Vung Tau Day Trip: Beach, Christ Statue & Colonial Mansion

Summary

Sea breezes, hilltop views & colonial echoes in Vung Tau

You’ll taste fresh seafood by the sea, climb Vung Tau’s Christ Statue for wild ocean views, wander colonial halls at Bach Dinh, and soak your feet on sandy beaches—all with a local guide who shares real stories along the way. Expect salty breezes, laughter over lunch, and little moments that stick with you long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

You know that feeling when you step off the bus and the air just smells different? That was Vung Tau for me—salty, a little sweet, like someone’s grilling fish somewhere nearby. We’d left Ho Chi Minh City early (the city noise still buzzing in my ears), but by the time our guide Linh pointed up at the giant Christ statue on the hill, I felt lighter. The climb is no joke—my legs were burning halfway up—but Linh kept telling stories about how locals come here to pray or just catch their breath above the sea. The view at the top… well, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen water that blue. It’s windy up there too; my hat nearly flew away.

Afterwards we wandered over to Cape Nghinh Phong. The wind whipped my hair everywhere and I got sand in my shoes (still finding it days later). There was this quiet moment where everyone just stood looking out at the waves—nobody said anything for a bit. Then Linh pointed out some fishing boats bobbing way out near the horizon and told us about her uncle who fishes for squid at night. I tried to imagine doing that in the dark. We headed to Bach Dinh—the White Palace—and honestly, it’s fancier than I expected for a place perched above crashing surf. French tiles underfoot, old portraits on the walls, and outside you could hear kids shouting somewhere down below.

Lunch was one of those long tables with too many dishes—grilled prawns so fresh they tasted almost sweet, and some kind of soup with herbs I couldn’t name (Li laughed when I tried to say it in Vietnamese). The restaurant had plastic chairs and open windows; you could smell lemongrass drifting in from the kitchen. After eating way too much we walked down to Back Beach. Some people swam but I just sat with my feet in the water and watched a family collecting shells—they waved at me like we’d met before.

The Whale Temple surprised me most. It’s packed with relics from shipwrecks and these enormous whale bones hanging overhead—kind of eerie but also beautiful? Linh explained how fishermen believe whales protect them at sea; she touched one of the old altars almost absentmindedly while talking about her grandfather’s boat. There was incense in the air and someone chanting softly behind a curtain. On the drive back to Ho Chi Minh City, everyone was quiet—tired maybe, or just full from lunch and sun. I kept thinking about those fishing boats out on the horizon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Vung Tau coastal and cultural tour

• Depart Ho Chi Minh City in morning
• Visit Jesus Christ Statue viewpoint
• Explore Cape Nghinh Phong coastal views
• Tour White Palace (Bach Dinh) museum
• Enjoy seafood lunch at local restaurant
• Relax at Vung Tau beach
• Visit Whale Temple cultural site
• Return to Ho Chi Minh City in late afternoon

Top questions

How far is Vung Tau from Ho Chi Minh City?

It’s about 2–2.5 hours by car each way from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau.

Is lunch included on this Vung Tau day trip?

Yes, a seaside lunch featuring local seafood is included during your tour.

Can you climb inside the Christ Statue in Vung Tau?

Yes—you can climb up inside for panoramic views if you wear long pants (no shorts or sleeveless tops).

What is Bach Dinh (White Palace) in Vung Tau?

Bach Dinh is a 19th-century colonial mansion-turned-museum set on a hill overlooking the coast.

Is there beach time included on this tour?

Yes—the itinerary allows time for swimming or relaxing on Vung Tau’s beaches after lunch.

What is special about Whale Temple?

The Whale Temple houses whale skeletons and artifacts honoring whales as protectors of local fishermen.

Are entrance fees covered in this day trip?

All entry fees for attractions are included in your booking price.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

The tour includes pickup from central locations in Ho Chi Minh City by air-conditioned vehicle.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transport from Ho Chi Minh City in an air-conditioned vehicle, all entrance fees to sites like Christ Statue and Bach Dinh (or an alternative if closed), bottled water for each person, a generous seafood lunch at a local spot with regional specialties, plus guidance throughout from an English-speaking local expert before returning home late afternoon.