Where Is Vung Tau? Location, Distance & How to Get There

Where is Vung Tau? This popular seaside destination lies on Vietnam’s southern coast, on a peninsula surrounded by the sea and within easy reach of central Ho Chi Minh City. Its convenient location makes Vung Tau a popular choice for short beach escapes, weekend trips, and coastal sightseeing. This guide explains exactly where Vung Tau is, how far it is from Ho Chi Minh City, and the easiest ways to get there.

1. Where Is Vung Tau in Vietnam?

Vung Tau lies on a peninsula along Southern Vietnam’s coast - Source: Pinterest

If you are wondering where Vung Tau is in Vietnam, it is located on the southern coast of the country, at the tip of the Vung Tau Peninsula. The destination faces the sea on several sides and is characterized by a combination of beaches, hills and bays. Its peninsula setting is one of the reasons visitors can experience very different coastal scenes within a relatively compact area, from the long sandy shoreline of Back Beach to the sheltered waterfront around Front Beach. Earlier tourism references also describe Vung Tau as a peninsula roughly 100 kilometers from central Ho Chi Minh City.

For travelers searching “is Vung Tau in Ho Chi Minh”, the current administrative answer is yes. Following the 2025 administrative reorganization, the former Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu Province, Bình Dương Province and Ho Chi Minh City were reorganized into the expanded Ho Chi Minh City. The former Vung Tau city area was divided into several wards, including Vung Tau, Tam Thang, Rach Dua and Phuoc Thang; the central historic and tourism area is largely associated with Vung Tau Ward.

This means older Vietnam Vung Tau travel guides that describe Vung Tau as a city of Ba Ria–Vung Tau Province reflect the previous administrative structure. For tourism purposes, however, the name “Vung Tau” continues to be widely used for the familiar coastal destination and former city area, while this Travel Vietnam Guide provides broader information for planning a trip across the country. 

2. How Far Is Vung Tau from Ho Chi Minh City?

Central Ho Chi Minh City and Vung Tau are about 100 kilometers apart - Source: Pinterest

Vung Tau is approximately 96 - 100 kilometers southeast of central Ho Chi Minh City, depending on the starting point and route. By road, most journeys take around 2 to 2.5 hours by car under normal conditions, although weekend and holiday traffic can increase travel time. The destination’s relatively short distance from central Saigon has helped make it one of the most practical beach escapes for residents and visitors staying in Ho Chi Minh City.

The wording can seem slightly confusing now because both central Saigon and Vung Tau are administratively within Ho Chi Minh City. For travelers, it is more useful to think of the trip as traveling from central Ho Chi Minh City to the Vung Tau coastal area, rather than traveling between two separate provinces or cities.

>>> Read more: How Far from Saigon to Vung Tau? Transportation Options for Your Trip

3. How to Get to Vung Tau

Road and high-speed ferry services connect central Ho Chi Minh City with Vung Tau - Source: Bao Tuoi Tre

Travelers have several practical ways to reach Vung Tau from central Ho Chi Minh City. The best option depends on whether you prioritize flexibility, cost or avoiding road traffic. Keeping a few practical Vietnam travel tips in mind can also make it easier to choose transportation and prepare for the journey. 

• By private car or transfer: Driving is convenient for families and groups. Cars can use the Ho Chi Minh City–Long Thanh–Dau Giay Expressway before connecting toward National Highway 51 and Vung Tau. Travel commonly takes around 2–2.5 hours, depending on traffic.
• By limousine or coach: Frequent services connect central Ho Chi Minh City and major bus terminals with Vung Tau. This is one of the easiest choices for travelers who do not want to drive, with journey times usually around 2.5–3 hours depending on the service and traffic.
• By motorbike: Motorbikes are popular with independent travelers, but they cannot use expressway sections where motorcycles are prohibited. Riders commonly follow routes connecting to National Highway 51 and should allow roughly 2.5–3 hours or more depending on traffic and stops.
• By high-speed ferry: GreenlinesDP operates between Bach Dang Speed Ferry Terminal in central Ho Chi Minh City and the pier at the Ho May Tourism Area in Vung Tau. The operator’s current timetable lists the journey at approximately two hours, offering a convenient alternative for travelers who prefer to avoid highway congestion.

