From Wikitravel

Vung Tau (Vũng Tàu) is a city in Southern Vietnam, about 125km from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Its close location to Saigon and its beauty and fresh air makes it a very popular destination for weekends.

[edit] Understand

Vung Tau is the tourist and commercial center of Bà Rịa - Vũng 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Climate

Located in Southern Vietnam, Vũng Tàu has only two seasons in a year :

• Dry season (November - April) : dry and cold 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.

[edit] Get in

[edit] 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''', 292 Đinh Bộ Lĩnh, Bình Thạnh District, [[Ho Chi Minh City]] (Miền Đông Coach Station), ☎ +84 8 5 111 111. 04:30am - 07:45pm. 55,000 VNĐ.  edit

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.

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).  edit

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). 55,000 VNĐ.  edit

Reliable inter-provincial bus service in Vietnam, esp. Southern Vietnam. Operates every 30 minutes.

• Hoa Mai Tourist, Phó Đức Chính Street, District 1, [[Ho Chi Minh City]], ☎ +84 909 200 200. 4am - 5pm. 55,000 VNĐ.  edit

Operated every hour. Seats are reserved by telephone only. If you are in Vung Tau, you are picked up wherever you want.

[edit] By speedboat

"Tàu cánh ngầm" aka "Hydrofoil fast ferry" in Vietnam is pretty luxurious way to get to and from Vũng Tàu. Taking a high speed boat, you may enjoy viewing the unique salty forest as the boat runs through Saigon River to the sea. After one hour and 15 minutes, Vũng Tàu peninsula appears with two mountains at the waterfront. This is a comfortable way to enjoy the fresh air and ocean winds, especially at late afternoon. The price is higher : 140,000 VNĐ/person.

• Petro Express, Hàm Nghi Road, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. 140,000 VNĐ.  edit

• Greenlines, Hàm Nghi Road, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. 140,000 VNĐ.  edit

[edit] Get around

[edit] By taxi

Taxis are rather expensive in Vũng Tàu, and because Vũng Tàu is small so people here don't take taxis so often. Prices are 30% higher than Saigon companies, especially on ways along the beaches. Major companies are Gili Taxi, Petro Taxi and Mai Linh.

[edit] By motorbike

As an ordinary Vietnam urban area, Vũng Tàu has plenty of xe ôm riders who are professional and the most reliable throughout the city. Tourists coming to Vũng Tàu may find out that traffic is slower here, and especially there's no congestion all day. 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 stung for the fine. Remember : always agree on a price before you set off.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit][add listing] See

• The Lighthouse, Small Mount top. 4,000 VND.  edit

Firstly built in 1907 at lower peak of Small Mount, it was burned with kerosene. In 1911 it was renewed to the 3 meters in diameter and 18 meters in height, and moved to the higher peak as today.

The Vũng Tàu Lighthouse projects light as far as 35 sea miles (64.75 km) and equipped with lelescopes to follow and derect ships at the sea.

Next to the platform form of its there are 4 French ancient canons that are about 10m long and tons of weight. It used to defend for the essential military zones and protect from the far attacks.

Standing in this lighthouse, tourists can get a panoramic view of the whole of Vung Tau. Vung Tau lighthouse is the really interesting site. There is no ticket to buy, but tourists are required to pay 4,000 VND for each 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).  edit

Aka Thang Tam’s Local Gods Communal House, is the most special feature of fishermen in Vũng Tàu. According to legend, it built in Minh Mạng dynasty (1820-1840) to worship three men who set up 3 villages of Thắng in Vũng Tàu. Visiting to this site in which tourists could enjoy the story of these three men who led three villages’s habitants to keep and protect their lives. It’s architecture with the Tam Quan gate, the sanctum, the public commune, the meeting room and the scene for military opera stage that engraved skillfully.

The sanctum roofed with the yin-yang tiles, there is the shape of “a couple of dragon joking upon the moon” and the pillars engraved 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 whale 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.  edit

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 circus in Indochina. A cool hang-out place for lovers.

• Statue of Jesus Christ with stretching arms, Small Mount top.  edit

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.

• Beautiful pagodas, Small Mount top.  edit

Niết Bàn Tịnh Xá and Thích Ca Phật Đài are most popular among tens of pagodas and temples in Vũng Tàu.

• Bạch Dinh (Villa Blanche), Along Trần Phú Street.  edit

Built by the French (1898-1916) for summer holiday house of French Governor General named Paul Doumer. The building was named Villa Blanche after his favorite daughter’s name. The name Villa Blanche or Bach Dinh coincides its appearance, for that season, the local people call it Bạch Dinh (White palace) generally.

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 Mount, along Tran Phu St., in the height of 50m above the sea level. Having deeply west architecture feature in the end of XIX century. The outside walls were decorated with beading and the Hellenic God statues.

The place where the French colonialists shut in Thanh Thai King that belonged to the last feudalistic dynasty in Vietnam and had the thought against the French colonialists before exiling him to the Reaunion island in Africa (1909-1910)

Because of facing to the sea, from its balcony one can take Front Beach panorama and opposite the Villa at the foot of that mount is Hai Nguu islet that stone rock shaped a water buffalo swallowing in water. Next to Hai Nguu at the seaside where was the helicopter yard (Now being the new road so it’s just the parking). Hai Nguu is the place for fishing of the Lords of the Villa in the past and the locals and tourists now.

Today Villa Blanche exhibits hundreds of antiques collected from Cau Islet-Con Dao and is the culture destination attracts hundreds of tourists every day.

[edit][add listing] Do

[edit] 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 (Back Beach)
  

  

  Bãi Sau (Back Beach)

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. 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.  edit

• Riding double-bikes. 10,000 VNĐ.  edit

[edit][add listing] Buy

Russian is available at some shops and services around the Russian people village in Lê Hồng Phong Street. If you see Russian on shop signs, it means the shopkeepers and assistants can speak Russian as well.

