Vung Tau is a beautiful coastal city located in the Southeast region of Vietnam. It boasts the peaceful charm of crystal-clear blue waters, rich and diverse vegetation, and long stretches of white sand dunes embracing the scenic coastal roads. If you’re planning a trip to Vung Tau, the following article will provide you with essential travel tips to make your journey more memorable!

Geography & Administrative Divisions

Located about 110 km east of Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau features a 20-kilometer-long coastline that juts out from the mainland like a stretch of land into the sea. Traveling to Vung Tau, you’ll feel a sense of peace and relaxation as you wander through wide, airy streets. Below lies the blue ocean, while above are majestic mountain landscapes and tranquil pagodas. In addition to its natural beauty, Vung Tau is also a land rich in cultural and historical traditions, home to relics that bear the marks of different historical periods. Altogether, these elements make Vung Tau an enchanting destination that draws visitors from near and far.

Here are some key geographical and administrative facts about Ba Ria - Vung Tau:

Total area: approximately 1,989 km²

Population: around 1.1 million people

Topography: mainly coastal plains, low hills, and peninsulas, with offshore islands such as Con Dao

Coastline: over 300 km of sandy beaches

Region: Southeast Vietnam

Strategic location: borders Ho Chi Minh City and Đồng Nai to the north, Bình Thuận to the east, and the East Sea to the south

Administratively, Ba Ria-Vung Tau includes:

2 provincial-level cities: Vung Tau City, Ba Ria City

3 districts: Châu Đức, Xuyên Mộc, Đất Đỏ, Long Điền

1 town: Phú Mỹ 

​​Note: Some districts have merged recently due to administrative reforms. Always check the latest official map for the most accurate district boundaries.

Climate & Best Time To Visit

Ba Ria-Vung Tau has a tropical monsoon climate, warm all year round and rarely affected by storms. The region experiences two distinct seasons:

Rainy season (May–October): Cool weather with short, scattered showers—ideal for beach holidays, relaxation, and sightseeing.

Dry season (November–April): Sunny, dry days with fresh air, perfect for outdoor activities and attending festivals.

Thanks to its pleasant climate and diverse natural scenery, Ba Ria-Vung Tau is a wonderful destination year-round. However, some standout periods include:

March to September: Best time for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring Con Dao.

November to April: Coincides with Tet and other local festivals and cultural events.

Second lunar month: The Nghinh Co Festival takes place in Vung Tau, featuring lion dances, boat races, martial arts shows, and more.

Top Attractions & Natural Wonders

Sau Beach (Back Beach)

Dubbed the most beautiful beach in Vung Tau, Back Beach (also known as Thuy Van Beach) is calm all year round, with crystal-clear, refreshing water and gentle waves. Its natural harmony—where ancient casuarina forests and endless rows of pines meet white sand dunes and the clear blue sea—makes Back Beach an irresistibly charming destination.

Truoc Beach (Front Beach)

While Back Beach boasts a serene beauty, Front Beach offers a livelier charm, infused with the vibrant pulse of a prosperous coastal life. Also known as Tam Duong Beach, it lies to the southwest of Vung Tau’s shoreline. From above, the coastline resembles a crescent moon, with its back leaning against the land and its tips embraced by two mountains—Tuong Ky and Tao Phung.

Long Hai Beach

Long Hai is a coastal tourist area located about 20 kilometers from the center of Vung Tau, known for its long stretch of beach and clear blue waters. The area is home to numerous resorts and hotels, offering modern amenities to visitors. Travelers can enjoy activities such as swimming, water sports, and savoring fresh, delicious seafood.

Ho Coc-Ho Tram Beaches

These two beaches are both located in Ho Tram Commune. They are popular tourist destinations thanks to their rare, untouched natural beauty. The sea here is crystal-clear year-round, revealing the sandy bottom beneath. The beach features wide stretches of white sand and a gentle slope. What makes the scenery especially poetic are the large rocks scattered along the shore, creating waves that crash into foamy white sprays.

Con Dao Islands

Con Dao District is an archipelago off the coast of Ba Ria – Vung Tau. Covering 76 square kilometers, it comprises 16 islands, with Con Son being the largest. Con Dao is located 185 km from Vung Tau and 230 km from Ho Chi Minh City. In addition to spiritual tourism and trips to honor national history, more and more travelers are discovering Con Dao as a paradise for relaxation and an exciting off-the-beaten-path destination full of hidden gems.

