Beach Resorts Near Ho Chi Minh City: Vung Tau Vietnam Beach

Places to Visit: Ho Chi Minh City, Formerly Saigon

As part of Cos and Robin’s  2025 72-day Whispers of the Orient Cruise Tour, from Mumbai to Tokyo, our cruise ship docked at the Cruise Terminal in Phu My, Vietnam. This stop was marketed as a stop to see Ho Chi Minh City; however, the boat stops in Phu My as the river up to Ho Chi Minh City gets too narrow to proceed.  This was our second cruise on the Celebrity Millennium, as the ship stays primarily in the Pacific and travels extensively in Asia. We love sailing on this cruise ship, and we love Celebrity. So, if you are interested in cruising, we suggest you check our Popular Cruises Post.

The cruise led us back to Vietnam, which we had first visited in 2023. With this stop in Phu My, we were looking for new “Places to Visit Ho Chi Minh City.”  Unfortunately, since the cruise ship was docked in the Phu My Port, it was a two-hour drive to Ho Chi Minh City. Since we had spent 5 days in Ho Chi Minh in 2023, we had little interest in doing the two-hour each-way bus trip. So, instead, we opted for a half-day tour to the “Vung Tau Vietnam Beach.”

Weather in Ho Chi Minh City

We arrived in the Ho Chi Minh City area on March 5th, and although it was still early in the year, with the “Weather Ho Chi Minh City” was wonderful with the temperature at 81 degrees Fahrenheit, hitting the “Vung Tau Vietnam Beach, ” seemed like a good idea. If you want to learn more about the weather in Vietnam, and please visit our Best Time to Visit Vietnam Post.

The following Vung Tau City Map will give you an idea of where we were in Vietnam.

Vung Tau City Map

Vung Tau City, located on a peninsula in southern Vietnam. It is a charming coastal destination that offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and seaside relaxation. Its proximity to Ho Chi Minh City makes it a popular weekend getaway for both locals and tourists. Check out our Vung Tau City Map to get a picture our trip from Phu My Cruise Port to the Vung Tau Vietnam Beach.

Vung Tau City Map

Vung Tau combines the appeal of a coastal retreat with vibrant local culture. The cityscape reflects its dual identity, with modern hotels and eateries alongside traditional temples and historic landmarks. The sea breeze, lush greenery, and calm waters create an inviting atmosphere.

Here’s a little snapshot of what makes “Vung Tau Vietnam Beach” special, please note the large golden Buddha on the hill in the background:

Why Visit Vung Tau City?

Unless you are coming to Vietnam by cruise ship and stopping in the Phu MY Port, or you are a resident of Ho Chi Ming City and are looking to get away to a nice beach area, or you are committed to visiting every Vietnam coastal city, there is little reason why you will be wanting to visit Vung Tau City. Aside from being reasonably close to the Cruise Port, it is not an easy place to get to.

Nevertheless, there are a number of good reasons to visit Vung Tau City:

Beach Resorts Near Ho Chi Minh City: Vung Tau Vietnam Beach

Beach Resorts Near Ho Chi Minh City include Vung Tau Vietnam Beach. Vung Tau is renowned for its pristine beaches like Front Beach (Bãi Trước), Back Beach (Bãi Sau), and Pineapple Beach (Bãi Dứa). The beaches also house the large numbers of fishing boats, a reminder that Vung Tau was, and still is, primarily a fishing village.

Each beach has its own character, from tranquil vibes to livelier atmospheres. Vung Tau’s laid-back charm makes it a perfect spot for travelers seeking a quieter, more peaceful experience. This is the main reason that people from Ho Chi Ming city with travel about an hour for “Places to Visit Ho Chi Minh City” such as a visit Vung Tau Vietnam Beach.

Breathtaking Views: Statue of Christ the King

Landmarks like the “Statue of Christ the King” (a towering statue of Jesus on the top of Mount Nho) offers a stunning panoramic views of the city and the sea.

