Discover Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City’s coastal gem! Explore beaches, cultural sites, and sustainable tours with Legend Travel Group. Book your eco-adventure today!
Vung Tau, now a vibrant ward of Ho Chi Minh City following Vietnam’s administrative restructuring, lies 95 km southeast of District 1’s bustling streets, attracting over 2 million visitors annually. This coastal haven, once part of Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province, spans 141 km² with 42 km of pristine coastline, featuring golden beaches like Back Beach (Bai Sau) and lush hills like Large Mountain (Nui Lon). Known for its temperate 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), Vung Tau offers a refreshing escape with entry to key sites at $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).
Vung Tau blends eco-tourism with cultural richness, from the iconic Christ the King Statue to traditional Linh Son Co Tu Pagoda. Sustainable practices, like solar-powered facilities and biodegradable materials, align with Ho Chi Minh City’s “Green Metropolis” vision. Legend Travel Group’s eco-friendly tours immerse you in Vung Tau’s natural beauty and local heritage, supporting coastal communities. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your sustainable adventure!
Vietnam’s administrative reform has merged Ba Ria - Vung Tau into Ho Chi Minh City, reclassifying Vung Tau as a ward. Navigation is now streamlined using ward-based maps, with “Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City” as the key locator.
Legend Travel Group, a leader in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism, crafts eco-conscious tours in Vung Tau, perfect for travelers craving authentic coastal experiences. Our low-impact transport options, like electric shuttles and bicycles, paired with English-speaking guides, highlight Vung Tau’s ecology, culture, 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 seamless planning. Book our eco-tours via links on this page and explore Vung Tau responsibly!
Located 95 km from District 1, Vung Tau is a biodiversity hotspot with 20 km² of protected hills and 42 km of coastline. Established as a tourist destination in the 1990s, it features Front Beach (Bai Truoc) for serene sunsets and Back Beach (Bai Sau), a 10-km stretch for water sports. Large Mountain hosts the 32m Christ the King Statue, while Small Mountain (Nui Nho) offers panoramic views from Vung Tau Lighthouse. The area’s 150+ plant species and marine life, including coral reefs, make it a haven for eco-tourists. Activities like beach kayaking, hill hiking, and cultural visits, combined with sustainable features like recycled materials and local employment, position Vung Tau as a model of green tourism.
These eco-friendly activities, costing $1–$10, blend nature and culture:
Paddle along Back Beach’s 10-km shore, best at 7:00 AM, for $5–$8 (125,000–200,000 VND), spotting marine life.
Cost: $5–$8; beach access free.
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use non-motorized kayaks; avoid littering.
Tip: Rent at beach kiosks; included in Legend Travel Group’s Vung Tau Coastal Eco-Tour ($60–$90).
Trek Large Mountain’s trails to the 32m statue, best at 4:00 PM for sunset views, for $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND) entry.
Cost: $1–$2.
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Stick to paths to protect flora; carry reusable bottles.
Tip: Wear sturdy shoes; 1-hour hike.
Explore Vung Tau’s oldest pagoda, best at 9:00 AM, free entry, to admire its 1.2m gold-covered Buddha statue.
Cost: Free; donations $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Respect sacred spaces; avoid plastic offerings.
Tip: Dress modestly; included in Legend Travel Group’s Vung Tau Cultural Tour ($50–$80).
Pedal to Small Mountain’s lighthouse, best at 8:00 AM, with bike rentals at $3–$5/day (75,000–125,000 VND), for 360° ocean views.
Cost: $3–$5; entry $1 (25,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Bikes reduce emissions; stay on trails.
Tip: Rent near Front Beach; carry water for 5-km ride.
Trek to this islet at low tide, best at 10:00 AM, free, to visit its fisherman’s temple.
Cost: Free.
Hours: Check tide charts; 2-hour window at low tide.
Eco-Friendly Note: Avoid disturbing marine life; wear non-slip shoes.
Tip: Use tide apps; slippery rocks require caution.
Visit from November to April for dry, cool weather (22–28°C or 71.6–82.4°F), ideal for kayaking and hiking. The rainy season (May–October) offers lush scenery but slippery trails, requiring rain gear. Weekdays (Monday–Thursday) see fewer crowds (5,000–10,000 daily visitors) than weekends (50,000–100,000), especially during Lunar New Year, when locals flock to beaches. Early mornings (6:00–9:00 AM) are best for activities, while afternoons (3:00–6:00 PM) suit relaxed beach time.
Vung Tau, 95 km from District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, 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 District 1’s 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 District 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, 110 km); Xanh SM taxi ($25–$35 or 625,000–875,000 VND); or airport bus to District 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); follow signs from Long Thanh. 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.