Check out our article: Map of Con Dao: Unveiling Vietnam’s Island of Heroes, Spirits, and Nature

Da Xanh Lake (Green Stone Lake)

Located right next to Dinh Mountain, Green Rock Lake is a favorite check-in spot for photography enthusiasts thanks to its dreamlike scenery. The lake impresses visitors with its vast, emerald-green waters and tranquil atmosphere, surrounded by lush vegetation and rocky cliffs.

Here, all you need to do is raise your hand, and you’ll have a picturesque photo—no need to spend much time adjusting the camera angle. In addition, you can enjoy activities like rowing a boat to explore the lake and visiting the nearby sheep field.

Vung Tau Lighthouse

The Vung Tau Lighthouse, located atop Small Mountain, is one of the oldest and most famous lighthouses in Vietnam. Built in 1862 during the French colonial era, the 18-meter-tall lighthouse is painted in striking white and offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding sea. Visitors can either ride a motorbike or hike to the summit to explore the lighthouse. From here, you can admire the sweeping view of Vung Tau, especially at night when the city sparkles with lights.

Piggy Hill

Piggy Hill (Con Heo Hill), located near Sau Beach (Back Beach) in Vung Tau, stands out with its unusual shape jutting out from the cliffside. This small hill boasts a wild, untouched beauty with rugged rocky terrain and constant breezes due to its close proximity to the sea. What makes Piggy Hill truly unique is not just its strange shape but also its entire surface covered in gravel and stones, highlighting its raw and pristine charm.

Vung Tau Museum

The Vung Tau Museum, located at 4 Tran Phu Street, is an appealing destination for those interested in history and culture. The museum showcases a wide range of valuable artifacts and documents highlighting the development of Vung Tau City and Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province. Exhibits cover various themes, including archaeology, folk culture, fishermen’s lives, and the revolutionary struggles of the local people. Additionally, there is a special exhibition area dedicated to the region’s distinctive coastal art and culture. It’s an ideal place to gain deeper insights into the local history and cultural heritage.

Niet Ban Tinh Xa Pagoda

This is one of the most beautiful pagodas in Vung Tau, featuring modern architectural elements. “Niet Ban Tinh Xa,” also known as the “Reclining Buddha Pagoda,” is built on the slope of Small Mountain, facing the sea. Its serene location and contemporary design make it a standout spiritual site in the city.

Hon Ba Island

Hon Ba Island in Vung Tau is a small, pristine island located just off Back Beach, famous for the sacred Hon Ba Temple and its unique walkway through the sea. On low tide days, visitors can experience the rare phenomenon of walking across the exposed seabed to reach the island—an extraordinary natural event.

Hon Ba captivates travelers not only with its mystical beauty but also with its spiritual significance. You can reach the island either by boat or by waiting for the tide to recede and walking across. The Hon Ba Temple is a sacred site often visited by locals and tourists alike to pray for peace and good fortune.

Ho May Tourist Park

One of the most famous tourist attractions in Vung Tau is Ho May Tourist Park. Located at an altitude of over 210 meters, the park enjoys a cool and temperate climate, offering panoramic views of the entire city below. Thanks to its refreshing atmosphere, it’s often referred to as the “miniature Da Lat” of Vung Tau.

Divided into five zones, Ho May features a wide range of fun games and activities. Must-try experiences include water slides, paintball, ziplining, and 5D cinema. There are also five restaurants within the park, so you won’t have to worry about going hungry while exploring the area.

Alley 444 Tran Phu Street

Alley 444 Tran Phu is a narrow path lined with ancient trees, nestled between the mountainside and the sea. From here, you can also enjoy panoramic views of the city from above. The entire setting creates a poetic and unforgettable scene.

The best times to explore Alley 444 are early in the morning or at dusk, when the sunrise or sunset casts a magical glow over the area. In particular, March is when the trees turn golden, creating a landscape reminiscent of Korea.

Nghinh Phong Cape

Nghinh Phong Cape is a headland that juts out into the sea, creating two beautiful small beaches: Vong Nguyet Beach and Huong Phong Beach. It’s an ideal destination for swimming, sightseeing, and taking photos. The cape is also home to a famous “heaven gate,” where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the vast blue sea and breathe in the fresh air. This is a must-visit spot when traveling to Vung Tau.

Binh Chau National Park

Stretching along the coast of Xuyen Moc, Binh Chau National Park is a pristine forest where lush greenery meets the ocean. Covering a vast area of 11,000 hectares, the park boasts an incredibly diverse ecosystem with rich vegetation, lakes, and various wildlife. It’s one of the most beautiful attractions you must visit when traveling to Vung Tau.

Once you set foot here, you’ll be amazed by the park’s almost “fairy-tale” beauty—scenes that feel straight out of a movie. That’s why this Vung Tau destination will give you countless stunning photo opportunities.

Cuisine & Local Specialties

Vung Tau Mini Savory Pancake (Banh Khot)

Vung Tau’s banh khot is a delightful blend of crispy rice flour batter and fresh shrimp filling. The dish is best enjoyed with a special house-made dipping sauce, accompanied by pickled green papaya and a variety of fresh herbs. The harmony of flavors makes banh khot a beloved local specialty that leaves a lasting impression on travelers from near and far.

White Sardine Salad (Goi ca mai)

White sardine salad is a traditional specialty passed down through generations of fishermen in Vung Tau. To prepare an authentic and flavorful dish, the first step is selecting the freshest white sardines. The fish is cleaned, deboned, then marinated with vinegar, garlic, and chili before being mixed with roasted rice powder for aroma. However, the key to this dish lies in its dipping sauce. The secret in Vung Tau is a unique sauce made from the very bones of the white sardine, blended with sesame seeds, roasted peanuts, and traditional spices—creating a one-of-a-kind flavor you won’t find anywhere else.

Long Hai Lobster Blood Pudding (Tiet Canh Tom Hum)

If you’re planning a trip to Long Hai, don’t miss out on a unique and delicious local delicacy: lobster blood pudding. This renowned specialty can only be found in Vung Tau. According to locals, the dish must be made using a specific type of lobster called tom rong (spiny lobster) to achieve the most authentic flavor and texture. Unlike the typical red hue of other blood puddings, lobster blood pudding is white in color, offering a distinctive blend of salty and sweet flavors. It’s typically served with sour starfruit, rice paper, and fish mint leaves.

Stingray Hotpot (Lau Ca Duoi)

When it comes to Vung Tau’s specialties, leaving out stingray hotpot would be a major omission. This beloved dish features ocean-caught stingray as the star ingredient, paired with a variety of fresh vegetables.

The broth is rich and flavorful, with a sweet and tangy taste, typically enjoyed with rice noodles or instant noodles depending on your preference. What makes Vung Tau’s stingray hotpot truly special is the stingray itself—caught fresh locally, it retains its natural sweetness, with a firm, slightly chewy texture and the unmistakable aroma of fresh seafood.

Crab Tapioca Noodle Soup (Banh Canh Ghe)

This flavorful dish captivates diners with its rich broth made by simmering pork bones, dried shrimp, and fresh sea crab, resulting in a naturally sweet and savory taste. The noodles are made from rice flour, offering a pleasant, slightly chewy texture and a fragrant rice aroma.

The crab is carefully selected for its natural red hue, and a bowl of bánh canh ghẹ typically has a thick, golden broth accompanied by toppings like fish cake, lean pork, pork hock, and beautifully marbled pork rolls. It’s finished with crispy fried shallots, fresh herbs, and bean sprouts for an aromatic and satisfying experience.

Long Son Oyster Porridge (Chao Hau)

Long Son oyster porridge offers a rich, sweet, and aromatic flavor that leaves a lasting impression after just one taste. The porridge is slowly cooked using high-quality rice until smooth and creamy, blending perfectly with the natural sweetness and rich taste of fresh oysters. It’s topped with finely chopped scallions and coriander, along with a dash of black pepper and a hint of chili.

Diners mix the ingredients well to fully infuse the flavors, making the bowl even more enticing. Nutritious and delicious, this dish is often considered the most memorable and satisfying meal for travelers after a long trip in Vung Tau

Vung Tau Jellyfish Vermicelli (Bun Sua)

Jellyfish vermicelli is a favorite among many travelers for its refreshing taste, fresh ingredients, and rich nutritional value. The jellyfish used is fresh, with a translucent white color and thick, crunchy flesh that gives it a uniquely crisp texture.

The broth is simmered from fish bones, offering a naturally sweet and savory flavor that is light yet flavorful. When served, the dish is accompanied by fresh herbs, fish cake, roasted peanuts, and a dipping sauce made with garlic, chili, and fish sauce to enhance the overall taste.

