Vung Tau

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

Vung Tau is the tourist and commercial centre of Bà Rịa - Vũng Tàu (an industrial province in southeastern Vietnam). The city lies on a peninsula which is separated from the mainland by a stream called the Co May River.

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 used to be called Tam Thắng ("Three Boats") in memory of the first 3 villages in this area: Thắng Nhất, Thắng Nhị, and Thắng Tam. It was within the province of Biên Hòa under the Nguyen dynasty.

10 Feb 1859 marked the first use of cannons by Nguyen's army, when they fired at French battleships from the fortress of Phước Thắng, 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 1901, the population of Vũng Tàu was 5,690, of which 2,000 persons were immigrants from northern Vietnam. Most of the town's population made their living in the fishing industry.

During the Vietnam War, Vũng Tàu was home to the Australian Army and American support units, and was a popular spot for in-country relaxation and recreation for US troops. After the war, Vũng Tàu was a common launching place for boat people fleeing the communists.

On 12 Aug 1991, the province of Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu was founded and Vũng Tàu Town became Vũng Tàu City.

The city is in south Vietnam, and is 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 port has diminished, but it still plays a significant role in Vietnam's offshore oil industry. Vung Tau is the centre of Vietnam's petroleum industry. Oil and gas exploitation dominate the city's economy and contribute to Vietnam's current account balance.

Vũng Tàu is home to 210,000 people. Roughly 1,250 are Russian specialists working in the oil industry. There is also a significant Australian community, mainly elderly, drawn to the area after serving in the Battle of Long Tan.

Vũng Tàu has two seasons:

• Dry season (Nov-Apr): dry and slightly cooler during the winter months and the Tết Holiday. Gets hotter in Apr.
• Rainy season (May-Oct): rainy, but less so than Ho Chi Minh City. Usually hot from 12:00-15:00. Summer is ideal for seaside frolics.

• Bạch Dinh (Villa Blanche). Built by the French (1898-1916) as a summer holiday house for French Governor-General Paul Doumer. The building was named Villa Blanche after his favourite daughter. The name Villa Blanche accurately describes its appearance. For that season, local people call it Bạch Dinh (White Palace). Later governors used this summerhouse so occasionally so it is also called “Villa du Gouverneur” (Dinh Toan Quyen). Both Ngo Dinh Diem and Nguyen Van Thieu used it for R&R. The outside walls were decorated with beading and Hellenic statues. This was also the location where the French colonialists placed Thanh Thai Kin under house arrest. He belonged to the last feudal dynasty in Vietnam and fought against the French before being exiled 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 pad. Today Villa Blanche exhibits hundreds of antiques collected from Cau Islet-Con Dao and attracts hundreds of tourists every day.
• Đài Liệt Sĩ, Lê Hồng Phong St. A stone obelisk on a hilltop, on the way to the sea, the Martyr's Memorial Hill is said to incorporate the biggest traffic circle in Indochina. A cool hangout for lovers.
• Đình Thần Thắng Tam, Thắng Tam Ward (From the Front Beach, follow Truong Cong Dinh St to Tran Hung Dao Park. Here take Hoang Hoa Tham St to Thang Tam.

• Jesus Statue. The enormous 28 m figure of Jesus gazing to sea with outstretched arms is at the south end of Small Mountain. Built in 1971, this giant Jesus rests on a 10 m 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 southern Vietnam. Recent construction of a pathway has made the 30 min hike up the mountain more pleasant and the panoramic view from various vista points along the way is magnificent. A must-do!
• Pagodas. Niết Bàn Tịnh Xá and Thích Ca Phật Đài are most popular among the pagodas and temples in Vũng Tàu.
• Vũng Tàu Lighthouse. First built in 1907 on the lower peak of Small Mount, it burned kerosene in its lamp. In 1911, it was rebuilt to 3 m in diameter and 18 m in height, and moved to the higher peak where it stands today. The Vũng Tàu Lighthouse projects light as far as 65 km (35 mi) and is equipped with telescopes to follow and direct ships at sea. Next to the platform, 4 old French cannons (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. 4,000 dong.
• Ho May Park, 1A Trần Phú, Phường 1, Vũng Tàu, Bà Rịa (by cable car from the station just next to the hydrofoil terminal, +84 93 301 06 54. 7.30AM to 11PM. Fun day out if you have kids (quite fun even if you don't!). The Cable Car ride is a little steep at 600,000 Dong per head, but if you consider that this includes all the rides in the amusement park at the top it is very reasonable. Dodgems, Go-Karts, various fairground rides, a large water park, a games centre, the 'Alpine Luge' and other attractions are all included in the cost! 26$.
• Robert Taylor Museum of Worldwide Arms, 98 Tran Hung Dao Street, Ward 1 (right in the centre of town, catch a cab or walk from Front Beach. 8am-6pm. A fascinating collection of arms and uniforms from around the world. Most major wars and battles are covered. The emphasis is in British and Australian regimental uniforms but there are also Samurai, Mongols, Saracens, Turks and Bulgarians as well as most European and North American armies. There is a wide range of guns, swords and other weapons of war. Quite why Bob Taylor chose to open his museum in the relative obscurity of Vung Tau is not clear from the collection but if you have even a passing interest in military history it is well worth a couple of hours of your time if you find yourself in the city. 100,000VND for foreigners.

