Hitting the best beaches near Vung Tau is a sure-fire way to enjoy the outdoors in this part of the country. Famous for its giant Jesus statue and an endless supply of fresh seafood, Vung Tau has been a coveted hotspot for international travelers for years. There is such a large diversity of beach types near this town that it makes it easy for travelers of all kinds to find something to enjoy.
The best time of year to visit Vung Tau depends on the sort of experience you’re looking for. Temperatures in this part of the country are pretty consistent all year long, ranging in the low to mid-30s degrees Celsius and mid-80s to 90s degrees Fahrenheit. When it comes to rain, December through February has the least, closely followed by springtime from March to May. The remaining months in summer and fall are the wettest but also the least crowded.
When you’re ready to pack your bags and hit the coast near Vung Tau, consider these top beaches in order of proximity from the city center.
Doi Nhai Beach – 4km | 15 minutes
Tucked away from the bustling sightseer areas, Doi Nhai Beach is a quiet retreat along the shore with no significant tourism development. Locals and backpackers favor this beach for its unspoiled natural areas, wide-open sands, and rural setting. Visitors that would enjoy camping on the coast should consider this beach, as it is known to be an excellent spot to set up a tent. Some off-road sports are also possible here, along with fishing and places to do kite-surfing.
Chi Linh beach – 8 km | 15 minutes
Located about 3 km/1.8 miles from Vung Tau in the village of Chi Linh, this beach is an off-the-beaten path but a beautiful place to spend some time at the beach. Residents mainly frequent this area, so the crowds aren’t as heavy as some of the more touristy beaches south of Vung Tau.
A combination of the white sand, bright blue water, and lush green mountains along this shore make it a very desirable place to stop and spend a few hours. The total area is roughly 15 hectares/37 acres, so there is definitely enough space to spread out and enjoy taking a dip to the sound of birds in the trees.
Front Beach – 11 km | 20 minutes
Vung Tau’s Front Beach, also known as “Bai Truoc,” is located in the west part of the city, making it an ideal spot to catch a colorful sunset. These sands are known for being relatively quiet during the day and a nice place to stop and listen to the waves, but most visitors don’t set up to lay in the sun here. The beautiful garden pathways get lit up at night, making it a fun place to stroll. There are also many places to dine, window shop, or stay at a hotel along the water.
Front Beach is known for being a high-traffic fishing boat area, but the water is clean. People can swim here, but there are other places in Vung Tau that most tourists and locals prefer more for water sports. Renting a bike and cruising along the crescent waterfront is one of the favorite activities here by visitors; it’s a great way to see the area while breathing in the salty air. Picnics are also common at Front Beach, as grassy areas near the water provide a decent place to sit.
During the evening hours, this beach can become somewhat of a lively place with crowds. If you’re looking for an active area to socialize, stop by the waterfront for a meal, karaoke, or walk to the lighthouse.
Back Beach – 11.5 km | 20 minutes
Featuring light blue waters and white sands, Back Beach is the perfect escape for people who live in a busy city. Also known as “Bai Sau,” this beach is one of Vung Tau’s most famous and can get pretty crowded on lovely or weekend days.
However, since it’s built for tourism, there are many places to stay overnight along the water, cafes for a fresh seafood meal, and little stores to casually browse. The sandy part of this coast is roughly 10 km long, meaning that there is a lot of space to set up for a day, but going earlier in the day gives your more options.
Back Beach is a popular place to picnic, swim, and take part in an array of water activities. It’s important to note that when flags are in the water (usually Jolly Roger pattern), they indicate that those spots are currently not safe conditions to swim and to find a new area. However, swimming at this beach is very enjoyable, and the water is typically warmer in this part of Vietnam. Other amenities on the sand include hammocks and kids’ toys, both available to rent.
Bai Dau Beach (Pineapple Beach) – 13.5 km | 25 minutes
Bai Dau Beach, also known as “Pineapple Beach,” is another of Vung Tau’s most visited shores and is located between the Back and Front beaches. At one time, Bai Dau had an abundance of wild pineapples growing, which is how it got its English nickname. This area is relatively small compared to the city’s other sandy spots, but it’s a nice place to visit with easy access to the ocean. Swimming at Pineapple Beach is popular, but there aren’t as many places to “lounge by the water.”
Walking along Pineapple Beach is the best way to explore it, and it’s usually frequented by locals more than tourists. However, there are plenty of stores and cafes to check out, and occasionally fresh fish is sold on the side of the street.
Valley Beach – 15 km | 25 minutes
Valley Beach is a charming local beach near the peninsula’s southernmost tip, which is not well-known to most tourists. While this isn’t the best area for swimming, there is a lot of natural beauty by the ocean that creates some ideal locations for photography. The coast here has a lot of rocks on its shore, but this secret beach is also nice for having a cup of coffee while watching the world go by. The tiled sidewalk along the water is an excellent place to stroll or ride a bike with sea views.
Ho Tram Beach – 43 km | 1 hour
Visitors searching for a bit of lesser-known luxury should take a road trip out to Ho Tram, located just to the east of Vung Tau. This charming beach town is home to some pristine, unspoiled beach scenery with clear waters that are great for sports and swimming. Dining on fresh, delicious seafood is possible at many waterfront restaurants in Ho Tram, along with a few accommodation options for sleeping by the sea.
Ho Tram is also home to the famous Grand Ho Tram Strip, a five-star premium resort that provides impressive amenities and customer service. The resort’s golf club is rated as one of the best in the country and attracts enthusiasts of the sport worldwide.
Suoi O Beach – 58 km | 1 hour 20 minutes
Situated to the east of Vung Tau, getting to Suoi O Beach will require some transportation, but it will be worth it. One of the unique features of this beach is the fact that it’s a rare saltwater beach that has freshwater streams. In fact, to get to the heart of these soft, white sands, visitors need to trek across the creek to access the rest of the beach. The scenery at Suoi O is some of the best in southern Vietnam, and since it’s so isolated from metro areas, its beauty is unspoiled.
Tourists looking to camp on a beach in this part of the country can do so here, as there are some facilities for overnight conveniences. Rental equipment is also available, and dogs are permitted on the grounds. Some of the most popular outdoor activities here include biking, hiking, and walking on designated paths.
Carving out the time to visit one or more of these beach choices near Vung Tau is a must-do activity, especially for ocean lovers that need a fix of salty air while traveling southern Vietnam. Whether you prefer a hopping tourist site or a less-traveled rural beach, this city has you covered.