Vung Tau Coastal Escape - Beach, History & Panoramic Sea Views from Saigon
Duration1 Day
Tour TypeCity & Discovery
Group sizeUp to 25
BookingFree Cancellation
Save 30% on Vietnam tours for travel from 15 Dec 2026 to 15 Jan 2027, up to A$50 per booking, with code WEVJ30
Use code WEVJ30 at checkout · ends 11/12/2026
Overview
Trade the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City for a refreshing day by the ocean in Vung Tau. Just a two-hour drive from Saigon, this budget-friendly coastal escape is where local history meets beautiful nature. You'll relax on popular beaches, explore colonial mansions, and climb inside a massive Jesus statue for breathtaking panoramic views of the coast. Along the way, discover deep-rooted local traditions at a temple dedicated to whales, making it the perfect break from the city.
Itinerary
07:00 – 07:30
District 1 Hotel Pick-up / Central Meeting Point
Enjoy free pickup from your District 1 hotel (except Sai Gon/Tan Dinh wards) or join us at 112 Tran Hung Dao by 07:15 AM to start the tour.
08:00
Departure to Vung Tau
Hop on our comfortable, air-conditioned 16 or 29-seat bus for a relaxing two-hour scenic drive away from the busy city straight toward the southern coast.
09:30
Thuy Van Beach (Back Beach)
Arrive at beautiful Back Beach. Take your time to sink your toes in the sand, swim in the ocean, or simply lounge by the shore.
12:00
Local Coastal Lunch
Sit down at a cozy local restaurant to enjoy a traditional, freshly prepared set menu lunch featuring authentic regional flavors and coastal cuisine.
13:30
Jesus Christ Statue
Walk up Nho Mountain and climb inside this massive statue. Step onto the shoulders for the most incredible, panoramic ocean views of Vung Tau.
14:45
Thang Tam Temple (Whale Temple)
Explore this unique temple to discover the fascinating spiritual seafaring beliefs and traditional whale-worshiping heritage of local fishermen. Cover shoulders and knees here.
15:20
Nghinh Phong Cape
Stroll along the windy, rugged cliffs of Nghinh Phong Cape—the absolute best vantage point in town for capturing spectacular, unobstructed coastal photos.
The White Palace (Bach Dinh)
16:00
Tour this elegant French colonial hillside mansion packed with historic artifacts and bay views. (Note: We visit the world-class Arms Museum on Mondays instead).
16:30
Heading Back to Saigon
Gather back at the bus, sit back, and relax on the two-hour return trip to Ho Chi Minh City after a fantastic day by the sea.
Location
Meeting point
112 Đường Trần Hưng Đạo, Ben Thanh, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
Good to know
Included
- Round-trip transfers in a comfortable, air-conditioned 16 or 29-seat bus.
- A friendly, English-speaking local tour guide to lead the way.
- All entrance fees for the attractions listed in the itinerary.
- A delicious lunch featuring authentic local coastal cuisine and one bottle of mineral water.
Not included
- Travel insurance.
- Additional food, snacks, or drinks outside of lunch.
- Tips and personal expenses.
Terms & Conditions
- Booking & Confirmation: Bookings are confirmed instantly upon payment. Please ensure all passenger details (full names and contact information) are entered accurately during checkout.
- Child Policy: * Children under 3 years old join free of charge but must share seats and meals with their parents/guardians. Children aged 3 to 9 years old receive a 25% discount (charged at 75% of the adult rate). Anyone above 9 years old will be charged the full adult rate. Please note: A maximum of 1 free child is allowed per 2 paying adults. Any additional children will be charged at the full standard rate.
- Cancellation & Refund Policy: * Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the scheduled tour departure time will incur a 100% cancellation fee (no refund). No-shows on the day of the tour will be treated as cancellations and are non-refundable.
- Itinerary Changes: The tour operator reserves the right to adjust the itinerary due to weather conditions, traffic, or sudden site closures to ensure guest safety. (For example, if the White Palace is closed on Mondays, it will automatically be replaced with the Robert Taylor Museum of Worldwide Arms).
- Travel Insurance: Personal travel insurance is not included in the tour price. We highly recommend that all travelers purchase comprehensive travel insurance before starting their trip.
Tour Type
Seaside
City Tour
Culture & History
Art Discovery
Food & Drink
FAQs
What should I wear for this tour?
Since we will visit Thang Tam Temple (Whale Temple), you'll need to wear respectful clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. For the rest of the day, light and comfortable clothing is perfect! Also, don't forget to pack your swimwear and a towel for Thuy Van Beach, plus a good pair of walking shoes because there are stairs to climb at the Jesus Christ Statue.
Can I get picked up directly from my hotel?
We offer free pick-up for most hotels located within District 1. However, please note that we cannot pick up in Sai Gon Ward and Tan Dinh Ward. If your hotel is in these areas or outside District 1, just join us at our central meeting point at 112 Tran Hung Dao St., Ben Thanh Ward by 07:15 AM.
What happens if the White Palace is closed on the day of my tour?
The White Palace (Bach Dinh) is closed every Monday. If you book a Monday tour, don't worry—we will take you to explore the fascinating Robert Taylor Museum of Worldwide Arms instead, so you won't miss out on any historical discoveries!
How difficult is the climb to the Jesus Christ Statue?
To get inside the statue and enjoy the panoramic coastal views, you'll need to climb up a series of stone steps. It does require a bit of physical effort, but you can take your time, and the breathtaking view from the top is absolutely worth it!
Are meals and drinks included in the tour price?
A delicious local lunch featuring authentic coastal cuisine and one bottle of mineral water are fully included in your tour. If you'd like to buy extra snacks, fresh seafood by the beach, or additional drinks during lunch, you will just need to cover those personal expenses.
What is the group size and type of vehicle?
This is a budget-friendly standard group tour with a maximum of 25 travelers. You will travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned 16 or 29-seat bus, making it an ideal choice for meeting fellow travelers while keeping costs low.
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