Plan a CruiseVung Tau Cruise Port Guide
Vung Tau is a popular resort town located on a peninsula, approximately 125 kilometers southeast of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). The town itself stretches about 14 kilometers long and 6 kilometers wide, marked by two prominent mountains, Nui Lon (Truong Ky) and Nui Nho (Tao Phung), at its southern tip. Cruise ships typically moor or anchor offshore, and passengers are tendered to the shore. Vung Tau offers a blend of historical sites, beautiful beaches, and local culture for independent exploration.
Getting Around from the Port
Upon arrival via tender, local transport options will be available. Please note that international driving licenses are not accepted in Vietnam, meaning car rental companies like Hertz or Avis are not available here. For getting around Vung Tau, you can typically find taxis or local motorbikes.
For a day trip to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), the most efficient way to travel is by hydrofoil. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours each way, with services running about every half hour. The cost is around $10 USD per person for a one-way ticket.
Attractions and Activities
For an 8-10 hour visit, Vung Tau offers several appealing options, with a popular day trip to Ho Chi Minh City also feasible.
- Explore Vung Tau's Beaches: Head to Bai Sau Beach (also known as Thuy Van), the largest beach in Vung Tau, stretching 7 kilometers along the eastern coast. You can enjoy a stroll along the beachfront, relax on a deck chair, or sample authentic Vietnamese cuisine at the many local restaurants and cafes lining the area.
- Discover Local Culture and History: As you travel through Vung Tau, you'll encounter several Buddhist pagodas and temples. The town also holds historical remnants from the Champa kingdom, which ruled in the 15th century. Consider visiting sites near Nui Lon (Large Mountain) and Nui Nho (Small Mountain) for scenic views and cultural insights.
- Day Trip to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): Many cruise passengers opt for a tour to Ho Chi Minh City. This is a significant commitment for a limited port day but is manageable via the hydrofoil service. The hydrofoil takes about 1.5 hours each way and costs approximately $10 USD per person one way. You can compare cruise line excursions to Ho Chi Minh City with independent tours offered by platforms like GetYourGuide or Viator.
Dining & Shopping
Vung Tau offers a variety of local restaurants and cafes, particularly along Bai Sau Beach, where you can sample authentic Vietnamese cuisine. When shopping, remember that bargaining is common practice for most items in Vietnam. Shopping hours generally run from 08:00/08:30 to 21:00/22:00 daily. Be aware that during Tet (Vietnamese New Year), which occurs between late January and March, many shops close as people travel home for the holiday, making it a challenging time to shop or travel.
Safety
No specific safety concerns beyond standard travel precautions were noted for this port.
Currency and Language
The national currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). However, U.S. dollars are widely accepted, with a standard exchange rate for small quantities being approximately 16,000 Dong to US$1. ATMs are increasingly common in larger cities and tourist destinations. Bargaining is expected for most purchases. The native language is Vietnamese, but English is becoming more popular as a second language, with English study being obligatory in most schools. Internet access is available in Vung Tau.