If you live in Ho Chi Minh City and you need salt air, palm trees and a break from the concrete hum, Vung Tau is your easiest seaside fix. Perched on a small peninsula jutting into the South China Sea, Vung Tau is famous for wide sandy beaches, a dramatic hilltop Christ statue, fresh seafood and a dense choice of places to stay — all within a short hop of HCMC. It’s exactly the kind of weekend retreat many Saigonese make a habit of. Vietnam Discovery Travel+1
How far is Vung Tau from Ho Chi Minh City?
The distance between Ho Chi Minh City and Vung Tau varies a bit by route, but it’s generally in the 95–110 km range (roughly 60–70 miles). By road most travelers allow around two hours in light traffic; by water — if you take a fast ferry/hydrofoil — journey time is commonly about two hours as well. That closeness is why Vung Tau works so well as a weekend destination: you can leave Friday evening and be on the beach Saturday morning. Joytime+1
Getting there from Ho Chi Minh City — transport options
There are four common ways to travel from HCMC to Vung Tau, each with its own balance of speed, comfort and cost:
- Express bus / shuttle: Multiple private bus companies run scheduled services between HCMC and Vung Tau. Buses depart from several points in the city and typically take 2–3 hours depending on traffic. These are cheap, comfortable and the easiest option if you don’t want to drive. Vietnam Discovery Travel
- Fast ferry / hydrofoil: If you prefer to avoid road traffic, several hydrofoil/ferry operators run services from Saigon’s waterfront to Vung Tau. The crossing takes about two hours and is a pleasant, scenic option — but be aware services are subject to weather and can be pricier on weekends. Vietnam Coracle
- Private car / taxi / ride-hailing: Driving the expressway and National Route 51 gets you to Vung Tau in roughly two hours under good conditions. A private car gives maximum flexibility for stops and luggage; ride-hailing (or a private transfer) is a common choice for small groups. VinWonders
- Motorbike / self-drive: For adventurous travelers, a motorbike ride down the highway is possible and scenic. If you plan this, check local licensing requirements and weather — the route is about 100 km and quicker if you’re comfortable on the road. VinWonders
Whichever route you pick, early departures on weekends help you avoid peak outbound and return traffic.
Why it’s a popular weekend retreat for people living in HCMC
Vung Tau’s proximity, range of accommodation and beach-focused leisure scene make it a natural weekend break for Saigon residents. It’s close enough to be practical (short travel times) but far enough to feel like a genuine coastal escape. Whether you want a lazy beach day, a seafood dinner by the water, or a quick hike up to panoramic viewpoints, Vung Tau delivers without the long-haul logistics of central Vietnam beach towns. Vietnam Discovery Travel
Things to do in Vung Tau
There’s a pleasing mix of low-key and photo-ready activities to choose from:
- Beach time: Front Beach (Bãi Trước) and Back Beach (Bãi Sau) are the two main urban beaches. Back Beach tends to be longer and is very popular for sunrise runs, swimming and seafood restaurants along the promenade.
- Climb to the Christ Statue (Jesus Christ of Vung Tau): This iconic statue stands on Small Mountain and offers sweeping views of the city and sea. It’s one of the most photographed spots in Vung Tau and you can climb up into the statue for views.
- Vung Tau Lighthouse (and nearby trails): The lighthouse sits on the ridge and provides both a nice walk and excellent lookout points. It’s great for photos at golden hour.
- Historical sites: The White Palace (Bạch Dinh), built during French colonial times, is a stately heritage building with a small museum and ocean views. Scattered wartime relics and old villas add to the town’s history-rich charm. Tripadvisor
- Water activities and day trips: Boat trips, fishing tours or renting a kayak are easy to arrange. If you want a longer coastal adventure, organized day tours will take you to nearby islands and lesser-known beaches.
- Nightlife and markets: Vung Tau isn’t a full-on party town, but it has lively night markets, seafood eateries and a handful of bars that stay open late — perfect for a relaxed evening after a day on the sand.
Sightseeing spots you shouldn’t miss
- Christ the King (Jesus) Statue — the landmark of the city; panoramic views at the top are worth the climb.
- Vung Tau Lighthouse — great for short hikes and sunset photos.
- White Palace (Bạch Dinh) — colonial architecture and ocean vistas.
- Back Beach promenade — the best place to stroll, swim or eat seafood in the afternoon and evening.
Where to stay — abundance of hotel options
Vung Tau caters to all budgets, from guesthouses and budget hotels to mid-range seaside resorts and higher-end boutique stays. Online travel sites list hundreds of properties in the area, and you’ll find options right on the beach, tucked into hillside vistas, or near the central promenade. Whether you want a no-frills room for one night or a comfortable family-friendly hotel with sea views, Vung Tau has a dense supply of choices. expedia
Famous for seafood — what to expect
One of Vung Tau’s biggest draws is seafood: fresh prawns, crab, squid, grilled fish and local specialties are served in seaside restaurants and smaller family-run places. Streetfront seafood restaurants and more polished dining venues line the shore, so you can pick the vibe and budget that suits you. Locals and visitors both praise the abundance and freshness of the catch — it’s the perfect way to end a day at the beach. Tripadvisor+1
Cost of living — how Vung Tau compares to Ho Chi Minh City
If you’re thinking longer-term or simply curious how prices stack up, Vung Tau is generally less expensive than Ho Chi Minh City. Cost-of-living indices and user-generated data show that rental prices in Ho Chi Minh City are significantly higher than in Vung Tau, and everyday expenses such as restaurants and groceries tend to be cheaper in Vung Tau as well. This relative affordability, combined with the seaside lifestyle, is one reason some people choose Vung Tau as a quieter base outside the big city. (As always, exact costs depend on lifestyle choices and the specific neighborhood or accommodation you pick.) Numbeo+1
Practical tips for planning your weekend
- Book weekends in advance if you want a particular beachfront hotel or ferry time — weekends and public holidays fill up quickly. Vietnam Coracle
- Bring cash for small market stalls and street vendors; many smaller restaurants accept only cash.
- Go early or late at popular sights (Christ statue, lighthouse) to avoid the crowds and to catch golden-hour views.
- Try the seafood market: if you love to choose your own seafood, visit the local market and have a restaurant cook your selection. Tripadvisor
Final thoughts
Vung Tau is the classic quick coastal reset for people in Ho Chi Minh City: close, varied and pleasantly affordable. Whether your ideal weekend includes lazy beach hours, a seafood banquet by the shore, or a short hike up for a sweeping coastal panorama, Vung Tau delivers without the hassle of long travel. Pack a light bag, pick a transport option that suits your style, and go enjoy the sea breeze — it’s never far away. Thanks for reading.
Check out our previous article on Exploring Train Travel in Thailand.
Also check out our ebook about Vietnam called: Vietnam Uncharted: A Guide to Unique Destinations for Adventurous Travelers
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