Top 7 Must-See Tourist Spots in Long Hai You Shouldn't Miss

When it comes to famous tourist spots in Vung Tau, many think of beautiful beaches, majestic and serene temples, or monumental structures like lighthouses and the Christ the King statue. One particularly noteworthy location is the Minh Dam historical site, a witness to a heroic era in southern Vietnam's history.

Located about 6 kilometers from Long Hai Town, this site is just a 2-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City. You'll be greeted by lush green trees lining the roads, with vibrant purple Lagerstroemia flowers and other wild blooms in full display. As you approach the Minh Dam base area, you'll see a scenic road where one side is bordered by gently sloping mountains, and the other by valleys of greenery. In the distance, a winding white sand beach appears, adding to the serenity of the Thuy Duong Beach's fresh, breezy atmosphere. All of this creates a peaceful and rejuvenating experience after the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Located in the southeast of Dat Do district, the Minh Dam base area (also known as Minh Dam Mountain) was once called Chau Long – Chau Vien. The mountain spans 8 kilometers and stands 355 meters high, with three sides touching the sea and numerous mysterious caves hidden among trees, cliffs, and freshwater streams flowing year-round. Many Vung Tau tour operators include this destination on their itineraries to introduce visitors to the history of the nation's struggles and allow them to experience the untouched, rustic beauty of this sacred site.

The name 'Minh Dam' comes from the combined names of two revolutionary fighters, Bui Cong Minh and Mac Thanh Dam, who died in an ambush at the foot of the mountain. In 1993, the Ministry of Culture and Information (now the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism) officially recognized it as a national historical site, making it a perfect destination for history lovers and those seeking to connect with the past.

There’s no need to elaborate on the popularity of Vung Tau's beaches, especially for young people from Ho Chi Minh City. Whether it's the weekend or a short break, Ho Coc Beach in Vung Tau is the perfect getaway destination.

Ho Coc is one of the most pristine and beautiful natural beaches in Vung Tau. Because tourism services here are still underdeveloped, it’s an ideal spot for a short getaway. Additionally, its proximity to the well-known Ho Tram Beach gives visitors even more options for fun and exploration.

Although Ho Coc is a small beach area of about 11,000 hectares in Xuyen Moc District, Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province, it has a huge appeal due to its harmonious natural beauty. In addition to its stunning, clear waters, Ho Coc also boasts hot springs, a natural saltwater lake, and tropical rainforests, offering a refreshing and pure atmosphere.

Ho Coc is a peaceful retreat for weary souls, offering solitude and a chance to reconnect with nature through activities like beach camping, hiking through the forest, or simply relaxing. Moreover, enjoying fresh, flavorful seafood adds to the charm of visiting Ho Coc Beach in Vung Tau. Although there are no modern amusement parks or luxury services, once you visit, you'll certainly want to return.

One of Vung Tau’s most attractive tourist destinations is the Truc Lam Chan Nguyen Zen Monastery. Here, visitors can not only pay their respects but also enjoy the playful monkeys and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and waters from the summit of Bai Vang.

Founded in 1987 by Venerable Thich Thanh Tu, this Zen monastery follows the Mahayana school and is designed in a similar architectural style to the famous Truc Lam Zen Monastery in Dalat. Located at the foot of Minh Dam Mountain in Phuoc Hai Town, Ba Ria – Vung Tau, it is just over 1 km from Nuoc Ngot Pass in Long Hai. The monastery is nestled amidst vast natural surroundings, hidden within the lush mountains and tall trees, creating a peaceful and solemn atmosphere fitting for a place of meditation.

The journey to this Vung Tau attraction is equally captivating. As you travel along the winding road towards Long Hai Beach, you'll be treated to stunning views on one side of the expansive ocean and on the other of the towering Ky Van Mountain, constantly breezy and majestic. The Truc Lam Chan Nguyen Monastery sits serenely at the base of these towering rocks.

This Vung Tau destination will leave a lasting impression on visitors with its tranquil ambiance nestled in the midst of an endless forest. The main hall of the monastery is located beneath the Ky Van Mountain, and behind it lies a collection of extraordinary stone sculptures carved by nature itself, featuring shapes like serpent heads, turtle heads, and more. Notably, there’s a stone shaped like a serpent holding a pearl—symbolizing prosperity—along with a massive elephant statue kneeling in reverence and a Buddha head sculpture. These unique features add to the monastery’s charm. Additionally, within the forest, there are small wooden hermitages where monks practice their meditation.

