The hidden gem of Vung Tau is a laid-back beach town that might not be on every traveler’s radar. However, locals from Ho Chi Minh City have been flocking here for a quick beach getaway since the 1980s. With just a two-hour drive, you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in the tranquility of a sun-soaked retreat by the ocean. We’ve compiled five incredible ideas for a memorable family holiday in Vung Tau.
Visit an Amazing Museum
Immerse yourself in history at the Robert Taylor Worldwide Arms Museum, Vietnam’s only private weapons museum. Since its establishment in 2016, this fascinating museum has captivated both adults and kids alike with its extensive collection of military uniforms and weapons dating back centuries. For a deeper understanding of Vung Tau, make sure to visit the town’s newly renovated provincial museum nearby.
TIP: Plan your trip from November to April, during Vung Tau’s dry season, for the best weather and a pleasant beach experience.
Dine on Local Delicacies
Vung Tau is renowned as the birthplace of one beloved Vietnamese dish – bánh khọt. These crispy cakes, filled with plump shrimp and wrapped in lettuce and herbs, are the perfect seaside snack. Indulge in a scrumptious dinner with your family, gathering around a delightful stingray hot pot with forest bamboo shoots or savoring a bowl of bánh canh (tapioca noodles) topped with flower crab.
Stay on the Beach in Ho Tram
For those seeking extra privacy and five-star service, venture to the high-end resorts along Vung Tau’s coastline. These stunning resorts boast some of the town’s finest sandy beaches. Slide down thrilling waterslides at the Grand Ho Tram Strip or luxuriate in one of the beautiful beachfront villas at Melia Ho Tram for an unforgettable weekend by the sea.
TIP: Keep children happily occupied with the Melia Ho Tram Kids’ Club, offering workshops, playground activities, cooking classes, pool games, and cultural endeavors.
Have a Real-Life History Lesson
Take your teenagers on a captivating field trip to delve into Vietnam’s colonial history. Explore the untouched military outposts, equipped with cannons and other military artifacts, built to safeguard the Saigon River mouth from invasions. On another hillside, Villa Blanche offers a glimpse into the domestic life of the colonialists. It’s a fascinating journey into the past.
Take an Adventure Around Town
Embark on a soft adventure by visiting the nearby Phước Bửu Nature Reserve or indulging in the mineral streams of Bình Châu hot spring. For an exhilarating experience, ride bicycles to Small Mountain and hike up to see the panoramic view from Vung Tau’s famous Jesus Christ statue. End your journey at Front Beach, where you can witness a breathtaking sunset painting the sky scarlet and purple.
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