How to spend a day or two in Vung Tau, from Back Beach to Ho May Park

Things to do in Vung Tau in one or two days

Book your return journey before you fill the day with sightseeing, especially if you are traveling back on Sunday. The simplest plan combines Back Beach for swimming, Front Beach for an evening walk, and one elevated viewpoint: the Christ the King statue or Vung Tau lighthouse. With a second day, add Ho May Park for cable cars and family activities, or spend longer eating seafood and exploring the town.

Vung Tau is part of Ho Chi Minh City under Vietnam's administrative changes introduced in 2025. The central area falls within Vung Tau ward, while neighboring wards include Tam Thang, Rach Dua and Phuoc Thang. Older maps, hotel websites and restaurant listings may still use the former Ba Ria-Vung Tau provincial address. The place names Back Beach, Front Beach, Small Mountain and Big Mountain remain the most useful for visitors navigating town.

Which plan fits your trip?

The town is compact enough for a short escape but not so small that every attraction sits beside the next. Start with the activity that has the toughest timing or most physical effort. That usually means the Christ statue or Ho May Park in the morning. Save Front Beach for late afternoon and dinner for after the heat has eased.

Getting from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau

For most visitors, the decision is between the GreenlinesDP high-speed ferry and a bus or limousine van. Driving yourself is practical for families with a car, but changes to expressway access in 2026 mean you should not rely on an old route screenshot. Plan roughly 2.5-3.5 hours for road travel from central Ho Chi Minh City, allowing longer at busy departure and return times. A ferry journey is generally shorter on the water, but reaching the pier and checking in take additional time.

GreenlinesDP high-speed ferry: convenient from central Saigon

At the Vung Tau end, the operator has ticket offices at 1A Tran Phu and 9 Ha Long, Ben Cau Da, in Vung Tau ward. Your ticket may call the landing area the Ho May ferry terminal. This is on the Front Beach side of town, making it relatively convenient for travelers staying in the center. Confirm the exact arrival and departure pier for your sailing; do not simply ask a driver for “the ferry” without checking the ticket.

From 1 October 2026, the Monday-Friday one-way fare is VND 350,000 for passengers aged 12 or older, VND 300,000 for seniors aged 63 or older, and VND 300,000 for children aged six to eleven. Children aged five and under travel free under the operator’s conditions. The adult weekend fare is also VND 350,000. These fares do not guarantee a seat and may differ on holidays. Always check the total shown at checkout.

Allow approximately 90-120 minutes for the sailing depending on the service, plus travel to the pier and check-in. Ferry schedules can change with operational conditions and weather. Call 0988 009 579 or 0986 908 907 to confirm departures. Aim to arrive around 30 minutes before departure. On Sunday, reserve the return ferry before committing to an afternoon beach plan.

Bus or limousine van: easier departure-point choices

From 4 May 2026, Hoa Mai charges VND 180,000 one way for a 16-seat bus on the Ho Chi Minh City-Vung Tau route and VND 230,000 for a nine-seat VIP limousine on specified routes from city pickup points and Tan Son Nhat Airport. The amount depends on the departure point and vehicle booked. Its services can be convenient for people with luggage or travelers who do not want to depend on sea conditions.

Hai Van Limousine is another operator, with fares of about VND 200,000-260,000, depending on departure and vehicle. The fare does not tell you where you will be collected. Check the exact pickup address, drop-off address, departure time, and any transfer required. A pickup in a distant bus station can erase the savings from a cheaper ticket.

Travelers landing at Tan Son Nhat should check whether the chosen vehicle collects at their terminal or at a separate meeting point. Some buses sold as airport routes skip certain terminals on some departures. Confirm baggage rules for large suitcases or strollers before you book.

Choose the ferry if you are close to Bach Dang Wharf and want to avoid road congestion. Choose a bus or limousine if you prefer more departure options, are carrying bulky luggage or are traveling with a child who needs breaks. Neither option should be left until the last minute on a busy Sunday.

