Explore Vung Tau on Your Own: What to Eat, Where to Go, and the Best Check-in Spots in 2025

When Is the Best Time to Visit Vung Tau?

Vung Tau is beautiful year-round, but the ideal time to visit is from December to April of the following year. During this period, the weather is generally cooler, not too hot, and there is less rainfall.

• December – February (Festival & Lunar New Year Season): This is a great time to join major Tet celebrations, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and taste traditional holiday dishes.
• March – April (Summer Season): During this time, the coastal city becomes lively with beach activities, making it perfect for young travelers who enjoy water sports such as surfing and kayaking.

In addition, Vung Tau also hosts unique festivals that you should not miss:

• Long Hai Pagoda Festival (2nd lunar month): A great opportunity to explore the local spiritual culture and take part in traditional prayer ceremonies.
• Nghinh Ong Festival (8th lunar month): A colorful festival honoring the guardian deity of fishermen, attracting many visitors with vibrant cultural activities.

Transportation Guide to Vung Tau

Located just a short distance from Ho Chi Minh City, this coastal destination is perfect for short getaways. Here are the fastest and most convenient ways to get there.

Getting to Vung Tau

From Ho Chi Minh City:

• Coach/Bus: You can take a bus from Mien Dong Bus Station or choose operators such as Toan Thang, Hoa Mai, or Kumho, with ticket prices ranging from 100,000 – 350,000 VND/one way.
• Motorbike: The journey is about 120km, making it an exciting option for adventure lovers who enjoy road trips.
• Private Car: If you are traveling with family or a group, renting a private car is a more convenient choice.

From other provinces: You can fly to Ho Chi Minh City first, then continue to Vung Tau by bus or private car.

Getting Around the City

• Motorbike: The most popular way to explore the city. Rental prices usually range from 120,000 – 150,000 VND/day.
• Motorbike Taxi/Taxi: If you prefer not to drive, taxis or motorbike taxis are convenient options.

TOP 5+ Must-Visit Attractions in Vung Tau

Vung Tau is not only famous for its stunning beaches but also offers many exciting attractions. Here are some places you should definitely visit.

Back Beach (Bai Sau)

Back Beach is the most famous beach in Vung Tau, known for its soft white sand and crystal-clear water. It is an ideal place to relax, swim, or enjoy water sports such as parasailing and jet skiing. The area also has many luxury hotels, resorts, and restaurants, ensuring a comfortable holiday experience.

You can reach Back Beach from the city center by taxi or motorbike in just 10 minutes. Along the way, there are plenty of eateries and resting spots.

Christ the King Statue

The Christ the King Statue is one of Vung Tau’s iconic landmarks, standing atop Small Mountain at 32 meters high with arms outstretched toward the sea. It is both a spiritual attraction and an ideal viewpoint to admire the city from above.

To get there, you can travel along Thuy Van Street and climb to the summit via stairs or drive up by car. Although the route is steep, the scenery along the way and from the top is well worth it.

Vung Tau Lighthouse

Located on top of Big Mountain, the Vung Tau Lighthouse is one of the city’s most iconic attractions and among the oldest lighthouses in Vietnam. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the sea and city, making it a favorite spot for photography lovers.

You can get there from the city center by taxi or motorbike in about 15–20 minutes. The road is steep and winding, but the beautiful scenery along the route makes the journey worthwhile.

Front Beach (Bai Truoc)

Front Beach is a smaller but quieter beach located near the city center. It is perfect for relaxing, swimming, or taking a peaceful stroll along the shore.

In the evening, this area becomes lively with beachfront cafés and restaurants, making it a great place to enjoy local cuisine while watching the sunset.

Xom Luoi Market

Xom Luoi Market is a must-visit for seafood lovers. Here, you can enjoy local specialties such as seafood porridge, grilled squid, steamed crab, or buy fresh seafood to be cooked to your liking.

The market is just 10–15 minutes from Back Beach or the Christ the King Statue by taxi or motorbike. It is usually busiest in the morning and early evening—the best times to visit.

Must-Try Local Specialties in Vung Tau

Vung Tau not only attracts visitors with its beautiful scenery but also with its delicious local specialties.

Stingray Hotpot (Lẩu Cá Đuối)

Stingray hotpot is one of Vung Tau’s signature dishes. The stingray meat is tender and naturally sweet, cooked in a flavorful broth with special spices. It is often served with fresh vegetables and a tangy-spicy dipping sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

Some famous places to try it:

• Ngon 15 Stingray Hotpot Restaurant: 15 Nguyen Truong To Street, Ward 3
• 66 Stingray Hotpot Restaurant: 47 Nguyen Truong To Street, Ward 3

Banh Khot

Banh Khot is one of Vung Tau’s most famous dishes, featuring crispy mini pancakes topped with fresh shrimp, served with herbs and a specially mixed fish sauce. It is often enjoyed in the morning or afternoon and is a perfect way to start your day.

Recommended places:

• Banh Khot Goc Vu Sua: 14 Nguyen Truong To Street, Ward 2
• Banh Khot My Dung: 10B Nguyen Truong To Street, Ward 2

Mai Fish Salad (Gỏi Cá Mai)

Mai fish salad is made from fresh raw mai fish mixed with herbs and special seasonings, creating a refreshing and easy-to-enjoy flavor. If you love fresh seafood dishes, this is a local specialty you definitely should not miss.

Recommended places to try it:

• Ba Hai Mai Fish Salad: 33B Le Hong Phong Street, Ward 8
• Hung Phat Mai Fish Salad: 46B Trung Trac Street, Ward 8

Where to Stay in Vung Tau?

Here is some updated information on quality hotels with excellent service in Vung Tau. These are great choices for travelers who want to enjoy luxury and comfort, featuring outdoor swimming pools, relaxing spas, and premium entertainment facilities.

• Imperial Hotel: 159 Thuy Van Street, Ward 2
• Pullman Hotel: 15 Thi Sach Street, Thang Tam Ward

If you prefer a more cozy and intimate atmosphere, homestays are also an excellent option. The following homestays offer a peaceful experience close to nature:

• Santoni Homestay: 139/27A Phan Chu Trinh Street, Ward 2
• Sunday Homestay: 268/6B Tran Phu Street, Ward 5

All-Inclusive Vung Tau Travel from A to Z with HaNoi Vip Tours

With HaNoi Vip Tours, you can enjoy a complete and hassle-free Vung Tau travel experience with full-service support.

• All-inclusive services: We provide bus ticket booking, hotel reservations, and tour packages at competitive prices. With guaranteed quality and excellent service, we help you save time and effort when planning your trip.
• Transparent pricing: All costs are clearly listed and communicated upfront, making it easier for you to plan your budget.
• Professional travel consultants: Our experienced team has in-depth knowledge of Vung Tau, helping you discover the city’s best attractions and signature local dishes for an unforgettable travel experience.

With the travel tips shared in this guide, we hope you will enjoy a fun and memorable self-guided trip to Vung Tau. Contact HaNoi Vip Tours today via our website or hotline 0966355819 to start planning your Vung Tau adventure!