Vung Tau's long sandy city beach and the easiest weekend sea escape from Ho Chi Minh City, with seafood restaurants and hotels along Thuy Van Street.
Back Beach, known locally as Bai Sau, is a 10 km curve of grey-gold sand on the Vung Tau peninsula and the beach that most Ho Chi Minh City residents mean when they say they are going to the sea. It is a domestic resort beach rather than a tropical postcard: the sand is coarse, the water is often sediment-tinted and the atmosphere is loud and family-oriented, with deck chairs, umbrellas and grilled-seafood stalls along the length of Thuy Van Street.
The road from the city takes about two hours outside peak periods, and coaches run all day from Mien Dong and from the Pham Ngu Lao area. Weekends from May to August and every public holiday bring heavy traffic and doubled room rates, so a weekday visit is far calmer.
Swimming is generally safe within the lifeguarded zones in front of the larger hotels, but currents can be strong in the south-west monsoon, and red-flag zones should be respected. The Christ the King statue at the southern tip of the peninsula and the steep stair trail beside it are the standard add-on to a beach day.
| Distance | About 100 km / 62 miles (2-2.5 hours by road; 1.5-2 hours by hydrofoil from Bach Dang Wharf plus a short taxi) |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Express coach or limousine van from Mien Dong or Pham Ngu Lao; hydrofoil from Bach Dang Wharf, District 1 |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Best season | November to April; calm dry-season weather |
| Address | Thuy Van Street, Ward Thang Nhi, Vung Tau, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province |
Amenities
- Sun loungers and umbrellas for hire
- Freshwater showers and changing rooms
- Seafood restaurants and cafes
- Lifeguards in marked zones in the swimming season
Good to know
- Best for
- families, sunbathers, swimmers, beachcombers
Location
Thuy Van Street, Ward Thang Nhi, Vung Tau, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province
10.3350, 107.1000 View on map
Highlights
- Ten-kilometre sweep of sand along Thuy Van Street
- Grilled-seafood stalls and restaurants beside the beach
- Christ the King statue and stair trail at the peninsula's southern tip
- Easy weekend reach from Ho Chi Minh City by coach or hydrofoil
Tips for visiting
- Visit on a weekday; weekends from May to August bring heavy traffic and doubled room rates.
- Swim inside the lifeguarded zones in front of the larger hotels and respect red flags.
- Currents can be strong during the south-west monsoon, so check conditions before swimming.
- Agree seafood prices per kilogram before ordering at beachfront stalls.
- Hydrofoils from Bach Dang Wharf are often quicker than the road at weekends.
When to visit
November to April brings calm dry-season weather; go on a weekday and early morning to avoid weekend and holiday crowds.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Vung Tau Back Beach from Ho Chi Minh City?
It is about 100 km southeast of central Ho Chi Minh City. The trip takes roughly two hours by coach or car outside peak periods, or 1.5 to 2 hours by hydrofoil from Bach Dang Wharf plus a short taxi.
Is the water clear at Back Beach?
The water is often tinted by sediment and the sand is coarse and grey-gold. It is a domestic resort beach rather than a clear-water tropical beach.
Is Back Beach safe for swimming?
Swimming is generally safe within the lifeguarded zones in front of larger hotels. Currents can be strong in the south-west monsoon.
When is the best time to go?
November to April offers calm dry-season weather. Weekdays are far quieter than weekends and public holidays.