Bạch Dinh (Villa Blanche). Built by the French (1898-1916) as a summer holiday house for French Governor-General Paul Doumer. The building was named Villa Blanche after his favourite daughter. The name Villa Blanche accurately describes its appearance. For that season, local people call it Bạch Dinh (White Palace). Later governors used this summerhouse so occasionally so it is also called “Villa du Gouverneur” (Dinh Toan Quyen). Both Ngo Dinh Diem and Nguyen Van Thieu used it for R&R. The outside walls were decorated with beading and Hellenic statues. This was also the location where the French colonialists placed Thanh Thai Kin under house arrest. He belonged to the last feudal dynasty in Vietnam and fought against the French before being exiled 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 pad. Today Villa Blanche exhibits hundreds of antiques collected from Cau Islet-Con Dao and attracts hundreds of tourists every day.

Đài Liệt Sĩ, Lê Hồng Phong St. A stone obelisk on a hilltop, on the way to the sea, the Martyr's Memorial Hill is said to incorporate the biggest traffic circle in Indochina. A cool hangout for lovers.

Đình Thần Thắng Tam, Thắng Tam Ward (From the Front Beach, follow Truong Cong Dinh St to Tran Hung Dao Park. Here take Hoang Hoa Tham St to Thang Tam.

Jesus Statue. The enormous 28 m figure of Jesus gazing to sea with outstretched arms is at the south end of Small Mountain. Built in 1971, this giant Jesus rests on a 10 m 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 southern Vietnam. Recent construction of a pathway has made the 30 min hike up the mountain more pleasant and the panoramic view from various vista points along the way is magnificent. A must-do!

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

Vũng Tàu Lighthouse. First built in 1907 on the lower peak of Small Mount, it burned kerosene in its lamp. In 1911, it was rebuilt to 3 m in diameter and 18 m in height, and moved to the higher peak where it stands today. The Vũng Tàu Lighthouse projects light as far as 65 km (35 mi) and is equipped with telescopes to follow and direct ships at sea. Next to the platform, 4 old French cannons (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. 4,000 dong.

Ho May Park, 1A Trần Phú, Phường 1, Vũng Tàu, Bà Rịa (by cable car from the station just next to the hydrofoil terminal, +84 93 301 06 54. 7.30AM to 11PM. Fun day out if you have kids (quite fun even if you don't!). The Cable Car ride is a little steep at 600,000 Dong per head, but if you consider that this includes all the rides in the amusement park at the top it is very reasonable. Dodgems, Go-Karts, various fairground rides, a large water park, a games centre, the 'Alpine Luge' and other attractions are all included in the cost! 26$.

Robert Taylor Museum of Worldwide Arms, 98 Tran Hung Dao Street, Ward 1 (right in the centre of town, catch a cab or walk from Front Beach. 8am-6pm. A fascinating collection of arms and uniforms from around the world. Most major wars and battles are covered. The emphasis is in British and Australian regimental uniforms but there are also Samurai, Mongols, Saracens, Turks and Bulgarians as well as most European and North American armies. There is a wide range of guns, swords and other weapons of war. Quite why Bob Taylor chose to open his museum in the relative obscurity of Vung Tau is not clear from the collection but if you have even a passing interest in military history it is well worth a couple of hours of your time if you find yourself in the city. 100,000VND for foreigners.

