Vung Tau City Shore Excursion from Phu My Port offers a balanced mix of iconic sights, local culture, and relaxed beach vibes. Priced at $135 per person, this private 6 to 8-hour tour provides the flexibility to explore at your own pace, with the comfort of door-to-door pickup and drop-off in Ho Chi Minh City. A knowledgeable guide will accompany you, ensuring a smooth, personalized experience—ideal if you’re looking to avoid crowded group tours or want to focus on what interests you most.

What we love about this tour is how it covers both well-known attractions like the Christ the King Statue and the White Palace, along with lesser-visited spots such as the Whale Temple and Thich Ca Phat Dai Buddhist monastery. Plus, the included local lunch offers a taste of authentic Vietnamese cuisine, making this a well-rounded day. The downside? The itinerary is quite full, so if you prefer a more leisurely pace, you might want to focus on fewer stops.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate cultural sights, photo opportunities, and authentic local experiences. It’s especially great for those visiting Vietnam’s southern coast for the first time, eager to see a mix of natural beauty, religious symbols, and colonial history—all without sharing the experience with a large group.

Key Points

Private and Flexible: Go at your own pace with a dedicated guide and vehicle.
Diverse Highlights: Beaches, religious sites, colonial architecture, and local temples.
Authentic Taste: An included lunch lets you sample Vietnamese flavors.
Comfort and Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off make logistics simple.
Rich Cultural Insights: Your guide will help interpret the significance of each site.
Value for Money: Full-day, personalized experience at an accessible price.

Exploring Vung Tau: What to Expect from This Shore Excursion

If you’re stopping at Phu My Port and eager for a taste of Vietnam’s southern coast, this tour is designed to give you a well-rounded look at Vung Tau’s highlights. Let’s get into the details, so you know exactly what awaits.

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Starting with the Beaches: Bai Bin Vung Tau

Your day kicks off with a visit to Bai Bin Vung Tau. With four well-known beaches—Front Beach, Back Beach, Pineapple Beach, and Paradise Beach—you’ll want to choose your favorite for a quick stroll or photo. The tour highlights Front Beach, which, despite its popularity, tends to be crowded and less clean. So, if you’re after a more peaceful experience, consider exploring Back Beach, known for its cleaner sands and good surf conditions, perfect for kitesurfing.

While some might be put off by the crowds or pollution at Front Beach, the upside is seeing how bustling Vung Tau’s seaside is. We loved the way the local vibe spills onto the sands, with vendors and families enjoying the sun—an authentic scene rather than a sanitized tourist spot.

The Iconic Christ the King Statue

Next, your itinerary takes you to the Christ the King Statue—a defining symbol of Vung Tau. Standing 32 meters high, with arms spanning 18 meters, it surpasses Rio’s famous statue in size. From all over the city, you can see this giant figure atop Little Mountain.

Climbing the observatory inside the statue offers sweeping views of the city and sea, a highlight for many travelers. The statue, built in the early 1970s, is more than just a religious icon; it’s a testament to the city’s cultural identity. As one reviewer noted, the view from the top is “unforgettable,” and it’s a moment where you really appreciate the blend of faith, history, and geography.

Exploring Colonial Elegance at the White Palace

From the modern religious symbol, we shift to history and architecture at the White Palace (Bach Dinh). Perched 50 meters above sea level, this villa was initially a summer retreat for French officials in the late 19th century. Walking through its halls, you can imagine the days when French governors relaxed here, surrounded by lush scenery.

The white façade and hillside setting make it visually striking, and the tour includes a 45-minute visit. The palace now serves as a window into colonial Vietnam, and many visitors find that the cool interior offers a nice break from the sun.

Spiritual Serenity at Thich Ca Phat Dai

For those interested in spirituality, Thich Ca Phat Dai offers a peaceful retreat. This Buddhist monastery has been a spiritual hub since the early 1960s, with a zen-style brick temple and a large Shakyamuni Buddha statue on top of the hill. The grounds are expansive, with lodgings for pilgrims, making it a calming spot for reflection.

One reviewer appreciated the site’s peaceful atmosphere, making it a pleasant break from more bustling spots. It’s a reminder that Vung Tau isn’t just about beaches and sightseeing but also spiritual tradition.

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The Whale Temple and Its Whale Bones

Finally, the Whale Temple, built towards the end of the 19th century, features a huge whale skeleton—a fascinating relic of local fishing lore. According to stories, a massive whale head washed ashore in the mid-1800s, and over time, villagers preserved the bones and built a temple around them.

This site offers an unusual glimpse into local beliefs and fishing life, and many find it a quirky, memorable stop. The bones and skeletons are well-preserved, giving you a sense of the island’s maritime history.

Transportation and Practicalities

Your comfort is prioritized with air-conditioned transport throughout the day, making the sometimes warm or humid environment more bearable. The private vehicle means fewer stops, more flexibility, and a chance to customize your experience, unlike larger, shared tours.

The tour duration is approximately 6 to 8 hours, allowing plenty of time at each stop without feeling rushed. The hotel pickup and drop-off in Ho Chi Minh City is convenient, though travelers should note that the meeting point at the port is a bit further down than the main entrance, as some reviews pointed out.

Food and Beverages

A highlight is the included local lunch, where you’ll get a taste of authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Many reviews mention the delicious, well-prepared dishes, which add great value to the day. Bottled water is also provided, helping you stay hydrated amid the day’s exploration.

Cost and Value

At $135 per person, this private tour offers personalized attention and the freedom to explore at your own pace, which is often missing in larger group excursions. Compared to the cost of individual transportation, entrance fees, and meals, it’s a solid deal for those wanting a comprehensive, hassle-free day.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This trip is ideal for travelers eager to see a mix of natural beauty, history, and spirituality in Vung Tau. If you value having your own guide and vehicle, want to avoid crowds, and enjoy authentic local experiences, you’ll find this tour highly satisfying. It’s especially suitable for those who have limited time but want a full, meaningful day out, as many reviewers noted their trip was “great” and “well-organized,” with positive comments on the guides’ knowledge.

Final Thoughts

Vung Tau’s shrine-like statues, colonial architecture, and peaceful temples make this tour a layered glimpse into Vietnam’s diverse culture. The private format means you can linger longer at the spots that catch your eye or skip a few if they don’t interest you—giving you control over your day.

If you’re after a comfortable, curated experience that balances sightseeing, authentic food, and a touch of spiritual serenity, this tour delivers. The combination of highlights, local flavor, and the personal touch makes it a worthwhile choice for many travelers.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and children sharing with adults often pay a child rate. The private nature makes it flexible for families.

What is included in the price?
You get transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a guided tour, bottled water, and a local lunch. All fees and taxes are covered.

How long does the tour last?
Expect approximately 6 to 8 hours, depending on your pace and the time spent at each stop.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it’s a private tour, your guide is available to accommodate your interests and pace, within the options listed.

Is hotel pickup available in Ho Chi Minh City?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included in the package, making logistics easy.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, and your camera are recommended. As lunch is provided, you don’t need to carry extra food.

Are there any additional costs?
Not unless you choose to buy souvenirs or personal extras. Tipping guides and drivers is customary but not included.

In sum, this Vung Tau shore excursion offers a rich, flexible way to experience Southern Vietnam’s cultural gems, scenic spots, and spiritual sites—perfect for travelers who want a personal touch in their adventure.