Vung Tau 1 Day Tour: Recipe for a Trip Full of Sea Salt

120km from Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau is an ideal destination for a day full of experiences. With cool blue beaches, virtual check-in locations and fresh seafood cuisine, Vung Tau promises to bring you a memorable journey.

The ideal time to travel to Vung Tau

Before planning your itinerary, you need to know when is the right time to visit Vung Tau. According to experience, the dry season fromNovember to Aprilis the ideal time.

At this time, the weather is cool, sunny, very favorable for outdoor activities such as swimming, taking photos or exploring. Avoid going during the rainy season (May to October) because the weather can be humid and difficult to move.

Weekends are crowded, especially during peak season. If you want a quieter atmosphere, consider going on Friday or Monday. However, if you like a lively atmosphere, weekends will bring a more vibrant experience.

Transportation to Vung Tau

To save time on a day trip, you need to choose the right means of transportation. Here is a comparison of popular options:

• If you go from Ho Chi Minh City, you can book bus tickets through reputable bus companies with fares starting from 160,000 VND.
• If you go by motorbike, choose the route via Cat Lai ferry to save time and enjoy the scenery of Long Son floating village.
• Book speedboat tickets at Nha Rong port (District 1, HCMC) if you want to experience traveling at sea.

Detailed 1-day Vung Tau itinerary

Below is a suggested itinerary to explore Vung Tau in 1 day, combining relaxation, exploration and culinary enjoyment.

6:00: Depart from Ho Chi Minh City

Start your day by traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau. If you go by motorbike or car, you can stop for a light breakfast on the way (suggestions: fried egg sandwiches or pho at the restaurants along Highway 51). If you go by bus or train, you can take a break to save energy for the whole day.

8:30: Check-in

The first destination on the itinerary isSheep Farm(Address: Long Thanh area, near Vung Tau). This is an ideal place to take virtual photos with lovely sheep and green pastures. You can interact with sheep, feed them and learn about the care process.

• Ticket price:50,000 - 100,000 VND/person (depending on time).
• Visiting time:30 - 45 minutes.
• Photography tips:Choose an angle with a wide meadow or shoot with a flock of sheep to create a natural feel.

The sheep farm is a family friendly place and children will especially enjoy playing with the sheep. However, please supervise children to avoid scaring them.

10:00: Visit the Marina

After Sheep Farm, move toMarina(Address: Dong Xuyen Industrial Park, Rach Dua Ward). This is one of the most "luxurious" check-in spots in Vung Tau, with colorful yachts and poetic river scenery. This place especially attracts couples taking wedding photos or young people who love the sea style.

• Entrance fee:30,000 VND/person
• Work:Take photos, go on a canoe tour (price from 120,000 - 200,000 VND/person, depending on the schedule).
• Visiting time:45 minutes - 1 hour.

Note:

• You should book a canoe tour through the Marina wharf in advance if you want to visit the oil rig or Go Gang Island.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen to protect your skin when taking photos outdoors.

11:00: Vung Tau Lighthouse

From Marina, it takes only about 30 minutes to get there.Vung Tau Lighthouse(Address: Nui Nho, Vung Tau City). This is the historical and tourist symbol of the city, considered the oldest lighthouse in Vietnam. Standing here, you can see the whole view of Vung Tau with blue sea, mountains and the city hidden in the mist.

• Ticket price:Free (only parking fee is about 10,000 VND).
• Visiting time:45 minutes.
• Tips:Walk up to the lighthouse to enjoy the fresh air, but if you are tired, you can hire a motorbike taxi (about 20,000 VND/person).

In addition to the beautiful scenery, you can also explore the winding slope leading to the lighthouse, an ideal place for taking "chill" style photos. Don't forget to stop by the shop.Yogurt with Soft-Boiled Eggnearby to enjoy unique desserts.

