Exploring Vung Tau - Comprehensive Guide to Transportation, Travel Tips, Entertainment, Dining, and Exciting Activities

Geographical Location, Map of Vung Tau City

Vung Tau City is situated in the southeast of Ba Ria - Vung Tau province. It boasts a coastline stretching about 40 km, featuring beautiful beaches such as Front Beach, Back Beach, Pineapple Beach, Crescent Moon Beach, and Strawberry Beach,...

With its convenient geographical location, close proximity to Ho Chi Minh City and the Central Highlands provinces, Vung Tau City now has a well-developed transportation system including road, railway, and waterway, facilitating travel and trade with neighboring provinces and cities.

Adjacent Points to Vung Tau City:

Map of Vung Tau Coastal City

Best Time to Visit Vung Tau?

Vung Tau experiences a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. The rainy season in Vung Tau lasts from May to October, with the southwest monsoon bringing heavy rainfall. The dry season in Vung Tau spans from November to April, accompanied by the northeast monsoon bringing plenty of sunshine.

Regarding the climate, the dry season in Vung Tau is the ideal time to travel. The weather during this period is dry, sunny, with calm seas, perfect for beach activities, sightseeing, and fun.

However, the dry season in Vung Tau is also the peak tourist season, with service prices typically higher. If you want to avoid crowds, you may consider traveling to Vung Tau during the rainy season. The weather during this time is cool, pleasant, with calm seas, but there may be afternoon showers.

Additionally, you can also visit Vung Tau during festive seasons and Tet holidays. This is when Vung Tau hosts many unique cultural festivals, attracting a large number of tourists to participate.

Prominent tourist destinations and check-in spots in Vung Tau City 2023

Vung Tau Beach

The coastal city of Vung Tau is famous for its long coastline and beautiful beaches. The most prominent ones are Front Beach, Back Beach, Pineapple Beach, etc. With clear blue water, fine white sand, and gentle waves, these beaches are beloved by both domestic and international tourists.

Team building activities such as beach volleyball, beach soccer, etc., are also popular alongside beach bathing. Or if you enjoy adventurous games, you can try surfing, diving, etc. Taking a stroll along the coast to admire the sunrise, sunset is also one of the activities you should experience whenever you have the opportunity to visit Vung Tau!

Vung Tau Beach

Nghinh Phong Cape

Nghinh Phong Cape is a famous tourist destination in Vung Tau, located at the southern tip of the Vung Tau Peninsula. This place boasts pristine and picturesque natural landscapes, with crystal-clear beaches, majestic mountains, and primeval forests. Visiting Nghinh Phong Cape, tourists can admire the exquisite beauty of nature, enjoy the fresh air, and relax in the cool sea breeze.

Moreover, Nghinh Phong Cape is renowned for offering the most beautiful sunset views in Vung Tau. As the sun sets, it gradually descends behind the mountains, creating a breathtakingly impressive scene.

Nghinh Phong Cape

Bach Dinh Historical and Cultural Site

Bach Dinh is an architectural masterpiece with strong French influence, situated on the slope of Big Mountain in Vung Tau city. The mansion was constructed in 1898, initially serving as a retreat for the Governor-General of French Indochina. Later, it was used as a royal prison for King Thanh Thai, and finally became a vacation residence for successive Presidents of the Republic of Vietnam.

Bach Dinh features distinctive French architectural style characterized by gentle and exquisite lines. The mansion consists of three floors, each housing a spacious room adorned with luxurious furnishings and precious artifacts. Surrounding the mansion is a vast flower garden, adorned with beautiful flowers, creating a romantic and idyllic scenery.

Bach Dinh Historical and Cultural Site

Statue of Jesus Christ the King

This is a renowned religious architectural landmark in Vung Tau, located atop Nho Mount in Ward 1, Vung Tau city. The statue was erected in 1974, standing 32 meters tall and weighing 1,250 tons. It is the tallest statue of Jesus Christ in Vietnam and the seventh tallest in the world.

The Statue of Jesus Christ the King is an iconic symbol of Vung Tau, attracting numerous domestic and international tourists for visits. Visitors to the statue can admire the majestic beauty of nature, experience the spiritual ambiance of religion, and enjoy the refreshing and pleasant atmosphere of Vung Tau coastal city.

Statue of Jesus Christ the King

Thich Ca Phat Dai Pagoda

Thich Ca Phat Dai Pagoda is a renowned spiritual tourist destination in Vung Tau. Visitors to the pagoda can admire the beauty of Buddhist architecture, learn about the history and culture of Vietnamese Buddhism, and enjoy the fresh and cool atmosphere of Vung Tau coastal city.

