Christ the King Statue Vung Tau: Sustainable Spiritual Adventure in Ho Chi Minh City’s Coastal Ward

A Majestic Coastal Landmark

The Christ the King Statue, perched atop Small Mountain (Nui Nho) in Vung Tau, now a ward of Ho Chi Minh City following Vietnam’s administrative merger effective July 2025, is a spiritual and scenic highlight 95 km southeast of Ward 1 (formerly District 1). Attracting over 500,000 visitors annually, this 32-meter statue, with an 18.3-meter arm span, was built by the Vietnam Catholic Association from 1974 to 1993. Its tropical monsoon climate (dry season: November–April, 22–28°C or 71.6–82.4°F; rainy season: May–October, 24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F) ensures a pleasant visit. Entry costs $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).

Sustainability is key, with eco-friendly trails and waste-free initiatives preserving the site’s natural beauty, aligning with Ho Chi Minh City’s “Green Metropolis” initiative. The statue’s shoulder platform offers panoramic views of Vung Tau’s 42-km coastline, making it a must-visit for spiritual seekers and adventurers. Legend Travel Group’s sustainable tours offer an eco-conscious journey, supporting local communities. Book via links on this page or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!

Administrative Note

Vietnam’s administrative reform has merged Ba Ria - Vung Tau into Ho Chi Minh City, reclassifying Vung Tau as a ward. Use “Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City” for seamless navigation with ward-based maps.

Legend Travel Group, a pioneer in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism with over 17 years of experience, offers eco-friendly tours to the Christ the King Statue, ideal for travelers seeking spiritual and scenic experiences. Our low-impact transport, like electric shuttles and bicycles, and English-speaking guides highlight Vung Tau’s heritage, ecosystems, and green practices. Supporting local communities, we align with Ho Chi Minh City’s sustainability goals. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours, and 24/7 support, we ensure a seamless trip. Book our eco-tours via links on this page for a responsible adventure!

Located along Ha Long Street in Vung Tau’s Ward 2, the Christ the King Statue towers over Small Mountain, offering breathtaking views of the coastline and city. Built over 19 years, its white cement structure, adorned with plumeria-lined trails, blends religious significance with natural beauty. The 800-step climb to the statue’s base and 133-step spiral staircase to its shoulders provide a rewarding trek. Sustainable practices, like eco-friendly trail maintenance and minimal waste policies, preserve the site’s pristine environment, supporting local biodiversity with over 100 plant species. Just 1.5 hours from Ward 1, it’s a central stop near Back Beach and Tran Phu Market.

These sustainable activities, costing $0–$7, offer spiritual and scenic immersion:

1. Hike to Christ the King Statue

Climb 800 steps to the statue’s base, best at 7:00 AM, for $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND), enjoying ocean views.

• Cost: $1–$2.

• Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Stick to trails to protect flora; use reusable bottles.

• Tip: Wear sturdy shoes; included in Legend Travel Group’s Vung Tau Coastal Tour ($60–$90).

2. View from the Statue’s Shoulders

Ascend the 133-step spiral staircase inside the statue, best at 8:00 AM, for $1–$2 (included in entry), for panoramic vistas.

• Cost: Included in entry.

• Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Remove shoes to preserve interiors; avoid littering.

• Tip: Dress modestly (no tank tops); narrow stairs require caution.

3. Explore Tran Phu Market

Savor sustainable seafood like banh khot, 3 km away, best at 6:00 AM, for $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND), supporting local fishermen.

• Cost: $1–$5.

• Hours: Daily, 5:00 AM–6:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Choose locally sourced seafood; use reusable bags.

• Tip: Try grilled squid; 10-minute drive from the statue.

4. Cycle to Vung Tau Lighthouse

Pedal 2 km to this 1862 landmark, best at 7:00 AM, with bike rentals at $3–$5/day (75,000–125,000 VND), for city views.

