way.

Price: VND 15,000 – VND 35,000

Address: No. 155/2, Bacu Street, Ward 4, Vung Tau City, Vietnam

Open hours: 07:00 hrs – 22:00 hrs

c. Black & White Coffee – The perfect combination of classical and modern architecture

Black & White Coffee is decorated by 2 main colors: black and white which create the sense of nostalgia. Many tourists said that this is a quiet place with spacious areas to enjoy coffee in your own style and the cafe is absolutely suitable with those who love selfie.

Price: VND 25,000 – VND 45,000

Address: No. 91, Ba Trieu Street, Ward 4, Vung Tau City, Vietnam

Open hours: 07:30 hrs – 22:00 hrs

VII. About Lux Travel DMC Ltd

Lux Travel DMC, the multi-award winning luxury tour operator offers tailor-made holiday packages to Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries. Consequently, Vung Tau tour by Lux Travel DMC is 100% private and designed especially for you as per your preferences. . Share your needs with the travel experts of Lux Travel DMC and the experienced team will design your itinerary for an unforgettable vacation at Vung Tau. Get in touch with Lux Travel DMC to plan your Vietnam tour or Vung Tau tour in particular.