Why Vung Tau stole our hearts
When I first asked my teenage daughters what a perfect beach day looked like, they both shouted “water slides!” and “ice‑cream stalls.” I laughed, grabbed a map, and headed south from Ho Chi Minh City. Two hours later, the salty breeze of Vung Tau greeted us, and the kids sprinted straight to the sand. The water was clear enough to see the tiny fish darting near the shore, and the beach stretched wide enough for us to claim a spot without bumping into strangers.
Getting there without a headache
The easiest way is to hop on a private car or a reputable shuttle service from District 1. The drive follows the coastal highway, offering occasional glimpses of the sea—great for keeping the kids entertained. As of December 2024, a round‑trip private transfer costs around 1,200,000 VND, but you can split the fare with other families you meet at the hotel.
If you’re on a tighter budget, the local bus (route 79) departs every half hour and drops you off near the main promenade. The ride is about 30 minutes longer, but the scenery makes up for the extra time.
Where to stay for a week‑long adventure
We chose the Allegro Beach Resort because it sits right on the sand and offers a kids’ pool with a shallow slide. The rooms are spacious, and the staff helped us arrange daily activities. At the time of writing, a family room with breakfast runs about 3,500,000 VND per night.
If you prefer something quieter, the Ho Tram Beach Resort a few kilometers north offers a more secluded stretch of sand and a small playground. Both places have on‑site restaurants that serve fresh seafood and, crucially, ice‑cream for the kids.
Three practical tips that saved our vacation
- Bring a portable shade tent. The sun can be intense even in December, and the public umbrellas on the beach are often crowded. A small pop‑up tent gave us a private spot to relax and kept the kids cool.
- Rent a paddle‑board early. The local shop near the pier offers board rentals for about 150,000 VND per hour. My 14‑year‑old loved gliding across the calm water while my 9‑year‑old tried a beginner’s lesson. It’s a great way to keep teens engaged without the usual beach boredom.
- Plan a half‑day island hop. A short boat ride to the nearby Con Dao islands (about 45 minutes) lets you explore hidden coves and collect shells. The trips leave from Vung Tau’s pier at 10 am and 2 pm, and the price includes a guide who knows the safest swimming spots.
What keeps kids entertained all week
Beyond the water, Vung Tau’s promenade is lined with street vendors selling fresh fruit smoothies, grilled corn, and the ever‑popular bánh xèo (savoury pancakes). My daughters spent afternoons building sandcastles near the pier, while I watched the sunset from the hilltop lighthouse—a short walk that offers panoramic views of the coastline.
Evenings are perfect for a stroll along the night market. The stalls sell toys, trinkets, and a surprisingly good selection of local ice‑cream flavors like durian and coconut. The market’s lively atmosphere kept the teens entertained without the need for a club.
Wrapping up our beach week
Leaving Vung Tau felt bittersweet. The kids had learned to surf a little, tried paddle‑boarding, and collected enough shells to fill a small jar. For families based in Ho Chi Minh City looking for a beach that balances safety, fun, and a touch of adventure, Vung Tau delivers every time. Pack a light bag, bring a shade tent, and let the coast do the rest.
