After the pandemic, I planned a memorable 4-day trip to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), beginning on December 3rd. The primary purpose of my visit was to visit the “Mariamman Temple,” located in district 1. Following a friend’s recommendation, I allocated two days to experience the coastal charm of Vung Tau, where I enjoyed a night in an oceanfront hotel and savored the local cuisine.
In this post, I’m excited to share my journey from HCMC to Vung Tau, along with my fantastic stay at the oceanfront hotel, restaurant experiences, and the places I explored. I’ve also included some pictures, making this post a helpful guide for fellow travelers who plan to visit Vung Tau in the future
Vung Tau, a coastal city in southern Vietnam, is often referred to as an “island” due to its unique location on a peninsula surrounded by the South China Sea. Renowned for its stunning beaches, beautiful landscapes, and delectable seafood restaurants, Vung Tau has become a sought-after destination for both locals and tourists in search of a relaxing beachside retreat
As always, I chose to stay at my favorite Thien Hai Hotel in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, because of its friendly staff, excellent service, and convenient location. When I inquired about traveling to Vung Tau island, the front desk staff graciously arranged a taxi to take me to the pier, where I could catch a ferry to Vung Tau. They assured me it would be a wonderful place to visit and unwind. Leaving my large suitcase at the front desk, I ventured to the ferry with only a small bag containing my camera, laptop, and a few sets of dresses.
My Favorite Thien Hai Hotel
Upon arriving at the pier, I promptly made my way to the ticket counter and secured my ticket for the 10:00 am ride. I was pleased to discover that they accepted credit cards, which made the transaction effortless. To my relief, the ticket also had my assigned seat number, ensuring a comfortable journey ahead. If you plan to travel, I recommend checking the current ferry schedules for the most up-to-date information
Ferry Ticket Counter And Waiting Area
Before boarding, I took advantage of the small restaurant on the pier to enjoy some refreshing drinks and snacks while taking a moment to relax. The pier was bustling with activity, and I couldn’t help but admire the breathtaking views of the towering buildings that lined the bustling streets nearby.
Boarding began approximately 15 minutes prior to the departure time, and with excitement, I made my way onto the boat. Though it was nearly full, I was relieved to see that there were plenty of safety jackets available for everyone on board. As our journey commenced, I was pleasantly surprised by the entertainment provided on a large screen, featuring entertaining Vietnamese shows that added an enjoyable touch to the trip.
Onboard Comfort: Inside The Ferry
The two-hour boat ride to Vung Tau was indeed smooth and enjoyable, offering stunning panoramic views of the lush forests, magnificent buildings, and passing ships along the way. The journey was remarkably smooth and added to the overall pleasant experience.
HCMC to Vung Tau: Captivating Views Along the Journey
One of the most fascinating aspects I learned during the ride was that it began in the Saigon River and then navigated through the vast South China Sea/Ocean to reach Vung Tau. It truly was a remarkable journey, and I felt grateful for the opportunity to witness such breathtaking scenery along the way.
While there are options to travel to Vung Tau from HCMC by bus or taxi, taking the ferry was an experience that made me forget about any other means of transportation. The ferry ride offered such stunning views and a sense of tranquility that I couldn’t imagine traveling any other way. The unique journey from the city’s Saigon River to the vast South China Sea/Ocean was truly unforgettable, making the ferry my preferred choice for reaching the beautiful coastal town of Vung Tau.
Upon arriving in Vung Tau, I opted for a scenic taxi ride to Annata Beach Hotel, which was conveniently situated close to the ocean. I had made my hotel reservation through www.booking.com, as it provided the opportunity to book a Suite with Ocean Front View at an affordable rate. Staying in a hotel with an ocean front view had always been one of my dreams, and I was thrilled to finally have the chance to make it a reality.
The front desk staff were friendly and displayed excellent English communication skills. The check-in process was remarkably fast and efficient. Since I arrived earlier than the designated check-in time, I left my bags with the hotel and ventured out to have lunch and visit Mary’s statue. The front desk promised that she would call me as soon as the room was ready.
Anatta Beach Hotel: Welcoming Ambiance Inside and Out
As per the taxi driver’s suggestion, I headed to Hai San Cho Dem Bo Bien restaurant and ordered a seafood hot pot, which turned out to be an awesome choice. I thoroughly enjoyed the meal. The restaurant itself was simple yet nice, offering a panoramic ocean view that added to the dining experience. One issue was that the restaurant did not accept credit cards, and I had to pay in cash.”
Lunch At Hai San Cho Dem Bo Bien restaurant
At the restaurant, we had the unique opportunity to select the fish we wanted from a fish tank. Among the various sea creatures, I even spotted a live baby shark, which was both fascinating and unsettling as I knew it could be cooked soon. After taking a few pictures of the restaurant and the neighborhood, I then went to see Our Lady of Bai Dau.
