Is Vung Tau Worth Visiting? An Unbiased Traveler Review
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Is Vung Tau worth visiting? That is a very controversial question if you consider this coastal city a potential getaway from Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC).
I have been in love with Vietnam and visit this lovely Country almost every year post-COVID. During my last visit to HCMC, I chose to spend three days and two nights in Vung Tau. I enjoyed my stay there and found some of its most unique attractions.
However, if you are visiting Vietnam for the first time, I am against the idea of going to Vung Tau. Because you should prioritize your time for more popular destinations, HCMC (the best in Vietnam), Hanoi, Da Nang, Phu Quoc, and even Nha Trang.
Vung Tau is one of the second-tier cities, that you should only consider during a long stay in HCMC or second visit to Vietnam.
One way or another, let me go through the true side of Vung Tau based on my visit to you.
What is Vung Tau?
Vung Tau, a coastal city 125 km southeast of HCMC, is a port town with a rich history and a laid-back vibe. Known for its beaches, historical landmarks, and as a weekend retreat for city dwellers, it sits on a peninsula with ocean views on three sides. Its tropical savanna climate means warm weather year-round, with temperatures averaging 24°C to 32°C.
In short, I would consider it as an outlying island (peninsula to be exact) of HCMC.
Main Attractions
Vung Tau’s got a mix of sights that cater to different tastes. Here’s a quick rundown of its highlights:
- Beaches: Front Beach, Back Beach, and Pineapple Beach. these are the signature attractions of Vung Tau. However, based on my visit, the water is relatively polluted. At least I wouldn’t swim there. Still, the coastline is good for the picture.
- Historical Sites: The White Villa, Vung Tau Lighthouse, and the iconic Jesus Christ Statue are also popular. I only went to the Jesus Christ Statue during my visit, I will cover more later on. For Vung Tau Lighthouse, it is not worth the journey. The white villa, instead, is just another museum.
- Religious Sites: Thich Ca Phat Dai Pagoda and Niet Ban Tinh Xa are some of the historical sites there. Both are popular religious icons, but you could find similar sightseeing locations in other cities.
- Parks: Ho May Park stands out for its rides and eco-friendly vibe. If you didn’t visit the Buddha in the above point, the happy Buddha square here will do the job.
- Museums: The Robert Taylor Museum of Worldwide Arms and Vung Tau Museum, in particular for the latter it has a good Phuoc Long tunnel for a good photo.
So there are sufficient attractions in Vung Tau to keep you busy for 3 or 4 days. However, again, the consideration is whether should you visit there instead of other destination in Vietnam. Especially, it is a beach city, but the beaches are polluted. So don’t expect to have water activities like Phu Quoc or Nha Trang.
How Long Does It Take From HCMC to Vung Tau?
Getting to Vung Tau from HCMC is a breeze, making it a top pick for a short escape. Here are your options:
By Car
The drive covers about 125 km and takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours via the Long Thanh-Dau Giay Expressway. It’s a scenic route, but traffic can slow you down, especially on weekends. Expect to pay around 300,000 VND (~USD 12) for a Grab or taxi.
By Ferry
For a faster, more scenic trip, hop on a ferry from HCMC. The ride down the Saigon River takes about 1.5 to 2 hours and costs around 250,000 VND (~USD 10). It’s my go-to for a relaxing start to a Vung Tau holiday.
Enjoyable Ferry Ride
I took ferry from HCMC to Vung Tau. It has been a very enjoyable ride where complimentary water, wet towel and snacks are provided onboard with charge port. It is also the fastest and cheapest option to get to Vung Tau.
Why Vung Tau May Not Be Worth It For You?
Again and again, I do not recommend Vung Tau for all first-time visitors. Other than that, if you are going there because of the beaches, then you shouldn’t go.
It Should Not Be For First-Time Visitors To Vietnam
If you’re new to Vietnam, you’re likely better off exploring iconic spots like HCMC, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Da Nang, or Phu Quoc. These destinations pack a bigger punch with cultural landmarks, vibrant nightlife, and UNESCO sites. Vung Tau’s charm is more subtle, better suited for those who’ve already ticked off the big names. All these destinations could have occupied most of your annual leaves for Vietnam, if you are doing a 2-week travel.
In fact, I only consider doing Vung Tau after going to even second tier icons in HCMC, such as Saigon Zoo and Suoi Tien Theme Park.
