Vung Tau City Sightseeing Tour By Speedboat From Ho Chi Minh

If you’re looking to escape the chaos of Ho Chi Minh City and spend a day exploring Vietnam’s coastal charm, this Vung Tau sightseeing tour could be just what you need. For around $160 per person, you’ll enjoy a speedboat ride that whisks you across the Saigon River, setting the tone for an adventurous day. Once in Vung Tau, the itinerary is packed with visits to iconic landmarks like Dinh Mountain, Sui Tiên Waterfall, and the impressive Jesus Statue, capped off with a seafood tasting experience. The day concludes with a comfortable ride back to Ho Chi Minh by private car.

What we particularly like about this tour is the combination of sea, scenery, and culture—the boat ride offers a refreshing perspective of the landscape, and the landmarks give a glimpse of local spirituality and history. The street food tasting is another highlight, providing a delicious and authentic flavor of Vung Tau’s culinary scene. However, the sea voyage might be a consideration if you’re prone to seasickness, as the boat ride can be lively depending on the weather.

This tour is ideal for travelers who love a mix of scenic views, cultural sites, and local eats—all wrapped into one day. It’s suited for those who want a hassle-free way to see Vung Tau’s highlights without the need to plan transport or logistics themselves. Just keep in mind that it’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or anyone with mobility issues, given the physical aspects of sightseeing and boat travel.

Key Points

• Fast and scenic: Speedboat from Saigon offers quick access and great views.
• Diverse attractions: From waterfalls to statues, there’s a mix of nature and culture.
• Authentic flavors: Street food tastings showcase local Vietnamese cuisine.
• Comfortable return: Private car keeps the journey back relaxed and hassle-free.
• Ideal for active travelers: The tour involves some walking and climbing, so be prepared.
• Limited flexibility: It’s a structured day, so be on time for each stop.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Authentic Coastal Escape: A Detailed Look at the Vung Tau Tour

This full-day experience begins in Ho Chi Minh City, where hotel pick-up and a speedboat transfer kick things off. The boat ride is not just practical—cutting travel time from hours by road to roughly an hour by water—it’s also a chance to enjoy some striking river and sea views that many land-based travelers miss. The boat’s speed and the open-air deck make it a lively, invigorating start. While some travelers mention that seasickness could be a concern, most find the ride exciting and scenic.

Once you arrive in Vung Tau, the adventure starts with a private car tour around the city’s highlights. The first stop is Dinh Mountain, home to a peaceful temple and offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape. The lush greenery and quiet atmosphere provide a nice contrast to the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh. The nearby Sui Tiên Waterfall is another peaceful spot, where you can enjoy the natural surroundings and snap some great photos.

Next, the Jesus Statue looms large—one of Asia’s tallest Christ statues—perched atop a hill. Climbing up to the statue’s viewing platform rewards you with sweeping coastal views and a sense of awe at the scale of this religious landmark. Many visitors comment on how impressive it is to see the statue’s size up close and to take in the panoramic vistas of the city and sea.

The Vung Tau Lighthouse is another highlight, perched on a hilltop that offers some of the best sea-scape views of the entire trip. It’s a great spot for a few photos, especially if you’re into maritime scenery. The lighthouse’s history adds a layer of interest, and the surrounding area is perfect for a brief walk or relaxing moment.

No coastal outing would be complete without sampling local seafood and street food. The tour includes a food tasting experience—think fresh seafood stalls and local street eats—giving you the chance to try dishes that are both flavorful and authentic. Many reviews praise the variety and freshness of the food, which helps to turn the day into a true cultural experience.

The tour wraps up with some leisure time at a seaside café, where you can enjoy a drink and reflect on the day. Afterwards, you’ll be driven back to Ho Chi Minh City in a private vehicle, arriving comfortably in the evening.

What’s Included and What Matters

This tour offers a comprehensive package: speedboat transfer, private car touring, guide service, admission fees for the landmarks, and street food tastings. The all-inclusive nature means less planning and more enjoying—an attractive feature for travelers wanting a hassle-free day.

The cost of $160 is reasonable for the amount of ground covered, especially considering the private transport and guided visits. The inclusion of hotel pick-up and drop-off adds convenience, particularly if you’re staying in central Ho Chi Minh City.

Practical Tips and Considerations

To get the most out of this tour, bring comfortable clothes, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera—the views are photogenic, and you’ll want to capture the landscape. If you’re planning to swim or spend time at the beach, packing swimwear is wise. Keep in mind that smoking and alcohol are prohibited, so this isn’t a party day, but rather an active sightseeing experience. Also, this tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with back problems, or wheelchair users due to the physical nature of some stops and walking involved.

Who Will This Tour Suit?

If you’re eager to explore off-the-beaten-path sites with a mix of scenic beauty and cultural landmarks, you’ll find this tour rewarding. It’s ideal for active travelers who enjoy a combination of boat rides, walking tours, and street food. The tour’s focus on iconic sights and authentic local flavors makes it perfect for those wanting a balanced, immersive day without the hassle of planning logistics themselves.

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Final Thoughts

This Vung Tau day trip from Ho Chi Minh City offers a well-rounded experience—blending adventure, culture, and cuisine—all within a single, comfortably paced day. The speedboat ride provides a fun and scenic start, while the landmarks give insight into the local spiritual and maritime traditions. The street food tasting not only satisfies hunger but also offers a delicious taste of Vietnamese life.

For travelers who love stunning views and want to see a different side of Vietnam’s coast, this tour packs in enough highlights to justify the price. It’s a flexible, engaging way to enjoy Vung Tau without the stress of organizing your transport or itinerary.

If you’re after an authentic, scenic, and culturally rich day trip, this tour hits the mark. Just remember to come prepared for some walking and the weather, and you’ll leave with memorable sights and stories to tell.

FAQ

What is the main mode of transportation for this tour?
You’ll travel by speedboat from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau, which offers quick transit and scenic river views.

How do I get back to Ho Chi Minh City after the tour?
The return is via private car, providing a comfortable and direct journey back to your hotel or drop-off point.

Is this tour suitable for families?
It’s generally suitable for most active travelers, but not recommended for pregnant women, those with back issues, or wheelchair users due to walking and physical activity involved.

What should I bring for the day?
Bring hat, sunscreen, camera, water, comfortable clothes, and swimwear if you plan to enjoy beach activities.

Are food and drinks included?
While the street food tasting is included, additional drinks or meals outside the tasting are not, so consider bringing your own or exploring local options.

How long is the boat ride?
The speedboat ride from Saigon to Vung Tau takes roughly an hour, providing a swift and scenic crossing.

What are the main attractions I will see?
You’ll visit Dinh Mountain, Sui Tiên Waterfall, the Jesus Statue, and the Vung Tau Lighthouse, each offering unique views and photo opportunities.

Is the tour flexible in timing?
The itinerary is structured, but there is some room for brief leisure or photo stops at each site.

What is the tour price?
The tour costs around $160 per person, which covers boat transfer, private car, guide, entrance fees, and food tastings.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some peace of mind when booking.

This detailed tour provides a rewarding blend of adventure, culture, and culinary exploration—perfect for those wanting a taste of Vietnam’s coast with all the logistics taken care of.

You can check availability for your dates here: