25 amazing things to do in Vung Tau

Nestled along Vietnam’s southern coastline, Vung Tau offers a captivating blend of pristine beaches, breathtaking views, and cultural treasures. Whether you seek adventurous escapades, serene moments by the sea, or a culinary journey bursting with flavor, Vung Tau welcomes you to immerse yourself in its charm. This guide highlights 25 amazing things to do in Vung Tau, crafted for those wondering what to do in Vung Tau Vietnam. 

Discover Vung Tau’s most stunning beaches

Vung Tau’s shoreline is blessed with long stretches of sand, gentle waves, and plenty of room to soak up the sun. These beaches are perfect for both weekend getaways and romantic retreats.

Bãi Sau Beach: Dive into swimming and thrilling water sports

Located along Thuy Van Street, Thang Tam, Vung Tau City, Bãi Sau (also called Back Beach) is the beating heart of the city’s seaside allure. This stretch spans over 5 kilometers, from the foot of Núi Nhỏ (Nho Mountain) to the Chi Linh area, presenting soft golden sands kissed by calm, clear waters.

Discover Vung Tau’s most stunning beaches - things to do in vung tau (source: Du lịch Bà Rịa Vũng Tàu)

 Early mornings bring joggers and tai chi practitioners, while afternoons fill with parasailing, jet skiing, and banana boat rides. If you’re compiling your own list of things to do in Vung Tau Vietnam, starting here is a must. Families, couples, and solo travelers will all find something to enjoy - making this beach one of the essential things to do in Vung Tau

Relaxing walk on Hon Ba island when the tide is out

Among the more elusive things to do in Vung Tau, a walk to Hon Ba Island is a serene escape. Situated off Bãi Sau Beach, this island becomes accessible on foot during low tide through a sandy path revealed by the retreating sea.

Let’s imagine: the gentle sea breeze brushing your skin, the soft crunch of sands beneath your feet, and the tranquil blue water laps as you explore hidden beaches and coral-rich lagoons. Hon Ba offers a quieter alternative to the bustling city beach. It’s perfect for contemplative souls and nature lovers, and certainly among the unique things to do in Vung Tau.

Check-in the best city viewpoints

The hills and mountains of Vung Tau rise like natural balconies over the sea, offering sweeping panoramas bathed in golden light at dawn and painted in crimson hues at dusk - moments so breathtaking they linger in memory long after the sun has slipped below the horizon.

Climb on the hand of the Statue of Christ

Towering at Nui Nho, Thuy Van, Ward 2, Vung Tau City, the majestic Statue of Christ the King stands nearly 32 meters tall, arms wide open in a symbolic embrace of the sea and city. It’s one of the most timeless things to do in Vung Tau Vietnam. 

Dominating Vung Tau’s skyline, the colossal Statue of Christ the King atop Nho Mountain stands 32 meters high with outstretched arms embracing the sea. Ascending the 847 steps to the base of this magnificent statue rewards visitors with panoramic vistas of the cityscape and shimmering coastline. The hand of the statue is open for exploration, providing a unique vantage point to gaze over endless ocean horizons and verdant hills.

Vung Tau Lighthouse: A scenic road to a historic tower

This lighthouse, a relic from the French colonial era, offers a 360-degree viewing platform where visitors soak in sweeping oceans, bustling ports, and lively city streets. Wander around the light’s timeless walls, enjoy the sea breeze, and capture stunning photographs, especially enchanting at twilight when city lights begin to twinkle.

Vung Tau Lighthouse - Things to do in vung tau (source: Vinpearl)

Located at Small Mountain, Ward 2, Vung Tau City, the historic Vung Tau Lighthouse is accessible via a picturesque road fringed with swaying palms and rugged cliffs. You shoul mark this historic spot as a must on your list of things to do in Vung Tau

Watching sunset at Pig Hill (Đồi Con Heo)

Pig Hill, a modest, rugged elevation covered with wild greenery, conceals one of Vung Tau’s most poetic secrets. Pig Hill, near Phan Chu Trinh Street, Ward 2, may appear unassuming, but it unveils one of the city’s most poetic moments - the sunset

It is an ideal spot to witness the sun’s descent paint the sky in hues of pink, orange, and gold as it melts into the sea. It’s a romantic highlight among the many things to do in Vung Tau for sunset lovers. The hill’s tranquil ambiance and relatively untouched landscape make the sunset experience intimate and breathtaking.

Enjoy local specialties

Your journey through Vung Tau wouldn’t be complete without savoring its irresistible coastal cuisine. From sizzling street bites to fresh-from-the-boat seafood feasts, every flavor tells a story of the sea - bold, vibrant, and unforgettable.

Banh Khot - Vietnamese mini pancake

Visit popular spots such as Goc Vu Sua, Co Ba Vung Tau, and Banh Khot 41 to savor crispy golden pancakes topped with fresh shrimp, paired perfectly with fragrant herbs and tangy fish sauce. These lively eateries offer an authentic taste of the city’s coastal charm.

Golden, crispy, and topped with shrimp, bánh khọt is the dish that defines Vung Tau’s culinary soul. Wrapped in herbs and dipped in fish sauce, it’s a sensory delight. If you’re making your own “things to do in Vung Tau Vietnam” checklist, put “Eat Banh Khot at Goc Vu Sua” right at the top.

Fresh seafood at Xom Luoi Market and Ganh Hao

Seafood aficionados should head to Xóm Lưới Market (Lê Quý Đôn Street, Ward 10) and the bustling Gành Hào area (gần Bãi Sau), where daily catches of shrimp, crabs, squid, and clams fill tables with freshness.

Fresh seafood at Xom Luoi Market and Ganh Hao (source: vietnamoriginal travel)

Here, selecting your seafood and having it cooked on the spot epitomizes authentic Vietnamese coastal cuisine. The vibrant mix of aromas, sounds, and sea views creates an immersive culinary adventure and one of the most treasured things to do in Vung Tau Vietnam.

Street-side snails and rooftop cafés with sea breeze

Vung Tau’s lively street food scene features snails cooked in spicy broths, often found near Tran Phu and Le Hong Phong Streets. After your taste exploration, elevate yourself to a rooftop café like those on Tran Phu Street to savor coffee, cocktails, and panoramic sea breezes. The contrast of bustling streets below and peaceful glimpses above creates a sensory-rich experience unique to what to do in Vung Tau.

Explore culture and history

Step away from the shoreline and uncover Vung Tau’s rich cultural soul - where French colonial elegance meets timeless Vietnamese tradition. Every landmark is an intriguing stop for travelers searching Vung Tau what to do. It whispers stories of the past, offering travelers a journey through history as captivating as the sea itself.

White Palace - A French colonial mansion

Perched at 4 Trần Phú Street, Ward 1, White Palace (Bạch Dinh) presents an elegant storybook of French colonial architecture. Throughout its stately rooms furnished with antiques and art, immerse yourself in Vietnam’s colonial history woven with ocean vistas and manicured gardens.

White Palace - A French colonial mansion (source: Wikipedia)

A majestic cultural experience, visiting this mansion ranks among essential Vung Tau Vietnam things to do for lovers of heritage and timeless elegance.

Worldwide Arms Museum

This privately owned museum houses thousands of weapons and uniforms from around the world. From ancient swords to modern firearms, exhibits tell tales of conflict, strategy, and artistry - making it an educational yet exciting part of the things to do in Vung Tau.

Located near Phú Mỹ Town, Tân Thành District, the Worldwide Arms Museum houses an exhaustive collection of military artifacts from all corners of the world. History buffs will be fascinated, while casual visitors will appreciate its sheer variety - a unique addition to what to do in Vung Tau.

Enjoy outdoor fun and nature adventures

For adventurers and nature lovers alike, Vung Tau is a playground of thrilling activities and breathtaking landscapes that promise to awaken your spirit and satisfy your wanderlust.

Night squid fishing tour and paragliding from Nho Mountain

Experience the magic of Vung Tau after dark on a night squid fishing boat departing from Bãi Sau Harbor. Join local fishermen under starry skies, learning traditional fishing while bonding with the peaceful sea.

By day, embrace the thrill of paragliding from Núi Nhỏ, soaring above verdant hills and shimmering bays - a breathtaking combo perfect for adrenaline lovers exploring what to do in Vung Tau Vietnam.

Motorbike ride along Deo Nuoc Ngot Pass to Long Hai - a gorgeous coastal road

Cruise the scenic Đèo Nước Ngọt Pass, a famous coastal road that winds from Vung Tau toward Long Hải. This route reveals dramatic cliffs, turquoise seas, and fishing villages bursting with charm and hospitality.

Stop for local treats or peaceful photos at viewpoints along the way, crafting a journey as splendid as the destination itsell - an unmissable adventure in Vung Tau things to do.

Travel tips for visiting Vung Tau on your own

Visit Vung Tau between December and April for pleasant, dry weather perfect for outdoor activities and beach days. From Ho Chi Minh City, you can reach Vung Tau easily by car, bus, or hydrofoil ferry.  It’s a place where every sunset feels like a farewell letter from the sea, and every morning invites a new adventure.

Travel tips for visiting Vung Tau on your own

Reserve accommodations early, especially beachfront hotels along Thùy Vân Street for stunning views or central stays near Trần Phú to explore cultural sites. Respect local customs, dress modestly when visiting temples, and carry cash for street vendors.

If you're preparing for a journey to discover the most enchanting experiences along Vietnam’s southern coastline, this crafted guide to the top things to do in Vung Tau will be an invaluable resource. From radiant beaches bathed in sunlight  to secluded cultural gems, Vung Tau unfolds a treasure trove of memorable moments. 

Whether your heart seeks tranquil strolls, exhilarating escapades, or rich culinary adventures, this charming coastal city offers endless surprises. To make your trip seamless and extraordinary, let Sinhcafe be your trusted companion - guiding you through the vibrant streets, local flavors, and hidden wonders that define the true spirit of Vung Tau.