Vung Tau

November to April is the best time. The weather is dry and sunny, and the sea is calm. The rainy season runs from May to October, with short heavy showers and rougher water. Vũng Tàu gets less rain than many other parts of the south.

Weekends and public holidays are very crowded, and hotel prices rise. Visit on weekdays for quieter beaches.

• Christ of Vung Tau is a large statue on Small Mountain. A long flight of steps leads up, and the top gives wide views over the city and the sea.
• Front Beach Park is a seaside park by the sandy Front Beach, popular for evening walks.
• Villa Blanche is a colonial-era villa on the hill, linked to the last emperor.
• French Fort is a hillside fort from the French period.
• Underground Torpedo is a small site of old tunnels and military remains.
• Ancient Artillary Battlefield is a hill with old artillery positions and sea views.

Back Beach is the main stretch of sand for swimming and surf. Front Beach is calmer, with cafés and a seafront promenade.

• Climb to the Christ statue: Go early or late to avoid the heat.
• Eat bánh khọt: Try the small crispy rice pancakes with shrimp in a local restaurant.
• Ride the coastal road: The road around the peninsula offers sea views.
• Swim at Back Beach: Waves suit swimming and bodyboarding on calm days.
• Take a fast boat from Saigon: A relaxed way to arrive.

• Ho Chi Minh City: about 2 hours by road, or by fast boat from the city.
• Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve: a mangrove reserve with boat rides and a wildlife centre, reached by ferry.
• Côn Đảo: a remote island group reached by flight from Ho Chi Minh City.
• Mũi Né: a beach and dune strip about 3 to 4 hours up the coast.

• Province: Ba Ria-Vung Tau covers the coast around the city.
• Big city: Ho Chi Minh City is the main gateway.
• Wetland: Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve is a biosphere reserve on the route from the city.
• Islands: Côn Đảo lies off the coast and has a separate airport.

• By road: Buses, limousine vans and taxis run from Ho Chi Minh City in about 2 to 3 hours. The trip can be longer on weekends.
• By boat: Fast boats leave from Ho Chi Minh City and take about 2 hours. They are a pleasant alternative to the road.
• By air: There is no commercial airport in Vũng Tàu. Ho Chi Minh City is the nearest hub.
• By train: There is no railway to Vũng Tàu. Vietnam Railways serves other parts of the country.

• Taxi and Grab: The easiest way to move between beaches and sights.
• Scooter: Rental scooters are common. Wear a helmet.
• Bicycle: The seafront road is flat and good for cycling in the morning.
• Walking: The Front Beach promenade and the city centre are walkable.

• Is a car worth it? A car is useful if you drive from Ho Chi Minh City or want to explore the coast. In the city, taxis and Grab are enough.
• Roads: The highway from Ho Chi Minh City is busy on Friday and Sunday evenings.
• Parking: Hotels offer parking. Beach parking can be limited on weekends.

Vũng Tàu is a seafood city. The signature dish is bánh khọt, small crispy rice pancakes with shrimp, eaten with herbs and fish sauce. Look for grilled squid, steamed crab, clam dishes and fish hotpot. Local noodles with seafood are common at breakfast.

Many restaurants near Back Beach and the old centre serve fresh catch. Check the price before you order live seafood.

Vũng Tàu is a safe city, but some points need care.

• Check beach flags and avoid swimming in strong waves.
• Wear a helmet on a scooter. Traffic is busy on weekends.
• Agree the price of live seafood before you order.
• Use sunscreen and drink water on the steps to the statue.
• Watch your bag on crowded beaches.

Vũng Tàu was a fishing and trading port. The French called it Cap Saint-Jacques and developed it as a seaside resort and military site. The fort on the hill and Villa Blanche date from that period.

After 1975 the area became a base for the oil industry. Today it is also a popular weekend resort for the south.

Quick practical facts for Vietnam at a glance: