Vung Tau is the closest beach to Saigon, only about 100 km away — easy to do as a day trip. Here's an itinerary to make the most of it.
Suggested itinerary
- 6:00 — leave Saigon. An early start beats the traffic and the heat.
- 8:30 — Christ the King statue on Small Mountain: climb hundreds of steps for views over Back Beach and the sea.
- 10:00 — Vung Tau lighthouse atop Small Mountain, with the city and Front Beach below.
- 11:00 — White Palace (Bach Dinh), a white French-style villa in a garden overlooking the sea.
- 12:00 — seafood or banh khot for lunch.
- 13:30 — swim and relax at Back Beach.
- 15:30 — head back, stopping for local specialities.
- 18:00 — arrive in Saigon.
Food to try
- Banh khot — small crispy pancakes topped with prawn, wrapped in herbs and dipped in fish sauce.
- Stingray hotpot — tangy with sour bamboo shoots, a Vung Tau speciality.
- Seafood — crab, squid, snails and prawns at markets and seaside eateries.
- Salted-egg sponge cake — a classic take-home gift.
Tips
- Avoid peak times: Sunday afternoons and public holidays bring heavy traffic back to Saigon — leave earlier or go on a weekday.
- Christ statue: dress modestly (no shorts or sleeveless tops); the climb is tiring, so bring water.
- Nghinh Phong Cape and Hon Ba: if time allows, visit the cape for sea views; Hon Ba islet can only be reached on foot at low tide.
- Pack swimwear, sunscreen and a towel.
Getting there
For families and groups, a private round-trip car for the day is the easiest option: the driver picks you up at home, waits for you all day and drops you back — no parking hassle, no hunting for a ride home.
Book Minh Hy Travel's Vung Tau day trip from Saigon or a same-day car charter.