Vung Tau is the tourist and commercial center of Bà RịVũng Tàu (an industrial province in Southeastern Vietnam). The whole city area lies on a peninsula which is separated from the mainland by a gulf river called Co May river.
History
During 14th and 15th centuries, the cape that would become Vũng Tàu was a swamp which European trading ships visited regularly. The ships' activities inspired the name Vũng Tàu, which means "anchorage". The Portuguese navigators passed Vũng Tàu many times and named it after Saint Jacques. The French invaded Vietnam afterwards and called it Cape Saint Jacques. The cliff of Vũng Tàu is now called Mũi Nghinh Phong (literally means “Cape of greeting the wind”).
Vũng Tàu was originally referred to as Tam Thắng ("Three Boats") in memory of the first 3 villages in this area: Thắng Nhất, Thắng Nhị, Thắng Tam. It was within the province of Biên Hòa under the Nguyen dynasty.
10th February 1859 marks the first use of cannons by Nguyen’s army, when they fired at French battleships from the fortress of Phước Thắng, located 100 m from Vũng Tàu's Front Beach. This marked an important period in Vietnam’s war against French invaders in South Vietnam (then called Cochinchina).
In 1876, according to a decree by the French colonialists, Vũng Tàu was merged in Bà Rịa county, a part of Saigon administration (French: circonscription de Saigon).
On May the 1st 1895 the governor of Cochinchina established by decree that Cape Saint Jacques would thereafter be an autonomous town. In 1898, Cape Saint Jacques was merged with Ba Ria County once again but was divided again in 1899.
In 1901, the population of Vũng Tàu was 5,690, of which 2000 persons were immigrants from North Vietnam. Most of the town's population made their living in the fishing industry.
On April 4th 1905 Cape Saint Jacques was made an administrative district of Ba Ria province. In 1929, Cape Saint Jacques became a province, and in 1934 became a city (commune).
The French governor of Indochina, Paul Doumer (who later became President of France), built a mansion in Vũng Tàu that is still a prominent landmark in the city.
During the Vietnam War, Vũng Tàu was home to the Australian Army and American support units, and was a popular spot for in-country R&R for U.S. combat troops. After the war, Vũng Tàu was a common launching place for the Vietnamese Boat People fleing the communists.
On May 30th 1979, Vũng Tàu town was made the capital of Vũng Tàu-Côn Đảo Special Admistrative Zone.
On August 12th 1991, the province of Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu was officially founded and Vũng Tàu town officially became Vũng Tàu city.
Economy and society
The city is located in the south of Vietnam, and is situated at the tip of a small peninsula. It has traditionally been a significant port, particularly during Vietnam's period of French rule. Today, the city's importance as a shipping port has diminished, but it still plays a significant role in Vietnam's offshore oil industry. Vung Tau is the only petroleum base of Vietnam where crude oil and gas exploitation activities dominate the city's economy and contribute principal income to Vietnam's budget and export volume.
Vũng Tàu is home to 210,000 people, in which 1250 are Russians working as specialists in the oil industry.
Transportation
By bus
Vũng Tàu is connected to the mainland by Highway No. 51 (Quốc lộ 51), which runs from Biên Hòa City. Travelers take Highway No. 1 northwards to Bien Hoa. After crossing Dong Nai River bridge and arriving Vung Tau Intersection (Ngã Ba Vũng Tàu), turn right.
Rạng Đông Bus Company, 292 Đinh Bộ Lĩ, Bình Thạnh District, [[Ho Chi Minh City]] (Miền Đông Coach Station), ☎ +84 8 5 111 111. 04:30am - 07:45pm. To/From HCMC(Saigon). Departs when bus is full, which is approximately every 20 minutes. 80,000 VNĐ (price on Jan 2012).
The fastest way on bus to Vung Tau is taking a high speed coach both at open tour and daily bus at Mien Dong Coach Station (Bến Xe Miền Đông). Comfortable 16-seat cars with air-conditioners. New trip every 15 minutes. It has one break station on half-journey. Duration : 2 hours.
To get to Mien Dong Coach station, you can take bus No 19 from Ben Thanh Market bus station, which will drop you just opposite to the Mien Dong Coach station entrance.
Rạng Đông also serves Buon Ma Thuot, Pleiku and Kontum.
Thiên Phú, 292 Đinh Bộ Lĩnh, Bình Thạnh District, [[Ho Chi Minh City]] (Miền Đông Coach Station).
The same as Rạng Đông but with larger cars. New trip every 15 minutes. Thiên Phú is newbie to the route to Vung Tau.
'''Mai Linh Express''', 292 Đinh Bộ Lĩnh, Bình Thạnh District, [[Ho Chi Minh City]] (Miền Đông Coach Station). 85,000 VNĐ (price on Jan 2012).
Reliable inter-provincial bus service in Vietnam, esp. Southern Vietnam. Operates every 30 minutes. The journey from the bus depot in Ho Chi Minh City to the bus depot in Vung Tao takes approximately 2.25hrs during the day. A bottle of water is provided to every passenger. Using the toilet at the bus depot at HCMC costs 1000VND.
Hoa Mai Tourist, Phó Đức Chính Street, District 1, [[Ho Chi Minh City]], ☎ +84 909 200 200 . 4am - 5pm. 55,000 VNĐ.
Operated every hour. Seats are reserved by telephone only. If you are in Vung Tau, you are picked up wherever you want.
By Hydrofoil
"Tàu cánh ngầm" aka "Hydrofoil fast ferry" in Vietnam is a quick way to get to and from Vũng Tàu. Taking the Hydrofoil is a good way to see the commerical maritime areas as the boat runs through the Saigon River to the sea. After one hour and 15 minutes, Vũng Tàu peninsula appears with its two mountains (conveniently called "Big Mountain" and "Little Mountain") at the waterfront. This is a little more comfortable way to get to Vung Tau rather than taking the bus. It's a little more expensive at 200,000 VNĐ/person (US$10). On the weekends, be sure to get your tickets at least a day early. You will be lucky to get a ticket if you wait till the day of.
SCAM ALERT At the ticket counter in Saigon, they randomly didn't allow to buy the return ticket, recommending to buy it as soon as in Vung Tau. Once there, the lady at the counter will pretend that all the tickets are gone, and you will be immediately approached by local men willing to sell the tickets with a 100% surcharge, with the complicity of the Ticket counters employees. Make sure you buy the return ticket in Saigon, or accept to be considered as an ATM.
Petro Express, Hàm Nghi Road, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. 200,000 VNĐ.
Greenlines, Hàm Nghi Road, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. 200,000 VNĐ.
Vina Express, Hàm Nghi Road, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. 200,000 VNĐ.
Essential information: Price: 10 USD/ 1 ticket/ 1 pax (adult) and 5 USD/ child (age 6-11, high under 1.4m) Duration: 75 minutes Depart at: Bach Dang pier in Saigon, District 1. Not far from the Majestic hotel (100mtrs) Land in Cầu Đá Port, Ben Cau Da, Ha Long Street, Vung Tau
ATMs
Almost all banks' ATMs are available in Vung Tau. Most of them are located in commercial roads such as Lê Hồng Phong, Ba Cu and Trưng Vương Square.
Here is a list of banks and their ATM locations
Vietcombank : 27 Trần Hưng Đạo (main office), 8 Thùy Vân (Sammy Hotel), 143 Thùy Vân, Rex Hotel, 8 Hoàng Diệu (Petro Tower).
Dong A Bank : 207 Lê Hồng Phong (in front of Vung Tau Post office), 120 Hạ Long (in front of the Hydrofoil Ferry Port), 34 Hoàng Hoa Thám, 155 Nguyễn Thái Học (in front of Coop Mart Vung Tau).
ACB : 3A Trần Hưng Đạo, 09 Hạ Long (Hydrofoil Port), 205 Nguyễn Văn Trỗi.
Agribank : 103 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa.
Sacombank : 67A Lê Hồng Phong.
BIDV : 24 Trần Hưng Đạo, Vung Tau Post Office, 72 Trần Hưng Đạo.
Visa and Mastercard are also accepted with a minimum fee of 50,000 VNĐ to 70,000 VNĐ for each withdraw.
Vũng Tàu Lighthouse, On top of Small Mountain.