Driving via the expressways: check the vehicle rules

Vung Tau is no longer approached only through National Highway 51. The Bien Hoa-Vung Tau Expressway began temporary full-route operation in May 2026, with links towards the Long Thanh area. For cars coming from Ho Chi Minh City, the Ho Chi Minh City-Long Thanh-Dau Giay Expressway and the relevant connecting junctions can form part of the route. The correct entry and exit depend on the current traffic plan.

Don't plan an exact arrival time around the best-case drive time. Leaving central Ho Chi Minh City, collecting other passengers, stopping for fuel, finding parking in Vung Tau and weekend congestion all add time. If you need to catch a ferry home, your drop-off and departure time matter more than the theoretical drive duration.

Back Beach or Front Beach: which should you choose?

They serve different purposes. Back Beach (Bai Sau) is the main place to swim and spend time on the sand. Front Beach (Bai Truoc) is better for waterfront walks, cafés, boats in the bay and the late-day atmosphere. For a two-day visit, see both; for a day trip, give most of your beach time to Back Beach.

Back Beach: the main swimming area

Back Beach stretches along Thuy Van Street, with hotels, public access and a renovated seafront park. The Thuy Van beachfront improvements added walking areas and public facilities, making it easier to use the waterfront without booking a hotel with private beach access. A room within walking distance is useful if you plan to swim twice or are traveling with young children.

Photo: Balou46

Ask about charges before renting a lounger or umbrella, using showers or leaving belongings with a private operator. Public beach access and paid commercial services are not the same thing. Carry only what you need on the sand and arrange a secure place for valuables. With children, choose a position where an adult can supervise them continuously, including when they are playing at the water’s edge.

Back Beach becomes particularly busy on Sunday mornings and public holidays. If your main reason for coming is the sea, do not schedule a long hill climb immediately before the only swimming window you have. Stay close to the beach, eat nearby, then return to the city without creating unnecessary taxi journeys.

Front Beach: a late-afternoon walk rather than your main swim

Front Beach sits along Quang Trung Street and the central waterfront park. It faces a bay where visitors can watch boats and enjoy the evening light. Come here to walk, sit with a cold drink or find somewhere for dinner. It is not the best default swimming choice for a first-time visitor, given the bay setting and marine activity.

Photo: trungydang

For ferry passengers, Front Beach is a natural first stop after arriving near the Cau Da/Ho May terminal. Leave luggage at your accommodation and walk the seafront while waiting for check-in. Guests staying near Back Beach can save Front Beach for around 5-7 pm, when the day is cooler and the town feels less rushed.

Waterfront restaurants vary in price and opening hours; look at the menu before you sit down. If you are using a ride-hailing app at a busy intersection, set a clear pickup point and cross the road at a proper pedestrian crossing.

The Christ statue or Vung Tau lighthouse?

Both are on Small Mountain (Nui Nho), but they use different access routes. Reaching the Christ statue means climbing a long staircase. The lighthouse is reached on a winding uphill road. They look close on a map, yet no walking trail links them; plan two separate visits.

Christ the King statue: start early and dress appropriately

The white Christ the King statue is one of Vung Tau’s most recognizable landmarks. Its approach begins near the Small Mountain side of the coastal road. Visitors climb steps to reach the monument, and a narrow internal staircase leads towards viewing positions in the statue’s arms when access is permitted. Because the upper section is confined, entry may be managed according to crowding and maintenance needs.

Photo: Chuhai07

Admission is free. The statue is open roughly 7 am-5 pm with a possible midday break, usually split into two sessions, 7-11:30 am and 1:30-5 pm. Avoid turning up at noon expecting immediate access. Wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees; footwear may need to be removed before entering the statue itself. Bring water, shoes comfortable for stairs and enough time for the climb.

Allow around 90 minutes to two hours for the uphill walk, breaks, the monument and photographs, depending on your fitness. The stairs are not suitable for every visitor. Anyone who struggles with steep steps, is traveling with a stroller or has a very young child can enjoy the lower viewpoints and spend the rest of the day at the beach.

Photo: RG72

Up top, you get a wide view over the coastline and the city. Go early for cooler air and more manageable walking conditions. Late morning is less attractive in strong heat, especially after a long drive from Ho Chi Minh City.

