Your Vietnam & Indochina DMC
Vung Tau
Explore vibrant Vung Tau with tips on when to visit, must-see attractions, beach activities, city tours & where to find the best local seafood and handicrafts.
Free Designed Vietnam Itinerary Now!Overview Vung Tau
1. Location
Vung Tau is a coastal city located in southern Vietnam, approximately 125 kilometers southeast of Ho Chi Minh City. Known for its beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage, delicious seafood, and vibrant nightlife, Vung Tau serves as an ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis.
Vibrant nightlife in Vung Tau
The city is part of the Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province and has long been a favorite destination for both local and international tourists.
Also, the city’s strategic location on a peninsula makes it a unique destination where visitors can enjoy both sunrise and sunset over the sea. Thus, if you're looking for a Vietnam beach getaway, Vung Tau is the place to be! And if you need some help planning your trip, Asia Link Travels has got your back with this Vung Tau travel guide from places to visit in Vung Tau, the best time to visit, and things to buy. Check it out below!
2. The best time to visit
Vung Tau enjoys a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. The weather in Vung Tau is generally warm throughout the year, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C.
The rainy season lasts from May to October, with the heaviest rainfall occurring between June and August. During this period, the weather can be humid and rainy, but the city remains lush and green.
The dry season in Vung Tau extends from November to April, offering more pleasant weather with minimal rainfall and lower humidity levels.
If you’re planning a trip to Vung Tau, the best time to go is definitely during the dry season, from November to April. The weather is just right for hitting the beaches, exploring the city, and enjoying all the outdoor activities without worrying about rain.
December to February are particularly nice because it’s a bit cooler, with temperatures around 25°C to 28°C, making it perfect for sightseeing and relaxing by the sea.
This is also when the city is at its busiest, so if you’re planning to visit Vung Tau during these months, it’s a good idea to book your accommodation and tours ahead of time by Vietnam Travel Agency to make sure you get the best spots.
Vung Tau in the dry season
3. Things to do in Vung Tau
Vung Tau offers a variety of activities and places to visit in Vung Tau that cater to all kinds of travelers. Here’s a rundown of some of the best things to do in this Vietnam charming coastal city.
Relax on Vung Tau Beaches
Vung Tau boasts some of the most stunning beaches in Vietnam. Vung Tau Beach, particularly Bai Sau (Back Beach) and Bai Truoc (Front Beach), are popular places to visit in Vung Tau for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.
Bai Sau is known for its long stretch of fine sand and clear waters, making it ideal for a leisurely day at the beach. Bai Truoc, although smaller, is closer to the city center and offers a picturesque view of the surrounding mountains.
These Vung Tau beaches are lined with numerous restaurants and cafes where visitors can indulge in fresh seafood and local dishes while enjoying the sea breeze.
Vung Tau beach
Visit the Statue of Jesus Christ
One of Vung Tau’s most iconic landmarks, the Statue of Jesus Christ, stands 32 meters tall and offers panoramic views of the city and the sea. Climbing the 800 steps to the top is a must-do activity for anyone visiting Vung Tau. The journey up is complemented by the beautiful surroundings and the sense of achievement upon reaching the top. Don’t miss this one of the top places to visit in Vung Tau.
Climb the Vung Tau Lighthouse
The Vung Tau Lighthouse, built in 1862, is situated on Mount Lon (Big Mountain). This lighthouse provides spectacular views of the coastline and the city, making it a great spot for photography and sightseeing. The winding road up to the lighthouse is also scenic, adding to the experience. The Vung Tau Lighthouse welcomes visitors from 7 AM to 10 PM daily and does not require an entrance fee.
Explore the White Palace (Bach Dinh)
The White Palace, so-called Bach Dinh, is a historical building built during the French colonial era in Vung Tau. This elegant palace is set amidst lush gardens, providing a serene environment for visitors. Inside, you can explore various exhibits that offer a glimpse into the past, making it a perfect spot for history enthusiasts. Add this to your places to visit in Vung Tau bucket list!