An Nhut Steamed Rice Vermicelli (Banh Hoi)

Bánh hỏi An Nhut is a traditional dish made from fragrant rice using an age-old recipe passed down by the people of Vung Tau. It is especially well-known for its soft, delicate noodles and uniquely aromatic flavor.

To fully enjoy its taste, it’s best served with a sweet and sour fish sauce. You can pair it with grilled pork, crispy spring rolls, fresh herbs, and lettuce to enhance the dish’s rich and enticing flavor.

Baby Squid Fried With Fish Sauce (Muc Sua Chien Nuoc Mam)

Baby squid—also known as squid with eggs—is a beloved seafood delicacy. In Vung Tau, this dish is prepared using a special recipe that brings out an irresistibly rich flavor.

When tasting it, you’ll enjoy the crispy texture of the fried squid, with a tender inside that carries the natural sweetness and creamy richness of the squid eggs. All of this is perfectly coated in a savory-sweet fish sauce glaze that will keep you coming back for more.

Festivals In Ba Ria-Vung Tau

Every year in Ba Ria – Vung Tau province, locals hold traditional folk festivals that reflect the rich cultural identity, customs, and beliefs of coastal communities. These events attract tens of thousands of visitors from near and far. Below are some of the most famous festivals in Vung Tau that you should keep in mind when visiting this charming seaside city.

The Death Anniversary Of Saint Tran Hung Dao

Held annually on the 20th day of the 8th lunar month, the Death Anniversary of Saint Tran Hung Dao takes place at the Temple of Saint Tran. Over time, this celebration has grown beyond the local community to become a festival that draws attendees from across the country. Through various ceremonial and cultural activities, the event also serves as a way to instill patriotism and national pride in younger generations. During the festival, tens of thousands of visitors and locals gather to attend the opening ceremony and offer incense in honor of the national hero.

Dinh Co Festival

Dinh Co is a grand temple featuring traditional Vietnamese architecture, located along the Long Hai coast. Held annually from the 10th to the 12th day of the 2nd lunar month, the Dinh Co Festival is rich in folk culture and spiritual tradition. Each year, the festival draws tens of thousands of visitors who come not only to take part in the festivities but also to enjoy the scenic beauty of the area.

Nghinh Ong Thang Tam Festival

The Nghinh Ong Festival is one of the most important spiritual traditions for coastal communities. It serves as an occasion for fishermen to pray for peace, calm seas, and bountiful catches of fish and shrimp. Since 2000, the Nghinh Ong Festival in Thang Tam Ward has been recognized by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism as one of the 15 largest festivals in the country. Today, the Thang Tam Temple still preserves several whale skeletons, a symbol of reverence for the sea deity.

Mieu Ba Ngu Hanh Festival

The Mieu Ba Ngu Hanh Festival is held annually on the 16th, 17th, and 18th days of the 10th lunar month at Mieu Ba Ngu Hanh in Vung Tau Ward. The festival is celebrated with solemn ceremonial rituals and lively folk games, drawing large crowds of locals and visitors who come to offer incense and pay their respects.

Traditional Craft Villages In Ba Ria-Vung Tau

Besides the vibrant, bustling beaches and numerous entertainment venues, few people know that Vung Tau tourism also offers a more tranquil, traditional side waiting to be discovered. This is reflected in the old craft villages that have been preserved and continue to thrive to this day.

Bronze Casting Village In Long Dien

Established in the 17th century, the Long Dien bronze casting village is renowned for its exquisite and skillfully crafted products. Passed down through generations of artisans, its reputation has spread throughout the Southwestern region of Vietnam. Although not a well-known tourist destination in Vung Tau, the village frequently welcomes groups of visitors who come to explore, learn about the craft, and shop for unique handmade items.

Stone Craft Village in Tan Thanh 

The stone craft village is concentrated in Tan Phuoc and Phuoc Hoa communes of Tan Thanh, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, with dozens of workshops supplying both domestic and international markets. Stone crafting is a labor-intensive and demanding trade that requires great effort and patience. A visit to the stone craft village in Tan Thanh offers deeper insight and admiration for the hardworking locals who have preserved and passed down this traditional craft through generations.

Phuoc Hai Fishing Village

Located in Dat Do District, Phuoc Hai Fishing Village offers a unique appeal for visitors who are drawn to traditional craft villages. It is the oldest fishing village in the Ba Ria – Vung Tau region, renowned nationwide for its production of fish sauce and dried seafood. A visit to Phuoc Hai not only treats you to stunning coastal views, but also allows you to immerse yourself in the simple, hardworking life of local fishermen. You can observe the production process firsthand and bring home some local specialties as meaningful gifts for your loved ones.