The seaside makes Vung Tau a nearby paradise for Saigon visitors. Well-travelled foreigners may be underwhelmed. The beach is not too attractive with litter lining the coast, although as of July 2018 the local authority have had a clean up and the beaches are much cleaner and most of the sandy eastern beach has signage about dangerous swimming. There are four beaches near the city centre:

• Bãi Dâu. Small beach on the west side of Big Mount.
• Bãi Dứa. Small beach along Hạ Long St, by Small Mount.
• Bãi Sau. Also known as Thùy Vân Beach. The only standard beach for tourism in Vung Tau. It is 3 km long and stretches from the Small Mount to Paradise Park. All beaches here are free. You must pass through some "water parks" to get to the beach in some places, in most places there is a pleasant promenade that leads directly to the beach. There are places to stash your belongings, usually 15,000 dong for each person. A beach umbrella is 30,000 dong, a chaise longue, 25,000 dong. As of July 2018 a deck chair and umbrella cost 50,000 Dong. Fresh water showers cost 8,000 dong. Sea parachuting and canoeing available all day. The beach is clean, the water is shallow quite a way out, there are very few jet-skis and hardly any beach hawkers.
• Bãi Trước. Restaurants, kiosks, and hotels are close to the beach. Front Beach is connected through a small park called Front Beach Park. As this lies near the tourist centre of the city, most people come here to visit the park and view the sunset when it becomes hugely popular with local tourists.

Bãi Dâu. Small beach on the west side of Big Mount.

Bãi Dứa. Small beach along Hạ Long St, by Small Mount.

Bãi Sau. Also known as Thùy Vân Beach. The only standard beach for tourism in Vung Tau. It is 3 km long and stretches from the Small Mount to Paradise Park. All beaches here are free. You must pass through some "water parks" to get to the beach in some places, in most places there is a pleasant promenade that leads directly to the beach. There are places to stash your belongings, usually 15,000 dong for each person. A beach umbrella is 30,000 dong, a chaise longue, 25,000 dong. As of July 2018 a deck chair and umbrella cost 50,000 Dong. Fresh water showers cost 8,000 dong. Sea parachuting and canoeing available all day. The beach is clean, the water is shallow quite a way out, there are very few jet-skis and hardly any beach hawkers.

Bãi Trước. Restaurants, kiosks, and hotels are close to the beach. Front Beach is connected through a small park called Front Beach Park. As this lies near the tourist centre of the city, most people come here to visit the park and view the sunset when it becomes hugely popular with local tourists.

• Hike to the Lighthouse on Little Mount. The entrance is at in Phan Chu Trinh St, about 1 km from the beach.
• Hike to the Jesus Statue on Little Mount. This is a very nice short hike.
• Hike to Big Mount. The trail starts on Tran Hung Dao St. The top is very flat, and there are a of couple restaurants on top.

• 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.
• Lottle Mall Vung Tau, At the corner of road Thi Sách & road 3/2, Ward No.8, +84 254 3565 773. From 08 AM to 22 PM. A mall from the corporation Lotte from South Korea, it is located at the right of the Bãi sau. It has a shopping mall (includes household stuff), restaurants, clothes shops.

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.

Lottle Mall Vung Tau, At the corner of road Thi Sách & road 3/2, Ward No.8, +84 254 3565 773. From 08 AM to 22 PM. A mall from the corporation Lotte from South Korea, it is located at the right of the Bãi sau. It has a shopping mall (includes household stuff), restaurants, clothes shops.

• Handicrafts are ample at Trung Vuong Square and are ideal as souvenirs.

Handicrafts are ample at Trung Vuong Square and are ideal as souvenirs.

ATMs are plentiful in Vung Tau. Most of them are located on commercial streets such as Lê Hồng Phong, Ba Cu and Trưng Vương Square. Visa and MasterCard are accepted with a minimum fee of 50,000-70,000 dong for each withdrawal.

Banh Khot is Vung Tau's signature meal. It is a breakfast meal which includes greens and noodles.