• Cost: $3–$5; entry $1.

• Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–7:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Bikes reduce emissions; stay on trails.

• Tip: Rent near Back Beach; included in Legend Travel Group’s Vung Tau Coastal Tour ($60–$90).

5. Visit Linh Son Co Tu Pagoda

Explore Vung Tau’s oldest pagoda, 4 km away, best at 9:00 AM, free entry, to admire its 1.2m gold-gilded Buddha.

• Cost: Free; donations $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).

• Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Avoid plastic offerings; respect sacred spaces.

• Tip: Dress modestly; combine with statue visit.

Visit from November to April for dry, sunny weather (22–28°C or 71.6–82.4°F), ideal for hiking and panoramic views. The rainy season (May–October) offers lush trails but slippery steps, requiring rain gear. Weekdays (Monday–Thursday) see fewer crowds (1,000–5,000 daily visitors) than weekends (20,000–50,000), especially during Christmas or Lunar New Year. Early mornings (7:00–9:00 AM) provide cooler temperatures, while afternoons (3:00–5:00 PM) suit sunset views and market visits.

The Christ the King Statue, 95 km from Ward 1 and in Vung Tau’s Ward 2, is reachable in 1.5–2 hours:

• By Private Car: Drive 1.5 hours via Long Thanh-Dau Giay Expressway, $25–$40 (625,000–1,000,000 VND) round-trip for 4 people. Book via Legend Travel Group.

• By Electric Taxi (Xanh SM): Eco-friendly VinFast taxis, 1.5 hours, $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND) one-way; $40–$60 (1,000,000–1,500,000 VND) round-trip. Use Xanh SM app.

• By High-Speed Ferry: From Bach Dang Wharf to Vung Tau, 1.5 hours, $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND) round-trip, then a 10-minute xe om ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND) to Ha Long Street. Book via GreenlinesDP.

• By Private Motorcycle: Ride via Highway 51, 2 hours, $8–$12 (200,000–300,000 VND) fuel; rental $5–$10/day (125,000–250,000 VND). Helmets mandatory (fines up to $40 or 1,000,000 VND).

• By Public Bus: Futa or Hoa Mai buses from Mien Dong Station to Vung Tau, 2 hours, $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND) round-trip, then a 10-minute xe om ($1–$2) to the statue.

• By Private Tour Bus (Legend Travel Group): Group bus from Ward 1 to Vung Tau, 1.5 hours, $12–$18 (300,000–450,000 VND)/person for 15+ people, including guide.

• From Tan Son Nhat Airport: Private car ($30–$45 or 750,000–1,125,000 VND, 2 hours); Xanh SM taxi ($25–$35 or 625,000–875,000 VND); or airport bus to Ward 1 ($0.80 or 20,000 VND, 30 min) + ferry ($10–$15).

• Navigation Tip: Save “Christ the King Statue, Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City” in offline maps (Maps.me); follow signs to Ha Long Street. Parking: $0.80–$1.20 (20,000–30,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Ferries or electric taxis reduce emissions; group buses lower per-person impact.

• Safety: Wear helmets on motorcycles; confirm taxi/xe om fares.

Pack these essentials for a sustainable visit:

• Clothing: Modest attire (no tank tops, cover shoulders/knees), sturdy shoes for hiking; waterproof jacket ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) for rainy season.

• Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, hat.

• Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5), hand sanitizer ($0.50 or 12,500 VND).

• Tech Gear: Smartphone with Grab/Xanh SM apps, offline maps, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($5–$10).

• Outdoor Gear: Small backpack, camera for coastal views.

• Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).

• Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for snacks ($1–$2); biodegradable wipes.

• Extras: Cash for entry/vendors; water for the hike.

Costs for Visiting Christ the King Statue and Nearby

Activity and Nearby Fees

• Christ the King Statue: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).

• Tran Phu Market Seafood: $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).

• Bicycle Rental: $3–$5/day (75,000–125,000 VND).

