When Ho Chi Minh City locals need to escape to the beach, Vung Tau is on speed dial. Built on a cape, this former French colonial town—about two hours from the city—has both a “front beach” and a “back beach,” which together offer every seaside activity you could wish for. It’s a beach escape, most definitely, but with mountains as your backdrop and plenty of culture to boot (think lighthouses, museums, public art, and traditional markets), it’s got the goods to keep you coming back for more.
Just north of the equator, Vung Tau is always warm—in fact, too warm for most people come summer. The resort town’s high season is December to March, and that’s when you’ll run into most visitors. If you’d like to avoid the crowds, come between March and May. May through October is the rainy season, so not the best time to enjoy fun in the sun.
You can get around Vung Tau like you would in most Vietnamese cities—via taxi, motorbike, bicycle, xe om (motorbike taxi), private driver, or on foot. And like any good resort town, odds are your hotel is close to the beach. If you’re here for the sand, set up your post along Back Beach (Bai Sau) and your transport needs will be minimal. Your hotel can likely arrange taxis, too.
The beach sure is nice, but Vung Tau’s other nature is also show stopping. If you have wheels, wedge time in your schedule to experience Green Stone Lake, north of the city; it’s framed by gentle mountains and provides gorgeous views. And Alley 444, on Tran Phu Street, may not sound like a natural getaway, but your pictures will beg to differ.
