Where to stay in Vung Tau: the areas at a glance
Vung Tau sits on a peninsula in southern Vietnam, and the choice of where to stay in Vung Tau comes down to which stretch of coast suits your plans. Back Beach (Bai Sau) is the long sandy beach with accommodation, cafes, beach clubs and parasol rental. Front Beach (Bai Truoc) is the central waterfront with a park and promenade. Further along the coast, Long Hai and Ho Tram are separate places with their own character.
This page describes areas, not individual properties. Hotel names and room prices change often, so use the area notes below to narrow the choice, then compare current listings for the dates you want. Most visitors arrive on a day trip or a weekend break from Saigon, so a second look at the getting there page helps you judge how far from the pier or the road you want to sleep.
Our pick: a half day from where you stay
This half-day trip starts right in Vung Tau with private transport and a guide, so it fits once you have chosen where to stay and want to see the city.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Day tours that fit a stay in Vung Tau
A private half-day tour with transport, guide and entrance tickets, plus other Vung Tau day trips you can add to a stay in town.
Vung Tau hotels by area
Pick the coastline first, then the hotel.
Back Beach (Bai Sau)
Back Beach is the part of town most visitors picture when they think of the coast. The national tourism authority describes it as a sandy beach with accommodation, restaurants, beach clubs and parasol rental, so you can step out of your door into a ready-made beach day. It suits travellers who want sea views, evening food on the seafront and an easy walk to the sand. Many places along the front advertise a beachfront hotel in Vung Tau, but each property decides how close it really is, so ask for the walking route to the beach before booking.
Back Beach is also where crowds build on busy days. A press report from early September 2026 described packed sand and heavy traffic on the roads along the shore. If you want a quiet room, ask for one away from the main road.
Front Beach (Bai Truoc)
Front Beach lies in the centre of town along Quang Trung and Tran Phu streets. It has a park, a promenade and boats at anchor, and it is better for strolling and sunset views than for a long beach day. Staying here puts cafes, markets and the lower slopes of the mountains within walking distance. Some properties here are by the sea, but direct access to the water is not something every room offers, so check the exact location instead of assuming it.
Because it is central, Front Beach works well as a base for the sights covered on the things to do page, and for the climb to the statue and lighthouse described in the Christ statue and lighthouse guide.
Long Hai and Ho Tram
Long Hai is a separate place beside Vung Tau, known to day trippers for the temple with the macaques. Ho Tram lies further along the coast and is described by the national tourism guide as a resort and villa area. Both suit travellers who prefer a quieter stay and do not mind a drive into town. You will find rentals described as a villa or a Vung Tau resort mostly in this stretch. The Ho Tram and Long Hai page covers the distances and what to see there.
Weekends and public days off
Vung Tau is a popular weekend escape, and an official tourism post from June 2025 reported stronger demand around weekends and public days off. The beach crowds of early September 2026 point the same way. Weekend and festival rates can differ from weekday rates, so compare the dates you actually want rather than a general price. If your plans are flexible, a midweek night usually gives you quieter streets and beaches.
Arriving from Saigon
The ride from Saigon by limousine or bus takes about 2 hours, and the fast boat is listed at about 120 minutes. Where you sleep affects the last stretch: Back Beach is further from the town centre than Front Beach, and Ho Tram is a longer drive again. Read the Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau page for the routes before you pick the area.
Staying in town and seeing the coast
If you base yourself in the city, a private half-day tour with transport, an English-speaking guide, entrance tickets and bottled water takes care of the sights without a rented bike. Combining a beach stay with a longer outing is also possible, but check what each booking includes, as an overnight stay is not part of a day trip.
Where to stay in Vung Tau: frequently asked questions
Which area is best for a first visit?
Front Beach is central and convenient for sights, restaurants and the waterfront promenade. Back Beach suits you better if the beach is the main reason for the trip.
Can I walk from my room straight into the sea?
That depends on the individual property. Ask for the exact walking route to the beach before you book, especially at Front Beach.
Is Ho Tram part of Vung Tau?
Ho Tram is a separate coastal area further along the shore. It is known for resorts and villas, and you will need a drive to reach the city sights.
Should I book ahead for weekends?
Weekends and public days off bring more visitors, so reserve early and compare rates for your exact dates.
Can I combine a hotel stay with a day tour?
Yes. Many day tours start in Saigon, so look for a tour that starts in Vung Tau itself, such as a private half-day tour, and check what each booking includes.