Vung Tau Vietnam is a city in Ba Ria – Vung Tau province, Southeast region. This is the economic, financial, cultural, and tourist center, and one of the economic centers of the province and the southern key economic region. Possessing two Big and Small mountains, many charming beautiful beaches and a warm climate all year round, Vung Tau is a famous tourist destination in the South with many locations such as the Statue of Christ the King (Vung Tau), Back Beach, Front Beach, Shakyamuni Buddha Dai…

 

1. Vung Tau: The bustling coastal city in Vietnam 

Vung Tau is a delightful coastal city in Vietnam that offers a perfect escape for beach lovers and adventurers alike. Its picturesque coastline features beautiful beaches, such as Back Beach and Front Beach, where you can relax under the sun and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze. The vibrant atmosphere is enhanced by stunning views of the surrounding hills and the impressive Christ the Redeemer statue standing tall above the city.

 

 

The culinary scene in Vung Tau is a highlight, with fresh seafood being a local specialty. From savory grilled snails to hearty hotpot dishes, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

 

 

As night falls, the city transforms into a lively hub, with bustling night markets and beachfront eateries serving up delicious local fare.

Whether you’re soaking up the sun, exploring the local culture, or indulging in mouthwatering dishes, Vung Tau is a captivating destination that promises memorable experiences for every traveler.

The best weather in Vung Tau is from November to April, at this time Vung Tau has very beautiful sunshine. So you can freely swim, take virtual photos, eat and drink everywhere without fear of the rain disturbing your trip.During this time, Vung Tau welcomes the Northeast monsoon, so the sun is beautiful and the wind is cool, perfect for the tour.

 

2.Travel to Vung Tau: Distance and Best Transport Options

2.1.From Can Tho to Vung Tau: 

The distance from Can Tho to Vung Tau is 252 km. The only option to travel from Can Tho to Vung Tau is by bus. Travel time from Can Tho to Vung Tau by bus is about 6 hours. Tourists have many choices when currently in Vietnam there are many bus companies traveling the Can Tho – Vung Tau route. However, visitors should note that they need to carefully consult the car companies because there are many types of vehicles such as passenger cars, sleeper cars, limos, etc. Depending on the type of car and car brand, there will be different quality and prices. different, visitors can refer to the following:

 

2.1.1.Bus Services

Several bus companies offer direct routes from Can Tho to Vung Tau, providing a comfortable and budget-friendly option.

• Phuong Trang (FUTA Bus Lines)
  • Price: Around 250,000 – 300,000 VND ($10 – $12) per person
  • Type of Vehicle: Sleeper bus or standard bus
  • Duration: Approximately 6 to 7 hours
  • Facilities: Reclining seats, air conditioning, Wi-Fi
• Thanh Buoi
  • Price: 240,000 – 280,000 VND ($10 – $11.50)
  • Type of Vehicle: Sleeper bus
  • Duration: 6 to 7 hours
  • Facilities: Air conditioning, reclining seats

 

2.1.2.Private Car or Taxi

Hiring a private car or taxi is a more flexible and comfortable way to travel from Can Tho to Vung Tau. It’s ideal for families or groups.

• Price: Around 2,500,000 – 3,500,000 VND ($100 – $150) per car
• Type of Vehicle: 4-seater, 7-seater, or 16-seater car
• Duration: 5 to 6 hours depending on traffic

 

In addition, to facilitate travel as well as arrange schedules with travel time, visitors can choose to go to Vung Tau by private car through travel agencies at affordable prices as well as possible. The schedule and daily activities in Vung Tau are arranged reasonably enough for visitors to experience the culture and life in Vung Tau. Travelers can refer to travel agency Asia Viva Travel for affordable offers. 

 

2.1.3.Motorbike (For Adventurers)

For those who enjoy adventure, traveling by motorbike can be an exciting option. However, it requires some stamina and caution. 

