If you want an easy swim, a long run on the sand, or seafood served steps from the water, Back Beach is the first place to look when you head from Ho Chi Minh City to the coast.
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Back Beach, officially named Bai Thuy Van, stretches nearly 8 km from Nghinh Phong cape. Unlike the sheltered Front Beach with its busy boat traffic, Back Beach faces the open sea, with moderate waves that suit swimming and bodyboarding. Thanks to its unusual length, it ranks among the longest urban beaches in southern Vietnam.
Vung Tau has been Saigon’s seaside escape since the French colonial era. After 1975, Back Beach grew into the area’s main tourism strip, now lined with hotels, resorts, and seafood restaurants. The coastal road, Thuy Van street, is planted with shade trees, which makes it pleasant for walks and bike rides.
Swimming is the main event. The water is clean with moderate salinity, safe for children. Early morning or late afternoon is the best time. Along the sand you will find plenty of stalls renting umbrellas, chairs, and swim rings. If you like to move, you can run up to 5 km along the shore.
The area is also famous for fresh seafood. Casual and upscale restaurants alike serve crab, shrimp, squid, and snails along the promenade. Do not miss banh khot, the crispy shrimp pancakes that are Vung Tau’s signature dish. Weekends are livelier, but the sheer length of the beach means a quiet corner is never far.
From Ho Chi Minh City, take a coach (operators such as Phuong Trang run frequent departures) from Mien Dong station or Dien Bien Phu street. The ride takes 2 to 2.5 hours and costs 150,000 to 200,000 VND per person. Bus 04, which starts at Nga Tu Hang Xanh, is the budget option at 80,000 VND. Riding a motorbike or driving a car along National Road 51 is straightforward, with good road quality and many rest stops.
Places to stay along Thuy Van street range from simple guesthouses (300,000 to 500,000 VND per night) to five star resorts. For food, try banh cuon or crab noodle soup for breakfast, then head to a casual seafood spot for lunch or dinner, typically 200,000 to 400,000 VND per person. Bring flip flops, sunscreen, and drinking water. Avoid leaving valuables on the sand while you swim.
Yes, entry to the beach is completely free. You only pay if you rent an umbrella, a chair, or lockers.
About 2 to 2.5 hours by coach or car. By motorbike it takes 2.5 to 3 hours depending on speed.
Generally yes, though heavy rain can make it murky. Lifeguard stations post daily swimming safety notices.
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Keep exploringVung Tau sits about 100 km from Ho Chi Minh City. Compare the expressway, the coastal road, and the ferry, and pick the
