Discover Vung Tau’s top sustainable dining spots for seafood, banh khot, and banh xeo in Ho Chi Minh City’s coastal ward! Explore menus, prices, and eco-tours with Legend Travel Group.
Capture the savory essence of Vung Tau’s coastal gem (Source: Internet)Vung Tau, now a vibrant ward of Ho Chi Minh City following Vietnam’s administrative merger effective July 2025, lies 95 km southeast of Ward 1 (formerly District 1), attracting over 2 million visitors annually for its 42-km coastline and rich food scene. Renowned for fresh seafood, banh khot, and banh xeo, Vung Tau’s 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) enhances open-air dining with cool sea breezes. Meals cost $1–$10 (25,000–250,000 VND), offering affordable, flavorful experiences.
Vung Tau’s dining scene prioritizes sustainability, with restaurants sourcing seafood from local fisheries and produce from nearby farms, using biodegradable packaging to align with Ho Chi Minh City’s “Green Metropolis” initiative. From beachside eateries to bustling markets, Vung Tau’s culinary offerings reflect its coastal heritage. Legend Travel Group’s sustainable food tours guide you to the best dining spots, supporting local communities. Book via links on this page or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!
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 leader in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism with over 17 years of experience, offers eco-friendly culinary tours in Vung Tau, perfect for food lovers seeking authentic flavors. Our low-impact transport, like electric shuttles, and English-speaking guides highlight sustainable dining, local sourcing, and green practices. Supporting coastal 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 experience. Book our eco-tours via links on this page for a responsible culinary adventure!
Photograph the luxurious allure of Vung Tau’s cuisine (Source: Internet)Vung Tau’s culinary heritage, thriving since the 1990s, centers on its fishing traditions, with eateries along Tran Phu and Thuy Van Streets serving fresh seafood and local specialties. Sustainable practices, including regulated fisheries and minimal plastic use, preserve over 150 marine species. From crispy banh khot to succulent lobster, Vung Tau’s restaurants offer unforgettable flavors, just 1.5 hours from Ward 1. Pair dining with eco-conscious activities like cycling or market visits for a guilt-free gastronomic journey.
Banh Xeo (Crispy Pancake) (Source: Internet)These eco-friendly eateries, with meals costing $1–$10, deliver authentic coastal cuisine:
Savor over 20 snail dishes like grilled snails with tamarind, best at 6:00 PM, for $2–$7 (50,000–175,000 VND) in a lively open-air setting.
Cost: $2–$7.
Hours: Daily, 12:00 PM–10:00 PM.
Location: 368 Tran Phu, Ward 5, Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City.
Eco-Friendly Note: Locally sourced seafood; biodegradable utensils.
Tip: Try lemongrass clams; included in Legend Travel Group’s Vung Tau Foodie Tour ($50–$80).
Enjoy fresh lobster and seafood salad with ocean views, best at 7:00 PM, for $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Cost: $5–$10.
Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–10:30 PM.
Location: 334 Tran Phu, Ward 5, Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City.
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses sustainable fisheries; minimal plastic.
Tip: Reserve a seaside table; try grilled oysters.
Taste crispy mini pancakes with shrimp, best at 7:00 AM, for $1.50–$3 (37,500–75,000 VND), served with herbs and nuoc mam.
Cost: $1.50–$3.
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–2:00 PM (weekdays); 7:00 AM–8:00 PM (weekends).
Location: 14 Nguyen Truong To, Ward 2, Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City.
Eco-Friendly Note: Local ingredients; biodegradable plates.
Tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds; included in Legend Travel Group’s Vung Tau Foodie Tour ($50–$80).
Relish affordable seafood like crab and prawns, best at 6:00 PM, for $3–$8 (75,000–200,000 VND), with beachfront ambiance.
Cost: $3–$8.
Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM–10:00 PM.
Location: 207 Thuy Van, Ward 2, Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City.
Eco-Friendly Note: Sources local seafood; eco-friendly packaging.
Tip: Try saltwater fish; fast service even at peak hours.
Savor sizzling pancakes with shrimp and bean sprouts, best at 5:00 PM, for $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND), wrapped in lettuce.
Cost: $1–$3.
Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM–9:00 PM.
Location: 42 Tran Dong, Ward 3, Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City.
Eco-Friendly Note: Organic vegetables; minimal waste.
Tip: Pair with pickled vegetables; budget-friendly.
Experience Vung Tau Tours with sustainable dining (Source: Internet)Visit from November to April for dry, sunny weather (22–28°C or 71.6–82.4°F), ideal for outdoor dining at beachside restaurants like Thanh Phat. The rainy season (May–October) offers cozy indoor dining at spots like Quan Oc Tu Nhien but requires rain gear. Weekdays (Monday–Thursday) see fewer crowds (5,000–15,000 daily visitors) than weekends (50,000–100,000), especially during Lunar New Year. Early evenings (5:00–7:00 PM) ensure fresh seafood, while late evenings (7:00–10:00 PM) offer a vibrant atmosphere.
