Vũng Tàu Travel Guide: First-Time Visitor Essentials

A weekend trip of two days is ideal for a first-time Vũng Tàu travel guide itinerary. This coastal city sits 120 kilometers from Hồ Chí Minh City. It is a quick escape rather than a resort destination. Most travelers arrive on Saturday morning and return on Sunday afternoon. If you prefer quiet beaches and lower hotel rates, visit between Monday and Thursday. Weekends bring large crowds from the metropolitan area, which fills the beaches and increases accommodation prices. For a tailored itinerary, you can get a quote from our travel specialists.

Limousine buses and speedboats are the two most reliable ways to travel from Hồ Chí Minh City to Vũng Tàu. Limousine vans depart every 15 to 30 minutes daily, taking about 2.5 hours via the expressway. Tickets start from $8 (approximate) per way, with drop-off options at your hotel. Alternatively, the green speedboat departs from Bạch Đằng Pier in District 1. The boat trip takes 2 hours, traveling down the Sài Gòn River to the Gành Rái Gulf. Tickets cost from $15 (approximate) on weekends. You should book transport early if traveling during public holidays.

Vũng Tàu has two main coastal areas: Bãi Trước (Front Beach) and Bãi Sau (Back Beach). Bãi Sau is the primary swimming beach, stretching for eight kilometers along Thùy Vân Street. It has strong waves, sandy shores, and many local seafood restaurants. Bãi Trước faces the sunset and is lined with parks, cafes, and hotels along Trần Phú Street. While Bãi Trước is less suitable for swimming due to rocky areas, it is ideal for evening walks. For a quieter experience, head north to Bãi Dứa or Bãi Dâu.

Seafood and bánh khọt (savory mini-pancakes) are the culinary highlights of Vũng Tàu. Bánh khọt is a local pancake topped with shrimp or squid. It is served with fresh herbs and sweet fish sauce. Famous local eateries like Bánh Khọt Cô Ba Vũng Tàu on Hoàng Hoa Thám Street offer consistent quality. For fresh seafood, travelers can visit local markets like Chợ Xóm Lưới. You can buy raw seafood there and pay a small fee to have it cooked on-site. Always ask for prices before ordering at local seafood restaurants to avoid unexpected charges.