Buzz
Just under a 2-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City, Vũng Tàu is a popular travel destination near Saigon. Where is Vũng Tàu located? What's its developmental history and intriguing aspects? Let's explore!
Being the closest coastal city to Saigon, Vũng Tàu is always the first choice for Saigonese craving a spontaneous 'vitamin sea' fix. Beyond its beautiful beaches, Vũng Tàu boasts numerous cultural, historical sites, entertainment areas, and a variety of tempting local specialties you wouldn't want to miss.
If you're planning to travel to Vũng Tàu soon, brush up on some basic knowledge about this serene city to fuel your motivation for packing your bags and heading straight to Vũng Tàu.
Where is Vũng Tàu?
Vũng Tàu is a city in Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu province, located in the Southeast region of Vietnam. Approximately 95km southeast of Saigon, Vũng Tàu serves as a crucial gateway from the Southeast region to the sea.
Vũng Tàu serves as the economic, cultural, financial, tourist, and transportation hub of Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu province, making it a key economic region in the Southeast area.
Why is it Called Vũng Tàu?
The city of Vũng Tàu is one of Vietnam's first coastal tourist destinations established in 1895. Originally named Tam Thắng, it was associated with the founding of the first three villages: Thắng Nhất, Thắng Nhì, and Thắng Tam.
Later, Tam Thắng was renamed Vũng Tàu, explained as the 'calm anchorage for boats' according to Trịnh Hoài Đức's book Gia Định Thành Thông Chí.
Why Can Vũng Tàu Become the Largest Petrochemical Industry Center in Our Country?
With a coastline stretching over 305km and a continental shelf over 100,000km2, Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu province has become the cradle of Vietnam's oil and gas industry with immense oil reserves.
Since the milestone of the first crude oil exploitation in 1986, Vietnam has officially marked its presence on the global oil and gas map as the third-largest oil-producing country in the Southeast Asia region. Consequently, Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu province was chosen as a solid base for Vietnam's oil and gas industry. This is also why mentioning Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu is synonymous with the petroleum industry.
How Many Districts Does Vũng Tàu Have?
Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu province consists of 8 administrative units, divided into 2 cities and 6 districts in the following order:
- Vũng Tàu City
- Bà Rịa City
- Long Điền District
- Đất Đỏ District
- Xuyên Mộc District
- Tân Thành District
- Châu Đức District
- Côn Đảo District
Among these, Vũng Tàu City is the economic, cultural, and tourist center, while Bà Rịa City serves as the administrative and political hub of the province.
What Time Does the Sun Rise in Vũng Tàu?
The sunrise in Vũng Tàu begins around 5:30 AM. For the most accurate information, utilize Weather apps.
What Time Does the Sun Set in Vũng Tàu?
The sunset in Vũng Tàu starts around 6:15 PM. For the most accurate information, utilize Weather apps.
Pro tip: To witness the most spectacular sunrise and sunset in Vũng Tàu, arrive at the location at least 30 minutes earlier than the estimated time.
How Many Beaches Does Vũng Tàu Have?
Vũng Tàu City boasts numerous beautiful and refreshing beaches, with the top 5 being:
1. Sau Beach Vũng Tàu
Also known as Thùy Vân or Thùy Dương Beach, stretching nearly 10km to the south of the city. This is one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam.
2. Front Beach Vũng Tàu
Also called Tầm Dương Beach, situated between Big and Small Mountains. Front Beach has a beautiful crescent-shaped bay, ideal for daily sunset viewing.
3. Dâu Beach Vũng Tàu
Alternatively known as Phương Thảo Beach, with a length of approximately 3km located northwest of the city center. This beach exudes a pristine, tranquil charm, attracting many visitors.
4. Pineapple Beach Vũng Tàu
Also known as Hương Phong Beach or Lãng Du Beach. Pineapple Beach is situated between Front Beach and Sau Beach, near Nghinh Phong Cape. Currently, Pineapple Beach is one of the tranquil and romantic beaches in Vũng Tàu.
5. Chí Linh Beach Vũng Tàu
A pristine and spacious beach, similar to Sau Beach, and quieter than Front Beach. The sea breeze gently blows here, far from the city, ensuring a pollution-free environment.
How Many Ports Does Vũng Tàu Have?
Currently, Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu province has a total of 21 seaports, mainly concentrated in the Thị Vải – Cái Mép area. Vũng Tàu's seaport is considered the southern international gateway of Vietnam and is a maritime transportation hub between Vietnam and the world.
Is Vũng Tàu a Centrally Governed City?
Currently, Vũng Tàu remains a city within Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu province. However, the province is focusing on economic development based on four pillars: seaport industry, logistics services, high-tech agriculture, and tourism, aiming to become a centrally governed city.
What to Do in Vũng Tàu?
In Vũng Tàu, you can not only enjoy the beach and relaxation but also indulge in unique check-in spots.
1. White Palace
A must-visit for art enthusiasts, specifically admirers of late 19th-century French architecture. After more than 100 years, the ancient and elegant beauty of the White Palace is still preserved.
The pathway leading to the White Palace consists of a 146-step staircase, surrounded by two rows of perennial porcelain flower trees, creating an irresistible 'Instagrammable' spot.
2. Hồ Mây Tourist Area
Nicknamed the “Second Dalat,” the Hồ Mây Tourist Area is considered the most comprehensive and famous tourist complex in Vũng Tàu. Here, you can enjoy abundant entertainment, explore cultural and historical sites.
