Vung Tau sits approximately 125-130 kilometers southeast of Ho Chi Minh city, within the Ba Ria – Vung Tau province, making this Vung Tau Day Trip an accessible adventure for travelers short on time.
The journey takes roughly 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic conditions, though the modern expressway often reduces travel time to under two hours.
For transportation, you can choose from long-distance buses, private cars, high-speed boats, or opt for a taxi for added comfort and flexibility.
Vung Tau Day Tour Itinerary
7:00 AM: Meet your guide at the hotel
Your Vietnam Trails Travel tour guide meets you at your hotel with your name board. Modern air-conditioned vehicles with experienced drivers ensure a comfortable transit throughout the day.
9:30 AM: Jesus Christ Statue
Your day begins at Nui Nho (Small Mountain), home to the iconic Christ the King Statue which is one of the tallest statues of Jesus in the world, standing at an impressive 32 meters with arms outstretched 18.4 meters wide.
A high-angle selfie of a family of four posing on the shoulder of the Christ the King statue in Vung Tau, overlooking the coastline
To reach the observation deck, you’ll climb around 800 outdoor stone steps winding through lush greenery, followed by 133 narrow internal steps leading up to the statue’s shoulders.
The reward? A breathtaking 360-degree panorama of Vung Tau’s coastline, rooftops, and the endless East Sea. Plan for 1 to 1.5 hours to fully enjoy the ascent, and arrive early
11:00 AM: Thich Ca Phat Dai Pagoda
Nestled on the slopes of Lon Mountain (Big Mountain) in Vung Tau City, Thich Ca Phat Dai Pagoda is one of the largest and most revered Buddhist complexes in southern Vietnam.
A family of four is meditating under a statue of the Maitreya Buddha.
Originally built in the early 1960s and officially recognized as a national cultural heritage site, this sprawling temple spans nearly 6 hectares of lush tropical gardens, stone pathways, and towering religious monuments that draw both pilgrims and curious travelers throughout the year.
12:30 PM: Authentic seafood lunch
Visitors can enjoy authentic seafood dishes at local restaurants during their Vung Tau Day Tour, enhancing their culinary experience.
Foreign tourist choosing fresh live seafood from tanks at Ganh Hao Seafood Restaurant Vung Tau
Fresh seafood, bánh khọt and regional specialties are served. Cash is recommended for dining at local restaurants and small shops in Vung Tau.
2:00 PM: Nghinh Phong Cape and Bach Dinh
As the afternoon sun softens into golden hour, the tour heads to Nghinh Phong Cape — aptly named the “Cape of Welcoming Breeze.”
Jutting boldly into the East Sea from Vung Tau’s southern tip, this dramatic headland is famous for its rugged rock formations, crashing waves and the Instagram-worthy “Heaven’s Gate” viewpoint that frames the endless blue horizon.
Young woman checking in at Nghinh Phong Cape Vung Tau at sunset with camera in hand
It’s easily one of the most photogenic spots in the entire city, with cool sea winds making every moment feel refreshingly alive.
From there, the journey continues to Bach Dinh (White Palace), a graceful French colonial villa built between 1898 and 1902, perched on a hillside overlooking the sea.
Tourists visiting the Bach Dinh (White Palace) historical site in Vung Tau
Once a summer retreat for colonial governors and later Vietnamese royalty, today it stands as a national heritage site housing antiques, shipwreck artifacts and stories from a bygone era.
The frangipani-lined pathways and panoramic balcony views make it a perfect closing chapter to your Vung Tau afternoon.
3:30 PM: Thuy Van Beach
After a day of climbing and sightseeing, there’s nothing better than unwinding at Thuy Van Beach, locally known as Back Beach.
Stretching nearly 10 kilometers along Vung Tau’s eastern shoreline, this sandy haven is the city’s most beloved swimming spot, thanks to its clear blue waters, gentle waves and fine golden sand.
International female tourists enjoying swimming and beach fun at Back Beach Vung Tau
The afternoon sun is warm but pleasant, perfect for a refreshing dip or a lazy stroll along the shore.
Rent a beach chair, sip fresh coconut water, or sample grilled seafood from nearby stalls.
5:00 PM: Departure to Ho Chi Minh City
Head back to Vung Tau’s city limits, then onto the expressway for the return journey.
At 7:30 PM the driver drops off at hotel and concludes the Vung Tau full day tour.
Travel tips:
Dress code: You must wear modest clothing covering both shoulders and knees.
Stair climbing prep: The walk up to the statue requires climbing nearly 1,000 steps in total. Comfortable athletic shoes and a bottle of water are essential for this morning exercise.
Sun and wind protection: A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are highly recommended for the open areas at Nghinh Phong Cape and Thuy Van Beach. The coastal winds can be strong, so secure your hats firmly.
Swimwear and towels: You need to pack a swimsuit, a towel and a change of dry clothes if they plan to swim at Thuy Van Beach (Back Beach) at 15:30.
Dining Currency: Cash in Vietnamese Dong (VND) is necessary for buying fresh coconut water, beach chair rentals or snacks at local stalls. Credit cards are mostly accepted at larger restaurants like Ganh Hao.