Long Kien Rice Vermicelli Village

Located in Long Tam Ward, Ba Ria City, Long Kien Rice Vermicelli Village is an ideal destination for enjoying famous Vietnamese dishes such as bun (vermicelli), pho, hu tieu (southern-style noodle soup), and tofu. Established in 1958, the village has continued to operate and grow over the years. Today, it is a popular stop for travelers on tours to Vung Tau, offering a chance to explore a traditional craft village and savor local specialties.

Long Dien Salt Fields

Long Dien Salt Fields are among the few remaining areas in Vietnam that have preserved the age-old tradition of salt-making passed down through generations. Covering a total area of about 500 hectares, the people of Long Dien work tirelessly day and night to produce around 30,000 tons of salt each year.

A visit to Long Dien Salt Fields offers a serene and picturesque scene, with endless stretches of white salt pans lining the coastal road. The rectangular salt plots are built side by side, and under the soft sunlight, they shimmer like giant mirrors reflecting the sky.

How To Get To Ba Ria-Vung Tau From Ho Chi Minh City

Vung Tau, a famous seaside city in Vietnam, is an ideal destination for relaxing holidays and exploring the beauty of the blue sea. Below is a guide on how to get to Vung Tau from major cities to make your trip more convenient.

Currently, Vung Tau does not have an airport, so travelers cannot book direct flights to the city. The nearest airport is Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). To reach Vung Tau by air, travelers can fly to Tan Son Nhat from major cities. Airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, and Vietravel Airlines offer a wide range of flights to Saigon.

From Ho Chi Minh City, travelers can reach Ba Ria–Vung Tau by motorbike, car, passenger bus, ferry, or high-speed boat. The most common road route is via National Highway 1, then National Highway 51 straight to Vung Tau. 

Passenger buses are widely available from Mien Dong Bus Station, with tickets ranging from 80,000 to 160,000 VND.

For a more scenic trip, visitors can take the high-speed ferry or sea ferry from Ho Chi Minh City. The high-speed boat ride takes around 1.5 hours, with ticket prices starting from 240,000 VND for adults. The sea ferry from Can Gio is a slower option, offering a unique travel experience across the water.

Where To Stay In Ba Ria-Vung Tau

Vung Tau not only attracts visitors with its beautiful beaches and scenic spots but is also a paradise for relaxation, offering a wide range of comfortable and upscale accommodations. Whether you’re looking for a luxury resort or a modern hotel near the sea, here are some top recommendations:

Top 3–5 Star Beachfront Hotels

The Imperial Hotel Vung Tau: Located near Bai Sau (Back Beach), this hotel offers elegant rooms, an outdoor pool, spa, gym, car rental, and fine dining.

From: 2,000,000 VND/night

Pullman Vung Tau: Situated by Bai Truoc (Front Beach), Pullman features premium services including a pool, spa, gym, and international restaurant.

From: 2,500,000 VND/night

These hotels provide convenient access to beaches, restaurants, and cafés—ideal for both leisure and business travelers.

Top Resorts For Families & Groups

The Grand Ho Tram Strip: About 30 minutes from Vung Tau center, this luxury resort offers a golf course, infinity pool, spa, casino, and various dining options.

From: 3,500,000 VND/night

Vung Tau Intourco Resort: Located in Bai Dau (Mulberry Beach), this resort features sea views, an outdoor pool, tennis court, gym, spa, and beach sports.

From: 1,800,000 VND/night

Green Palm Hotel & Resort: Close to Bai Sau, this resort offers a peaceful environment with a large pool, garden, sports facilities, and wellness services.

From: 1,200,000 VND/night

These hotels and resorts offer both comfort and convenience, making them perfect for a relaxing vacation in Vung Tau.

Map Of Ba Ria-Vung Tau—Your Coastal Gateway Awaits

Vung Tau is an ideal destination for a short getaway, offering beautiful beaches, historical landmarks, and exciting recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful seaside atmosphere, explore cultural sites, and savor fresh and delicious seafood. With affordable costs and convenient transportation, a trip to Vung Tau promises a memorable experience. Let Vietnam Original Travel help you plan your journey and discover the charm of this coastal city!

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