Vung Tau

Vung Tau occupies a sharp peninsula projecting into the South China Sea two hours south of Ho Chi Minh City. Long beaches wrap around its eastern and southern shores, while twin green mountains rise directly from the urban grid. The city functions as a seaside break for southern urbanites and an onshore hub for Vietnam's energy sector. You navigate it via a continuous coastal road that connects working ports, seafood halls, and hilltop viewpoints.

Vung Tau seafood relies on daily catches from local fishing vessels rather than frozen transport. Banh khot is the city's signature dish: small crispy rice batter cups cooked over charcoal and topped with fresh shrimp and scallion oil. You wrap each pancake in green mustard leaves and lettuce before dipping into sweet fish sauce with shredded papaya. Stingray hotpot (lau ca đuoi) dominates dinner time, served with pickled bamboo shoots, herbs, and fresh rice vermicelli.

• Banh khot morning rule

  Popular places like Banh Khot Goc Vu Su sell out by noon. Arrive before 09:00 to secure a seat without a line.

• Stingray hotpot streets

  Head to Truong Cong Dinh Street for stingray hotpot. Venues list prices per pot size, usually serving two to four people.

• Check live weight pricing

  Seafood restaurants along Hoang Hoa Tham charge per kilogram. Always confirm the weight and cooking fee before ordering.

Vung Tau began as a coastal shelter for trading vessels and local fishermen. French colonial administrators developed the area in the late 19th century as Cap Saint-Jacques, establishing a seaside resort complete with Villa Blanche and the lighthouse. During the Vietnam War, the port served as a strategic supply base for Australian and American forces. Petroleum discoveries off the coast in the 1980s turned the resort town into Vietnam's offshore energy hub, funding wide coastal roads and city parks.

1. 1822

   Three original villages

   King Minh Mang established three coastal military posts to suppress sea pirates, creating the foundation of Thang Tam.

2. 1898

   French resort era

   Governor-General Paul Doumer ordered the construction of Villa Blanche, establishing Cap Saint-Jacques as a retreat.

3. 1981

   Offshore oil boom

   Joint venture Vietsovpetro struck commercial oil offshore, shifting the local economy toward energy infrastructure.

4. 1991

   Provincial capital status

   Vung Tau became the administrative capital of Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, driving rapid suburban expansion.

Choose your location based on beach access versus urban quiet. Staying on Back Beach puts you directly on the swimming sand, but you trade away quiet evenings. Front Beach offers paved night walks and hydrofoil pier access, though the shoreline is unsuitable for swimming. Pineapple Beach suits travelers who want cliffside ocean views away from crowds.

• Weekend swimmersBack Beach — Step onto the sand and walk straight to evening seafood restaurants.

Vung Tau has no operating commercial airport. Visitors arrive from Ho Chi Minh City by express hydrofoil ferry or express limousine van. Once in town, motorbikes, ride-hailing apps, and electric passenger buggies cover all primary coastal routes.

• Open electric buggies run continuous loops along Thuy Van and Ha Long roads. Pay per individual ride or agree an hourly rate.

• Grab cars and motorbikes operate across the city. Fare amounts are fixed in advance through the mobile app.

• Hydrofoil seats sell out early for Saturday morning departures and Sunday afternoon returns. Book two days ahead online.

• Hotels rent automatic motorbikes for 120,000–150,000 VND per day. Carrying a valid driver's license and wearing a helmet are required.

Vung Tau charges moderate prices for everyday street food, but beachfront seafood venues and weekend hotel stays command clear premiums.

• Plate of banh khot: 60,000–90,000 VND

  A standard plate includes eight mini pancakes with greens and dipping sauce.

• Stingray hotpot for two: 200,000–350,000 VND

  Includes fresh fish, broth, rice noodles, bamboo shoots, and green herbs.

• Motorbike daily rental: 120,000–150,000 VND

  Fuel costs roughly 23,000 VND per liter at standard petrol stations.

• Mid-range hotel night: 600,000–1,200,000 VND

  Weekday rates sit on the lower end, while Saturday nights double room pricing.

• Solar exposure

  Ocean breezes hide strong UV rays. Wear sunscreen and head protection between 11:00 and 15:00.

• Back Beach rip tides

  Red flags signal dangerous water currents. Swim only in sections supervised by local lifeguard posts.

• Sunday return traffic

  The highway back to Saigon backs up after 15:00 on Sundays. Depart before noon or take an evening ferry.

• Cash for small vendors

  Street stalls and small banh khot shops do not accept international credit cards.

• Attire at holy sites

  Cover shoulders and knees when visiting Thang Tam Temple or stepping inside the Christ statue.