Vung Tau

Vung Tau is a beach city 125 km from Ho Chi Minh City, famous for its Front Beach and Back Beach (Bãi Trước and Bãi Sau). The city is the economic center of Ba Ria - Vung Tau province and has been a popular weekend escape for Saigoneers since colonial times. The compact city center sits on a peninsula with Big Mountain and Small Mountain providing panoramic views and historic lighthouses.

Greenlines operates hydrofoil services from HCMC Hàm Nghi Road in District 1 for 620,000 dong return with a 2-hour journey. The Vung Tau Bus Station handles bus routes to and from Ho Chi Minh City with times shown on the station board. The Vung Tau Airport serves only helicopter flights. Buses to Phan Thiet (gateway to Mui Ne) run 4 times daily.

The city center is compact and walkable between Front Beach and Back Beach areas. Taxis are available for reaching attractions on the mountains or further beaches. The cable car to Ho May Park departs from the station next to the hydrofoil terminal.

Vung Tau is busiest on weekends when HCMC residents flock for beach time. The Dinh Cô Festival in Long Hai is one of three well-known traditional festivals in southern Vietnam. Sea parachuting and canoeing are available year-round at Back Beach.

Budget hostels include Vungtau Surf Hostel (150,000 dong) and Tomorrow Hostel (130,000 dong), both offering dorms and tours. Mid-range options like Pullman Vung Tau (from €80) near Lotte Mall and Bãi Sau beach cater to comfort seekers. The Imperial Hotel (from €120) offers 5-star Victorian-style accommodation with private beach.

Bánh Khọt (crispy mini pancakes) is the local specialty, available at Bánh Khọt 368 and Bà Hai's Restaurant for around 40,000 dong. Seafood restaurants cluster around Front Beach and Back Beach. For international options, David Pizzeria (92 Ha Long St) serves wood-fired pizza from 150,000 dong, and Bistro Nine offers Western breakfast and wine. Matilda's Pub serves the cheapest beers in town at 25,000 dong with 5-for-100,000 dong deals.

The Statue of Christ the King on Small Mountain summit is 28 meters tall with 129 interior steps and panoramic views. The Vũng Tàu Lighthouse (4,000 dong entry) dates to 1907 and projects light 65 km. Bạch Dinh (Villa Blanche) is a French colonial mansion built 1898-1916 for Governor-General Paul Doumer. Ho May Park (400,000 dong incl. cable car) offers rides, water park, and alpine luge. Lam Son Greyhound Racing Stadium (60,000 dong) races on Saturdays 19:00-22:30.

Blue-Bottle Jellyfish (Portuguese Man-of-War) infest beaches at certain times of year, causing extremely painful stings. Pour isopropyl alcohol on stings or soak in warm (not hot) water. No warning signs exist and lifeguards may not assist. Sand flies on beaches can cause allergic reactions on legs; use anti-mosquito spray before entering. Apply prevention before beach visits.

Mobile coverage is available from Vietnamese carriers. ATMs from ACB and EXIM Bank are marked on maps. Lotte Mall (corner of Thi Sách and 3/2 roads, Ward 8) offers shopping and dining with daily 08:00-22:00 hours.

Backpacker daily budget: dorm beds from 130,000 dong, street meals 40,000-60,000 dong, local beer 25,000 dong. Back Beach amenities include lockers (15,000 dong), beach umbrellas (30,000 dong), and deck chairs with umbrella (50,000 dong). All beaches are free to enter.

Long Hai (20 km northeast) has the Dinh Cô Festival and Minh Đạm Tunnel from the Viet Minh era. Long Sơn features the 19th-century wooden Nhà Lớn complex. Minera Hot Springs Bình Châu is halfway to Phan Thiet in Xuyên Mộc district. Paradise Park and the lighthouse offer half-day activities within the city.

Ho Chi Minh City is the main hub, 2 hours by hydrofoil or bus. Con Dao archipelago offers Côn Đảo prisons and national park, accessible by hydrofoil from Vung Tau. Phan Thiet and Mui Ne (10 km east, 4 buses daily) provide beach resorts and sand dunes. Da Lat, the French hill station with spring climate, is a scenic mountain route east.