Learn Vung Tau’s heritage with expert insights (Source: Internet)Vung Tau is 95 km from Ward 1, Ho Chi Minh City, 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, 1.5 hours, $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND) round-trip. 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, 2 hours, $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND) round-trip.
By Private Tour Bus (Legend Travel Group): Group bus from Ward 1, 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 “Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City” in offline maps (Maps.me); head to Tran Phu or Thuy Van Street for eateries. 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/bus fares.
Start your Vung Tau Travel with coastal serenity (Source: Internet)Pack these essentials for a sustainable culinary experience:
Clothing: Light layers, comfortable shoes for market walks; waterproof jacket ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) for rainy season; hat for sun.
Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses.
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).
Culinary Gear: Small backpack, reusable tote for market buys ($1–$2), notebook for recipes.
Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable cutlery; biodegradable wipes.
Extras: Cash for vendors; allergy medication for seafood sensitivities.
Capture the authentic charm of Vung Tau’s food culture (Source: Internet)Dining Fees
Quan Oc Tu Nhien (Snail Dishes): $2–$7 (50,000–175,000 VND).
Ganh Hao (Seafood): $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Banh Khot Goc Vu Sua: $1.50–$3 (37,500–75,000 VND).
Thanh Phat (Seafood): $3–$8 (75,000–200,000 VND).
Banh Xeo Ba Hai: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).
Cooking Class: $8–$10 (200,000–250,000 VND).
Local Snacks: $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).
Drinks (Water, Coffee): $0.30–$1 (7,000–25,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., Fish Sauce): $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).
Guided Culinary 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: $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND).
Public Bus: $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND).
Private Motorcycle: $8–$12 (200,000–300,000 VND) fuel; rental $5–$10/day.
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, market dining, snacks).
Mid-range: $25–$40 (ferry, restaurant meal, guided tour).
Luxury: $50–$80 (taxi, premium dining, tour).
Tip: Budget for dining ($1–$10) and transport ($5–$60); carry cash for markets (no cards accepted).
Banh Khot (Khot cake) (Source: Internet)Timing: Visit restaurants at 5:00–7:00 PM for fresh seafood; November–April for outdoor dining. Weekdays for fewer crowds (5,000–15,000 vs. 50,000–100,000 on weekends). Avoid Lunar New Year for quieter tables.
Booking: Order dishes on-site; reserve tables at Ganh Hao for groups. Book Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead. Secure transport early for weekends.
Sustainability: Choose eateries with local sourcing; avoid plastic waste. Support vendors at Tran Phu Market ($1–$5).
Navigation: Save “Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City” in offline maps; ask locals at Thuy Van Street for restaurant directions. Avoid night rides on rural roads.
Safety: Check for seafood allergies; secure valuables at markets. Confirm taxi/bus fares.
Weather: Dry season for open-air dining; rainy season needs indoor options and rain gear ($2–$5). Check AccuWeather.
Cultural Respect: Greet staff with “xin chào”; tip small amounts ($0.50–$1) for good service. Respect dining etiquette.
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50); carry hand sanitizer for market visits.
Our eco-friendly tours showcase Vung Tau’s dining highlights:
Vung Tau Foodie Tour ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Private car to Quan Oc Tu Nhien, Banh Khot Goc Vu Sua, and seafood lunch ($3–$7). Includes guide, transport.
Vung Tau Coastal Culinary Escape ($120–$180/person, 2 days): Ganh Hao, Tran Phu Market, homestay ($15–$30/night). Includes meals, ferry.
Ho Chi Minh City & Coastal Food Journey ($280–$420/person, 3 days): Thanh Phat, Mekong Delta markets, homestays. Includes meals, eco-transfers.
Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links!
Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City’s coastal ward, enchants with sustainable dining at spots like Quan Oc Tu Nhien and Ganh Hao, serving seafood and banh khot for $1–$10, drawing over 2 million visitors yearly, just 95 km from Ward 1. Eco-friendly practices like local sourcing and biodegradable packaging preserve its coastal heritage. Legend Travel Group’s Vung Tau Tours guide you through Vung Tau’s top eateries, blending flavor with cultural immersion and ensuring a sustainable Vung Tau Travel experience. Whether savoring lobster at Thanh Phat or pancakes at Ba Hai, Vung Tau promises an unforgettable eco-culinary adventure. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group today!
Ready to savor Vung Tau’s iconic seafood? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable culinary adventure!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group (to certify content copyright).
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