Vung Tau City is undoubtedly the top destination for sea lovers and those seeking short resort vacations near Ho Chi Minh City. Its fresh energy and plethora of unique attractions make it stand out as a multifaceted location, sometimes youthful and dynamic, sometimes nostalgic and filled with experiences. Let’s explore Vung Tau travel guide with Asia Legend Travel right now to get ready for your upcoming trip!
Vung Tau Travel Guide: Overview of Vung Tau
Vung Tau is a beautiful coastal city located in the Ba Ria-Vung Tau province. This vibrant city is not far from Ho Chi Minh City, taking only 2 hours to drive from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau. When viewed on a map of Vietnam from north to south, Vung Tau is positioned at the point where the direction changes from south to west, resembling the letter “S” jutting out from the mainland.
The city of Vung Tau can be divided into two main areas: the Vung Tau Peninsula and the nearby islands. The Vung Tau Peninsula has a long and narrow terrain, covering an area of over 80 square kilometers. It is predominantly flat, with several lakes and ponds scattered among hills and mountain ranges.
As a region that was newly established during the southward expansion of Vietnamese dynasties, Vung Tau has a cultural life that reflects a harmonious blend of various elements from different regions, combined with the unique coastal identity of the area. One of the most celebrated holidays in Vung Tau City is Lễ hội Cá Ông (Whale Festival).
This festival takes place on the 16th, 17th, and 18th days of the lunar month of August. It involves prayers for calm seas and favorable winds, bringing luck, prosperity, and safety to fishermen.
Vung Tau Travel Guide: Best Tourist Attractions
When you arrive in Vung Tau, you’ll immediately feel a sense of peace and comfort due to the spacious and airy roads. The breathtaking blue sea below and the wide range of rolling mountains above, combined with several serene temples, create a truly magical atmosphere in Vung Tau. Some of the most attractive destinations in this city include Front Beach, Back Beach, Vong Nguyet Beach, Con Dao Island, Big Mountain, Small Mountain, Nghinh Phong Cape (Cape Saint James), Hon Ba Island, and more.
Another incredible destination that is worth visiting when you come to Vung Tau is Con Dao. As an archipelago located offshore on the southeast coast, this place not only boasts magnificent natural scenery that will captivate your heart but also holds deep historical significance. Con Dao Prison on the island is a place that marks the historical struggle of a brave and sorrowful nation, leaving an indelible imprint on the land that continues to inspire awe in visitors.
Vung Tau Travel Guide: Must-Try Local Food
As a coastal city, Vung Tau is famous for its mouthwatering seafood. When you visit this city, make sure to treat yourself to the fresh and flavorful local seafood dishes at least once. Some notable dishes include Grilled Vietnamese Razor Clams with Scallion Oil, Stir-fried Blood Cockles with Garlic and Butter, Mantis Shrimp, Steamed Grouper with Ginger, and the renowned Fried Squid with Fish Sauce. Another beloved dish is Crab Noodle Soup (Vietnamese: Banh canh ghe), which is a favorite among many due to its carefully chosen and prepared crab meat, soft and chewy noodles, and a broth that is rich but not overwhelming.
And it’s impossible to talk about the famous food of Vung Tau City without mentioning Vietnamese Mini Pancakes (Vietnamese: Banh Khot). These mini pancakes have a crust made with rice flour, eggs, and coconut milk. The filling includes a variety of fresh seafood, such as shrimp, scallops, minced meat, or fish cake, depending on the diner’s preference.
The batter of Banh Khot is poured onto a cast-iron stove and served directly to guests to maintain its crispiness and heat. The seafood filling has a delightful sweetness and is marinated to ensure a pleasurable culinary experience.
Vung Tau Travel Guide: Best Things to Do
Let’s explore some exciting things to do in Vung Tau Vietnam in the Vung Tau Travel Guide below, which will help you get a better understanding of this city.
Explore ships and oil rigs
In addition to enjoying a refreshing swim at the Vung Tau beaches, one of the exciting and trendy activities in Vung Tau is renting a canoe to explore ships and oil rigs. This allows tourists to take in a breathtaking view of the country’s largest modern petroleum industry, which includes bustling seaports, state-of-the-art shipbuilding factories, and cutting-edge rig construction facilities.
Admire the view from a helicopter
The helicopter has only 2 seats, allowing for one passenger per flight. The pilot not only operates the aircraft but also serves as a tour guide. During the journey, the helicopter flies over famous landmarks in Vung Tau, such as the Vung Tau Statue of Christ, the Vung Tau Lighthouse, Front Beach, Back Beach, and more. Please be aware that this experience is not suitable for customers with a fear of heights or a history of heart disease.
Visit Xom Luoi Seafood Market
This is a self-organized market run by fishermen, where you can find a wide variety of fresh seafood in bulk. The market is located near Beachfront Park, at the intersection of Phan Boi Chau and Nguyen Cong Tru streets.
The seafood here is known for its freshness and reasonable prices. As a visitor, you will have plenty of options to choose from, including various types of fish, shrimp, squid, abalone, mantis shrimp, octopus, crab, clams, and so on. Especially during holidays, many vendors offer discounts to customers who purchase in larger quantities.
But that’s not all, the sellers also offer a selection of dried seafood that makes great souvenirs or snacks to enjoy on the spot. The most popular cooking methods here are grilling, steaming, or boiling. You won’t have to wait long, usually just about 10 – 15 minutes, to indulge in delicious food at more affordable prices compared to eateries and restaurants in Vung Tau‘s city center.
Best Time to Visit Vung Tau
Vung Tau City is located in the tropical monsoon climate region and experiences two distinct seasons throughout the year. The rainy season, characterized by the southwest monsoon winds, lasts from May to October. On the other hand, the dry season, marked by the northeast monsoon winds, starts in November and lasts until April of the following year.
However, in Vung Tau Vietnam, the tourism season is year-round due to its moderate temperature. The average temperature is a comfortable 27°C, with the lowest month at around 24.8°C and the highest around 28.6°C.
You only need to keep track of the Vung Tau weather forecast to avoid traveling during storms. Additionally, on weekends and public holidays, Vung Tau attracts a large number of tourists, causing prices for services to increase significantly. Thus, it’d better to book Vung Tau accommodation before your trip.
How Long to Spend in Vung Tau City
Vung Tau is not a large city and has a very convenient transportation system, so a 1-2 day stay is the perfect length to visit Vung Tau. All the sites in the city can be visited in one day, leaving another day to relax by the beach.
Hopefully, the information in the Vung Tau Travel Guide above help you plan an ideal journey. Vung Tau is a charming and picturesque city, making it an ideal destination for a short vacation. Whether you prefer relaxing by the beach, taking a refreshing swim, admiring the breathtaking landscapes, or indulging in delicious local cuisine, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So, start planning your vacation in Vung Tau and make the most of your time!
