Back Beach Vung Tau: A Guide to Vung Tau’s Popular Seaside Escape

Back Beach Vung Tau, also known as Bai Sau or Thuy Van Beach, is one of the city’s most popular places for swimming, walking, and enjoying the sea. Its wide sandy shore is now complemented by a redesigned waterfront with green spaces, promenades, Tam Thang Square, and new coastal landmarks. From sunrise swims to evening walks by the sea, Back Beach offers an easygoing beach experience for families, couples, and groups of friends.

1. Back Beach Vung Tau at a Glance

Back Beach combines a long sandy shore with a modern waterfront - Source: Pinterest

Back Beach stretches along the eastern side of Vung Tau, following the Thuy Van coastal road. The most heavily used section extends for several kilometres, offering a broad sandy shoreline with open sea views and convenient access to hotels, restaurants and other visitor services. For travelers planning the journey from Saigon to Vung Tau, this coastal area is a convenient base for a beach break, although weekends and public holidays are especially busy. 

The beachfront has also changed significantly in recent years. The Thuy Van renovation project reshaped more than three kilometres of the coastal corridor with a large public seaside park, landscaped areas, walking spaces and a central square. The upgraded waterfront was inaugurated in December 2025, while Tam Thang Square and Tam Thang Tower have become prominent new landmarks along Back Beach.

2. Best Experiences to Try at Back Beach Vung Tau

Back Beach is ideal for swimming, sunrise views and seaside walks - Source: Pinterest

Back Beach works particularly well for travelers who want a classic seaside day without moving between too many locations. Swimming, relaxing on the sand, watching the sunrise and exploring the renewed waterfront can all be enjoyed within the same coastal area.

2.1. Swim and Relax on the Wide Sandy Beach

The broad sandy shore makes Back Beach popular for swimming - Source: Pinterest

Swimming is one of the main reasons travelers choose Back Beach Vung Tau. The sandy shoreline is relatively broad and gently sloping in many sections, giving visitors space to swim, sit by the water or simply relax on the beach. Mornings and late afternoons are especially popular because the sunshine is less intense and the temperature is generally more comfortable for spending time outdoors.

If you prefer a slower beach day, bring a towel, find a spot on the sand and enjoy the sea without planning too many activities. Families often combine swimming with simple games on the beach, while couples and groups of friends can spend several hours relaxing before moving to the waterfront for food or an evening walk. Beach conditions can vary from day to day, so swimmers should still follow local safety signs and lifeguard instructions.

>>> Read more: Vung Tau Day Tour from Ho Chi Minh City: Beach Stop and Sightseeing 

2.2. Watch the Sunrise Over Back Beach

Early mornings bring soft light and peaceful sunrise views - Source: Pinterest

Back Beach faces east, making it one of the most rewarding places in Vung Tau to start the day. In the early morning, the first light spreads across the sea while the beach is still relatively quiet. Walkers, runners and early swimmers gradually appear along the shore, creating a calm but lively atmosphere before the busier part of the day begins.

For a better chance of catching the sunrise, arrive before the sun reaches the horizon and allow some extra time to find an open spot along the beach. During the drier months, sunrise is typically around the early-morning period and clearer skies can make the experience more enjoyable. Even if photography is not your priority, walking barefoot along the sand while the city wakes up is a simple way to experience a quieter side of Back Beach.

2.3. Explore Tam Thang Square and the New Waterfront Park

Tam Thang Square adds a new landmark to Back Beach - Source: Pinterest

The redesigned Thuy Van waterfront has added a more modern public-space experience to Back Beach. Tam Thang Square and Tam Thang Tower now form one of the main visual highlights of the coastal area, with open spaces for walking, taking photos and looking out toward the sea. The square connects directly with the wider waterfront landscape, making it easy to combine a beach visit with a relaxed stroll through the renovated area.

The wider Thuy Van coastal park spans more than 20 hectares and includes landscaped areas, pedestrian spaces and improved public facilities along the shore. The renewed waterfront gives visitors more options beyond swimming, especially for families with children, older travelers or anyone who simply wants to enjoy the sea without spending the whole visit on the sand.

2.4. Enjoy an Evening Stroll Along Thuy Van Beachfront

Thuy Van waterfront becomes especially pleasant after the afternoon heat - Source: Pinterest

As the temperature drops toward evening, the Thuy Van beachfront becomes a comfortable place for walking and enjoying the sea breeze. The renovated promenade and public spaces make it easier to move along the coast, while the beach itself becomes less focused on swimming and more on casual evening activity.