• Vung Tau Lighthouse: $1 (25,000 VND).

• Linh Son Co Tu Pagoda: Free; donations $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).

• Local Snacks (e.g., Banh Khot): $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).

• Drinks (Water, Coffee): $0.30–$1 (7,000–25,000 VND).

• Souvenirs (e.g., Seashell Crafts): $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).

• Guided Eco-Tour: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).

Transportation (Round-Trip, from Ward 1)

• Private Car: $25–$40 (625,000–1,000,000 VND).

• Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $40–$60 (1,000,000–1,500,000 VND).

• High-Speed Ferry + Xe Om: $12–$19 (300,000–475,000 VND).

• Private Motorcycle: $8–$12 (200,000–300,000 VND) fuel; rental $5–$10/day.

• Public Bus + Xe Om: $7–$11 (175,000–275,000 VND).

• Private Tour Bus: $12–$18 (300,000–450,000 VND)/person.

• Airport to Vung Tau: $30–$45 (750,000–1,125,000 VND).

• Parking: $0.80–$1.20 (20,000–30,000 VND).

• SIM Card: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).

Total Daily Cost (Per Person)

• Budget: $7–$15 (bus + xe om, statue entry, snacks).

• Mid-range: $25–$40 (ferry + xe om, activities, guided tour).

• Luxury: $50–$80 (taxi, premium tour, dining).

• Tip: Budget for activities ($0–$7) and transport ($7–$60); carry cash for entry/vendors (no cards accepted).

• Timing: Visit at 7:00–9:00 AM for cooler hikes; November–April for dry weather. Weekdays for fewer crowds (1,000–5,000 vs. 20,000–50,000 on weekends). Avoid Christmas or Lunar New Year for quieter visits.

• Booking: Pay entry on-site; reserve Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead. Book ferries early for weekends.

• Sustainability: Stick to trails to protect greenery; use reusable bottles. Support local vendors for snacks ($0.50–$2).

• Navigation: Save “Christ the King Statue, Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City” in offline maps; ask locals on Ha Long Street for directions. Avoid night rides on rural roads.

• Safety: Wear non-slip shoes for steps; secure valuables. Confirm fares for taxis/xe om.

• Weather: Dry season for safe hiking; rainy season needs rain gear ($2–$5) and waterproof bags ($3–$7). Check AccuWeather.

• Cultural Respect: Dress modestly (no tank tops); remove shoes inside statue. Avoid loud talking or photography in sacred areas.

• Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50); carry hand sanitizer for market visits.

Our eco-friendly tours showcase the Christ the King Statue’s spiritual allure:

• Vung Tau Coastal Tour ($60–$90/person, 1 day): Private car to Christ the King Statue, Tran Phu Market, and seafood lunch ($3–$7). Includes guide, transport.

• Vung Tau Spiritual Escape ($120–$180/person, 2 days): Statue, Linh Son Co Tu, homestay ($15–$30/night). Includes meals, ferry.

• Ho Chi Minh City & Coastal Journey ($280–$420/person, 3 days): Statue, Can Gio Mangrove, eco-lodges. Includes meals, eco-transfers.

• Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links!

The Christ the King Statue in Vung Tau captivates with its 32-meter presence and panoramic views, drawing over 500,000 visitors yearly, just 95 km from Ho Chi Minh City. Sustainable practices like eco-friendly trails preserve its natural beauty. Legend Travel Group’s Vung Tau Tours guide you through this spiritual landmark, ensuring a sustainable Vung Tau Travel experience blending adventure with nearby attractions like Tran Phu Market. Whether hiking to the statue’s shoulders or cycling to Vung Tau Lighthouse, this iconic site promises an unforgettable eco-spiritual journey. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your sustainable Vung Tau adventure today!
Ready to experience the Christ the King Statue in Vung Tau? Reserve your eco-friendly tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable journey!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

Source: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group