• Bà Hai's Restaurant, 42 Trần Đồng St, +84 64 353 1255. 06:30-11:30. A small bánh khọt restaurant run by a family. Not all tourists know it due to its location on a busy street. 18,000-20,000 dong.
• Bayview Takeaway/Cafe Grill, 144 Ha Long St, +84 64 352 1984. Hamburgers, sandwiches, fish 'n chips. Eat in, takeaway or delivery. Cold beers and soft drinks, big Aussie breakfasts.
• Bia Tuoi, 4 Le Loi St (Off of front beach near the Pacific Hotel. Dawn to last customer. A cheap beer garden frequented mostly by locals with snacks and seafood. Breakfasts too. Food starts at 12,000 dong; beer 4,000 dong.
• Bistro Nine, 9 Truong Vinh Ky, +84 64 3511571. 06:00-22:00. Bistro style, open early for breakfast until late for dinner. Large wine cellar, bakery, house-made excellent bread and charcuterie. Nice place to chill out for coffee or dinner. Sandwiches, wood oven pizzas, meats, fish, great ribs. Sandwiches from 50,000 dong. From 20,000 dong.
• David Pizzeria, 130 Ha Long St, +84 64 385 6612. 10:00-14:00 and 17:00-23:00. Italian restaurant with a wide selection of pasta, wood-fired pizza, seafood, wine, and Italian desserts. They also have fresh bread, coffees. Delivery available. Pizza from 150,000 dong.
• Ganh Hao Restaurant, 03 Trần Phú, P.5, +84 64 355 0909. Lovely restaurant by the sea. High quality fresh seafood. From 45,000 dong.
• Gốc Vú Sữa, 14 Nguyễn Trường Tộ, +84 35 23465. 06:00-12:00. An ideal place to enjoy your breakfast "bánh khọt". The restaurant is always crowded on weekends. 35,000 dong.
• The Great Aussie Pie Shop, 144 Ha Long St (Opposite the Ferry Terminal, +84 64 352 1984. 07:00-22:00. Popular pie shop is home to Australian beef and chicken pies. Cold beer and soft drink with a terrific view of Vung Tau Bay. Building under construction as of July 2015, closed?
• Hotpot Restaurants, Trương Công Định St, +84 85 6394. Till 23:00. An area of four adjoining restaurants. Come here to enjoy the Vietnamese hotpot in different styles. Hotpot is a must at every Vietnamese party. Beer is encouraged.
• Kozak, 06-07 Nguyen Tri Phuong St, +84 64 356 3776. Till 23:00. Ukrainian restaurant, decorated with Ukrainian stuff. Restaurant offers traditional beverages: Ukrainian liquors, borsht, vareniki, kvass.
• Rodstarz Fast Food, 30 Quang Trung 1 and 244 Thống Nhất (Across from the beach, +84 94 711 0192. 06:00-22:00. Western dishes with a slight Asian twist. The restaurant carries an expanded menu ranging from 100% Australian beef burgers, cheese burgers, shrimp burgers, burritos, pork kababs, fried squid rings, waffle dogs, ice cream and beer.
• Quán 95, 36 Trần Hưng Đạo, +84 85 6394. 08:00-23:00. Well-known mid-range restaurant for Vietnamese meals and variety of seafood. Tiger Beer and Pilsner Urquell available.
• Vườn Bàng, 37/4 Nguyễn Thái Học, +84 57 0607. 08:00-23:00. Large indoor restaurant, ideal place for parties. Special foods include shashlyk (Russian fried pork) and Russian salad.
• Quán Cơm Chay Thuận Duyên, 188 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, Phường 3, Thành phố Vũng Tầu, Bà Rịa (less than 100 m south of the Central Bus Station. Uber cheap and tasty Vegetarian street food restaurant that appeals to vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Self service although the lady owner is happy to help newcomers. she doesn't speak English so have that translate app ready! Add the fiery sambal type condiment if you need to zest things up a little. 25,000 VND for all you can eat (Just over USD1).

Bà Hai's Restaurant, 42 Trần Đồng St, +84 64 353 1255. 06:30-11:30. A small bánh khọt restaurant run by a family. Not all tourists know it due to its location on a busy street. 18,000-20,000 dong.

Bayview Takeaway/Cafe Grill, 144 Ha Long St, +84 64 352 1984. Hamburgers, sandwiches, fish 'n chips. Eat in, takeaway or delivery. Cold beers and soft drinks, big Aussie breakfasts.

Bia Tuoi, 4 Le Loi St (Off of front beach near the Pacific Hotel. Dawn to last customer. A cheap beer garden frequented mostly by locals with snacks and seafood. Breakfasts too. Food starts at 12,000 dong; beer 4,000 dong.

Bistro Nine, 9 Truong Vinh Ky, +84 64 3511571. 06:00-22:00. Bistro style, open early for breakfast until late for dinner. Large wine cellar, bakery, house-made excellent bread and charcuterie. Nice place to chill out for coffee or dinner. Sandwiches, wood oven pizzas, meats, fish, great ribs. Sandwiches from 50,000 dong. From 20,000 dong.

