48 hours in Vung Tau, coastal town escape from bustling Saigon

Vung Tau, a charming coastal town located 120 km from Saigon, offers the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Saigon. Known for its delectable seafood and coastal allure, the town also boasts several scenic hills with breathtaking views—an ideal way to burn off those extra calories after indulging in its vibrant street food scene.

HOW TO GET TO VUNG TAU

• FERRY, the Greenline Ferry from Saigon Pier Terminal (takes around 2 hours)

• BUS, download VEXERA bus app

• CAR (takes around 2 hours)

• BICYCLE

The ferry is an excellent option, offering a unique opportunity to admire the mangrove landscapes and watch working boats as it weaves through the meandering Dong Nai River.

WHAT TO DO IN VUNG TAU

Covering all these spots in just 48 hours can be challenging, but you can prioritize the ones that resonate most with your interests and preferences.

WALK TO HON BAR, A TIED ISLAND IN LOW TIDE

Hon Bar is a tide island connected to the mainland by a tombolo, appox 200m.

The island is easily reached during low tide on certain days of the month. There is a temple on the island, Mieu Ba (Temple Ba) dedicated to the patroness of sailors and fishermen.

Things to note if when visiting this tied island

• check the tide chart (the low tide changes everyday according to the days of the month)

• The rocky tombolo is sharp, craggy, and encrusted with barnacles. While many locals navigate it in flip-flops, this is extremely risky, and waves crashing from both sides can be dangerous. Sturdy footwear is highly recommended for safe traversal. Perhaps a walking stick too.

• there are no boats to this island, keep your visit brief as the tides can rise very fast depending on the days of the month.

As the island holds religious significance, visitors are advised to dress respectfully. Swimwear, such as bikinis, is discouraged.

SURF AT BACK BEACH

The best time to surf in Vung Tau is during the monsoon season from November to March. Hardly crowded along Back Beach, the only problem is that there weren't as many surf shops as compared to Kuta, Bali. Check for swell forecast. #surfvungtau

VISIT TEMPLE OF OUR LADY AT BAI DAN

This site is a renowned pilgrimage destination for Catholics. It features a 32-meter statue of Mother Mary and 14 Stations of the Cross along the mountain slope, leading to a serene garden at the summit with a breathtaking lookout point.

TAKE A TREK UP THE OLDEST LIGHTHOUSE

Many locals hike up this hill for exercise, especially in the mornings and evenings. Along the way, numerous cafes and food stalls provide opportunities to relax and enjoy sweeping views. The walk is enjoyable and not overly demanding, making it accessible to most visitors.

CLIMB 850 STEPS TO CHRIST HILL

The Statue of Christ atop Nho Mountain is an iconic landmark of Vung Tau and the largest Christ statue in Asia.

Reaching the base of the statue requires climbing 850 steps. For a small fee, visitors can enter the statue and ascend another 133 steps to reach its shoulder, offering stunning panoramic views. A strict dress code applies for entry—no sleeveless tops or shorts—so be sure to dress appropriately if you wish to visit the interior.

The climb to the statue takes about 30 minutes, depending on your fitness level. Along the way, you'll find plenty of rest areas where you can catch your breath and admire the stunning views.

Opening times: 7am-5pm

Admission: Free

NOTE: Do this in the morning when it is not too hot

VISIT VILLA BLANCHE

The weekend retreat of French Governor Paul Doumer, who later became the French president, this stunning colonial-era residence was built between 1898 and 1902. Located about 30 meters above the road, it sits atop a winding lane.

If you're a fan of architecture and historic buildings, this place is definitely worth a visit.

TAKE A SHORT TRIP TO PHUOC HAI FISHERMAN VILLAGE

Phuoc Hai, a renowned fisherman hamlet, is famous for its oysters. The seafood here is fresh and affordable year-round, arguably tastier and cheaper than in the more touristy Vung Tau. In the afternoon, the beach is scattered with round coracle fishing boats as the fishermen return from their catch, selling their harvest along Tran Hung Dao Street (Embankment Street).

The hamlet maintains a calm, laid-back vibe, remaining relatively untouched by time and still preserving its primitive charm. The swell on that weekend was particularly huge, and there were surfers on this beach too, but unfortunately no surf shops.

Date visited: 22nd December 2024