Vung Tau Travel Guide

Southeast Coast · Vietnam

Vung Tau is a seaside city on a cape southeast of Ho Chi Minh City — the capital's easiest beach escape, reached by a fast ferry. It mixes beaches, a hilltop Christ the King statue, lighthouse views, French-colonial villas and fresh, cheap seafood.

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Best time to visit Vung Tau

December to April is dry and best for the beach. May to November is the wet season with afternoon showers. Weekends draw big crowds from Ho Chi Minh City, so visit midweek if you can.

How to get to Vung Tau

From Ho Chi Minh City, the fast ferry is the pleasant option; by road it's around two hours via the expressway. There is no airport in Vung Tau.

Getting around

The city is compact — walk the seafront, or use Grab and taxis to the Christ statue steps, the lighthouse and the beaches. Scooters are easy to rent.

Staying connected

4G LTE covers both beaches and the cape, with 5G in the centre. A travel eSIM is useful because the ferry from Ho Chi Minh City runs to a timetable that's checked and changed online.
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Money & costs

Vietnamese dong (VND). Seafood restaurants and hotels take cards; markets and beach vendors are cash. It's an inexpensive weekend trip.

Safety & emergencies

Safe; take normal beach precautions and watch currents at Back Beach. Emergency numbers: 113 police, 114 fire, 115 ambulance.
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Top things to do in Vung Tau

  • Climb to the Christ the King statue for the view
  • Back Beach (Bai Sau) and Front Beach (Bai Truoc)
  • The lighthouse (Hai Dang) at sunset
  • Nghinh Phong Cape
  • Fresh seafood at the local markets
  • Ho May cable car and park
  • Colonial-era villas and the White Palace

Local tips

  • Take the fast ferry from Ho Chi Minh City
  • Visit midweek to avoid weekend crowds
  • Climb the Christ statue early before the heat
  • Come for the seafood — it's cheap and fresh
  • Check the ferry timetable online before you go

Vung Tau travel FAQ

How do you get to Vung Tau from Ho Chi Minh City?

The fast ferry is the most enjoyable way; by road it's about two hours via the expressway. There is no airport in Vung Tau.

Is Vung Tau worth visiting?

As Ho Chi Minh City's closest beach city it's a great weekend escape for beaches, the hilltop Christ statue and cheap seafood — though the beaches aren't Vietnam's finest.

When should I visit Vung Tau?

December to April for dry beach weather, and midweek to avoid the big weekend crowds from Ho Chi Minh City.

Do I need an eSIM in Vung Tau?

Handy for checking the ferry timetable, which changes online, and for Grab rides around the cape.

How do you get around Vung Tau?

The city is compact — walk the seafront, or use Grab and taxis to the Christ statue steps, the lighthouse and the beaches. Scooters are easy to rent.

How much does it cost, and do you need cash in Vung Tau?

Vietnamese dong (VND). Seafood restaurants and hotels take cards; markets and beach vendors are cash. It's an inexpensive weekend trip.

Is Vung Tau safe for tourists?

Safe; take normal beach precautions and watch currents at Back Beach. Emergency numbers: 113 police, 114 fire, 115 ambulance.

Last updated 1 February 2026

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