A stone stairway of roughly 800 steps up Nui Nho to the 32 m Christ of Vung Tau statue at the southern tip of the Vung Tau peninsula, with sea views over both Front Beach and Back Beach. Inside the statue a narrow stair leads to a viewing platform.
The Christ of Vung Tau stands on Nui Nho (Small Mountain) at the southern tip of the Vung Tau peninsula, roughly 95 to 125 km southeast of central Ho Chi Minh City. The 32 m statue is reached by a stone stairway of about 800 steps, climbing about 130 m over roughly 1 km from the base on Ha Long Street, near the Back Beach end of Tran Phu Street. Visitors reach Vung Tau by bus or private car from Ho Chi Minh City, then take a Grab car or motorbike taxi of about 5 to 10 minutes from the bus station or Front Beach hotels to the stairway base. A small entrance fee is paid at the gate, and its amount should be confirmed on site. The climb is entirely on stone steps with railings in places, and the route is shaded by trees on the lower sections but exposed near the top, so the heat builds quickly after mid-morning. The effort is modest, and the round trip takes about one to one and a half hours at an unhurried pace. Landmarks include the rest platforms along the stairway, small shrines, and the statue base, where the arms of the figure spread out above the peninsula. Inside the statue a narrow internal stair leads to a viewing platform with sea views across both Front Beach and Back Beach and over the harbour. Modest clothing covering the shoulders and knees is expected at the statue, and the narrow internal stair can be congested at busy times. Water is sold at the base and at small stalls along the route, but carrying a bottle is wise. Early morning and late afternoon are the cooler times, and weekends bring larger crowds.
| Distance | About 1 km of climbing stairway one way from the base on Ha Long Street |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1-1.5 hours round trip |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Best season | December to April; go at 06:00-08:00 or after 16:00 to avoid the midday heat |
| Address | Tran Phu Street, Nui Nho, Vung Tau Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Southern tip of the Vung Tau peninsula, about 95-125 km southeast of central Ho Chi Minh City
What to bring
- Water
- Hat and sunscreen
- Modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered) for the statue
- Comfortable walking shoes
Location
Tran Phu Street, Nui Nho, Vung Tau Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
10.3275, 107.0810 View on map
Highlights
- Stone stairway of roughly 800 steps to the 32 m Christ statue
- Narrow internal stair to a viewing platform
- Sea views over Front Beach and Back Beach
- Short, easy round trip of about 1-1.5 hours
Tips for visiting
- Climb at 06:00-08:00 or after 16:00 to avoid the midday heat.
- Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees at the statue.
- Carry water, as the upper steps are exposed to the sun.
- Confirm the entrance fee at the gate.
- Avoid weekends for a less crowded internal stair.
When to visit
December to April is the most comfortable period. Early morning from 06:00 to 08:00 or late afternoon after 16:00 avoids the midday heat.
Accessibility
The climb is entirely on stone steps, so the route is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. The internal stair in the statue is narrow, which also limits access for those with reduced mobility.
Frequently asked questions
How many steps lead to the Christ statue?
The stairway has roughly 800 steps over about 1 km, climbing to a hilltop of about 130 m.
How long does the climb take?
A round trip usually takes 1-1.5 hours, depending on pace and time spent at the viewing platform.
Can visitors go inside the statue?
Yes. A narrow internal stair leads to a viewing platform with views over both beaches.
Where does the stairway start?
The base is on Ha Long Street near the Back Beach end of Tran Phu Street on Nui Nho.