Vung Tau lighthouse: a hill road and a panoramic stop

Vung Tau lighthouse occupies another high point of Small Mountain. The approach is via Hai Dang Road, branching off Ha Long Road. It is a paved but steep, curving road used by visitors traveling on foot, motorcycles and, when traffic arrangements permit, cars. Take particular care around bends and do not stop in the roadway for photos.

Photo: Damian Vo

The lighthouse area is free to visit, though parking or other private services may have charges. There are no fixed gate-access hours, so do not build a late-night itinerary around an assumed closing time. Work to widen or improve the lower section of Hai Dang Road began in 2026, with possible barriers and traffic changes. Check the access route on the day of your visit and respect restrictions near the operational lighthouse buildings.

Early morning, roughly 7-9 am, is a practical time for photographs and cooler temperatures. Late afternoon can also work, provided you allow time to descend safely. After an early climb to the Christ statue, skip the lighthouse rather than spend your whole day on two neighboring viewpoints. The lighthouse suits visitors who want to skip the stairs.

Photo: Hoangvantoanajc

Is Ho May Park worth half a day or more?

Ho May Park is on Big Mountain (Nui Lon); the statue and lighthouse are on Small Mountain. Visitors use a cable car to reach an elevated recreation area with attractions, viewpoints and internal transport included in selected ticket packages. Families may find this easier than repeatedly loading children into taxis for small attractions across town.

Photo: Luci nguyễn

The out-of-province full package, including the return cable car and park admission, costs VND 475,000 per adult and VND 237,500 per child. Its child category is based on height, 1-1.3 meters, rather than age; children under one meter enter free, while those over 1.3 meters pay the adult price. Check exactly which package you are selecting because other ticket products and promotions may differ.

Ho May Park is most useful when the group wants organized entertainment, a cable-car experience and several hours in one location. A couple primarily interested in seafood and the beach can reasonably skip it and save the admission fee. It is also not an easy extra to squeeze between lunch and an afternoon ferry back to Saigon.

Things to do in Vung Tau at night

Vung Tau’s most accessible evening experiences are along the waterfront and in its restaurants. Pick one district and stay there long enough to enjoy it.

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Walk along Front Beach

Around 6-8 pm, Quang Trung Street

Photo: trungydang

Between approximately 6 and 8 pm, the waterfront park around Front Beach and Quang Trung Street is a convenient place to walk after dinner or before choosing a restaurant. You can watch the city lights, stop for a drink and return to a central hotel without traveling far. Families should know where the nearest seating area, restroom and transport pickup point are before walking too far with tired children.

The park is an open public space with no ticket. Weekend foot traffic can be heavy. Keep an eye on vehicles when crossing streets, and do not treat the entire seafront as a pedestrian-only zone.

Things to do in Vung Tau with kids

For families, the best itinerary usually has one main activity in the morning, a proper midday break, and a shorter outing later. A small child may spend longer enjoying a familiar beach than a long list of viewpoints. Plan the day around energy levels and nap times.

Back Beach and Thuy Van park are the easiest starting point. Children can enjoy the sand and promenade, while adults can return to a nearby hotel for lunch, showers or a nap. On the beach, keep continuous adult supervision, use designated swimming areas and follow lifeguard instructions. Waves and currents are not predictable from a child's height or from the apparent shallowness of the shore.

Ho May Park offers a more structured day for children who enjoy cable cars and rides. Before booking, check which activities are open and the minimum height required for each one. A child under one meter gets in free, yet some rides still have height limits. Carry a change of clothes and leave space in the schedule for food and rest.

Front Beach works well with strollers and grandparents because you can keep the outing short, sit down and find something to eat. The Christ statue is a poor default for families with toddlers who cannot manage steep stairs. The lighthouse offers views with less stair climbing, but its access road is steep and curving; it still requires sensible transport and careful walking.

If heavy rain or thunderstorms interrupt the plan, move the beach time to another window and choose a rest or indoor activity instead. Avoid a hilltop visit on slippery paths or when visibility is poor. A child who has already spent several hours traveling from Ho Chi Minh City will appreciate a slower first afternoon.