The materials you provided also highlight road coaches and high-speed boats as long-established transport options between Ho Chi Minh City and Vung Tau.

>>> Read more: Day Tour: Exploring Vung Tau from Ho Chi Minh City

4. What Is Vung Tau Known For?

Beaches, viewpoints and historic landmarks define the Vung Tau experience - Source: Pinterest

Vung Tau is best known as a coastal escape where beaches sit close to mountains, historic architecture and seaside roads. Its compact tourism area makes it possible to combine swimming, sightseeing and sunset views without spending much of the day traveling between attractions.

• Back Beach (Bai Sau): Vung Tau’s best-known swimming beach, with a long sandy shoreline and a recently upgraded waterfront area. Tourism sources have long identified it as the destination’s main beach for recreation.
• Front Beach (Bai Truoc): A central waterfront better known for sunset views, seaside walks and its evening atmosphere than for a traditional beach day.
• Christ the King Statue: The 32-meter statue on Small Mountain is one of Vung Tau’s most recognizable landmarks and offers elevated views across the coastline.
• Vung Tau Lighthouse: Located on Small Mountain, the historic Vung Tau Lighthouse is a popular viewpoint over the peninsula, beaches and surrounding sea. 
• White Palace (Bach Dinh): A French colonial-era villa on the slopes of Big Mountain, combining architecture, historical displays and views toward the coast.

Together, these places explain why Vung Tau works well for short trips: travelers can spend the morning at the beach, visit a landmark or viewpoint in the afternoon and enjoy the waterfront later in the day.

5. FAQs About Vung Tau’s Location

5.1. Is Vung Tau an island or a peninsula?

Vung Tau is a peninsula, not an island. It extends into the sea at the southern edge of the mainland and is surrounded by coastal waters on several sides, which gives the destination its distinctive combination of beaches, bays and seaside roads. This geography also explains why places such as Back Beach and Front Beach have noticeably different orientations and coastal scenery.

5.2. What is the nearest airport to Vung Tau?

Long Thanh International Airport is geographically closer to Vung Tau than Tan Son Nhat International Airport, but as of September 2026 it is undergoing trial operations ahead of its planned commercial opening on December 1, 2026. For travelers flying to the region before regular operations begin, Tan Son Nhat International Airport remains the practical major airport, followed by a road transfer to Vung Tau. Travelers visiting later should check the operating status and available routes at Long Thanh before booking.

5.3. Can you visit Vung Tau as a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City?

Yes. With central Ho Chi Minh City roughly 100 kilometers away and typical road travel taking about two to three hours each way, Vung Tau can be visited as a day trip. Leaving early allows enough time for a beach visit, lunch and one or two landmarks before returning in the evening, although staying overnight provides a more relaxed experience and leaves time for both sunrise and evening activities.

5.4. How long should you stay in Vung Tau?

A day trip is enough for a quick introduction, but one to two nights gives most travelers a better balance between beaches, landmarks and local food. With two days, you can spend time at Back Beach, explore central Vung Tau, visit places such as the Christ the King Statue or White Palace and still leave room for a relaxed evening by the sea. Travelers planning a fuller itinerary can also browse Vung Tau tours for additional sightseeing options and experiences. 

Understanding where Vung Tau is makes it easier to see why this coastal destination works so well for a short escape from central Ho Chi Minh City. Its peninsula setting brings beaches, mountains and historic landmarks close together, while road and ferry connections make the journey relatively straightforward. For help with transportation and a personalized itinerary, contact Joytime: Vietnam Travel. Our team can help you include Vung Tau in a relaxed and well-planned Southern Vietnam trip.