David Pizzeria, 130 Ha Long St, +84 64 385 6612. 10:00-14:00 and 17:00-23:00. Italian restaurant with a wide selection of pasta, wood-fired pizza, seafood, wine, and Italian desserts. They also have fresh bread, coffees. Delivery available. Pizza from 150,000 dong.

Ganh Hao Restaurant, 03 Trần Phú, P.5, +84 64 355 0909. Lovely restaurant by the sea. High quality fresh seafood. From 45,000 dong.

Gốc Vú Sữa, 14 Nguyễn Trường Tộ, +84 35 23465. 06:00-12:00. An ideal place to enjoy your breakfast "bánh khọt". The restaurant is always crowded on weekends. 35,000 dong.

The Great Aussie Pie Shop, 144 Ha Long St (Opposite the Ferry Terminal, +84 64 352 1984. 07:00-22:00. Popular pie shop is home to Australian beef and chicken pies. Cold beer and soft drink with a terrific view of Vung Tau Bay. Building under construction as of July 2015, closed?

Hotpot Restaurants, Trương Công Định St, +84 85 6394. Till 23:00. An area of four adjoining restaurants. Come here to enjoy the Vietnamese hotpot in different styles. Hotpot is a must at every Vietnamese party. Beer is encouraged.

Kozak, 06-07 Nguyen Tri Phuong St, +84 64 356 3776. Till 23:00. Ukrainian restaurant, decorated with Ukrainian stuff. Restaurant offers traditional beverages: Ukrainian liquors, borsht, vareniki, kvass.

Rodstarz Fast Food, 30 Quang Trung 1 and 244 Thống Nhất (Across from the beach, +84 94 711 0192. 06:00-22:00. Western dishes with a slight Asian twist. The restaurant carries an expanded menu ranging from 100% Australian beef burgers, cheese burgers, shrimp burgers, burritos, pork kababs, fried squid rings, waffle dogs, ice cream and beer.

Quán 95, 36 Trần Hưng Đạo, +84 85 6394. 08:00-23:00. Well-known mid-range restaurant for Vietnamese meals and variety of seafood. Tiger Beer and Pilsner Urquell available.

Vườn Bàng, 37/4 Nguyễn Thái Học, +84 57 0607. 08:00-23:00. Large indoor restaurant, ideal place for parties. Special foods include shashlyk (Russian fried pork) and Russian salad.

Quán Cơm Chay Thuận Duyên, 188 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, Phường 3, Thành phố Vũng Tầu, Bà Rịa (less than 100 m south of the Central Bus Station. Uber cheap and tasty Vegetarian street food restaurant that appeals to vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Self service although the lady owner is happy to help newcomers. she doesn't speak English so have that translate app ready! Add the fiery sambal type condiment if you need to zest things up a little. 25,000 VND for all you can eat (Just over USD1).

• Matildas Pub, 6 Nguyen Du (Behind the Grand Hotel, +84 64 385 6581. 09:00-late. Laidback Aussie pub. The cheapest beers/drinks in town. Very affordable meals, including breakfast. Happy hour every day from 09:00-18:00. Very friendly staff. An excellent place to enjoy a relaxing beer or meal. Standard beers 25,000 dong; 5 for 100,000.
• Mr Splash Coffee Tea Bar, 81 Thuy Van, +84915677708. Makes amazing coffee, tea and cocktails at very affordable prices. Very professional, and Phú is a proper bartender.
• Nine Cafe, 9 Truong Vinh Ky, +84 64 351 1571. 06:00-22:00. Espresso, cappuccino, fresh juice and home made 100% natural French ice cream. Happy hour from 15:00-19:00. Indoor-outdoor.
• Offshore Bar, +84 93 233 71 46. Vibrant environment with friendly staff. Branded drinks along with local drinks that are reasonably priced.
• Belly's Restaurant and Watering Hole, 53a Phan Chu Trinh, Phường 2, Thành phố Vũng Tầu, Bà Rịa (Located on Phan Chu Trinh st about halfway between Front Beach and Back Beach.. Belly's is a super friendly Aussie pub that also serves excellent food. Relax with a game of pool, watch the footy or chat with the regulars. Great, friendly and efficient staff. Very reasonable.