3. Ngọc Island (Cù Lao Bãi Ngựa)
Ngọc Island, or Cù Lao Bãi Ngựa, boasts a unique and diverse ecosystem gifted by nature. Visitors can leisurely kayak on the lake, ride water bikes, cast fishing nets, or simply let everyday worries fade away with the rhythmic sound of the waves.
4. Statue of Jesus Christ the King
The Statue of Jesus Christ the King (also known as the Statue of Christ the Redeemer) atop Small Mountain is a significant symbol of Vũng Tàu. With impressive dimensions, this statue was once recognized as the 'largest Jesus statue in Asia' in 2012.
Many #teamKlook members love to visit in the morning to catch the early sunlight or choose the evening to admire the sunset. You're sure to capture stunning check-in photos at the Statue of Jesus Christ the King.
5. Long Sơn Fishing Village
Whether exploring the fishing village or indulging in Vũng Tàu's seafood, Long Sơn Fishing Village is undoubtedly a superb destination. Enjoy a high-speed boat ride and marvel at the Chà Và Bridge – the longest bridge in the Southeast.
From #teamKlook's independent Vũng Tàu travel experience, the 'premium' dishes here include crab, steamed clams, sour fish soup with snakehead fish, grilled finger snails with scallion oil, salt and chili roasted brown-marbled grouper, and more.
What to Eat in Vũng Tàu?
Known not only for its famous landscapes and historical-cultural sites, Vũng Tàu also captivates with a diverse culinary scene that delights travelers.
Vũng Tàu's culinary strength lies in its seafood. The seafood dishes here are rich in variety and diverse in prices. You can enjoy delicious fresh seafood at any eatery in the city, from upscale to budget-friendly options.
In addition to seafood, the characteristic dishes from traditional craft villages with unique flavors such as An Nhứt rice noodle, Vũng Tàu mini pancake, Long hương crab noodle soup, Tuyết Mai water fern cake, and Long Hải sizzling pancake. These specialties are made from unique and down-to-earth ingredients, creating unforgettable flavors.
Klook is sure that once you're in Vũng Tàu, you'll forget all about your weight loss plans to indulge in all the delicious Vũng Tàu delicacies.
How Many 5-Star Resorts in Vũng Tàu?
Vũng Tàu boasts several upscale resort areas built to meet the leisure and wellness needs of travelers. Don't worry, Klook can suggest some fantastic resorts for you to consider.
1. Marina Bay Vũng Tàu Resort & Spa
A definite luxurious and sophisticated stop when traveling to Vũng Tàu. This resort is perfect for romantic getaways or simply spending quality time with family. Staying at Marina Bay Vũng Tàu Resort & Spa, you'll enjoy the convenience of transportation and immerse yourself in an incredibly delightful atmosphere, refreshed by recreational fishing activities at Marina Vũng Tàu.
- Address: 115 Trần Phú, Ward 5, Vũng Tàu City, Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu Province
- Reference Price: From 2,565,000 VND/night
2. Melia Hồ Tràm Beach Resort
Part of the hotel chain managed by Melia Hotel International, Melia Hồ Tràm Beach Resort provides customers with ultra-luxurious and upper-class services. Especially, when you book The Level room category, you'll receive numerous benefits from the hotel and a variety of unique services at Melia Hồ Tràm.
- Address: Coastal area, Phước Thuận Commune, Xuyên Mộc District, Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu Province
- Reference Price: From 4,038,000 VND/night
3. Mercure Resort Vũng Tàu
Situated opposite the beautiful beach, Mercure Resort Vũng Tàu nestles amidst tropical gardens with harmonious Mediterranean architecture, basking in natural light, providing an extremely relaxing and close-to-nature feel. With two unique coastal and hillside zones, Mercure Resort Vũng Tàu is a must-visit for check-in enthusiasts.
- Address: 3 Hạ Long, Ward 2, Vũng Tàu City, Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu
- Reference Price: From 2,008,000 VND/night
4. The Grand Hồ Tràm Strip
Located on the beautiful Hồ Tràm beach, it's no exaggeration to say that this is one of the favorite accommodations for many domestic and international tourists. This resort and casino complex welcomes thousands of visitors to enjoy a diverse and rich range of resort and entertainment services. The Grand Hồ Tràm Strip features 11 luxurious restaurants and bars, offering culinary styles from Asia to Europe, providing truly impressive experiences.
- Address: Coastal area, Phước Thuận Commune, Xuyên Mộc District, Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu
- Reference Price: From 2,905,000 VND/night
5. Minera Hot Springs Bình Châu Resort
If you're a fan of mineral mud, don't miss the Minera Hot Springs Bình Châu Resort, a world-class natural hot spring resort in Vietnam. Here, you can 'relax your soul' amidst the picturesque scenery of Hồ Cốc, stroll through the shaded forest, experience mud baths, soak in hot mineral springs, and indulge in various health care treatments.
- Address: National Highway 55, Bình Châu Commune, Xuyên Mộc District, Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu
- Reference Price: From 1,711,000 VND/night
So Klook has taken you on a tour of Vũng Tàu to learn a bit about its history, culture, society, as well as tourism. Hopefully, you've gathered plenty of useful information to prepare for your next exciting trip to Vũng Tàu.
Wishing #teamKlook an adventurous journey exploring Vũng Tàu with many exciting and joyful experiences. Don't forget to visit Klook Vietnam to discover more about Vũng Tàu travel guides, Vũng Tàu tours, renting motorcycles in Vũng Tàu, or enjoy promotions on high-speed train tickets to Vũng Tàu!
Travel to Vũng Tàu today!