First built in 1907 on the lower peak of Small Mount, it burned kerosene in its lamp. In 1911, it was rebuilt to 3 meters in diameter and 18 meters in height, and moved to the higher peak where it stands today.
The Vũng Tàu Lighthouse projects light as far as 35 sea miles (64.75 km) and is equipped with telescopes to follow and direct ships at sea.
Next to the platform, 4 old French cannons (about 10m long and weighing several tons) were once used to defend the area from naval attacks.
The lighthouse affords a panoramic view of the whole of Vung Tau and is a really interesting site. No ticket is needed, but tourists are required to pay 4,000 VND per visit.
Đình Thần Thắng Tam (Thắng Tam Temple), Thắng Tam Ward, Vung Tau City (From the Front Beach, follow Truong Cong Dinh St. to Tran Hung Dao Park. Here take Hoang Hoa Tham Street to Thang Tam).
Aka Thang Tam’s Local Gods Communal House, is a special feature in Vũng Tàu. According to legend, it was built in the Minh Mạng dynasty (1820-1840) as a place to worship the three men who set up the 3 villages of Thắng in Vũng Tàu. Visit this site to discover the story of the three men who led three villages’s inhabitants to Vũng Tàu and started a new way of life. The architecture is particularly interesting around the Tam Quan gate, the sanctum, the public commune, the meeting room and the scene for military opera stage that is skillfully engraved.
The sanctum is roofed with yin-yang tiles and is in the shape of “a couple of dragons joking upon the moon” and the pillars are engraved wit the shapes of dragons. This commune stores twelve pieces of sanction of Nguyễn dynasty.
On the right of Thắng Tam commune is the Whale tomb where there is a set of great bones of whales picked up from 100 years ago and on the left is Ngũ Hành Temple (5 elements of the space: metal, wood, water, fire and the earth).
Đài Liệt Sĩ (Martyr's Memorial), Lê Hồng Phong Street.
A stone obelisk on a hill-top, located on the way to the sea, the Martyr's Memorial hill is said to be the biggest traffic circle in Indochina. A cool hang-out place for lovers.
Statue of Jesus Christ with outstretched arms, On top of Small Mountain.
The enormous 28m figure of Jesus gazing across the East Sea with outstretched arms is located at the southern end of Small mountain.
Built in 1971, this Giant Jesus rests on a 10m high platform. The interior of the statue is hollow and contains a spiral staircase of 129 steps, ascending from the foot of the statue to its neck. The two shoulders of the figure are balconies, each able to accommodate up to six people, which offer a splendid view of the surrounding landscape.
This is the largest sculpture in the Southern Vietnam. Recent construction of a pathway has made the 30-minute hike up the mountain more pleasant and the panoramic view from various vista points along the way is magnificent. Definitely a must do!
Beautiful pagodas, Small Mount top.
Niết Bàn Tịnh Xá and Thích Ca Phật Đài are most popular among the pagodas and temples in Vũng Tàu.
Bạch Dinh (Villa Blanche), Along Trần Phú Street.
Built by the French (1898-1916) as a summer holiday house of French Governor General Paul Doumer. The building was named Villa Blanche after his favorite daughter. The name Villa Blanche or Bach Dinh coincides its appearance, for that season, the local people call it Bạch Dinh (White palace).
Later, some Indochina-French Governors used this summer house occasionally so it’s also called “Villa du Gouverneur” (Dinh Toan Quyen).
Both Ngo Dinh Diem and Nguyen Van Thieu used it as well for recreation and holiday. It made the name Dinh Ong Thuong (Palace of Lord appear).
Villa Blanche is located on the slop of Big Mountain, along Tran Phu St., at 50m above sea level. The outside walls were decorated with beading and the Hellenic statues.
This was also the location where the French colonialists placed Thanh Thai Kin under house arrest. He belonged to the last feudalistic dynasty in Vietnam and fought against the French before exiling him to Reunion Island off the coast of Africa (1909-1910)
From its balcony there's a panoramic view of Front Beach and opposite the Villa at the foot of that mountain is Hai Nguu islet with a stone rock shaped like a water buffalo wallowing in water. Next to Hai Nguu at the seaside was the helicopter yard.