An evening stroll works well after a day of swimming or sightseeing at landmarks such as Vung Tau Lighthouse. Back at Thuy Van, walk through the coastal park, stop around Tam Thang Square, take photos of the illuminated waterfront or continue toward one of the nearby restaurants. The atmosphere is usually livelier on weekends, while weekday evenings can feel more relaxed. 

3. When Is the Best Time to Visit Back Beach Vung Tau?

Dry months generally bring better conditions for a Back Beach trip - Source: Pinterest

For travelers prioritizing swimming and outdoor beach activities, the drier period from roughly December to March is particularly convenient. Rain is less frequent, sunshine is more reliable and sea conditions are often more comfortable for swimming. Local travel guidance also recommends early morning from around 6:00 - 8:30 or late afternoon from about 16:30 onward to avoid the strongest daytime sun.

Back Beach can still be visited during the wetter months, but plans should be more flexible. Short showers, stronger winds or rougher sea conditions can affect swimming, so checking the weather forecast before heading out is useful. Weekends and public holidays are typically busier, while weekday mornings are a better option for travelers looking for more space and a quieter atmosphere.

>>> Read more: Best Time to Visit Vietnam With Family: Weather & Travel Tips 

4. What Services and Facilities Are Available at Back Beach?

Hotels, food and visitor services line the Back Beach area - Source: Pinterest

Back Beach is one of Vung Tau’s most developed coastal areas, so visitors have convenient access to accommodation, restaurants, cafés and other travel services along or near Thuy Van Street. Traditional beach services such as umbrellas and seating have also long been available in the area, while nearby hotels and resorts provide additional dining, swimming and leisure facilities.

The renewed coastal park has expanded the public space available for walking, resting and spending time beside the sea. Around the wider beachfront, visitors can also find parking areas, landscaped spaces and access to food and drinks. Service availability and prices may vary between sections of the beach, so it is sensible to check prices before renting equipment or ordering food.

5. Swimming Safety and Tips for Back Beach Vung Tau

Follow beach warnings and swim only in designated safe areas - Source: Pinterest

Back Beach is widely used for swimming, but sea conditions should never be assumed to be the same every day. Choose areas monitored by lifeguards, follow warning flags and avoid entering the water when waves are strong or weather conditions are unstable. Swimming after dark is not recommended, and children should always be supervised closely near the shoreline.

Bring sunscreen, a hat, drinking water and suitable beachwear, especially if you plan to spend several hours outdoors. Keep phones, wallets and other valuables secure rather than leaving them unattended on the sand. It is also worth checking the daily weather and sea forecast before swimming, particularly during the rainy season or when thunderstorms and strong winds are expected.

6. FAQs About Back Beach Vung Tau

6.1. Is Back Beach Vung Tau free to visit?

Yes. Visitors can generally access Back Beach and the public waterfront without paying an entrance fee, making it easy to stop by for swimming, walking, sunrise watching or simply relaxing by the sea. You may still need to pay for optional services such as parking, food, drinks, beach equipment or private activities, so it is useful to check prices before using any service.

6.2. Is Back Beach Vung Tau suitable for children?

Yes. Back Beach is suitable for families because it has broad sandy areas and convenient access to food, accommodation and other services, while children can enjoy playing on the sand or swimming when sea conditions are calm. Parents should still supervise young children closely, follow local safety warnings and choose designated swimming areas, especially when waves or currents are stronger.

6.3. Back Beach or Front Beach: Which offers a better beach experience?

Back Beach is generally the better choice for swimming, relaxing on the sand and enjoying a traditional beach day, while Front Beach is more suitable for sunset views, seaside walks and experiencing the atmosphere of central Vung Tau. If your schedule allows, combining both works well: spend the earlier part of the day at Back Beach and head to Front Beach later for sunset and an evening stroll.

Exploring Back Beach Vung Tau is an easy way to enjoy Vung Tau’s seaside lifestyle, whether you prefer an early swim, sunrise views or an evening walk along the renewed Thuy Van waterfront. Plan your visit around comfortable beach hours, check sea conditions before swimming and leave time to explore Tam Thang Square and the coastal park. For help with transportation and a personalized itinerary, contact Joytime: Vietnam Travel. Our team can help you include Back Beach in a relaxed and well-planned Vung Tau trip.