• Price: Daily rental options for around 150,000 – 200,000 VND/day ($6 – $8) and fuel cost around 200,000 – 300,000 VND ($8 – $12) for the trip
• Type of Vehicle: Motorbike (self-drive or rental)
• Duration: 6 to 7 hours

These are some of the most common ways to travel from Can Tho to Vung Tau. Each option offers a different experience depending on your budget and preferences.

 

2.2.From Ho Chi Minh to Vung Tau

Vung Tau is located about 88 km southwest of Ho Chi Minh City. So with such a close distance, tourists will often prepare a schedule for the Ho Chi Minh – Vung Tau tour. It is also very convenient for visitors to choose means of transportation between these two locations. tourists can choose to travel by motorbike/private car. However, according to Vietnamese law as well as to ensure safety, tourists should look for a driver who knows the road well and has a valid driver’s license. Please note that if you choose to travel by this means, it may take you a little more time to stay near the sea. 

In addition, if tourists want to go to Vung Tau to swim or visit beaches, it will be more convenient to choose to travel by ferry, with a total travel time of about 2 – 3 hours. 

Finally, another option is that visitors can choose to take the high-speed train with a travel time of about 2 or 2 and a half hours.

 

2.3. From other destinations to Vung Tau: By plane

Currently, Vung Tau Airport (VTG) does not operate commercial domestic or international flights. The airport is primarily used for helicopter services and aviation operations related to the oil and gas industry in the area. For travelers heading to Vung Tau, nearby airports are utilized instead. 

2.3.1. Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) – Ho Chi Minh City

Tan Son Nhat is the main airport serving Southern Vietnam for both domestic and international flights.

• Distance to Vung Tau: 95 km (approximately 2 hours by car)
• Domestic flight prices to Tan Son Nhat:
  • From Hanoi: Around 1,000,000 – 2,500,000 VND ($40 – $100), depending on the season and airline.
  • From Da Nang: Around 600,000 – 1,500,000 VND ($24 – $60).
• Flight frequency:
  • Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh: High frequency, with about 30 – 40 flights per day operated by VietJet Air, Vietnam Airlines, and Bamboo Airways.
  • Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh: Approximately 15 – 20 flights per day.

After arriving in Ho Chi Minh City, travelers can reach Vung Tau by bus, limousine, or taxi.

2.3.2. Can Tho Airport (VCA)

•  Can Tho Airport is a viable option for travelers from the Mekong Delta region heading to Vung Tau. However, after landing in Can Tho, further travel by road to Vung Tau is required.

 

• Distance to Vung Tau: 180 km (approximately 4 – 5 hours by car)
• Domestic flight prices to Can Tho:
  • From Hanoi: Around 1,200,000 – 2,500,000 VND ($48 – $100).
  • From Da Nang: Around 800,000 – 1,800,000 VND ($32 – $72).
• Flight frequency:
  • Hanoi to Can Tho: Around 6 – 8 flights per day from VietJet and Vietnam Airlines.
  • Da Nang to Can Tho: Approximately 2 – 3 flights per day.

 

3. Vietnam Vung Tau Attractions: Top Things to See and Do in This Coastal City

3.1.Christ the King statue

Stepping to the top of this Christ the King Statue, you will enjoy an extremely unique and beautiful architectural work. The statue of God stands on a 10m high concrete pedestal, with beautiful relief paintings below. Those are two paintings “The Last Supper” on the front and “God giving the key to Peter” on the back. To reach the top to admire the statue of Christ, visitors must pass nearly 800 steps. This can be considered a challenge for tourists who want to explore this beautiful scene. Asia Viva Travel encourages visitors to come here in the late afternoon or early dawn to see the beautiful coastal city of Vung Tau.

 

 

3.2.Vung Tau Lighthouse

Among the blue beaches of Vung Tau, the lighthouse that stands out is also the symbol of the city. The lighthouse is located on top of Nho Mountain (Vung Tau City), with a height of 170m, built by France more than 150 years ago. The road to the lighthouse is quite steep and winding, but the scenery on both sides of the road with many rows of cool shady trees creates a majestic, wild beauty, causing much excitement for tourists. In particular, visitors can enjoy the panoramic view of Vung Tau from many different angles. 