Today Villa Blanche exhibits hundreds of antiques collected from Cau Islet-Con Dao and is the culture destination attracts hundreds of tourists every day.
Dic Star Hotel
Four stars for the price of three
Dic Star is a four-star hotel with a dazzling array of facilities including a swimming pool, sauna, health club, nightclub, a rooftop bar, tennis court and a casino. If you ever need to leave, the beach is just over the road, and there's also convenient access to the numerous seafood restaurants in the area. The rooms are tastefully decorated with wooden flooring and modern furnishings -- the bathrooms are immaculate. Rooms on the southern side of the hotel have fantastic views of the beach stretching along the peninsula, rooms on the northern side may not be so lucky. The hotel is also a little out of the way from the town centre so if this is an issue, it's better to stay further south along the beach.
Contact details:
169B Thuy Van St, Vung Tau. T: (064) 585 537 F: (064) 585 542
Son Thinh Hotel II
Perhaps best of the budget options
Son Thinh II is one of the best of the numerous budget guesthouses that line the seafront. For a start, it's cheaper than most. Secondly, it makes a lot more effort with its rooms. Although not too big, the interiors are decked in wooden ornaments and furnishings, creating what may be the only cheap seaside hotel in Vietnam that has character. The elevator is a tidy surprise, there is also a small roof terrace with a good view of the sea and the city, perfect for late night drinks. Rooms have air-con and a TV, bathrooms are more than adequate, and the location is fine -- just one minute from the beach.
Contact details:
19 Thuy Van St, Vung Tau. T: (064) 859 288 F: (064) 524 159
VungTau Intourco Resort
Good rooms, good resort
Spread over two hectares, this resort boasts a range of choices. Detached luxury bungalows fill the garden area of one part of the resort, but they're a bit close to the road. The swimming pool is also out here in the garden, and the beach of course a mere stones throw away -- considering Vung Tau Intourco has a long stretch of the shore to itself, it's one of the best spots on Back Beach. Other rooms are normal hotel pavilions in the main building, which still offer ample amenities and good value. The resorts claims that the garden side bungalows are luxury, although there is no difference to interior quality than can be found just across the road at Son Thuy, plus the location seems a little more awkward.
Contact details:
1A Thuy Van St, Vung Tau. T: (064) 585 881 F: (064) 585 327
Son Thuy Resort
Interesting place in quiet location
This resort consists of nine buildings, each housing four bungalows, actually more like small furnished apartments in one big bungalow. Included in the fee is breakfast, swimming pool and the tennis court. The location of the resort, set back a little from the road, makes it a fairly quiet place, although the scenery around the accommodation isn't much to look at. Still, the beach is only a short walk away, and the bungalows themselves look well up to scratch with all the proper appointments, fridge, TV and air con. Probably competing with Paradise, you might choose this resort ahead because of its more central location.
Contact details:
165C Thuy Van St, Vung Tau. T: (064) 523 460 F: (064) 524 169
Paradise Resort
Not really paradise, but not bad
Paradise is one of a few bungalow-style resorts at the northern end of Back Beach. Indeed, Paradise is someway from the main beach road and even further from the town centre, so some kind of transport would be needed to ferry yourself to and from the accommodation. The bungalows themselves are adequate, and probably the best in Vung Tau -- they're situated in a garden just above the beach and close to the ocean. Inside the bathrooms are fine, the decorations not bad either, all in all for the price tag it's about what you would expect with a TV, fridge and desk. The golf course just five minutes up the road gives another reason for some to stay here.
Contact details:
1 Thuy Van St, Vung Tau. T: (064) 811 559 F: (064) 585 894
Thu Trang
A run of the mill cheapie
Thu Trang is a typical Vung Tau seaside hotel. Situated on the beach road, the location is ideal for those keen to be near the beach. The hotel's rooms are basic with little furniture, but they are not too cramped either. The bigger family rooms are at the front of the hotel, with smaller doubles housed in the interior -- these have small windows and no real view. TV's are inside along with air-con, although make sure it doesn't chug before settling in. Downstairs is a seafood restaurant, and the hotel can arrange motorbike rental (although English isn't spoken). All in all its standard rooms are as good as if not better than the vast number of similar places nearby.