What to eat in Vung Tau

Banh khot: the local dish to try first

Banh khot are small, crisp savory pancakes, commonly topped with shrimp and served with fresh herbs, vegetables, pickles and a dipping sauce. They are different from the larger Vietnamese pancake called banh xeo. A well-known place to try them is Banh Khot Goc Vu Sua, 14 Nguyen Truong To Street, Vung Tau ward.

Photo: Joshua Rappeneker from Tokyo, Japan

The popular restaurant can be busy at weekends, and the pancakes are best eaten hot rather than stored for a long journey. A late breakfast or early lunch after the Christ statue climb is an easy place to fit them into the schedule. Check the menu before ordering, since older online price guides may be out of date.

Order one portion first if you are unsure how much the group will eat. Banh khot are fried, and a full serving with herbs may be more filling than it looks. They are also an accessible introduction to Vung Tau food for international visitors who have only had pho or banh mi in Ho Chi Minh City.

Seafood at Xom Luoi Market

Xom Luoi Market, around the intersection of Nguyen Cong Tru and Phan Boi Chau streets in Vung Tau ward, is a practical place to see fresh seafood being sold. Trading is particularly active in the afternoon, often around 3-5 pm. Visitors can select seafood and ask vendors about preparation or packing it for travel.

Check the price per kilogram, the actual weight, cooking charges and any packing cost before accepting an order. This is especially important for crabs, prawns and other higher-priced seafood. A quoted price for a whole animal is not interchangeable with a price per kilogram. If you are traveling back to Saigon with seafood, ask how it will be chilled and how long it can remain safely packed.

A market is not the same as a full-service restaurant. Expect noise, informal stalls and the need to clarify what you are buying. Arrive with enough time to look around, compare the total cost and decide whether the preparation service suits your group.

Photo: Walking with Wally

A sit-down seafood restaurant

Ganh Hao is a well-established seafood restaurant in Vung Tau, with an address at 3 Tran Phu Street and another branch at 9 Ha Long Street. It is a straightforward option for a seated meal, particularly for groups that prefer table service. Seafood prices depend on species, size and weight rather than one standard per-person charge.

Before the kitchen starts, agree on the dishes, weights and total cost. A meal built around steamed fish, prawns or squid, a vegetable dish and soup can be more manageable than ordering many different seafood plates. A reservation helps when traveling with a larger group at the weekend, but verify the exact branch and address first.

There is no need to spend the entire trip chasing a supposedly famous dish. Banh khot for breakfast and one seafood meal are enough to experience two of Vung Tau’s strongest food traditions during a short visit.

Where to stay for one night

Choose Back Beach if swimming is the priority, especially with children. Hotels near Thuy Van Street make it easier to head out early, return for a midday break and reach the beach again before dinner. Check the actual walking route to the public beach and confirm parking, check-in time and luggage storage if you will arrive before the room is ready.

Choose Front Beach if you are arriving by ferry, enjoy cafés and waterfront walks, and want to spend the evening near the center. The ferry area and many eateries are convenient from this side. You can take a short taxi ride to Back Beach for the main swim rather than change hotels.

For a one-night booking, the most important details are the exact address, cancellation conditions and your way home. A room labeled “sea view” may still require a considerable walk to a suitable swimming area. A cheap room far from both beaches can create extra taxi costs and lost time that outweigh the saving.

International travelers should check passport-related check-in requirements with their accommodation. Keep the hotel’s address available in Vietnamese for a driver or ride-hailing service. When you travel on Sunday, verify that check-out time leaves enough margin for a busy road or a ferry check-in.

A one-day Vung Tau itinerary from Ho Chi Minh City

This is a workable day for visitors who want a beach, a landmark and a local meal without booking accommodation. Times are suggested planning blocks; your ferry or bus ticket sets the real departure. Confirm the transport timetable first, then move the sightseeing blocks around it.

1. 5:30-6:30 am

   Leave the city

   Leave Ho Chi Minh City by pre-booked road transport; ferry travelers take an available early sailing.