Matildas Pub, 6 Nguyen Du (Behind the Grand Hotel, +84 64 385 6581. 09:00-late. Laidback Aussie pub. The cheapest beers/drinks in town. Very affordable meals, including breakfast. Happy hour every day from 09:00-18:00. Very friendly staff. An excellent place to enjoy a relaxing beer or meal. Standard beers 25,000 dong; 5 for 100,000.

Mr Splash Coffee Tea Bar, 81 Thuy Van, +84915677708. Makes amazing coffee, tea and cocktails at very affordable prices. Very professional, and Phú is a proper bartender.

Nine Cafe, 9 Truong Vinh Ky, +84 64 351 1571. 06:00-22:00. Espresso, cappuccino, fresh juice and home made 100% natural French ice cream. Happy hour from 15:00-19:00. Indoor-outdoor.

Offshore Bar, +84 93 233 71 46. Vibrant environment with friendly staff. Branded drinks along with local drinks that are reasonably priced.

Belly's Restaurant and Watering Hole, 53a Phan Chu Trinh, Phường 2, Thành phố Vũng Tầu, Bà Rịa (Located on Phan Chu Trinh st about halfway between Front Beach and Back Beach.. Belly's is a super friendly Aussie pub that also serves excellent food. Relax with a game of pool, watch the footy or chat with the regulars. Great, friendly and efficient staff. Very reasonable.

• Bạch Dinh, Trần Phú, near Bãi Trước. Till 23:00.
• Ô Cấp. Till 23:00.
• Rin Cafe, 241 Nguyen An Ninh (Near Paradise Golf Course, +84 93 4763138. All day. Serves a decent cup of strong, dark, and rich aromatic coffee. Said to serve only coffees that are grown directly from Vietnam highland provinces. The beans here are kept fresh and are ground only on order. Popular for to go orders among locals and tourists alike. 10,000 dong.
• Saigon Ice Cream, Lý Thường Kiệt St. Till 23:00. Little ice cream spot with soft music. Well-known for 20 years.

Bạch Dinh, Trần Phú, near Bãi Trước. Till 23:00.

Ô Cấp. Till 23:00.

Rin Cafe, 241 Nguyen An Ninh (Near Paradise Golf Course, +84 93 4763138. All day. Serves a decent cup of strong, dark, and rich aromatic coffee. Said to serve only coffees that are grown directly from Vietnam highland provinces. The beans here are kept fresh and are ground only on order. Popular for to go orders among locals and tourists alike. 10,000 dong.

Saigon Ice Cream, Lý Thường Kiệt St. Till 23:00. Little ice cream spot with soft music. Well-known for 20 years.

While pickpockets are not common, theft (usually snatching bags or purses) is an increasing problem. Visitors should not carry valuables in bags and try to avoid carrying them as much as possible at night, especially in the city centre or along the front and back beaches. Bags or purses have been known to be snatched off bicycles and even motorbikes as well as pedestrians. This is sometimes followed by violent pushing or hitting to distract the victim and anyone who may be with them, to help the perpetrators get away. This is not as common as it is in Ho Chi Minh City, however, thefts increase in the lead up to the Tet holiday. Normal commonsense precautions are all that are needed to avoid theft.

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

• Lê Lợi Hospital, 22 Lê Lợi St. Tell the taxi driver "benh vien" and he'll understand.

Lê Lợi Hospital, 22 Lê Lợi St. Tell the taxi driver "benh vien" and he'll understand.

• 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 3,000-4,000 dong/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.

Vung Tau Post Office : 45 Lê Hồng Phong.

• Ho Chi Minh City
• Bình Châu Hot Stream : in Xuyên Mộc District.
• Côn Đảo Islands - archipelago in the southern sea. Best known for Côn Đảo Prisons, Côn Đảo National Garden. Hydrofoil fast ferry costs 350,000 dong, sets off at Côn Đảo Port (April 30 Rd).
• 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 an 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 hideout of the Viet Minh during the wars.
• Long Sơn: for the wooden Nhà Lớn Long Sơn complex dating from the 19th century.

Bình Châu Hot Stream : in Xuyên Mộc District.

[[Con Dao|Côn Đảo Islands]] - archipelago in the southern sea. Best known for Côn Đảo Prisons, Côn Đảo National Garden. Hydrofoil fast ferry costs 350,000 dong, sets off at Côn Đảo Port (April 30 Rd).

[[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 an 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 hideout of the Viet Minh during the wars.

Long Sơn: for the wooden Nhà Lớn Long Sơn complex dating from the 19th century.