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Introduction

If you had asked me a decade ago, I would have told you to skip Vung Tau—Vietnam has so many more picturesque beach towns to explore. But for Christmas, we wanted something easy, low-key, and family-friendly. While Ho Tram and its luxury resorts were initially on our radar, we found Vung Tau to be the better option for a budget-friendly and relaxing holiday.

Located just a couple of hours from Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau has evolved into a popular seaside destination, offering a mix of activities and beautiful ocean views that draw families and visitors from all over.

Where We Stayed

We opted for a spacious villa rented on Airbnb. Villas in Vung Tau are surprisingly affordable, averaging around $100 per night, and many can accommodate large groups of 10–12 people. For our group of four adults and two children, the villa—with its own swimming pool—was perfect.

The pool was a key feature for us, as Vung Tau's beaches are not always the cleanest, and having a backup for water fun was essential.

The drive from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau takes about 2–2.5 hours, making it an easy weekend getaway.

A Chill Christmas

This trip was all about unwinding, spending time with the kids, and enjoying light activities. Rather than breaking it down day by day, here’s a list of the spots we visited:

Beaches

Vung Tau is home to three main beaches:

• Bãi Trước (Front Beach): Great for a stroll or a relaxing hangout, with parks and activities for kids.
• Bãi Dứa (Middle Beach): Smaller but scenic, often less crowded than the others.
• Bãi Sau (Back Beach): Our favorite for its calm waves and sandy shores, though it’s farther from the city center.

We also visited La Sirena, a beachside café with stunning ocean views, perfect for sipping coffee while watching the kids play.

For a cleaner and quieter experience, we drove 10–15 minutes to Bãi tắm tiên, where the kids loved playing in the sand and splashing in the ocean.

Food

We primarily cooked at the villa, thanks to fresh seafood we picked up at Ben Dinh Seafood Market. Cooking at home was a treat, especially for our parents, who enjoyed preparing meals for the family.

We did, however, make a few foodie stops:

• Golden Bakery: Their famous salted egg yolk sponge cake (bông lan trứng muối) was a standout. Light, fluffy, and perfectly balanced, it’s a must-try for anyone visiting Vung Tau.
• Ông già Cali: Known for its hủ tiếu mực (squid noodle soup), this South Vietnam chain offers cheap, flavorful dishes perfect for a quick bite.

Hangouts

Vung Tau offers plenty of laid-back spots to unwind and enjoy quality time with the family. From scenic promenades to cozy cafés, we found the perfect places to relax, grab a bite, and soak in the seaside atmosphere. Here are some of our favorites!

• Bãi Trước Promenade: A lively spot for evening strolls, with Christmas lights and decorations during the holiday season. The kids loved the park, where they could draw and paint, while we enjoyed homemade ice cream from Kem Tràng Tiền Vũng Tàu.
• Marina Club: A beautiful place to enjoy a sunset with afternoon tea or coffee. The staff was friendly, and the views were incredible.

Conclusion

Vung Tau might not be Vietnam’s most stunning beach town, but it’s an excellent option for a short, relaxing getaway—especially for those in Ho Chi Minh City or travelers with limited time.

The city feels cleaner and more inviting than it did a decade ago, and with its budget-friendly accommodations and mix of family activities, it’s worth considering for a quick seaside escape.

Would I pick Vung Tau over other Vietnamese beach destinations? Probably not. But for our mellow Christmas getaway, it delivered exactly what we needed: time to relax, unwind, and create memories with the family.