Our Lady of Bai Dau holds a prominent place among religious sites in the beautiful city of Vung Tau. To reach the top of this iconic statue of the Virgin Mary, there are approximately 133 well-maintained steps on Bai Dau Hill. The ascent offers a relatively easy hike, with rest stops along the way for visitors to catch their breath and take in the stunning views
Our Lady of Bai Dau
The climb is definitely worth it, as the panoramic view from the top is stunning and offers a unique perspective of the city and the sea. The peaceful surroundings and sweeping panoramic views attract both religious pilgrims and tourists seeking a serene retreat.
At the base of Bai Dau Hill, you will find the charming St. Mary’s Church in Vung Tau. This small and beautiful church is worth a visit, adding to the spiritual experience of the area.
Exploring Vung Tau’s St. Mary’s Church
On the way to the Annata Beach Hotel, I made a delightful stop at Coffee and Tea Mi Amor Beach to enjoy a cup of coffee while savoring the breathtaking view. The atmosphere was cool and inviting, providing the perfect setting to sip my coffee and unwind. After spending around 45 minutes enjoying the music and the surroundings, I continued my journey to the hotel.
Enjoying Coffee Amidst the Mi Amor Beach Atmosphere
When I returned to the hotel, I found my room to be very comfortable, featuring a clean bed and a well-maintained bathroom. I had booked a room with an ocean view, and I was delighted to discover that I could see the magnificent ocean right from my window. The view from the room was truly impressive, with a large window that allowed plenty of natural light to stream in, creating a warm and inviting ambiance.
My Room with an Ocean View
After settling down, I stepped out to search for convenience stores or grocery shops to grab some snacks and water. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find anything close by. However, convenience stores were available within a 10 to 15-minute walk from the hotel. Additionally, the area was bustling with numerous seafood restaurants, all within a 15-minute radius from my accommodation. While the hotel had its own restaurant, I didn’t get the chance to dine there during my stay.
As per the taxi driver’s suggestion, I visited Van Chai Seafood Restaurant, and I was immediately impressed by its size, seating arrangement, and interior. The restaurant’s staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, adding to the pleasant dining experience. Once again, I ordered the seafood hot pot, which turned out to be incredibly delicious, and I had no regrets about choosing it again. Additionally, this restaurant accepted credit cards, making the payment process convenie
Dining Delights at Van Chai Seafood Restaurant
Here, too, we had the option to personally select a fish or lobster from the tank to be cooked for our meal. However, on this occasion, I opted not to choose from the tank. After dinner, I decided to take a leisurely 15-minute walk back to the hotel, enjoying the pleasant surroundings along the way. I noticed several other seafood restaurants, which might be worth exploring for future dining experiences.
Although I could see the ocean from my room through the large window, I refrained from going out to the beach at that time. Instead, I decided to wake up early in the morning for a beach walk and capture pictures of the sunrise. However, the sky was overcast, and I couldn’t capture the perfect shots I had hoped for. Nevertheless, the beach itself was beautiful, with many early risers already jogging and relishing the fresh morning air on the sand.
Strolling and Capturing Beach Activities
The water was serene and inviting, making it ideal for a refreshing swim, and I couldn’t resist taking a dip in the ocean myself. However, I stayed close to the shore to ensure my safety and didn’t venture too far out. For those seeking a more leisurely experience, renting a beach chair allowed me to enjoy the views of others swimming while basking in the gentle ocean breeze.
Staying at Annata Beach Hotel and visiting this beach proved to be a delightful experience, especially for those traveling with families and friends. However, it’s essential to be cautious and avoid leaving valuable items unattended to ensure a worry-free stay.
Although I could see the ocean from my room, it still takes a 10-minute walk to reach the beach. To get to the ocean from the hotel, simply exit the hotel and turn left onto the road. Walk for a few minutes, and on the right side, you’ll find an entrance leading to the ocean. Once there, you can take in the stunning views and capture the moment by snapping some pictures. It’s a perfect spot to immerse yourself in the beauty of the ocean and the surroundings.
Guiding the Way to the Beach
Since I wanted to catch the 12 PM ferry to HCMC, I quickly proceeded to have breakfast after an invigorating swim in the ocean and a refreshing shower. The hotel provided the choice to book a room with or without breakfast. Personally, I opted for a room with breakfast included, and it turned out to be a delightful decision.
The breakfast spread offered a good variety of items to choose from, and I particularly relished the opportunity to order customized egg omelets and noodles. The overall quality of the breakfast was excellent, and I highly recommend trying it out during your stay.
Breakfast at Annata Beach Hotel
The checkout process was incredibly fast, and the hotel staff was kind enough to assist me in getting a taxi to the pier to catch the ferry. Despite arriving early, I patiently waited before boarding the ferry. Departing from Vung Tau left me with a sense of great satisfaction from this memorable trip.
Ferry Ride From Vung Tau To HCMC
In the future, I plan to return and stay for two to three days to explore more of the city’s wonders. On the journey back to HCMC, I stepped out onto the ferry’s deck, admiring the passing ships and capturing stunning pictures. Overall, the trip was truly awesome, and everything fell into place seamlessly.
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