Contact details:
67 Thuy Van St, Vung Tau. T: (064) 859 781 F: (064) 523 184
Get around
By taxi
Taxis are rather expensive in Vũng Tàu. Prices are 30% higher than Saigon companies, especially along the beaches. Major companies are Gili Taxi, Petro Taxi and Mai Linh.
By motorbike
As an ordinary Vietnam urban area, Vũng Tàu has plenty of xe ôm (motorbike) drivers who are professional (and unfortunately seek out foreigners). Tourists coming to Vũng Tàu may find out that traffic is slower here, especially during the week. As of December 15th, 2007 all riders in Vietnam are now required to wear helmets an this is strongly enforced. As such, the driver should supply you with a helmet. If he doesn't - find another one, as you'll be the one stuck with the fine. Remember : always agree on a price before you set off.
By double-bike
Xe đạp đôi or double-bike has been popular among youth and teenagers of Vung Tau. You can see groups of at least four riding along the windy and green streets and along the coast. A standard double-bike can carry 3 people in which 2 take the ride. You can rent a double bike at the Bãi Trước (Front Beach) Area beside Nhà thiếu nhi (Children Cultural House) or on pavements along the Bãi Sau (Back Beach) near hotels area.
Walking
Vũng Tàu is rather small in size, so don't hesitate to take a walk. Recommended ways are : Bacu street (the city's downtown), Đồ Chiểu Street (food center), Trưng Trắc and Trưng Nhị Square, Công viên Bãi trước (Front Beach park) and pavements along the coastline. The only drawback; foreigners are constantly sought after by motorbike drivers, especially if walking alone.
Food
The Great Aussie Pie Shop (Pie Shop), 144 Ha Long Street Vung Tau (Opposite the Ferry Terminal), ☎ 0643 521984. 7am-10pm. The popular Pie Shop is home to fabulous Australian beef and chicken pies. Cold beer and soft drink with a terrific view of Vung Tau Bay.
Bánh khọt
Gốc Vú Sữa, 14 Nguyễn Trường Tộ, ☎ 3523465. 6:00am - 0:00am. 18,000 VND.
An ideal place to enjoy your breakfast is at "Bánh khọt". The restaurant is always crowded on weekends.
Bà Hai's small restaurant, 42 Trần Đồng Street, ☎ (064)3531255 - 0907303836. 6:30am - 11:30am. 18,000 - 20,000 VND.
A small bánh khọt restaurant run by a family. Not all tourists know it due to its location in a busy street but they find tastier fish sauce (nước mắm).
Restaurants
Quán 95, 36 Trần Hưng Đạo, ☎ 856394. 8:00am - 11pm.
Well-known midrange restaurant for Vietnamese meals and variety of seafood. Tiger Beer and Pilsner Urquell available.
Lan Rừng, Trần Hưng Đạo Park, ☎ 856394. 8:00am - 11pm.
Well-designed landscape
Vườn Bàng, 37/4 Nguyễn Thái Học, ☎ 570607. 8:00am - 11pm.
Largest indoor restaurant, ideal place for parties. Special food include ssashlyk (Russian fried pork) and Russian salad.
Hotpot restaurants, ☎ 856394. all day till 11pm.
An area of four pavement restaurant beside each other. Come here to enjoy the Vietnamese hotpot in different styles. Hotpot is a must in every Vietnamese parties and group meetings (with 3 people and more). Beer is encouraged.
NINE Cafe - Restaurant - Bakery, 9 Truong Vinh Ky, ☎ 0643511571. from 6am- 10pm. Plein Sud is closed and we reopen at a new location with a new name: NINE Cafe - Restaurant - French Bakery 9 Truong Vinh Ky - Vung Tau Open from 6.30 am to 10 pm A new place open by the former owner of Plein Sud . Open all day long from 6 am for continental breakfast , coffee , lunch and diner . You can have there a simple expresso while seating outdoor , get some food, enjoy the happy hours or buy some fresh bread ( french traditional baguette , Loaf) , or get one of those home made ice cream ( 100% natural ). Wine cellar with a large world selection . Happy Hours from 3 pm to 7 pm .
