Explore the White Palace (Bach Dinh), Vung Tau’s historic landmark in Ho Chi Minh City! Discover eco-friendly visits, costs, and sustainable tours with Legend Travel Group.
Capture the historic beauty of Vung Tau’s cultural gemThe White Palace (Bach Dinh), a colonial-era masterpiece in Vung Tau, now a 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 100,000 visitors annually, this 1898 villa, built for French Governor General Paul Doumer, showcases French-Greek architecture and houses artifacts from 17th-century shipwrecks. With a 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), it’s a year-round cultural gem. Entry costs $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).
The palace embraces sustainability with eco-friendly maintenance, minimal waste, and local staffing, aligning with Ho Chi Minh City’s “Green Metropolis” initiative. Overlooking Front Beach and surrounded by a serene forest, it offers a tranquil escape. Legend Travel Group’s sustainable tours provide an eco-conscious exploration, 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 tours to the White Palace, perfect for history buffs and cultural enthusiasts. Our low-impact transport, like electric shuttles and bicycles, and expert 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 journey. Book our eco-tours via links on this page for a responsible experience!
Photograph the serene allure of Vung Tau’s heritage (Source: Internet)Situated at 4 Tran Phu Street on the slopes of Large Mountain (Nui Lon) in Vung Tau’s Ward 1, the White Palace is a three-story, 19-meter-high villa blending French neoclassical and Greek architectural styles. Built in 1898 as a summer retreat for Paul Doumer, it later served Indochina’s governors and Vietnam’s presidents until 1975. Its white facade, adorned with Hellenic statues, and preserved 17th-century artifacts from Hon Cau shipwrecks make it a cultural treasure. Sustainable practices, like eco-friendly cleaning and forest preservation, protect its serene surroundings, supporting over 100 plant species. Just 1.5 hours from Ward 1, it’s near Front Beach and the Christ the King Statue, ideal for cultural exploration.
These sustainable activities, costing $0–$7, offer historical and cultural immersion:
Explore the villa’s French-Greek interiors and shipwreck artifacts, best at 8:00 AM, for $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).
Cost: $0.50–$1.
Hours: Daily, 7:30 AM–11:30 AM, 1:30 PM–5:30 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use digital guides to reduce paper waste; respect preserved artifacts.
Tip: Photograph the Hellenic statues; included in Legend Travel Group’s Vung Tau Cultural Tour ($50–$80).
Walk through the forest with porcelain trees, best at 9:00 AM, free with entry, enjoying plumeria scents.
Cost: Included in entry.
Hours: Daily, 7:30 AM–5:30 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Stay on paths to protect flora; avoid single-use plastics.
Tip: Bring a camera for garden shots; ideal for photography.
Relax at this crescent-shaped beach, 1 km away, best at 7:00 AM, free, with fishing village views.
Cost: Free; snacks $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Support local vendors; keep beaches clean.
Tip: Walk to Tran Phu Market; included in Legend Travel Group’s Vung Tau Coastal Tour ($60–$90).
Taste sustainable seafood like banh khot, 2 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; 5-minute drive from the palace.
Pedal 2 km to this 32-meter statue, best at 7:00 AM, with bike rentals at $3–$5/day (75,000–125,000 VND) and entry at $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Cost: $3–$7.
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Bikes reduce emissions; stay on trails.
Tip: Rent near Tran Phu Street; combine with palace visit.
Learn Vung Tau’s historical legacy with expert insights (Source: Internet)Visit from November to April for dry, sunny weather (22–28°C or 71.6–82.4°F), ideal for garden strolls and coastal views. The rainy season (May–October) offers a quieter experience but requires rain gear. Weekdays (Monday–Thursday) see fewer crowds (500–2,000 daily visitors) than weekends (10,000–20,000), especially during Lunar New Year or summer holidays. Early mornings (7:30–10:00 AM) provide cooler temperatures, while afternoons (1:30–4:00 PM) suit beach visits and market trips.
The White Palace, 95 km from Ward 1 and in Vung Tau’s Ward 1, is reachable in 1.5–2 hours:
By Private Car: Drive 1.5 hours via Long Thanh-Dau Giay Expressway to Tran Phu Street, $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 5-minute xe om ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND) to Tran Phu 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 5-minute xe om ($1–$2) to the palace.
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 “White Palace, Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City” in offline maps (Maps.me); follow signs to Tran Phu 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.
Capture the sustainable charm of Vung Tau’s ecotourism (Source: Internet)Pack these essentials for a sustainable journey:
Clothing: Light layers, comfortable shoes for gardens; 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).
Cultural Gear: Small backpack, camera for architecture shots, notebook for reflections.
Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for souvenirs ($1–$2); biodegradable wipes.
Extras: Cash for entry/vendors; sunscreen for outdoor time.
Activity and Nearby Fees
White Palace Entry: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).
Tran Phu Market Seafood: $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).
Bicycle Rental: $3–$5/day (75,000–125,000 VND).
Christ the King Statue: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Front Beach Snacks: $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).
Drinks (Water, Coffee): $0.30–$1 (7,500–25,000 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, palace 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).
Begin your Vung Tau Tours with a scenic adventure (Source: Internet)Timing: Visit at 7:30–10:00 AM for cooler weather; November–April for dry conditions. Weekdays for fewer crowds (500–2,000 vs. 10,000–20,000 on weekends). Avoid 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: Use reusable bottles; avoid plastic waste. Support local vendors for snacks ($0.50–$2).
Navigation: Save “White Palace, Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City” in offline maps; ask locals on Tran Phu Street for directions. Avoid night rides on rural roads.
Safety: Secure valuables; follow palace rules. Confirm fares for taxis/xe om.
Weather: Dry season for garden walks; rainy season needs rain gear ($2–$5) and waterproof bags ($3–$7). Check AccuWeather.
Cultural Respect: Dress respectfully (avoid revealing clothing); say “xin chào” to staff. Avoid touching artifacts.
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50); carry hand sanitizer for market visits.
Our eco-friendly tours showcase the White Palace’s historical allure:
Vung Tau Cultural Tour ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Private car to White Palace, Tran Phu Market, and seafood lunch ($3–$7). Includes guide, transport.
Vung Tau Coastal Historical Escape ($120–$180/person, 2 days): White Palace, Front Beach, homestay ($15–$30/night). Includes meals, ferry.
Ho Chi Minh City & Coastal Journey ($280–$420/person, 3 days): White Palace, 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 White Palace in Vung Tau Ward, a coastal gem in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Region, Ho Chi Minh City, captivates with its 1898 French-Greek architecture and shipwreck artifacts, drawing over 100,000 visitors yearly, located just 95 km from Ho Chi Minh City’s Ben Thanh Ward. Sustainable practices like eco-friendly maintenance and community-led conservation preserve its historic charm. Legend Travel Group’s Vung Tau Tours guide you through this cultural gem, ensuring a sustainable Vung Tau Travel experience with visits to Front Beach and Tran Phu Market for banh khot ($1–$3, 25,000–75,000 VND). Whether strolling its gardens or savoring coastal flavors, the White Palace promises an unforgettable eco-cultural journey. Book your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group today!
Ready to discover The White Palace in Vung Tau? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable adventure!
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:
The White Palace Information: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group
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