Bai Sau, or Back Beach, is Vung Tau's longest and most developed stretch of sand, lined with hotels, seafood restaurants, and rental umbrellas, making it the most convenient beach for a straightforward sun-and-swim day trip from Ho Chi Minh City. It is a working beach town rather than a resort paradise, with brown-tinted water typical of this stretch of Vietnamese coast, but it delivers a legitimate beach escape within a half-day's travel.
| Distance | Approximately 95-125 km / 2-2.5 hours by car from Ho Chi Minh City, or about 1.25-1.5 hours by hydrofoil from Bach Dang Wharf |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Hydrofoil from Bach Dang Wharf, District 1 (multiple daily departures) or car/bus via Highway 51 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Best season | March-September (calmer seas, less rain) |
| Address | Thuy Van Street, Vung Tau City, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province |
Amenities
- Beachfront restaurants and seafood shacks
- Sun lounger and umbrella rentals
- Public showers
- Nearby hotels and resorts along Thuy Van Street
Good to know
- Best for
- Easy day trips, seafood dining, families wanting a straightforward beach outing
- Water
- Generally calm, moderate clarity, occasional stronger currents in rainy season
- Facilities
- Restaurants, Lounger rentals, Showers, Nearby hotels
Location
Thuy Van Street, Vung Tau City, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province
10.3358, 107.0843 View on map
Highlights
- Long, wide sandy stretch with consistent beachfront development
- Fresh seafood restaurants directly on the beach road
- Hydrofoil access makes it feasible as a long day trip
Tips for visiting
- Book hydrofoil tickets (operators include Greenlines DP and Petro Express) a day ahead for weekend travel
- Water clarity is best outside the rainy season (October-February)
- Weekends get crowded with day-trippers from Saigon; weekdays are far quieter
When to visit
Weekday visits, or early morning/late afternoon on weekends to avoid peak crowds
Accessibility
Flat beach access with paved beach road; some resort sections have wheelchair-accessible paths