Mediteranean Restaurant with French and Italian Specialities .Price start at 24.000 vnd . Colonial House and tropical garden with a great view on the golf . Home made delicious Ice Cream and a very large selection of imported wines . Wood pizza oven and home baked french bread . Pizzas , BBQ , Fish , Imported Meats . Home delivery .Free Wi Fi access .
David Pizzeria, 130 Ha Long street,, ☎ 064 385 6612. from 10am to 2 pm and 5pm until 11pm.
Italian restaurant with a wide selection of pasta, wood fired pizza, seafood and wine and Italian desserts. They also have fresh bread, coffees. Home delivery available.
Bia Tuoi, 4 Le Loi Street , (Off of the front beach near the Pacific Hotel). from dawn until last customer. Food starts at 12.000 vnd; beer 4000 vnd.
A cheap beer garden frequented mostly by locals with snacks and seafood. Breakfasts too.
Nine Cafe, 9 Truong Vinh Ky, ☎ 0643 511 571. From 6AM. A restaurant, a coffee shop, ice cream delicatessen, and a french bakery baked the old way in a wood oven. You can stop here to enjoyed a coffee, buy some bread or home made chocolate, have a sandwich, or have a diner. Happy hours 3PM-7PM.
Ganh Hao restaurant, 03 Trần Phú, P.5,Vũng Tàu, ☎ +8464.3550909. This is a lovely restaurant by the sea. High quality fresh seafood. From 45,000 VND.
Drinks
NINE Cafe, 9 Truong Vinh Ky, ☎ 0643511571. 6am-10pm. Expresso , Cappucino, Fresh juice and Home Made 100% natural French Ice Cream . Happy Hours from 3 pm to 7 pm . Indoor or outdoor .
Bayview Takeaway/Cafe Grill, 144 Ha Long Street, Vung Tau, ☎ 0643 521984. Hamburgers,sandwiches and fish n' chips. Eat in, takeaway or home delivered. Cold beers and soft drinks, big Aussie breakfasts.
Coffee
Bạch Dinh, Trần Phú, near Bãi Trước. all day till 11pm.
Ô Cấp, along Bãi Dứa. all day till 11pm.
Saigon Icecream, Lý Thường Kiệt street. all day till 11pm.
Little icecream spot with soft music. Well-known for 20 years.
Swimming
Seaside status makes Vung Tau a nearby paradise for Saigonners. There are four beaches in the city center located in different positions.
Bãi Trước (Front Beach)
Located on the center of Vung Tau and stands between Big and Small Mount. Restaurants, kiosks, and hotels are close to the beach. Front Beach is connected through a small park called Front Beach Park. As this lays on the tourist center of the city, most people come here to visit the park and view the sunset.
Bãi Sau aka "Thùy Vân Beach" is the only standard beach for tourism in Vung Tau. It is 3 kilometer long and streches from the Small Mount to Paradise Park. All beaches here are free although you may cross some "water park" to get to the beach. There are services for keeping your belongings, usually 15,000 VND each person. Umbrella is 30,000 VND, chair 25,000 VND. Fresh water bathe costs 8,000 VND. Sea parachute with canoeing available all day.
Bãi Dứa (Pineapple Beach)
Small beach located along Hạ Long street, by Small Mount.
Bãi Dâu (Mulberry Beach)
Small beach located on the western side of Big Mount.
Bãi Dứa and Bãi Dâu are actually beaches along Mountains, thus you must go downstairs to get to the waterfront. There's less sand and no safeguard.
Climbing the mountains.
Riding double-bikes. 15,000 VNĐ / hour.
See greyhound racing. 25,000 VNĐ.
Golf.
SPA
Lys Spa, 37 Ký Con, ☎ (064)3543839 (lysspa.vt@gmail.com). 9am tp 9pm. This day spa is located in the center of Vung Tau. It's a very nice day spa but have an acceptable price. 20 USD - 70 USD
Located in Southern Vietnam, Vũng Tàu has only two seasons in a year :
Dry season (November - April) : dry and slightly cooler during winter months and around Tết Holiday. Gets hotter in April.
Rainy season (May - October) : rainy, but less than Ho Chi Minh City. Usually hot at noon till 3PM. Summer is ideal for sea bathing.