 

 

3.3.Front Beach

Front Beach is a very famous beach in Vung Tau city. With beautiful scenery, smooth white sand and clear blue sea water, Truoc Beach is especially located in the central location, so it attracts many tourists. Previously, this was the anchoring place for many types of fishing boats after returning, now only a few small boats remain. Therefore, visitors should wake up early to see the sunrise at sea and watch the fishermen return after an enthusiastic night of fishing at sea. The dynamic fishing village scene will be a great image to capture and start a new day full of energy. In addition, Bai Truoc beach is considered very clean to swim and play on the seaside. 

 

 

3.4.White Palace

 It will be an extremely big regret if you skip Bach Dinh ( White Palace) in your self-sufficient Vung Tau travel itinerary. Known in French as Villa Balanche, Bach Dinh was built from 1898 to 1916. Existing for more than 100 years, but for lovers of art in general and classical French architecture in particular, Bach Dinh is still an inspirational destination. After passing the 146 steps between two rows of old porcelain trees, Bach Dinh welcomes visitors with nostalgic architecture, with large pillars covered with white paint, an orange tiled roof that welcomes the golden sunlight, and door frames. elaborately carved windows and tiled floor.

 

 

3.5.Nghinh Phong Cape.

It seems that the beaches in Vung Tau always attract visitors, so there are many check-in points in Vung Tau city for tourists to visit, among them is Nghinh Phong Cape. Nghinh Phong Cape is also known by another name as Vung Tau Cape. Here visitors can admire the beautiful scenery with the sea in front and the mountains behind. Nghinh Phong is also called “Heaven’s Gate”, because behind the Golden Wall gate is a deep blue sky.

 

 

3.6.Niet Ban Tinh Xa pagoda

Visitors can learn more about spiritual culture in Vietnam when visiting Niet Ban Tinh Xa pagoda. Niet Ban Tinh Xa is also known as Reclining Buddha Pagoda, the pagoda was built from 1969 to 1974 on the slope of Nho mountain, the pagoda is located in the center of Bai Dua, with the front facing the vast, green sea. This is a massive and majestic spiritual project with an area of ​​nearly 10,000 square meters. All details and statues in the temple are elaborately sculpted with harmonious colors, creating a scene that is both solemn and ancient.

 

 

3.7.Long Hai Beach

Another pristine beach in Vung Tau for travelers who like to explore. Located in a quiet area, Long Hai beach is not as crowded as other beaches, creating a relaxing and pleasant space. The beach is about 3km long with smooth white sand, gently brushing your feet, and cool blue water, creating a beautiful natural picture.

Coming to Long Hai Beach, you will find peace and a perfect connection with the sea. Immerse yourself in the gentle waves, breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the peaceful moments. This is the ideal destination to find balance and full energy in a busy life.

 

 

4. Top 10 Must-Try Vung Tau Street Foods

 

 

4.1. Khot cake ( Bánh Khọt) 

 Khot cake is a typical dish of the Central region in general and Vung Tau in particular that tourists should try. It is made from rice flour, shrimp, scallions, turmeric powder, and coconut milk, served with fresh vegetables and dipping fish sauce. The rice flour mixture is fried in small molds with shrimp placed in the center, cooked until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. With a dough texture and filling quite similar to Banh Xeo, Khot cake makes it easier for visitors to eat when the size is small enough to fit their mouth, dipped in rich Vietnamese chili garlic fish sauce, and prepared using clay molds. Ceramic, banh khot is crispier with a slightly scorched crispy crust.

 

4.2. Stingray Hotpot (Lẩu Cá Đuối)

At first, visitors will think this is a difficult dish to eat, but Stingray Hotpot deserves to be one of Vung Tau’s signature dishes. Stingray Hotpot is a popular hotpot dish made from stingray, mixed vegetables, taro, pineapple, tamarind, chili, and fish sauce. The stingray is simmered in a sour broth infused with tamarind and pineapple, giving it a rich and tangy flavor. Served hot with fresh vegetables and noodles, this dish combines the tender texture of stingray with the refreshing, slightly spicy, and sour notes of the broth, making it a flavorful and hearty meal. With the delicious and natural sweetness of the broth and fish meat, visitors will enjoy it. 