Pack these essentials for a sustainable trip:
Clothing: Light layers, non-slip shoes for trails; swimsuit for beaches; waterproof jacket ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) for rainy season.
Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, hat, sunglasses.
Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5), mosquito repellent ($0.50 or 12,500 VND), hand sanitizer ($0.50).
Tech Gear: Smartphone with Grab/Xanh SM apps, offline maps, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($5–$10).
Outdoor Gear: Small backpack, binoculars for coastal wildlife, camera for lighthouse shots.
Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for snacks ($1–$2); biodegradable wipes.
Extras: Snacks for hikes; cash for small vendors.
Entry and Activity Fees
Christ the King Statue: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Vung Tau Lighthouse: $1 (25,000 VND).
Kayak Rental: $5–$8 (125,000–200,000 VND).
Bicycle Rental: $3–$5/day (75,000–125,000 VND).
Linh Son Co Tu Pagoda: Free; donations $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).
Hon Ba Islet: Free.
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 District 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).
Private Motorcycle: $8–$12 (200,000–300,000 VND) fuel; rental $5–$10/day.
Public Bus: $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 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: $10–$20 (bus, free sites, snacks).
Mid-range: $30–$50 (ferry, activities, guided tour).
Luxury: $70–$100 (taxi, premium tour, dining).
Tip: Budget for activities ($1–$8) and transport ($5–$60); carry cash for vendors (no cards accepted).
Timing: Visit at 6:00–9:00 AM for cool weather; November–April for dry beaches. Weekdays for fewer crowds (5,000–10,000 vs. 50,000–100,000 on weekends). Avoid Lunar New Year for quieter shores.
Booking: Buy activity tickets on-site; reserve Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead. Book kayaks at Back Beach kiosks.
Sustainability: Stay on trails to protect ecosystems; use reusable bottles. Support local vendors for snacks ($0.50–$2) or crafts ($1–$5).
Navigation: Save “Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City” in offline maps; ask locals at Back Beach for directions. Avoid night rides on rural roads.
Safety: Wear non-slip shoes for Hon Ba; secure valuables. Confirm fares for taxis/ferries.
Weather: Dry season for safe kayaking; rainy season needs rain gear ($2–$5) and waterproof bags ($3–$7 or 75,000–175,000 VND). Check AccuWeather.
Cultural Respect: Dress modestly at pagodas (cover shoulders/knees); say “xin chào” to locals. Avoid loud talking in sacred areas.
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50); carry mosquito repellent and hand sanitizer.
Our eco-friendly tours showcase Vung Tau’s coastal wonders:
Vung Tau Coastal Eco-Tour ($60–$90/person, 1 day): Private car to Vung Tau for kayaking, lighthouse cycling, and pagoda visit, with seafood lunch ($3–$7). Includes guide, transport.
Vung Tau & Con Dao Escape ($150–$220/person, 2 days): Vung Tau, Con Dao’s beaches, homestay ($15–$30/night). Includes meals, ferry.
Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta Journey ($300–$450/person, 3 days): Vung Tau, Mekong Delta’s Cai Be, homestays. Includes meals, eco-transfers.
Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links!
Vung Tau Ward, a vibrant coastal destination in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Region, Ho CHi Minh City, 95 km from Ho Chi Minh City’s Ben Thanh Ward, enchants with its 42-km coastline, cultural landmarks, and sustainable charm, drawing over 2 million visitors yearly. Enjoy kayaking at Back Beach ($10–$20, 250,000–500,000 VND), hike to the iconic Christ the King Statue on Small Mountain (free entry, 847 steps), or cycle to the historic Vung Tau Lighthouse ($1 entry, 25,000 VND), all supported by green practices like solar-powered facilities and community-led conservation. Legend Travel Group’s Vung Tau Tours ensure a sustainable, immersive Vung Tau Travel experience, blending eco-friendly adventures with visits to Linh Son Co Tu Pagoda, Bach Dinh (White Palace), and culinary delights like bánh khọt ($1–$3, 25,000–75,000 VND). Contact Legend Travel Group at www.legendtravelgroup.com, info@legendtravelgroup.com, or (+84) 825862222 to browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly adventure today!
Ready to discover Vung Tau’s coastal and cultural wonders? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and immerse yourself in this Mekong Delta paradise!
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.
Sources:
Vung Tau Information: vietnam.travel, vietnamtourism.org.vn, vinpearl.com, itourvn.com, klook.com, vnitourist.com, vietnamcoracle.com, vietnamonline.com, vietnamparadisetravel.com, originvietnam.com
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