Vung Tau

There are several ways to escape the urban grind of Ho Chi Minh City. The city’s many parks don’t cut it, then a short commute is in order. A mere 1 hour by ferry or three by bus brings you to the port town of Vung Tau. While not a resort area by any standard, Vung Tau does provide plenty to do to merit a weekend getaway. Also, not being along any tourist track, it is not crowded with foreign tourists. However, there are numerous foreign oil and shipping personnel, and the weekend does mean the less than idyllic beaches and boardwalk will be crowded with Saigonese. Avoiding the weekend also means you a avoid a majority of the crowd.

The hydrofoil leaves from Ho Chi Minh City’s Saigon River at regular intervals every day. It is well worth the price because it reaches Vung Tau rapidly and is safe compared to risking life and limb on a minibus. There are hotels and guesthouses near the hydrofoil landing and throughout the city. Places may inflate prices on the weekend.

The most visible landmark in Vung Tau is the statue of Jesus perched on a hill outside the city. It resembles the JEsus statue above Rio de Janeiro, although smaller in scale. There are stairs leading up the hill, and it is possible to climb up inside the statue. The view is quite scenic.

The beach road is full of cafes, pool halls, and places where you can simply rent a beach chair and relax. Meals along the beach road can be quite expensive compared to the surrounding area. However, it is quite good. Bars catering to sailors and oil workers are also found along the beach road. The nightlife is pretty low key, simply cafes serving beer, some with hostesses, and several pool halls. If your pool game is up to snuff, a stop in Vung Tau is well worthwhile.

The city of Vung Tau itself is a nondescript town with several interesting markets and older buildings. A stroll around is worthwhile during the cool hours of the early morning or late afternoon. A foreigner wandering about will probably attract touts and people offering their services as tour guides, cyclo drivers, and so on. Declining firmly but politely will usually work.

Perhaps the biggest attraction for many is the natural beauty outside the city. The lush hills and rocky coast make a cruise down the coastal highway well worth it. Also, seafood fans will enjoy the freshness and variety of dishes at some of the finest seafood restaurants in Vietnam.

While Vung Tau does not offer a lot in the way of excitement, it is worth a visit for people looking to relax in a low key environment for a few days.