Located just a few hours’ drive from the bustling economic center of the South, Vung Tau has long become the “national beach city” not only for domestic tourists but also for the expatriate community living in Vietnam. Possessing a long coastline, mountains hugging the sea, ancient French colonial architectural works, and a rich seafood cuisine, Vung Tau is the ideal stress-relief coordinate for short vacations. Let’s explore with us what to eat, where to play, and where to go in Vung Tau.
Top “Notorious” Check-in and Entertainment Places in Vung Tau
Christ the King Statue and the Ancient Lighthouse
Considered the immortal symbol of the beach city, the Christ the King Statue is located on the top of Nho (Small) Mountain. Overcoming nearly 1,000 stone steps, you will stand on Christ’s arms, capturing a panoramic view of the winding coastline below. Right nearby is the Vung Tau Lighthouse – one of the oldest lighthouses in Vietnam with a white-painted circular tower architecture deeply imbued with French style, making it the perfect background for romantic sunset photos.

Nghinh Phong Cape and the Heaven Gate
Located in the south of the Vung Tau peninsula, Nghinh Phong Cape (the wind-welcoming cape) possesses magnificent natural scenery with towering rocky mountains on one side and the deep blue sea on the other. The highlight here is the ancient mossy “Heaven Gate” – where you just need to stand in to immediately have a frame like an artistic painting, looking straight out into the vast ocean.
Ho May Tourism Area (Ho May Park)
If you are traveling in a group of friends or a family with young children, Ho May Park located on the top of Lon (Big) Mountain is a must-visit destination. Experiencing the modern cable car system to see the panoramic view of the city, participating in thrill games, or cooling off at the water park on the mountainside will bring wonderful moments of relaxation.
Vung Tau Culinary Heaven: Addictive to Eat
Coming to Vung Tau without filling your empty stomach with local specialties is a huge omission. This beach city is ready to conquer every diner with:
- Vung Tau Banh Khot (Mini savory pancakes): Tiny, beautiful pancakes with a crispy outer shell, filled with fresh shrimp or squid, topped with a layer of scallion oil and shrimp powder, rolled with mustard greens and lettuce, then dipped in sweet and sour fish sauce. Famous addresses like Banh Khot Goc Vu Sua or Banh Khot Co Ba Vung Tau are always packed with customers.
- Stingray Hotpot (Lau ca duoi): The national hotpot dish with firm stingray meat, rich spicy and sour bamboo shoot broth, served with banana blossoms and fresh rice vermicelli amidst the windy night sea weather.
- Fresh seafood at the Night Market or Ganh Hao: From casual dishes like sea snails with salted egg yolk and grilled oysters with cheese at the night market to a high-end seafood party watching the waves at Ganh Hao restaurant.
Comprehensive Transportation Solutions to Vung Tau for Travelers
To make the journey to explore the entertainment coordinates in Vung Tau complete, the choice of transportation plays a decisive role. Depending on your departure location, below are the two high-quality private transport solutions (Private Car) most favored by international tourists today:
From Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau
For international tourists who have just landed at Tan Son Nhat Airport or are staying in the center of District 1, booking a ho chi minh to vung tau private car trip is the best choice. Instead of having to endure overcrowding on fixed-route limousine buses or waiting in lines, the private car service will pick you up on-site and go straight through the Long Thanh – Dau Giay expressway. You will enjoy a private, cool space, proactively manage your time, and arrive in Vung Tau after only about 2 hours of extremely smooth travel.
From the beach city of Nha Trang to Vung Tau
For tourists who want to experience a tour across the central and southern beach cities, connecting the itinerary from Nha Trang Bay to Vung Tau Peninsula, the land route of about 380 km will be a great experience if you choose the right vehicle.
To avoid cumbersome travel such as taking a bus to Saigon and then changing buses to go to Vung Tau (which is both tiring and easy to lose luggage), the current trend is to book a nha trang to vung tau private car service. A modern, high-clearance SUV or Limousine will take you along the coastal road of the South Central region, allowing you to freely stop for photos at beautiful, pristine bays along the way and head straight to Vung Tau without transit, ensuring the best health to fully enjoy the fun upon arrival.
Notes When Traveling and Having Fun in Vung Tau
- Avoid peak season if you prefer peace: Vung Tau is often very crowded on weekends (Saturday, Sunday) and holidays. If possible, travel on weekdays to enjoy open beach spaces and faster dining services.
- Check prices before shopping: Although the price-gouging situation has decreased significantly, you should still ask for prices carefully before renting beach chairs or buying seafood by the kilogram at spontaneous markets.
- Prepare sun protection: The sun in the beach city is quite harsh at noon. Always bring sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses when visiting outdoor places like the Lighthouse or Nghinh Phong Cape.
Vung Tau, with the harmony of blue sea, mountains, and special cuisine, has never disappointed tourists. By choosing a smart route and on-site private car pick-up services, your trip will become luxurious, safe, and filled with memorable, relaxing experiences!

PHUNG SON TRAVEL