Standing at the base of Mount Nho, Robin and Cos had a great view of the towering “Statue of Christ the King,” and also had an opportunity to take a nice selfie in front of the “Love Logo”.

Cultural & Historical Sites:

Like other places in Vietnam, Vung Tau has numerous temples and other cultural and historic sites that are worth visiting.

Whale Temple

Explore temples like the fascinating Whale Temple, which pays homage to whales as protectors of fishermen. Here is a mural at the entrance to the Whale Temple:

The temple contains a replica of a whale as well as actual bones from a preserved whale.

White Villa

The White Villa, or Bạch Dinh, is a fascinating historical and cultural landmark. Built between 1898 and 1902 during the French colonial period, it served as a summer residence for French colonial officials and later for Emperor Bảo Đại and South Vietnamese leaders. Its French colonial architecture, with elegant white walls and intricate details, reflects the era’s European influence.

The White Villa also has a darker history—it was used to imprison Emperor Thành Thái, a Nguyễn Dynasty ruler who opposed French colonial rule, from 1907 to 1916. Today, it houses a collection of antiques, including artifacts from shipwrecks and Nguyễn Dynasty relics, making it a treasure trove for history enthusiasts.

Perched on a hill with stunning views of the South China Sea, the White Villa is not just a historical site but also a popular tourist destination. Here is picture of Robin leaving the bomb shelter that is built into the rock mountainside:

Niet Ban Tinh Xa Monastery

The Niet Ban Tinh Monastery, also known as Nirvana Vihara or the Reclining Buddha Pagoda, is a serene and spiritually significant destination in Vung Tau. Built between 1968 and 1974, it is a modern Buddhist sanctuary that offers visitors a peaceful retreat from the bustle of daily life.

Here are some highlights that make it worth a visit:

• Architectural Beauty: The monastery features intricate designs, including a 12-meter-long reclining Buddha statue symbolizing the Buddha’s peaceful passage into Nirvana.

• Spiritual Atmosphere: It is a place for meditation and introspection, offering a tranquil environment to connect with oneself.
• Scenic Views: Perched on a hill, the monastery provides breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding landscapes.
• Cultural Significance: The site reflects Vietnamese craftsmanship and Buddhist philosophy, making it a cultural and spiritual treasure.

Whether you’re seeking spiritual solace, architectural marvels, or simply a peaceful escape, the Niet Ban Tinh Monastery has something to offer.

Delicious Cuisine:

Seafood is a highlight here, with fresh, affordable dishes served at local markets and restaurants. Don’t miss the local specialty, bánh khọt (mini savory pancakes topped with shrimp).

Interesting Street Art

We love to find interesting Street Art in every place we visit. Vung Tau was no exception. We found this rather gnarly looking, but interesting, sculpture in the park near one of the beaches.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Vung Tau Vietnam Beach offers a beautiful blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that makes it a very interesting destination for any traveler. From its stunning beaches to its fascinating landmarks, this city has something to offer for everyone. As we have seen, a visit to Vung Tau Vietnam Beach one of the places to visit near Ho City Minh City  is not just a journey to a new place, but a journey to discover a new way of life.

There is an awful lot more to Vietnam and to Southeast Asia in total, so If you want to learn more about all the top-10 cities we visited in Vietnam, please click here. Also, if you want to learn more about other countries we visited in Southeast Asia, you may want to visit our overall Southeast Asia Post.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and experience the wonders of Vung Tau and all that Vietnam has to offer for yourself. Vietnam is Cos and Robin’s favorite country out of more than one hundred countries that they have visited.

As the famous Vietnamese saying goes, “Better to see something once than to hear about it a thousand times.” See it, feel it, and let it leave a lasting impression on you. As you depart this post, remember this: Vung Tau may just be a dot on the map, but it will always hold a special place in your heart.

So go ahead, explore, and let Vung Tau surprise you in the most enchanting ways. As you embark on your journey, always keep in mind the words of John Steinbeck, “People don’t take trips, trips take people.” Let Vung Tau Vietnam Beach take you on a journey of a lifetime.