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Ba Ria-Vung Tau - Travel destination image
Ba Ria-Vung Tau - Travel destination image
Ba Ria-Vung Tau - Travel destination image
Ba Ria-Vung Tau - Travel destination image

Ba Ria-Vung Tau

ProvinceVietnam, Asia

Ba Ria-Vung Tau is a STATE in Vietnam, Asia.

Ba Ria-Vung Tau is Vietnam's premier coastal escape, where golden beaches meet spiritual grandeur and industrial energy. The province's crown jewel is Vung Tau City, a charming peninsula resort town just two hours from Ho Chi Minh City, offering stunning beaches like Back Beach and Front Beach with their distinct atmospheres. The region's most iconic landmark is the towering 32-meter-tall Christ the King statue atop Nho Mountain, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the East Sea. Beyond the beaches, discover the sacred serenity of the Niet Ban Tinh Xa pagoda complex and the historic White Palace. The province is also the heart of Vietnam's offshore oil industry, giving it a unique, prosperous character. For nature lovers, the Con Dao archipelago—a remote district of the province—is a paradise of pristine islands, historical significance as a former prison site, and incredible marine biodiversity perfect for diving and eco-tourism. From fresh seafood feasts along the coast to exploring French-colonial architecture, Ba Ria-Vung Tau presents a captivating blend of relaxation, culture, and natural beauty.

Best time to visit Ba Ria-Vung Tau

December to April is the ideal dry season with sunny skies, lower humidity, and calm seas, perfect for beach activities and exploring. The rainy season from May to November sees frequent, heavy showers and higher humidity, though storms are less common than in central Vietnam. September to November can be particularly wet. Visiting during Vietnamese holidays like Tet (late Jan/early Feb) offers cultural immersion but expect crowds and higher prices.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather
Warm 25-30°C, rain easing

Travel notes

Crowds
Low
Prices
Low

Transition month

Know before you go

Getting there

VCS

Con Dao Airport

Domestic

0 km away

SGN

Tan Son Nhat International Airport

International

100 km away

VTG

Vung Tau Airport

Domestic

5 km away

Getting around

"The most convenient way to explore is by motorbike or scooter rental, widely available in Vung Tau. Taxis (Mai Linh, Vinasun are reputable) and ride-hailing apps (Grab) operate in Vung Tau and Ba Ria cities. For longer distances, local buses connect towns within the province. Ferries and speedboats (from Vung Tau or Soc Trang) are essential for reaching the Con Dao Islands. Renting a car with a driver is a comfortable option for day trips. The province is compact, making cycling a pleasant option in less traffic-heavy areas."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

30 Mbps

Mobile data

Excellent

WiFi

Widely available in cities and tourist areas

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport from $3

Calling code

+84

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Generally safe, but watch for petty theft and taxi scams.

Night safety

7/10

Generally safe, but watch for petty theft and taxi scams.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Ba Ria-Vung Tau is generally safe for tourists. Exercise normal precautions: secure valuables, especially on crowded beaches. Petty theft like bag-snatching can occur on motorbikes; keep bags away from the roadside. Swimming safety: heed warning flags on beaches, as currents can be strong. Traffic is the primary hazard; be extremely cautious when crossing streets. Common scams are rare but be wary of overcharging by unmetered taxis or at informal seafood stalls. The Con Dao islands are very safe. Avoid isolated areas at night."
Police

113

Ambulance

115

Fire

114

Tourist Police

Entry and health

Health information

"Medical facilities in Vung Tau City are adequate for routine care, with hospitals like Vung Tau General Hospital. For serious emergencies, evacuation to Ho Chi Minh City is common. Travelers should have comprehensive travel insurance. Recommended vaccinations include routine shots plus Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, and Tetanus. Dengue fever is a risk; use mosquito repellent. Tap water is not safe to drink; consume bottled water. Seafood is fresh but ensure it's properly cooked to avoid foodborne illness. Pharmacies are widely available in towns."

Culture

Local customs

"Dress modestly when visiting pagodas and temples (cover shoulders and knees). Remove shoes before entering religious sites and some homes. Tipping is not customary but appreciated in tourist areas; 5-10% in restaurants is fine if service charge isn't included. Greet people with a slight nod or a handshake. When handing items to someone, use both hands as a sign of respect. Public displays of affection are frowned upon. When eating, wait for the eldest to start the meal. Avoid touching people's heads."
VietnameseEnglish (in tourist areas)

Costs and practicals

Currency

Vietnamese Dong (VND) · ₫

Cost level

Budget

Meals

$2-5 | a cheap local meal costs around $2-5

Hotels

$15-40 | budget hotels range $15-40/night

Local transport

$1 | local bus ride ~$1

Cost notes

Prices are lower than in Ho Chi Minh City. Mid-range and luxury options are also available.

Timezone

Asia/Ho_Chi_Minh +07:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

1,200,000

Area

1,989.5 km²

Government

Provincial People's Committee

ISO code

77

Type

Province

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: VRB, Vietnam - Russia Joint Venture Bank, Ngân hàng Liên doanh Việt - Nga, Hau Duc, Hậu Đúc, Tien Tra, Tiên Trà, Tra Mi, Tra My, Trà Mi, Trà My

Major HubBeachHistoric CityFamily-FriendlyHikingIslandSeafood