Ho Chi Minh City: Vung Tau Beach Full-Day Trip with Lunch

A Relaxing Day by the Sea with Cultural Highlights: Vung Tau Beach Full-Day Trip

If you’re looking to escape the hustle of Ho Chi Minh City for a day, this Vung Tau Beach full-day tour offers a gentle blend of sun, sand, and Vietnamese culture. For $49, we get transportation, a hearty local lunch, and visits to iconic sights like the Jesus Christ Statue and Whale Temple. The tour typically starts early, with hotel pickups around 6:30 a.m., making it a great way to maximize your day without feeling rushed.

One of the best parts? The Thuy Van beach (Back beach), with its nearly 10 km of fine sand and gentle waves, promises a genuine beachside experience away from crowded city streets. And the chance to climb inside the Jesus Christ Statue—a striking landmark—adds a memorable touch. We also loved the visit to the Whale Temple, which offers a peek into local religious life and beliefs.

However, a consideration is that the tour is quite structured and leaves little room for extended leisure at each site, so if you’d prefer a more flexible or leisurely pace, this might not be your ideal choice. Still, if you enjoy a mix of natural beauty and cultural insights in a relatively short day, this trip is well worth it. It suits travelers who appreciate guided tours, want to see iconic sights with ease, and don’t mind a busy schedule.

Key Points

Includes transportation, guide, and lunch, offering good value for a full-day experience.
Visit multiple highlights, such as the Jesus Christ Statue, Whale Temple, and Cape Nghinh Phong.
Leisure time at Thuy Van beach allows for swimming and relaxing on Vietnam’s scenic coast.
Suitable for morning pickups, making the most of daylight hours.
Not ideal for travelers with mobility issues or those seeking unstructured free time.
Cultural sites require respectful attire, shoulders and knees covered.

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Exploring Ho Chi Minh City’s Coastal Escape

For many travelers, the charm of Ho Chi Minh City lies in its vibrant streets, bustling markets, and lively energy. But stepping out for a day to Vung Tau reveals a different side—where the sea meets religious monuments and quiet beaches. This tour offers a straightforward way to experience that without the hassle of planning transportation or figuring out what to see.

It’s a well-organized trip from LavylaGroup Travel that balances relaxation and sightseeing. You’ll hop into an air-conditioned vehicle, leaving behind the city’s noise for the scenic drive to Vung Tau, which takes about an hour. From the start, the tour gives you a sense of comfort and ease—everything from pickup to drop-off is handled, so you can focus on soaking up the sights.

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The Itinerary in Detail

Morning Pickup and Journey

The day begins early—around 6:30 a.m.—with pickup from your hotel in Districts 1, 3, or 4. For those staying outside these areas, there’s a modest surcharge of $10 per group. This early start is perfect for fitting in a full day; the drive to Vung Tau is smooth thanks to air-conditioned transport, and the guide (whose name isn’t specified but likely friendly and informative) keeps the energy lively without rushing.

Thuy Van Beach: Sun, Sand, and Serenity

Arriving around 9:00 a.m., your first stop is Thuy Van Beach. This stretch of shoreline is celebrated for its nearly 10 km of white sands and gentle surf—ideal for swimming or just lounging with a good book. As one reviewer noted, it’s “one of the nicest beaches in Vietnam,” offering a relaxing contrast to the city’s chaos.

You’ll have about an hour or so here to stretch your legs, wade in the water, or take photos of the scenic coast. We loved the authentic vibe—this isn’t a commercialized resort but a genuine Vietnamese beach spot, where local families also come to unwind.

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Lunch: Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine

Following beach time, the tour moves to a local restaurant for a Vietnamese lunch. The meal is included in the price, and the dishes tend to be hearty and flavorful—think fresh rice noodles, seafood, and vegetables. It’s a great opportunity to savor regional flavors and observe local dining customs.

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Afternoon Sights: Religious and Cultural Landmarks

Post-lunch, attention shifts to the cultural and religious highlights. The Jesus Christ Statue is the star attraction. Standing 32 meters tall on a hillside, it offers spectacular views of the coastline. Visitors can climb inside the statue, which is a rare opportunity to get close to this iconic figure—an experience that many find both awe-inspiring and humbling.

Next, the Whale Temple (Thang Tam Temple) offers insight into local spiritual beliefs. The temple’s unique whale motifs and tranquil atmosphere provide a quiet space to reflect and learn about Vietnamese religious practices.

Other notable stops include Bach Dinh (White Palace)—a French-colonial villa turned museum—and Cape Nghinh Phong, a scenic cape with panoramic views. The tour includes a brief break at each site, enough to appreciate their significance without feeling hurried.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

The day wraps up with a drive back, arriving around 6:00 p.m. This schedule allows travelers to enjoy a full day without feeling exhausted, though some reviews mention that the itinerary can be somewhat packed, leaving limited free time.

What Travelers Say: Honest Feedback

Many reviewers appreciate the value for money—at $49, the tour provides transportation, guided commentary, and multiple attractions. One traveler mentioned, “We loved the way the tour was organized, so we could see the main sights without stress.” Others highlighted the beautiful beach and the impressive view from the Jesus Statue as highlights.

A few noted that timing can be tight, especially if you want longer leisure at the beach or extra time at each site. Some also pointed out that the tour isn’t suited for those with mobility issues, as walking and climbing are involved.

Practical Tips for Travelers

Dress respectfully for religious sites—shoulders and knees covered.
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water for the beach.
Be punctual for pickup—latecomers aren’t waited for.
Remember that the tour is designed for a group, so flexibility is limited.
If you desire more leisure or a different pace, consider exploring independently.

Why This Tour Offers Good Value

At $49, this trip hits a sweet spot for travelers who want to see a different side of Vietnam without the hassle of organizing transport or guides. The inclusion of a local lunch and entry fees makes it an economical choice. While the schedule is somewhat full, it maximizes your experience by combining beach relaxation with cultural sightseeing.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour suits travelers who appreciate guided group experiences that combine natural beauty with cultural insights. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a quick, hassle-free escape from Ho Chi Minh City, especially if you enjoy spending time on the beach and exploring sites like the Jesus Statue and Whale Temple. However, it’s less suitable for those with mobility challenges or who prefer a more unstructured day.

FAQs

How long is the drive from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau?
It takes about an hour by bus or van, depending on traffic, making it a manageable day trip.

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes transportation, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, a Vietnamese lunch, and mineral water.

Is pickup available outside District 1?
Yes, pickup outside Districts 1, 3, and 4 is available for a $10 surcharge per group.

What should I wear for the cultural sites?
Dress modestly—shoulders and knees should be covered—for religious sites like the Whale Temple and pagoda.

Can I climb inside the Jesus Christ Statue?
Yes, part of the experience includes climbing inside the statue to enjoy the views.

How much free time is there at the beach?
About an hour, which is enough for swimming and relaxing but not for extended lounging.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not specifically designed for children, the sights are generally family-friendly, but be mindful of walking and climbing involved.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are meals included?
Yes, the lunch at a local restaurant is included. Other meals and drinks are not included.

What’s the best way to prepare?
Bring sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and a camera to capture the sights. Arrive on time for pickup.

This Vung Tau Beach day trip offers a balanced taste of Vietnam’s natural beauty and spiritual culture. It’s best for those who want a well-organized, value-packed day that covers iconic sights with minimal hassle. Whether you’re a beach lover, a culture buff, or just curious to see a different side of southern Vietnam, this tour has plenty to offer.