The pagoda complex consists of various architectural structures, with the most prominent being the white stone statue of Buddha Shakyamuni, standing 22 meters tall and weighing 1,000 tons. The Buddha statue is placed on a 7-meter high pedestal, surrounded by a clear water lake.

Additionally, within the pagoda compound, there are other structures such as Xa Loi Tower, the Bell Tower, Ho Phap Pagoda, etc. All are built in traditional Buddhist architecture, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Vietnamese Buddhism.

Thich Ca Phat Dai Pagoda in Vung Tau

Ho May Ecotourism Area

Ho May is an ideal destination for travelers who love exploring and enjoying entertainment. Visiting Ho May, tourists can experience exciting recreational activities, enjoy the fresh and cool air of the mountains and forests, and admire the panoramic view of Vung Tau city from above.

Ho May is a diverse tourist area with many exciting entertainment activities. Visitors can participate in thrilling activities such as high-speed roller coasters, bungee jumping, or gentle entertainment activities such as sky cycling, fishing, etc. Additionally, the tourist area also offers many interesting sightseeing activities such as visiting the zoo, water park, etc.

Ho May Tourist Area in Vung Tau

Upside Down House Art Museum

Established in 2017, the Upside Down House is a unique and peculiar attraction in Vung Tau. It is a house designed upside down, from the interior to the exterior, creating a strange and interesting sensation for visitors.

The Upside Down House has 7 rooms, each decorated according to a different theme, such as: living room, bedroom, kitchen, dining room, etc. In each room, everything is upside down, from furniture like tables, chairs, beds, wardrobes to small items like phones, clocks, etc.

Visiting the Upside Down House, tourists will experience living in a topsy-turvy world, from the first steps to daily activities. It's an incredibly fun and memorable experience, especially for young visitors.

Upside Down House in Vung Tau

White Rabbit Park

White Rabbit Park is an amusement park located in Vung Tau city, established in 2019. It covers an area of about 20,000 m2, with over 1,000 rabbits roaming freely within the premises.

White Rabbit Park is an ideal spot for animal lovers, especially those fond of rabbits. Visitors can admire the adorable and playful rabbits, enjoying the fresh air and relaxation.

Moreover, the park offers various entertaining activities such as feeding the rabbits, taking photos with them, and participating in fun games. Tourists can engage in these activities for exciting and memorable experiences.

White Rabbit Park in Vung Tau

Vung Tau Marina Pier

Vung Tau Marina Pier is a newly popular attraction in the coastal city of Vung Tau, drawing many domestic and international tourists for visits and photo opportunities. The pier is located on Route 1, Dong Xuyen Industrial Park, Rach Dua Ward, Vung Tau City.

Designed in a modern style, Vung Tau Marina Pier features long docks and luxurious yachts, creating a picturesque and romantic scene. Visitors to the pier can admire the grandeur of the ocean, enjoy the fresh and cool air, and capture stunning check-in photos.

Additionally, the pier hosts various cultural and entertainment events, attracting a large number of tourists to participate.

Vung Tau Marina Pier

Pig Hill

Dubbed as the 'Instagrammable paradise' in Vung Tau, Pig Hill is a famous tourist attraction, attracting a large number of domestic and international tourists for visits and photo shoots. Pig Hill is located on the slope of Minh Dam Mountain, in Ward 11, Vung Tau City.

Pig Hill is a small hill with large stacked rocks, creating a rugged and majestic landscape. From Pig Hill, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Vung Tau City, from bustling streets to romantic beaches.

Visiting Pig Hill, tourists can freely take photos with unique rock formations, creating stunning check-in pictures. Additionally, visitors can also participate in recreational activities such as hiking, camping, and more.

Pig Hill Vung Tau

Exploring Vung Tau: Food & Culture

Top Delicious and Affordable Dishes in Vung Tau

Vung Tau Snails

When in Vung Tau, you surely shouldn't miss the chance to explore the various snail eateries with your crew. Vung Tau boasts an abundance of delicious, enticing, fresh, and affordable snail dishes, ranging from stir-fried nail snails with garlic, stir-fried conch with coconut, butter-fried snails to grilled oysters with cheese...

Famous Snail Restaurants in Vung Tau:

Vung Tau Snails

Stingray Hotpot

Stingray is a type of fish with firm, sweet meat, few bones, perfect for hotpot. Stingray hotpot broth has a sweet and sour flavor, rich and bold. Harmoniously combined with ingredients like sour bamboo shoots, tomatoes, betel leaves, purple onions,... When eating, stingray hotpot is often enjoyed with vermicelli, herbs, mint, banana flower salad, bean sprouts,...

