Vung Tau is a coastal city just a short drive from Ho Chi Minh City, making it a perfect weekend getaway or relaxing stop on your Vietnam journey. From fresh seafood by the beach to panoramic views from mountaintops, this laid-back destination blends flavors, fun, and a salty sea breeze.

Whether you’re a foodie, a beach lover, or an adventurer, here are the Top 15 places to eat and play in Vung Tau that will make your trip unforgettable.

Gành Hào Restaurant – Seafood With a View

Located right on the waterfront, Gành Hào is a legendary seafood spot where waves crash just meters from your table.

What to eat:

• Grilled scallops with green onion and peanuts

• Steamed grouper with soy sauce

• Salt-roasted crab

Pro tip: Go just before sunset for a magical golden-hour meal.

Back Beach (Bãi Sau)—Sun, Sand, and Surf

Back Beach is Vung Tau’s most popular stretch of sand. Clean, long, and lined with beach chairs and vendors, it’s the ideal place to relax, swim, or enjoy a coconut under an umbrella.

Activities:

• Swim and sunbathe

• Ride jet skis or banana boats

• Join beach football or volleyball

Great for families, couples, and groups.

Lẩu Cá Đuối Trận – Famous Stingray Hotpot

For a dish unique to Vung Tau, try lẩu cá đuối (stingray hotpot). The sour broth, tender stingray meat, and fresh herbs create a deliciously tangy, warming meal.

Address: 42 Nguyễn Trường Tộ
Price: Around 200,000–300,000 VND for two people

Jesus Christ Statue on Nui Nho—Iconic City Views

Standing 32 meters tall, this statue is even taller than Rio’s Christ the Redeemer! A climb of over 800 steps rewards you with stunning panoramic views of Vung Tau.

 What to bring:

• Water, sunscreen, and respectful clothing (shoulders covered)

• Your camera—it’s a view worth framing!

 Open from 7 AM to 5 PM. Try to go early to avoid the heat.

Bánh Khọt Gốc Vú Sữa – Crispy Mini Pancakes

Bánh Khọt is a Vung Tau signature dish: mini savory pancakes made from rice flour, shrimp, and coconut milk, served with herbs and fish sauce.

Gốc Vú Sữa is arguably the best place to try it.

Address: 14 Nguyễn Trường Tộ
Price: ~70,000–100,000 VND per set

Hồ Mây Park – Amusement Meets Nature

Located on top of Big Mountain, Hồ Mây Park offers everything: cable cars, a theme park, a water park, and stunning views.

Must-do:

• Ride the cable car up for a city panorama

• Try the zipline or alpine coaster

• Explore the eco-forest and Buddhist temple

Great for kids and thrill-seekers.

Ốc Tự Nhiên – Shellfish Heaven

Vietnamese people love their ốc (snails and shellfish), and Ốc Tự Nhiên is a beloved chain for locals and visitors alike.

Recommended dishes:

• Grilled oysters with cheese

• Blood cockles with tamarind

• Clams steamed with lemongrass

️Don't forget the dipping sauces—they make all the difference!

Front Beach (Bãi Trước) – Scenic Promenade and Cafés

Compared to Back Beach, Front Beach is calmer, with a palm-lined promenade, sculptures, and benches. It’s the best spot for a sunset stroll.

What to do:

• Grab a Vietnamese coffee at a sea-facing café

• Visit the nearby Trưng Trắc statue

• Enjoy an evening street food walk

Lighthouse and Radar Station – 360-Degree Views

Take a motorbike or taxi up the winding path to Vung Tau Lighthouse for sweeping city views. It’s also a perfect picnic spot, especially in the late afternoon.

Insta-worthy moment: Sunset at the lighthouse with fishing boats dotting the bay below.

Café Milla Nakedsoul – Chill Vibes and Ocean Sounds

This bohemian-style café is set right on a cliff edge, offering comfy seating, gentle music, and cocktails with a view. Think bean bags, sea breeze, and candlelight.

Best for:

• Sundowners

• Casual dates

• Quiet reading or journaling

Live music on weekends.

NiBi Seafood—Affordable and Delicious

If you're on a budget but want great seafood, NiBi is a top pick. It’s popular with locals, which is always a good sign.

Highlights:

• Fried squid with fish sauce

• Seafood hotpot

• Razor clams stir-fried with garlic

Expect to pay around 150,000–250,000 VND for two.

Thích Ca Phật Đài – Tranquil Buddhist Pagoda

Tucked into the hillside, this peaceful pagoda offers serene gardens, Buddhist statues, and a giant seated Buddha under the trees.

‍ Why visit:

• Quiet, spiritual energy

• Great for photography

• Cultural insight into Vietnamese Buddhism

 Open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM.

Bò Né 3 Ngon – Vietnamese Sizzling Steak

Want something hearty for breakfast or lunch? Try Bò Né—a sizzling hotplate of beef, eggs, pate, and bread.

Bò Né 3 Ngon does it right: juicy beef, hot plates, and fast service.

Address: 126A Lê Lai
 Best for early risers—open from 6:30 AM

Chợ Xóm Lưới – Local Seafood Market

For a real local experience, head to Chợ Xóm Lưới, Vung Tau’s freshest seafood market. You can buy live seafood and have it cooked right on the spot.

What to expect:

• Friendly vendors

• Massive variety: shrimp, crabs, scallops, lobsters

• Affordable prices and fast service

Great for lunch or early dinner.

Bãi Dứa (Pineapple Beach)—Hidden Relaxation Spot

Tucked between Front and Back Beaches, Pineapple Beach is quieter and more scenic. It’s where locals go to escape the crowds.

Activities:

• Rock climbing (light)

• Reading under shady cliffs

• Watching fishermen launch boats

Pack a picnic or get snacks from the nearby resorts.

Final Thoughts: Why Vung Tau is More Than a Beach Town

Vung Tau offers the best of both worlds—laid-back charm and vibrant energy. Whether you’re eating crispy bánh khọt in a buzzing restaurant, watching the sun set from a mountaintop café, or exploring spiritual temples, the city invites you to slow down, taste deeply, and enjoy life by the sea.

From sunrise seafood markets to moonlit cocktails on cliffs, this list of the Top 15 Places to Eat and Play in Vung Tau ensures you experience it all.

Find more info: Ultimate Travel Guide to Vung Tau