Vung Tau

If traveling to Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City is your getaway, then Vung Tau could be a perfect opportunity to be a getaway within that getaway due to its proximity to the southern capital. The tourist destination is so steeped in maritime history that the European ship activities during the 14th and 15th centuries inspired the name Vung Tau which means “anchorage”. Its tourist boom roots could be traced back to the recent War when US and Australian troops flocked to the city for relaxation and recreation. And though very busy during the weekends, a trip here during the weekday will reward you with a well-developed city that’s enveloped by the ocean on three sides. Vung Tau has a dry season from November to April and a rainy season from May to October and the best way to get here from Ho Chi Minh City is by bus or private car.

The beaches are the city’s main attraction and the popular ones are the touristy Front Beach, the secluded Back Beach, the calm and scenic Pineapple Beach, and the exclusive Paradise Beach. Other scenes to check out are the giant Jesus statue similar to that of Rio de Janeiro, the photogenic lighthouse, and the Ho May Culture and Ecotourism Park. Lastly, make sure to indulge its local cuisine, especially seafood. And for something uniquely Vung Tau, you shouldn’t miss the Banh Khot which is a seafood pancake snack.