Vung Tau, a former French colonial resort town on a peninsula jutting into the South China Sea, offers Ho Chi Minh City's closest genuine beach escape, with a hydrofoil connection that turns it into a viable single-day outing. Its main draws include the 32-meter Christ of Vung Tau statue atop Small Mountain with panoramic sea views, the White Palace (Bach Dinh) colonial villa, seafood restaurants along the Back Beach (Bai Sau) strip, and a lighthouse dating to the French era. It is more popular as a weekend overnight trip among Ho Chi Minh City residents, but the hydrofoil makes a single-day version workable for visitors short on time.
| Distance | 125 km / 78 mi from central Ho Chi Minh City |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 2-2.5 hours by road; about 1.25 hours by hydrofoil from Bach Dang wharf |
| Getting there | Hydrofoil from Bach Dang wharf, public bus (Phuong Trang/Futa), or private car |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Address | Vung Tau City, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province |
How to get there
- Hydrofoil ferry from Bach Dang wharf, ~₫250,000-350,000 (~$10-13) one-way
- Public bus (Phuong Trang/Futa Bus Lines), ~₫150,000-200,000 (~$6-8) one-way
- Private car with driver, ~₫1,800,000-2,500,000 (~$69-96) round trip
Suggested itinerary
- 7:30am hydrofoil from Bach Dang wharf; 9:00am arrive Vung Tau; 9:30am-12:00pm Christ statue and Small Mountain; 12:30pm seafood lunch on Back Beach; 2:00pm Bach Dinh villa visit; 4:00pm return hydrofoil; 5:30pm arrive back in Ho Chi Minh City
Location
Vung Tau City, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province
10.3460, 107.0843 View on map
Highlights
- Christ of Vung Tau statue with panoramic sea views
- Bach Dinh (White Palace) French colonial villa
- Back Beach (Bai Sau) seafood restaurant strip
- French-era lighthouse on Small Mountain
Tips for visiting
- Book hydrofoil tickets in advance on weekends when demand is highest
- Climb the Christ statue's internal staircase early to avoid midday heat
- Try the local specialty banh khot (mini savory pancakes) at a Back Beach restaurant
When to visit
Morning hydrofoil departure
Accessibility
Beach areas and villa grounds are relatively accessible; the Christ statue requires climbing an internal staircase.
Frequently asked questions
Is the hydrofoil faster than driving?
Yes, the hydrofoil from Bach Dang wharf takes about 1.25 hours compared to 2-2.5 hours by road.