12:30: Lunch with fresh seafood

After a morning of exploring, it’s time to recharge with a Vung Tau-style seafood lunch. Some suggested restaurants:

• Ganh Hao Restaurant(Address: 3 Tran Phu, Ward 5): Famous for dishes such as steamed mantis shrimp, grilled squid with salt and chili, seafood hotpot. Average price: 150,000 - 300,000 VND/person.
• Xom Luoi Market(Address: near Bai Truoc Park): Buy fresh seafood and have it processed on the spot, cheaper and guaranteed quality.
• Cay Bang Restaurant(Address: 69 Thuy Van): Suitable for large groups, spacious space, diverse dishes.

Note:

• Call ahead to reserve a table if going on weekends, especially at crowded restaurants like Ganh Hao.
• Choose fresh seafood at the market and have it prepared to your liking to save money.

14:30: Relax at Back Beach

After lunch, move toBack Beach(address: Thang Tam Ward), the most famous beach in Vung Tau with fine white sand and clear blue water. This is the ideal time to swim, play games on the sand or simply lie down and relax.

• Expense:Rent a chair, about 50,000 - 100,000 VND/person.
• Time:1 - 1.5 hours.
• Tips:Bring your own towel and swimsuit to save on rental costs at the beach.

Back Beach is longer, has finer sand and is suitable for swimming, while Front Beach is quieter and suitable for watching the sunset. If you only have 1 day, Back Beach is the optimal choice.

16:30: Check-in Pig Hill

Continue the journey withPig Hill(Address: Alley 222 Phan Chu Trinh, Ward 2), a pristine check-in spot with a panoramic view of Vung Tau. This place used to be a stone quarry, now it has become a favorite place for young people thanks to its natural beauty and fresh air.

• Ticket price:Free of charge.
• Visiting time:30 - 45 minutes.
• Note:The road up the hill is quite steep, so be careful when riding a motorbike or walking. Sunset is when Con Heo Hill is most beautiful.

Note:

• Prepare sneakers for easy movement on rocky terrain.
• Take photos with ocean or city views for dramatic shots.

18:00: Enjoy banh khot and watch the sunset

End the day with a light dinner ofBanh Khot, a famous specialty of Vung Tau. Restaurant suggestionsStar Apple Pancakes(Address: 14 Nguyen Truong To) orCo Ba's Banh Khot(Address: 35 Tran Dong). A portion of banh khot costs about 50,000 - 70,000 VND, enough to fill your stomach.

Then, come backFront Beachto watch the beautiful sunset. Sitting at a beach cafe likeLa Vie En RoseorMila Cafeto enjoy the romantic atmosphere.

19:30: End of trip and return to Ho Chi Minh City

After a day of exploring, you can catch a bus or drive back to Ho Chi Minh City. If you take the high-speed train, book the last trip (usually around 7pm - 8pm) to stay on schedule.

Specialties such as dried squid, fish sauce, salted egg sponge cake or dried seafood atVung Tau marketis a great choice for gifts.

What to prepare for a 1 day trip to Vung Tau?

To have a complete trip, you need to prepare the following:

1. Skin:Wear light, airy clothing; bring sneakers and a swimsuit if swimming.
2. Personal belongings:Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, towel.
3. Cash:Some small shops do not accept card payments, prepare about 500,000 - 1,000,000 VND/person.
4. Photography equipment:Phone or camera to capture beautiful moments.
5. Pre-printed schedule:Note down destinations and contact phone numbers (restaurants, bus companies, canoe tours).

Compare 1-day and 2-day itineraries in Vung Tau

Specific actions:If you want to stay overnight, check out hotels likeMalibu Hotel(4 stars, near Back Beach) orMilan Homestay(from VND 540,000/night) for a more comfortable experience.

Advice from travel experts

• Plan early:Book bus tickets, canoe tours or dining tables in advance to avoid sold out situations.
• Experience priority:Pick 1-2 favorite activities (like swimming or photography) to focus on instead of trying to go everywhere.
• Local support:Buy seafood from Xom Luoi market or souvenirs from small stalls to support the people.

A day in Vung Tau may not be long, but if you know how to organize it, you will bring back unforgettable memories. From the lovely Sheep Farm, the luxurious Marina, to the historic Lighthouse and the relaxing Back Beach, each destination has its own color.

Try this itinerary, take lots of photos and enjoy fresh seafood to fully experience the beauty of the coastal city.