Stingray Hotpot in Vung Tau can be enjoyed in any weather. Especially on rainy days. Sitting by the steaming hotpot, fragrant and delicious, savoring a piece of stingray dipped in spicy fish sauce. Taking a sip of cool refreshing beer, it's truly a wonderful experience.

Best Stingray Hotpot Restaurants in Vung Tau:

Stingray Hotpot

Vung Tau's Savory Rice Cakes

Savory rice cakes are a specialty dish of the coastal city of Vung Tau, beloved for their delicious flavor and unique preparation method.

The main ingredients used to make the cake batter are rice flour, chicken eggs, and coconut milk. The filling for savory rice cakes can be made from Vung Tau's seafood such as fresh shrimp, scallops, minced meat, or fish cakes, depending on individual preferences.

Vung Tau's savory rice cakes are often served with sweet and sour fish sauce, fresh herbs, and shredded green papaya. When eaten, diners can savor the delicious flavor of the cakes, the rich taste of the fish sauce, and the crispy texture of the green papaya.

Vung Tau's Delightful Rice Cakes

While Vung Tau's rice cakes may not be overly intricate or expensive, they have the power to captivate visitors from afar. This simple yet flavorful dish contributes to the distinctive culinary charm of Vung Tau.

You can enjoy authentic Vung Tau-style rice cakes at the following eateries:

Pickled Anchovy Salad

Mackerel Salad is made from the main ingredient, mackerel, a small, slender fish found in the waters of Vung Tau. After being caught, mackerel is cleaned, scaled, deboned, and then mixed with various spices such as shallots, garlic, chili, lime, sugar, pepper, to taste.

Vung Tau's Mackerel Salad is often served with rice paper rolls, fresh vegetables, and dipping sauce. The variety of raw vegetables used in this salad is extensive, including basil, coriander, cucumber, pickled starfruit, and green bananas. The dipping sauce for mackerel salad is made from roasted peanuts, sugar, lime, garlic, and chili, creating a rich and unforgettable flavor.

Addresses of famous mackerel salad restaurants in Vung Tau:

Mackerel Salad

Salted Egg Sponge Cake

Vung Tau's Salted Egg Sponge Cake has a delicious and unique flavor. It is a combination of soft sponge cake, savory pork floss, and creamy salted egg. Made from flour, eggs, fresh milk,... then baked to golden perfection. Pork floss is made from finely ground pork, seasoned, and dried. Salted egg is made by soaking chicken eggs in brine for 20 to 30 days.

When enjoying Salted Egg Sponge Cake, it is usually sliced into small pieces and served with pork floss and salted egg. The sweet taste of sponge cake, the savory flavor of pork floss, and the creamy texture of salted egg blend together to create a highly enticing flavor.

Addresses of delicious Salted Egg Sponge Cake shops in Vung Tau:

Salted Egg Sponge Cake

Cultural Festivals in Vung Tau

Nghinh Ong Dinh Thang Tam Festival

This is a traditional festival of the people of Vung Tau. It is held annually from the 16th to the 18th day of the 8th lunar month. This festival commemorates the Meritorious Deities who have contributed to the establishment and development of Dinh Thang Tam Temple. It also prays for favorable weather, abundant harvests, and prosperity for the people.

Nghinh Ong Dinh Thang Tam Festival features a variety of rich and diverse activities, including the procession of Ong, rituals, and boat racing.

Parade of Nghinh Ong Dinh Thang Tam Festival

Trung Cuu Festival at Long Son Grand Hall

Trung Cuu Festival is a traditional festival of the Tran religion. It is held on the 9th day of the 9th lunar month every year at the Long Son Grand Hall. The festival commemorates Mr. Tran, a heroic figure who contributed to the enlightenment and establishment of the Tran religion.

Trung Cuu Festival is organized with various unique rituals, including offering ceremonies, processions, and cultural and artistic activities. Additionally, Trung Cuu Festival in Vung Tau features many captivating cultural and artistic activities such as lion and dragon dances, Quan Ho singing, and ceremonial singing.

Long Son Grand Hall

Guide to Traveling to Vung Tau City

Traveling from Saigon to Vung Tau

Traveling to Vung Tau from Saigon by Coach

Moving from Saigon to Ba Ria by coach is one of the popular choices for travelers due to several reasons such as convenience, safety, and affordability.

You can easily catch a coach at major bus stations in Saigon, such as the new Eastern Bus Station, Western Bus Station, Tan Son Nhat Airport, or at coach company offices. The average travel time by coach is from 1.5 to 2.5 hours.