Long Hai Town is located about 7 km from Ba Ria Town and is roughly a 2-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City. This destination is a favorite among young travelers who enjoy motorbike trips, seeking to explore and discover the pristine, beautiful beaches of Vung Tau. Besides the picturesque and peaceful beaches, don’t miss a visit to Long Hai fishing village during your trip to get a glimpse of the daily life of local fishermen.

If you arrive early in the morning, you can witness a stunning sunrise as groups of fishing boats return to shore. The first rays of the sun shine through the water, creating a mystical and serene atmosphere.

In Long Hai, you can immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters of the untouched beach and watch the fishing boats drift on the vast ocean, adding to the charm of this tranquil coastal village.

Stretching about 3 kilometers along a row of lush green pines, Long Hai Beach offers both scenic beauty and a charming, tranquil atmosphere. The fine golden sand slopes gently, making it perfect for relaxing in the cool waters or enjoying various beach activities like canoeing, fishing, group gatherings, and team-building exercises.

As you stroll along Long Hai Beach, you will encounter various rock formations, worn smooth by the ocean’s waves. These rocks not only embellish the coastline but also serve as a home for numerous marine creatures. Exploring these rocky areas during low tide allows you to observe the lively creatures foraging for food, and children often enjoy hunting for crabs, sea snails, and shrimp, making for a fun and unique experience.

For a complete experience, after enjoying the beach and nature, you can visit the sacred Dinh Co Temple, which hosts a large annual festival. Located in the middle of the beach, the temple is home to a well-maintained grave of a local legend, making it a popular spot for visitors to pay their respects. For a more adventurous outing, you can rent a motorbike and drive up to the scenic Nước Ngọt Pass, where you can enjoy cherry blossoms in bloom, or head to Minh Đạm Mountain to explore the historical site.

Every destination has its own untouched lands waiting to be discovered, and this adds to the excitement for those who enjoy adventure and exploring unique places. Nước Ngọt Pass in Vũng Tàu is one such hidden gem, surprisingly close to the city.

Stretching for 5 kilometers, though not long, this pass offers an exhilarating experience for those seeking the refreshing breeze of the sea. The steep slopes lead your eyes out to the vast ocean, offering sweeping panoramic views that are truly captivating.

After conquering the thrilling descent, it feels as though you've reached the halfway mark of a grand adventure. Almost instantly, you find yourself at a place that could be straight out of a dream—white sandy beaches stretching as far as the eye can see, crystal-clear waters, rocky outcrops along the shoreline, and the soothing sound of the wind carrying the scent of the sea.

Dinh Cô covers an area of over 1,000 m2. The Tam Quan Gate is located at the foot of Mount Kỳ Vân, flanked by statues of a dragon and a tiger, with the roof adorned with symbols like "Two Dragons Worshiping the Moon" and "Two Phoenixes in Attendance." Visitors ascend a staircase of 37 steps leading to the temple. Inside, there are seven altars, with the central one dedicated to Bà Cô (Lê Thị Hồng), featuring a statue of her dressed in a red robe, trimmed with glitter, and wearing a crown adorned with jewels. Behind this altar, you'll find altars for Diêu Trì Phật Mẫu, Chúa Cậu (the two sons, Cậu Tài and Cậu Quý), the Five Elements Goddesses, the Four Pháp Goddesses (Pháp Vân, Pháp Vũ, Pháp Lôi, Pháp Điện), Ông Địa, and Thần Tài. Besides the main altar, fishermen also created altars for Cửu Thiên Huyền Nữ, Chúa Ngọc Nương Nương, Chúa Tiên Nương Nương, various other deities, and temples like the Hỏa Tinh Thánh Mẫu and Quan Thế Âm Bồ Tát.

The tomb of Bà Cô is located to the southwest, about 1 km from the temple, atop Cô Sơn Hill, right by the beach. To reach the tomb, visitors must climb 60 steps.

Every year, on the 10th, 11th, and 12th days of the second lunar month, a grand festival (also known as the Day of Vía Cô or Lệ Cô) is held at the temple. The Dinh Cô Festival is a lively celebration of coastal folk culture, featuring various performances such as procession parades, the Bá Trạo dance, and lion dances. It is one of the largest festivals in the southern region of Vietnam, attracting many visitors for both sightseeing and religious devotion.