Vung Tau - The Saint Jacques Cape
Located in southern Vietnam, Vung Tau province is a major tourist center boasting over 100 kilometers of coastline with stunning beaches. Just 2.5 hours by road or 2 hours by hydrofoil from Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau offers easy access to a tranquil cityscape, wide avenues, lush green spaces, a world-class golf course, and some of the country’s finest stretches of sand.
Formerly known as Cap Saint Jacques during French colonial times, Vung Tau has retained its coastal charm. Travelers here will discover numerous attractions, vibrant bars and restaurants, and several intriguing museums worth exploring. Vung Tau provides the perfect seaside retreat before boarding a ferry to the beautiful Con Dao Island.
Best Time to Visit Vung Tau
Vung Tau experiences a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons: the rainy season from May to October and the dry season from November to April. Less affected by storms, Vung Tau is an ideal year-round destination.
Must-See Attractions in Vung Tau
Beaches
- Choose between the lively Bai Truoc Beach and the quieter Bai Sau Beach, favored by kite surfers for its consistent winds.
- Near the city, Dua Beach offers ideal sunset views, while Paradise Beach is perfect for a serene escape.
- 15 kilometers from the city, the peaceful Long Hai beach slopes gently into the sea.
- Further afield, the renowned beaches of Ho Tram, including Ho Coc and the beautiful Sui O with its freshwater spring and yellow sand dunes.
Villa Blanche
- Built by architect Antoine Genet for Governor General Paul Doumer of Indochina, Villa Blanche is now a museum hosting a collection of Chinese porcelain, pottery, and bronzes. Its stunning sea views add to its allure.
Niet Ban Tinh Xa Pagoda
- Located 1 kilometer from the city center, this unique project harmoniously blends sea and sky. It houses a massive reclining Buddha statue and offers a panoramic view from its terrace, particularly stunning at sunset.
Weapons Museum in Vung Tau
- Vietnam’s first private weapons museum, established by British national Robert Taylor. It showcases over 2,000 items including rifles, swords, and military uniforms from the 17th to the 20th centuries, sourced from the UK, France, Germany, Russia, Japan, and the Netherlands.
Giant Christ Statue
- Visible from all over Vung Tau, visitors can climb 735 steps to reach the base of the Christ statue. Inside, a small bar offers refreshments with panoramic views from the top.
Whale Temple
- Dedicated to whale worship, this temple houses preserved whale skeletons in large shrines, reflecting the area’s maritime heritage.
Cable Car
- Facing Villa Blanche and heading towards Bai Dau Beach, the Vung Tau cable car operates daily from 8 AM to 8 PM. It takes visitors to a hill overlooking the city, offering ecological parks, walking trails, relaxation areas, cafes, and panoramic bay views.
Vung Tau Lighthouse
- Perched atop a small mountain, this lighthouse marks the southern tip of Cap Saint-Jacques. A pleasant walk with many Vietnamese joggers, it offers superb views of the city and surrounding seascape.
Hon Ba Island
- Located near Vung Tau Beach, Hon Ba Island is accessible on foot during low tide and features a small pagoda at its center.
Minh Dam Mountain
- Once a stronghold for soldiers of the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam, these legendary mountains offer panoramic trails and stunning views of the sea. Explore a vast network of caves used as shelters and launch points for surprise attacks.
Things to Do in Vung Tau
- Weekdays: Enjoy peaceful walks along the beach and swimming. Visit early morning to see local fishermen unloading their nightly catches.
- Golf: Play on one of Asia’s best courses, with 27 holes and an 18-hole international standard accessible without special conditions.
- Cultural Visits: Explore pagodas, museums, and viewpoints.
- Culinary Delights: Indulge in delicious seafood offered by restaurants and local eateries.
- Hiking: Take short hikes around Minh Dam Mountain, suitable for avid walkers.
- Nightlife: Experience vibrant nightlife on weekends with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
Family-Friendly Vung Tau
Vung Tau is ideal for families, offering long beach walks, swimming, and rides on the cable car. Weekends transform Vung Tau into a vibrant party scene, perfect for adults seeking nightlife excitement.
Packing Tips for Vung Tau
For your trip to Vung Tau, pack lightweight beach clothing, sturdy walking shoes for hikes, a rain poncho, essential travel medications, and sun protection. Golf enthusiasts should bring their own gear, although rentals are available.
With AVS, you’ll enjoy an insider’s view. One of our team members calls Vung Tau home and can provide unparalleled insights. Feel free to contact us for a tailored itinerary that promises an unforgettable visit!