34-seat Sleeping Limousine - 310,000 VND/ticket

Riding Motorbike to Ba Ria Vung Tau

Traveling from Saigon to Ba Ria by motorbike is a choice of many, especially adventurous young people. Riding a motorbike to Ba Ria offers flexibility in travel itinerary and the opportunity to admire the beautiful natural scenery along the way.

The route from Saigon to Ba Ria by motorbike is as follows:

Starting from the center of Ho Chi Minh City, head in the direction of Hanoi Highway. Cross Saigon Bridge, then at Vung Tau intersection, turn right onto National Highway 51. Continue along National Highway 51, passing landmarks like Dong Nai, Long Thanh, until reaching Ba Ria.

Traveling from other provinces/cities to Vung Tau

For travelers from Hanoi, Da Nang, or other provinces and cities in the North and Central regions, traveling by plane is the most time-saving option.

You can fly from Noi Bai Airport, Da Nang Airport, or the nearest airport to Tan Son Nhat Airport. Then, take a shuttle bus from the airport to Ba Ria city.

Transportation options in Vung Tau city

Motorbike - Common mode of transportation in Vung Tau

Riding a motorbike is an ideal way to explore Vung Tau. This mode of transportation allows travelers to move freely, explore anywhere they want, save costs, and fully experience the beauty of the coastal city.

Motorbike rental in Vung Tau

Taxi service in Vung Tau

Taxi is one of the most popular modes of transportation in Vung Tau. You can find taxis all over the beautiful coastal city. The demand for taxi travel is increasing rapidly. Therefore, taxi companies in Vung Tau are constantly improving service quality, providing travelers with the best travel experiences.

Taxi service in Vung Tau

How to get to the nearest airport from Vung Tau

Vung Tau city currently does not have an airport. The nearest airport to Vung Tau is Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. You can travel to the airport from Vung Tau using the following common methods:

Shuttle bus from Vung Tau to Tan Son Nhat Airport

Shuttle bus is the most popular and cost-effective mode of transportation from Vung Tau city to Tan Son Nhat Airport. There are several shuttle bus companies operating on this route. The frequency of trips is high, with a bus departing every 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Some of the best shuttle bus companies to Tan Son Nhat Airport - Ba Ria: Anh Quoc Limousine, Hoa Mai, AVIGO, Huy Hoang, Thanh Vinh (Vung Tau),...

Vung Tau Tourist Car Rental – Tan Son Nhat Airport

If you're traveling with a large group or have a lot of luggage, you can rent a private car to travel from Vung Tau to Tan Son Nhat Airport. You'll have a variety of car models to choose from and flexible departure schedules according to your needs. The rental companies are reputable and experienced in serving passengers for many years, so you can fully trust their service.

Vexere's Price List for Vung Tau Tourist Car Rental:

Vung Tau Tourist Car Rental

Bus Stations in Vung Tau

The city's bus station, also known as Vung Tau Bus Terminal, is one of the largest bus stations in the southern region, serving as a vital transportation hub connecting Vung Tau with other provinces and cities nationwide.

Covering an area of approximately 2 hectares, the bus station is well-built, modern, and equipped with various amenities such as waiting areas, ticket counters, restrooms, dining areas, and more.

Today, Vung Tau Bus Terminal serves numerous bus companies operating various routes. With flexible schedules and ticket prices, it meets the travel needs of tourists. These routes include trips from Vung Tau to different provinces, such as:

Vung Tau City Bus Terminal

Marine and Railway Terminals in Vung Tau City

Vung Tau High-Speed Ferry Terminal

Currently, Vung Tau has only one waterway station, which is the high-speed ferry terminal at Ho May Tourist Area. There are 3 ferry companies specializing in passenger transportation from Saigon to Vung Tau: Greenlines - DP, Vina Express, and Petro Express.

Travel route: Saigon (Bach Dang Station) - Can Gio High-Speed Ferry Terminal (Ben Dinh Port) - Ho May Terminal Vung Tau.

Schedule of Saigon - Vung Tau high-speed ferries:

Address of the high-speed ferry ticket office in Vung Tau:

Saigon - Vung Tau high-speed ferry terminal

Railway station in Vung Tau

Vung Tau currently does not have a railway station.

The article above provides a compilation of information about traveling to Vung Tau: transportation, tourist destinations, exciting activities, etc. We hope this article will provide useful information for your next trip.

Published by: Little Angels Kindergarten

Keywords: Traveling to Vung Tau - Compilation of transportation, transportation methods, leisure destinations, dining, and exciting entertainment