 

4.3. Beo steamed rice cake (Bánh Bèo) 

Beo steamed rice cake is a traditional Vietnamese dish made from rice flour, ground shrimp, pork cracklings, mung bean paste, and fish sauce. The small steamed rice cakes are topped with savory shrimp powder, crispy pork cracklings, and a drizzle of sweet fish sauce. The combination of soft rice cakes and the crunchy toppings creates a delightful contrast in texture, while the rich flavors of the shrimp and pork are balanced by the light, fragrant fish sauce.

 

4.4. Oyster Porridge (Cháo Hàu )

Vung Tau is famous for fresh seafood caught during the day, especially, Vung Tau milk oysters are very delicious and have many nutrients. Visitors should experience that after swimming at the beach, eating a bowl of warm oyster porridge when going ashore is extremely wonderful and replenishes energy very quickly. Oyster Porridge is a comforting dish made from fresh oysters, rice, ginger, scallions, fish sauce, and pepper. The rice is simmered into a thick porridge, and fresh oysters are added towards the end, retaining their natural sweetness and tenderness. The subtle spiciness of ginger and the freshness of the scallions complement the rich, briny flavor of the oysters, creating a warm and savory dish that’s both hearty and flavorful.

 

4.5. Grilled Sweet Snails (Ốc Hương Nướng)

Besides fresh seafood dishes such as shrimp, fish, and squid in Vietnam, dishes made from sea snails are also very attractive and delicious, cooked in many different styles. Grilled Sweet Snails is a popular seafood dish made from sweet snails, garlic, chili, scallions, and butter.  Asia Viva Travel would recommend visitors to try steamed or Grilled Sweet Snails or salted egg sauce served with bread. The snails are grilled with a rich garlic butter sauce and topped with fresh scallions and a dash of chili for a spicy kick. The buttery, garlicky flavor enhances the natural sweetness of the snails, while the chili adds a touch of heat, making this dish both flavorful and aromatic. This is also a good way to understand more about Vietnamese cuisine through this exotic dish. 

 

4.6. Mung Bean Fried Flat donut ( Bánh Tiêu Đậu Xanh) 

If you come to Vung Tau, Vietnam, don’t forget to try the desserts here. First is the green bean pepper cake. Mung Bean Fried Flat donut is a delicious Vietnamese treat made from mung bean paste, sugar, sesame seeds, and wheat flour. These sweet fried buns are filled with smooth mung bean paste and coated with sesame seeds. The exterior is crispy and golden, while the inside remains soft and sweet, offering a delightful contrast of textures and flavors with each bite. Unlike the donuts in the North, which are round and thick, the donuts are larger but have a flat shape and the filling is green bean paste.

 

4.7. Sweet Porridge (Chè) 

Chè is a sweet Vietnamese dessert soup or pudding, with different variations like Chè Đậu Xanh (mung bean), Chè Bắp (corn), or Chè Thập Cẩm (mixed ingredients). There are various ingredients depending on the type, such as mung beans, black beans, coconut milk, jelly, lotus seeds, and sticky rice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Vung Tau is more than just a coastal city; it’s a refreshing retreat that balances lively urban charm with the serene beauty of nature. Whether you’re drawn to its historical landmarks, pristine beaches, or vibrant local culture, Vung Tau offers a unique and memorable experience for every traveler. So, pack your bags and set out to explore the stunning sights and hidden gems waiting for you in this beautiful seaside destination.

 

At Asia Viva Travel, we are committed to supporting society, especially in Vietnam’s remote regions. By traveling with us, you help support local tourism workers and contribute to building schools and providing free lunches for disadvantaged children in North Vietnam’s mountains. Join us to help build a better future for Vietnam’s children and vulnerable communities in the “Nuôi em” project .