Ba Ria-Vung Tau – A guide basic for the trip

Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, located in southern Vietnam, is renowned for its scenic coastline, industrial significance, and historical heritage. It encompasses Ba Ria city and Vung Tau city, both pivotal in Vietnam’s economic landscape with industries like oil refining and manufacturing. The province’s coastal charm attracts tourists to Vung Tau’s sandy beaches such as Back Beach and Front Beach, alongside cultural sites like Niet Ban Tinh Xa pagoda and the Christ of Vung Tau statue. Additionally, Con Dao Islands offer pristine natural beauty and historical intrigue. Ba Ria-Vung Tau’s strategic location has historically played a crucial role, from colonial times to the Vietnam War, shaping its cultural identity. Today, it thrives as a hub of economic activity and tourism, supported by robust infrastructure connecting it to major cities like Ho Chi Minh City.

I. When is the best time to visit Ba Ria-Vung Tau?

The best time to visit Ba Ria-Vung Tau is during the dry season, which typically runs from November to April. This period offers pleasant weather with lower humidity and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for enjoying the province’s beautiful beaches and outdoor activities.

– November to April: This dry season sees comfortable temperatures ranging from around 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 89.6°F), making it perfect for beach outings and exploration of cultural sites without the interruption of heavy rains.

– May to October: The wet season brings higher humidity and frequent showers, especially from June to August. While the lush green landscapes during this time can be appealing, outdoor activities might be limited due to unpredictable weather patterns.

For those primarily interested in beach activities and exploring the historical sites of Ba Ria-Vung Tau, planning a visit during the dry season ensures a more enjoyable experience with favorable weather conditions.

II. What to do in Ba Ria-Vung Tau?

Ba Ria-Vung Tau offers a variety of activities and attractions that cater to different interests, from beach lovers and history enthusiasts to foodies and adventure seekers. Here are some top things to do in Ba Ria-Vung Tau:

1. Explore Vung Tau Beaches: Visit popular beaches like Back Beach (Bai Sau) and Front Beach (Bai Truoc) for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. Long Hai Beach and Ho Tram Beach are also worth exploring.
2. Visit Historical Sites: Explore the Christ of Vung Tau statue for panoramic views of the city and sea, and visit the White Palace (Bach Dinh) and Niet Ban Tinh Xa pagoda for their historical and cultural significance.
3. Con Dao Islands: Take a boat trip to the Con Dao Islands, known for their pristine beaches, coral reefs, and historical sites related to Vietnam’s colonial and wartime history.
4. Experience Local Cuisine: Sample fresh seafood at local restaurants and markets. Dishes like banh khot (mini savory pancakes), banh xeo (Vietnamese crepes), and seafood hotpot are popular choices.
5. Outdoor Activities: Enjoy hiking or cable car rides up Nui Lon (Big Mountain) for scenic views, or explore nature at Binh Chau Hot Springs and Dinh Co Temple.
6. Water Sports: Try kite surfing, jet skiing, or parasailing at Vung Tau’s beaches, which offer ideal conditions for water sports enthusiasts.
7. Nightlife and Entertainment: Explore Vung Tau’s vibrant nightlife with bars, clubs, and live music venues offering a mix of local and international entertainment.
8. Shopping: Visit local markets for souvenirs, handicrafts, and fresh produce, or explore modern shopping malls for a variety of retail options.

Ba Ria-Vung Tau combines natural beauty, historical landmarks, and diverse activities, making it a compelling destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.

III. What local specialties does Ba Ria-Vung Tau have that you must try?

Ba Ria-Vung Tau province boasts a range of delicious local specialties that reflect its coastal location and culinary heritage. Here are some must-try dishes:

1. Seafood: Given its coastal location, Ba Ria-Vung Tau is famous for fresh and diverse seafood dishes such as grilled squid (muc nuong), shrimp spring rolls (goi cuon tom), crab soup (banh canh cua), and seafood hotpot (lau hai san).
2. Banh Khot: These miniature savory pancakes made from rice flour and coconut milk are topped with shrimp, mung bean, and herbs, often served with fresh vegetables and dipping sauce.
3. Banh Xeo: A Vietnamese-style crepe made from rice flour and turmeric powder, filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and herbs, eaten wrapped in lettuce with dipping sauce.
4. Banh Canh Cua: A thick crab noodle soup with chewy tapioca noodles, served in a flavorful broth with chunks of crab meat, herbs, and sometimes quail eggs.
5. Grilled Dishes: Enjoy grilled specialties like grilled oysters (hao nuong mo hanh), grilled clams (hen xuc banh da), and grilled fish (ca nuong).
6. Bun Mam: A southern Vietnamese noodle soup made with fermented fish broth, noodles, shrimp, squid, pork, and various herbs and vegetables.
7. Goat Meat: Ba Ria-Vung Tau is known for its goat meat dishes such as grilled goat meat (thit de nuong) or goat hotpot (lau de).
8. Fruits and Desserts: Try local fruits such as dragon fruit, mangoes, and longan, as well as sweet treats like coconut candies (keo dua) and sticky rice with coconut (xoi dua).

These local specialties showcase the rich culinary traditions of Ba Ria-Vung Tau, blending fresh seafood with unique flavors and ingredients characteristic of southern Vietnamese cuisine.

IV. How to get to Ba Ria-Vung Tau?

To get to Ba Ria-Vung Tau, you have several transportation options depending on your starting point, whether it’s from within Vietnam or internationally:

1. From Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon):

   – By Road: Ba Ria-Vung Tau is approximately 100 kilometers southeast of Ho Chi Minh City. The most common way to get there is by road via car, taxi, or shuttle bus. The journey takes about 2-3 hours, depending on traffic.

   – Ferry: There’s also a ferry service from Ho Chi Minh City (Bach Dang Pier in District 1) to Vung Tau. The ferry ride across the Dong Nai River and into Vung Tau takes around 1.5 hours.

2. From Tan Son Nhat International Airport: If arriving by air, you can take a taxi or shuttle bus directly from Tan Son Nhat Airport to Ba Ria-Vung Tau, which is about a 2-3 hour drive depending on traffic conditions.
3. By Bus: Several bus companies operate routes from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau. Buses depart from Mien Dong Bus Station and typically take around 2-2.5 hours to reach Vung Tau.
4. Private Car or Rental Car: Renting a car or hiring a private car with a driver is another convenient option, offering flexibility and comfort, especially if traveling in a group or with luggage.
5. From other provinces in Vietnam: If you’re traveling from other parts of Vietnam, you can take a bus or arrange for a car transfer to Ba Ria-Vung Tau depending on the distance and availability of transportation options.

Once in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, local transportation options such as taxis, motorbike taxis (xe om), and rental bikes or cars are available for exploring the province and its various attractions.

If you need more information, please contact us Mail: zgotravelvietnam@gmail.com or WhatsApp: +84 9766 09451.