• Handicrafts, Trung Vuong Square.  edit

• Chợ Vũng Tàu (Vũng Tàu Market), new central market built in 1985. Vietnamese day meals start with market. Goods in markets are cheaper and fresher than in shops and that's why a market is very familiar with every Vietnamese, esp. housewives.

[edit] 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 available with a minimum fee of 50,000 VNĐ to 70,000 VNĐ for each withdraw.

[edit][add listing] Eat

[edit] Bánh khọt

• Gốc Vú Sữa, 14 Nguyễn Trường Tộ, ☎ 523465. 6:00am - 0:00am. 18,000 VND.  edit

An ideal place to enjoy your breakfast with "bánh khọt". The restaurant is always crowded at weekend.

• Bà Hai's small restaurant, 42 Trần Đồng Street. 6:30am - 11:00am. 15,000 VND.  edit

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).

[edit] Restaurant

• Quán 95, 36 Trần Hưng Đạo, ☎ 856394. 8:00am - 11pm.  edit

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.  edit

Well-designed landscape

• Vườn Bàng, 37/4 Nguyễn Thái Học, ☎ 570607. 8:00am - 11pm.  edit

Largest indoor restaurant, ideal place for parties. Special food include ssashlyk (Russian fried pork) and Russian salad.

• Hotpot restaurants, ☎ 856394. all day till 11pm.  edit

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.

[edit][add listing] Drink

[edit] Coffee

• Bạch Dinh, Trần Phú, near Bãi Trước. all day till 11pm.  edit

• Ô Cấp, along Bãi Dứa. all day till 11pm.  edit

• Saigon Icecream, Lý Thường Kiệt street. all day till 11pm.  edit

Little icecream spot with soft music. Well-known for 20 years.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

[edit] Budget

Vung Tau features the largest cheap guesthouses and hotels in Vietnam. Rooms range from electic fans and public bathrooms to air-conditioned with hot water. All located in Thùy Vân Street, in front of Bãi Sau (Back Beach) at the foot of Small Mount. Lowest prices from 120,000/room (on weekdays) to 200,000 VNĐ (weekend).

[edit] Midrange

• Tháng Mười Hotel, 151 Thùy Vân, ☎ (064)852665 (fax: (064) 859876), [1].  edit

Situated in front of Bãi Sau, Tháng Mười has 92 comfortable bedrooms with cable TV, airconditioners and minibars... Just a few walks to the beach. Prices range from 300,000 VNĐ - 500,000 VNĐ.

[edit] Splurge

• Cap Saint Jacques. 35 - 101 USD.  edit

International 3-star Hotel, one of the most beautiful and luxurious Hotel in Vung Tau, located in the strategically tourist place (the Back Beach ) with private beach. Only 200 meters to the Paradise golf course and 5 minutes access to the central City. Offers 133 guest rooms and suites with air-conditioner, satellite television, IDD telephone, high speed internet access, mini bar, in-house music, dressing table, bath-tub.

• Palace Hotel, 01 Nguyễn Trãi, ☎ (064)856411 (palacevt@hcm.vnn.vn, fax: (064)856878), [2]. 65 USD - 165 USD.  edit

The 4-star Palace is located in the heart of Vung Tau.It has 94 guest rooms and provides a variety of comfortable accommodations that match a wide range of business and travelers needs. The Palace Hotel is also the ideal venu for seminars, conferences, banquet group dinners and cocktail parties. Its restaurants offer extensive a la carte menus of award-winning Vietnamese, Asian and Western cuisines. Private dining rooms are also available. The main hall can accommodate up to 800 banquet style and includes bars and coffee lounges. There is a Casino within the Hotel premises. An adjourning Bar at the Casino allows relaxation and listening pleasures to the evergreens of the '70s. Rate per night range from 65 - 165 USD.

• Mỹ Lệ Hotel, 57 - 59 Thùy Vân, ☎ (064)852177 (mylehotel@hcm.vnn.vn). 39 USD - 115 USD.  edit

[edit] Get out

• Long Hải Town : a seaside town in nearby Long Điền District about 20 km north of Vung Tau. The beach here is smaller but the town owns a local goddess temple called "Dinh Cô" which holds annual cultural festival called "Dinh Cô Festival". It is one of the three well-known traditional festivals in Southern Vietnam. The town also features Minh Đạm Tunnel, a former revolunary base of Viet Minh during the war-time period.
• Bình Châu Hot Stream : located in Xuyên Mộc District.
• Côn Đảo Islands : far-way archipelago in the southern sea. Best known for Côn Đảo Prisons, Côn Đảo National Garden. Hydrofoil Fast Ferry costs 350,000 VNĐ, set off at Côn Đảo Port (April 30 Road).

[edit] Stay safe

[edit] Emergency numbers

• Police : 113
• Fire : 114
• Ambulance : 115

The city hospital is "Lê Lợi" Hospital (22 Lê Lợi Street. 832667). Tell the taxi "benh vien" and he'll understand.

[edit] Contact

• High-speed Internet is available in all streets in Vung Tau. They are called in many names e.g. "Internet cafe", "Game Online" or "Chat". Pay 3000 - 4000 VNĐ/hour. Most stores provide Internet dialing cards, so it's advised that you use it to make international calls.
• Use 171 and 178 with your calls: Make you domestic and international calls with 171 or 178 as following, you'll save up to 40% of bills

171 (178) + 00 + National code + Area code + Phone number. Note : This method is not available with cellphones.

• Vung Tau Post Office : 45 Lê Hồng Phong.
• General info service : (064) 1080.

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!