Take a Vung Tau City Tour
A city tour is an excellent way to explore Vung Tau’s rich history and culture. Key stops typically include the Whale Temple (Lang Ca Ong), Niet Ban Tinh Xa Pagoda, and the bustling local markets. Vung Tau City Tour packages are available at Asia Link Travels providing Vietnam Local Tour Operator services ensuring a comprehensive and informative experience. The Whale Temple is particularly interesting as it reflects the local fishermen's belief in the whale as a guardian spirit of the sea.
Savor Vung Tau Food
Vung Tau is a haven for food lovers. A food tour of Vung Tau can take you through the city's best street food spots and seafood restaurants. Don’t miss out on trying Banh Khot (mini savory pancakes), a local specialty made from rice flour and topped with shrimp, served with fresh herbs and fish sauce.
Fresh seafood is abundant, and you can enjoy dishes like grilled squid, steamed crabs, and seafood hotpots at local restaurants. For dessert, try some local sweets like Che (Vietnamese sweet soup) or a refreshing coconut jelly.
Famous Vung Tau food
Discover Binh Chau National Forest
A bit further afield, but well worth the places to visit in Vung Tau, is the Binh Chau National Forest. This forest is a haven for nature lovers and those seeking a tranquil escape from the Vung Tau city. You can explore the lush greenery, spot various wildlife, and even take a dip in the hot springs that are said to have therapeutic properties.
The forest offers several hiking trails, making it a great spot for a Vung Tau day trip filled with nature and relaxation.
4. Things to buy
Visiting Vung Tau remember to bring home unique souvenirs. Here are some items you might want to consider purchasing during your Vung Tau tour packages.
Local Seafood
Vung Tau is renowned for its fresh seafood, caught daily from the nearby waters. Consider bringing home some dried squid, shrimp, or fish, which make excellent gifts for family and friends.
These seafood products are prepared using traditional methods, ensuring quality and authenticity.
Conical Hats (Non La)
Traditional Vietnamese conical hats, known as Non La, are practical and iconic. They are made from palm leaves and bamboo, providing protection from the sun and rain.
In Vung Tau, you can find beautifully crafted Non La hats that showcase local craftsmanship and are perfect for souvenirs or as decorative pieces.
Non La
Handicrafts and Artworks
Explore the local markets and shops in Vung Tau to discover a variety of handicrafts and artworks. From intricately woven baskets and pottery to paintings and sculptures, these items reflect the creativity and skill of local artisans.
Local Delicacies
Don’t forget to indulge in Vung Tau’s culinary delights and bring back some local delicacies. Pick up packets of Banh Khot mix (mini savory pancakes) or traditional Vietnamese coffee beans.
These items allow you to recreate the flavors of Vung Tau at home and share the experience with others.
Souvenir T-shirts and Accessories
For a more casual reminder of your time in Vung Tau, consider picking up souvenir T-shirts or accessories adorned with local motifs or landmarks.
These items are readily available in tourist areas and make for practical and wearable souvenirs.
Coconut Products
Given Vung Tau’s coastal location and abundance of coconut palms, coconut-based products are popular souvenirs. Look for items like coconut candies, coconut oils, or even handmade coconut shell crafts.
These products are not only delicious and useful but also eco-friendly.
Coconut palms in Vung Tau
5. Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s
- Respect local customs and traditions. When visiting temples and religious sites, dress modestly and behave respectfully.
- Bargain politely when shopping at local markets to get the best prices.
- Keep the beaches clean and dispose of trash properly to help maintain Vung Tau’s natural beauty. Participating in local beach clean-up activities is also a great way to contribute to the community.
Don’ts
- Avoid wearing revealing clothing when visiting temples and religious sites, as this can be seen as disrespectful.
- Do not litter or disturb the natural environment. Keeping the area clean is crucial for preserving its beauty.
- Be cautious with your belongings in crowded places to avoid pickpocketing and theft. It is advisable to keep valuables in a secure place and be aware of your surroundings.
Exploring Vung Tau is a journey filled with diverse experiences, from relaxing on its picturesque beaches to delving into its rich cultural heritage and many other places to visit in Vung Tau. Whether you're climbing the Statue of Jesus Christ for breathtaking views, this coastal city offers something for everyone. To make the most of your visit, consider exploring Vung Tau as part of South Vietnam Tours with Asia Link Travels.
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