2. 8:30-9:30 am

   Arrive

   Arrive, leave luggage if needed, have a light breakfast.

3. 9:30-11 am

   One viewpoint

   Christ statue while conditions are cooler, or the lighthouse if you prefer fewer stairs.

4. 11 am-12:30 pm

   Lunch

   Eat banh khot or seafood and rest.

5. 1-3:30 pm

   Midday break

   Café, lunch break or an air-conditioned rest.

6. 3:30-5 pm

   Back Beach swim

   Swim at a supervised section of Back Beach.

7. Late afternoon

   Head back

   Return to the confirmed bus or ferry departure point.

The actual transport schedule may make the morning climb impossible. With a later ferry, go straight to lunch and the beach instead of chasing the Christ statue during its midday break. A day trip focused on swimming can skip the climb entirely and still include Front Beach for a short stroll.

Build in a buffer before leaving town. The departure time printed on your ferry ticket is not the time you should begin traveling from Back Beach to the pier. Allow for getting changed, collecting bags, traffic, check-in and possible queues. Missing the last convenient sailing can turn a day trip into an unplanned overnight stay.

A two-day, one-night Vung Tau itinerary

Day one: arrive, eat banh khot and spend the afternoon at Back Beach

Travel from Ho Chi Minh City in the morning. On arrival, leave bags at the hotel and find a place for banh khot. If check-in is not yet available, take an easy walk around Front Beach or sit in a café. Do not start a major Ho May Park visit simply to fill the waiting time: its ticket, cable car and attractions deserve a properly planned block.

After checking in, rest during the hottest part of the day. Head to Back Beach around 3:30-5:30 pm for swimming and the Thuy Van park. Eat seafood in the evening, either by visiting Xom Luoi Market or booking a restaurant with table service. Finish with a short waterfront walk near where you are staying.

With children, keep the evening simple. A meal, shower and early bedtime can make day two much better than another late outing. The purpose of an overnight trip is to have time away from the road, not to turn every hour into a paid attraction.

Day two: choose a hilltop attraction or Ho May Park

The scenic, lower-cost option: start early, visit the Christ statue around 7-9 am, take a break and consider the lighthouse only if the weather, road access and energy levels allow. Have lunch, return to collect luggage and leave for Ho Chi Minh City with time to spare.

The family entertainment option: have breakfast and aim for Ho May Park around 8-9 am. Spend the morning and early afternoon with the cable car, appropriate rides and a lunch break. Do not add a full Christ statue climb if your return bus is already booked for the afternoon.

Two nights work better for a full Ho May day and plenty of swimming. On a one-night stay, choose what you most want to do and leave enough time to reach the departure point. Keeping a clear final hour is often more valuable than squeezing in a last photo stop.

What should you budget?

Transport and attraction tickets have fixed prices; meals, hotels, taxis and private beach services vary with the date and what you actually order. Add those variable items up one by one; a single per-person figure for Vung Tau won’t tell you much.

A return trip using the Hoa Mai 16-seat bus costs VND 360,000 per person before local travel. Two GreenlinesDP adult journeys at VND 350,000 each cost VND 700,000 before local transport, excluding any applicable discounts. A family visiting Ho May should add up tickets by each child’s height.

Leave some money for short taxis, drinks, showers or luggage storage, not just advance attraction tickets. If your hotel is close to Back Beach, you may spend very little on local transport. Stay far away and several return journeys can add up, even in a compact destination.

What to check before leaving Saigon

Look at the weather forecast and local beach advisories on the morning of travel. You can still swim on a cloudy day, but thunderstorms, strong surf or a closure notice mean a change of plan. Ferry services can also be affected by weather, so keep the operator’s contact details available.

Save your electronic tickets and the correct boarding-point address. Confirm any child age documentation required by the transport operator and carry the identity documents requested for boarding or accommodation. Drivers should check the current expressway vehicle restrictions and follow roadside traffic control, even when an old map route says otherwise.

Choose your first activity now: Back Beach for swimming, the Christ statue for a climb, or Ho May Park for family rides. Then book the return journey that leaves enough time for it.