Where to Stay in Vung Tau: Beach Town Meets Oil Industry

Back Beach (Bai Sau) is the best area to stay in Vung Tau for beach lovers, with cleaner sand and better swimming than Front Beach, plus hotels ranging from 300,000-1,500,000 VND per night. This 2-hour coastal escape from Ho Chi Minh City offers everything from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts, with the Ha Long Street intersection providing the ideal balance of beach access and local restaurants.

Vung Tau has become one of my favorite weekend escapes from Ho Chi Minh City, and I've spent enough time there to know exactly where you should base yourself. This coastal city, just two hours from Saigon, offers everything from budget hostels to luxury beachfront resorts. After my years living in Vietnam, here's my honest breakdown of the best areas to stay.

Back Beach (Bai Sau) - Best for Beach Lovers

If you're coming to Vung Tau for the beach, Back Beach is where you want to be. This long stretch of sand is the city's main attraction, and staying here puts you steps from the water. The beach is cleaner and less crowded than Front Beach, especially on weekdays. Hotels along Thuy Van Street range from budget guesthouses to mid-range resorts. I particularly like the area near the southern end, where you'll find better swimming conditions and fewer vendors.

Front Beach (Bai Truoc) - Best for Convenience

Front Beach is smaller and not ideal for swimming, but it's the heart of Vung Tau's dining and nightlife scene. Staying here means you're walking distance from excellent seafood restaurants, rooftop bars, and the city's best coffee shops. The promenade is perfect for evening strolls, and you'll have easy access to ferries if you're coming from Ho Chi Minh City. Hotels here tend to be older but offer great value.

Pineapple Beach Area - Best for Quiet Relaxation

Tucked away on the northern peninsula, Pineapple Beach (Bai Dua) offers the most peaceful atmosphere. The beaches here are rocky but scenic, perfect for those who prefer tranquility over swimming. Several upscale resorts have opened in recent years, offering spa services and private beach access. This area suits couples and older travelers looking to escape the crowds.

Budget Recommendations

For travelers watching their dong, Back Beach has numerous family-run guesthouses charging 300,000-500,000 VND per night. These often include basic breakfast and have helpful owners who can arrange motorbike rentals. Don't expect luxury, but the hospitality is genuine. The area around the Vung Tau Market also has affordable options with the bonus of incredible street food right outside your door.

Mid-Range Options

The sweet spot for most travelers is the 800,000-1,500,000 VND range. At this price point, you'll get air conditioning, pools, and often ocean views. The Imperial Hotel and Pullman Vung Tau offer excellent value with proper amenities. Many of these properties include breakfast buffets and have staff who speak English well enough to help with local recommendations.

Luxury Stays

Several international chains have properties in Vung Tau now, including the Melia and various boutique resorts. If you're celebrating something special or just want to treat yourself, the beachfront villas near Long Hai (about 20 minutes from town) offer private pools and stunning views. Expect to pay $150-300 per night for true luxury.

My Personal Pick

For the best overall experience, I recommend staying on Back Beach near the intersection with Ha Long Street. You get beach access, decent restaurants within walking distance, and it's quiet enough to actually relax. Book directly with hotels for better rates, and don't hesitate to negotiate during low season. Vung Tau rewards those who take time to explore beyond the main tourist strips.

Planning to explore more of Vietnam? Check out our guide to Da Nang for another incredible coastal destination, or join our expat community to get insider tips from people living in Vietnam.