The Beaches Are Polluted
Despite its reputation as a beach city, Vung Tau’s shores can disappoint. Back Beach often has litter and murky water, especially during peak seasons. Reviews frequently mention pollution, which can be a letdown if you’re dreaming of crystal-clear waters. During my last visit, last time I saw lots of commercial vessels polluting the shores. Other than that, the city as a whole is also reconstructing its beaches with tonnes of waste being discharged.
So don’t go there if you expect water activities or even swimming.
The Other Attractions May Not Be Worth
Vung Tau’s temples, museums, and city center might not wow you if you’ve seen similar spots elsewhere. The Thich Ca Phat Dai Pagoda is lovely but less grand than Hanoi’s temples. The Vung Tau city center feels like a smaller HCMC, with familiar chains like Lotte Mart and cafes. The street food is also similar to other locations in Vietnam. If you’re after unique cultural experiences, these might fall short.
Why Vung Tau Could Still Be Worth A Visit?
However, I still visited Vung Tau and didn’t regret it. Before you turn down Vung Tau, you may want to have a look for below first.
If You Long Stay in HCMC or Visit the City at Second Time
If you’re based in HCMC for a while or returning for a second visit, Vung Tau is a refreshing change of pace. After exploring HCMC’s bustling streets, Cu Chi Tunnel, Museums, Mekong River, etc. Vung Tau is the next on the list for a mini-vacation. It’s perfect for those who’ve already seen the major sites and want something new.
Vung Tau As The Best Short Escape From HCMC Without Flight
No flights needed here! Vung Tau’s proximity—2 hours by ferry or 3 by car—makes it the ultimate short getaway from HCMC. My 3-day, 2-night trip was just the right length to explore without feeling rushed. It’s ideal for a weekend of relaxation or adventure.
Vung Tau Has The Most Unique Local Park
Ho May Park is a gem you won’t find elsewhere in Vietnam. This eco-friendly park blends amusement rides, animal encounters, and cultural exhibits at a budget-friendly price. From ziplines to ostrich feeding, it’s a hit for families and thrill-seekers.
They are not as large as Vinwonders in Nha Trang. The water park is way smaller than Vinwonders Nha Trang or even Suoi Tien. However, it has a unique set of amusements like Karting, zipline and even paintball, plus an ethical eco-park.
All the experience only costs you 20 USD. For details, check out my dedicated post for that.
One Of The Largest Jesus Christ Statue In The World
The Vung Tau Jesus statue, standing 32 meters tall on Mount Nho, is a showstopper. It’s one of Asia’s largest Christian statues. The most unique part is you can actually climb up the statue and take a picture with it for free. Please be reminded you need long trousers and no short sleeves. I had to borrow my friend’s oversize trouser last time during my visit.
Phuoc Long Tunnel In Vung Tau Museum
The Vung Tau Museum features a synthetic Phuoc Long Tunnel exhibit. This replica lets you explore a wartime tunnel, offering a glimpse into Vietnam’s revolutionary history. It’s educational and interactive, perfect for history lovers.
I took lots of great pictures there. Other than that, other exhibitions are also great and the entrance fee was merely 40k VND (less than 2 USD).
Comfortable And Chill Apartment At Affordable Price
There are a lot of best-valued accommodation options in Vung Tau. It is a lot cheaper than HCMC and other destinations. For example, I stayed in an apartment called “Song Blue Ocean Apartment” where the apartment has a rooftop swimming pool and gym with spacious room. And it only costed 20 USD for 4 persons.
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The Best Valued Accommodation in Vung Tau
Song Blue Ocean Apartment offers spacious rooms, with a rooftop pool and gym. The location is very convenient located just near a large Lotte Mart. With the amazing landscape and great balcony, it only costs ~ 20 USD per night.
So Should You Visit Vung Tau?
So, is Vung Tau worth visiting? If you’re a first-time visitor to Vietnam with a tight schedule, you might want to prioritize HCMC, Hanoi, or Da Nang for their cultural depth. But if you’re in HCMC for a long stay, bored on a second visit, or craving a quick escape, Vung Tau’s the second on the list after the main attractions. Again don’t go there for the beach !
Ho May Park, the Jesus statue, and affordable stays add a special flavor you won’t find elsewhere. So, at least Vung Tau should be on your list, if you plan to visit Vietnam multiple times.
