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.
- Ideal time to travel to Vung Tau
- Transportation to Vung Tau
- Detailed 1-day Vung Tau itinerary
- 6:00: Depart from Ho Chi Minh City
- 8:30: Check-in
- 10:00: Visit Marina
- 11:00: Vung Tau Lighthouse
- 12:30: Lunch with fresh seafood
- 14:30: Relax at Back Beach
- 16:30: Check-in Pig Hill
- 18:00: Enjoy banh khot and watch the sunset
- 19:30: End of trip and return to Ho Chi Minh City
- What to prepare for a 1 day trip to Vung Tau?
- Compare 1-day and 2-day itineraries in Vung Tau
- Advice from travel experts
Ideal time to travel to Vung Tau
Before planning your trip, you need to know when is the best time to visit Vung Tau. According to experience, the dry season from November to April is the most 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 a 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:
Vehicle | Travel time | Cost (reference) | Advantage | Disadvantages |
---|---|---|---|---|
Motorbike | 2.5 - 3 hours | 100,000 - 150,000 VND (gasoline) | Flexible, beautiful view | Tired if traveling far, depends on the weather |
Coach | 2 - 2.5 hours | 120,000 - 160,000 VND/ticket | Comfortable, cheap | Depends on bus schedule |
High speed train | 1.5 hours | 200,000 - 250,000 VND/ticket | Fast, unique experience | Higher prices, less schedules |
Private car | 2 - 2.5 hours | 200,000 - 300,000 VND (gasoline, road fees) | Convenient, proactive | Experienced driver needed |
- If you go from Ho Chi Minh City, you can book bus tickets through reputable bus companies with fares starting at 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 a speedboat ticket at Nha Rong port (District 1, Ho Chi Minh City) if you want to experience traveling on the sea.

Detailed 1-day Vung Tau itinerary
Below is a suggested itinerary to explore Vung Tau in 1 day, combining relaxation, discovery 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 is the Sheep 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).
- Tour 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 Marina
After the Sheep Farm, move to the Marina (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.
- Activities: Taking photos, canoe tour (price from 120,000 - 200,000 VND/person, depending on schedule).
- Tour time: 45 minutes - 1 hour.
Note:
- You should book a canoe tour through the Marina pier 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 reach Vung Tau Lighthouse (address: Nui Nho, Vung Tau City). This is a 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).
- Tour time: 45 minutes.
- Tip: Walk up to the lighthouse to enjoy the fresh air, but if you're tired, you can hire a motorbike taxi (about 20,000 VND/person).
In addition to the beautiful scenery, you can also explore the winding and steep path leading to the lighthouse, an ideal place for taking “chill” style photos. Don’t forget to stop by the nearby Yogurt Egg Yolk Shop to enjoy a unique dessert.
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 popular 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 to Back 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.
- Cost: Renting a chair or umbrella is about 50,000 - 100,000 VND/person.
- Time: 1 - 1.5 hours.
- Tip: Bring your own towel and swimsuit to save on rental costs at the beach.
Back Beach is longer, has fine sand and is suitable for swimming, while Front Beach has a quiet space, 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 to Con Heo 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.
- Tour 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 a view of the sea or city for impressive pictures.
18:00: Enjoy banh khot and watch the sunset

End the day with a light dinner of Banh Khot , a famous specialty of Vung Tau. Suggested restaurants include Banh Khot Goc Vu Sua (address: 14 Nguyen Truong To) or Banh Khot Co Ba (address: 35 Tran Dong). A portion of Banh Khot costs about 50,000 - 70,000 VND, enough to fill your stomach.
Afterwards, head back to Front Beach to watch the stunning sunset. Sit at a beachside cafe like La Vie En Rose or Mila Cafe to 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 at Vung Tau market are great choices for gifts.
What to prepare for a 1 day trip to Vung Tau?
To have a complete trip, you need to prepare the following:
- Clothing: Wear light, airy clothing; bring sneakers and a swimsuit if swimming.
- Personal items: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, towel.
- Cash: Some small shops do not accept card payments, prepare about 500,000 - 1,000,000 VND/person.
- Photography equipment: Phone or camera to capture beautiful moments.
- Printed itinerary: Note down destinations and contact numbers (restaurants, bus companies, canoe tours).

Compare 1-day and 2-day itineraries in Vung Tau
Criteria | 1 day schedule | 2 day itinerary |
---|---|---|
Number of destinations | 5 - 6 locations | 8 - 10 locations |
Time | Hurry, focus | Take it easy, explore deep |
Expense | 500,000 - 1,000,000 VND/person | 1,500,000 - 2,500,000 VND/person |
Suitable for | Busy people, want to go on a short trip | Family, group of friends, want to relax |
Specific actions: If you want to stay overnight, check out hotels like Malibu Hotel (4 stars, near Back Beach) or Milan 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 disappointment.
- Prioritize experiences: Choose 1-2 favorite activities (like swimming or photography) to focus on instead of trying to go everywhere.
- Support local: 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.
Source: https://baonghean.vn/du-lich-vung-tau-1-ngay-cong-thuc-cho-chuyen-di-day-muoi-bien-10301242.html
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