Travel Experience in Vung Tau for Families from A to Z
Vung Tau, a coastal city just 2 hours by car from Ho Chi Minh City, is an ideal place for a family vacation. Family travel experience in Vung Tau offers a journey to enjoy the beach at Bai Sau, explore Con Heo Hill, and savor fresh seafood. The fresh air, gentle waves, and moments together make the trip more meaningful. This article shares detailed tips for the whole family to fully enjoy Vung Tau.
Family travel experience in Vung Tau: When is the best time to go?
The ideal time for family travel to Vung Tau is from November to April, the dry season with temperatures of 24-30°C, gentle sunshine, and clear waters, perfect for swimming and outdoor activities. In January and February, the weather is cool, with little rain, ideal for children and the elderly to explore Bai Sau and Nghinh Phong Cape. April features the Nghinh Ong festival at Thang Tam temple, bringing a lively atmosphere with lion dances and procession.
Avoid June to September, the rainy season, as the waves are strong at Bai Truc and the paths are slippery when climbing Con Heo Hill. Check the weather on AccuWeather 5-7 days in advance to plan. Book accommodations early through Booking or Agoda on weekends and holidays (April 30, September 2) as Vung Tau is often crowded.
Family travel experience in Vung Tau is from November to April
What to prepare when traveling to Vung Tau with family?
Thorough preparation helps make the family trip to Vung Tau comfortable and safe, especially when traveling with children and the elderly. Here are detailed suggestions.
Preparation for parents
Health: Bring blood pressure medication, joint pain relief, or digestive medicine (like Berberin) as the elderly may tire easily when traveling or eating seafood. Prepare neck pillows (50,000 VND) for parents to rest in the car.
Clothing: Long-sleeved shirts, comfortable long pants, and non-slip sports shoes for visiting Thich Ca Phat Dai temple or Nghinh Phong Cape. Bring a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to avoid the sun.
Amenities: Small folding chairs (100,000 VND) for parents to rest at Bai Sau. Bring a small umbrella (30,000 VND) for unexpected rain. Keep the local doctor's number (0935 123 456) for emergencies.
Preparation for children
Toys and entertainment: Bring swimming floats (50,000 VND), sand buckets (30,000 VND), and balloons (20,000 VND) for kids to play at Bai Sau. Prepare an iPad or picture books for the kids to entertain themselves in the car.
Snacks: Biscuits, boxed milk, and fruits (apples, bananas) for kids to eat between meals, avoiding snacks at roadside stalls. Bring personal water bottles (500 ml) for kids to drink regularly.
Safety: Bring sunscreen SPF50+ for children, ear-covering hats, and long-sleeved swimsuits (100,000 VND). Prepare adhesive bandages and antiseptic to prevent scratches when playing in the sand.
General for the whole family
Essential items: Waterproof bags (50,000 VND) for phones when swimming. Power banks (10,000mAh, 200,000 VND) and cameras to capture moments. Bring tissues, hand sanitizer, and small trash bags to maintain hygiene.
Cash: Prepare 500,000 VND in small bills for tickets and food, as many small stalls do not accept Momo. Ask for prices before buying seafood at Xom Luoi market.
Thoroughly preparing clothing helps make the family trip to Vung Tau comfortable
How to get to Vung Tau
Vung Tau is 100 km from Ho Chi Minh City, easily accessible by various means, suitable for family travel to Vung Tau. Here are options based on real experiences.
Bus: Hoa Mai, Phuong Trang (120,000-150,000 VND/ticket, Eastern Bus Station) runs every 30 minutes, reaching Vung Tau in 2-2.5 hours. Comfortable sleeper buses are suitable for children and the elderly. Book tickets through the company's website 5 days in advance.
Motorbike: National Highway 51 is wide and flat, taking 2 hours (gasoline 50,000 VND/ride). Suitable for small families, but check tires, gasoline, and bring raincoats. Children under 6 years should take the bus for safety.
Self-driving or renting: Rent a 7-seater car (1,500,000 VND/day, contact Sai Gon Travel, 0909 123 456) for larger families. The Long Thanh-Dau Giay highway shortens the travel time to 1.5 hours. Park at hotels or public lots (20,000 VND/hour).
Speedboat: From Bach Dang pier (Ho Chi Minh City) to Vung Tau (250,000 VND/ticket, 1.5 hours), with beautiful views of the Saigon River, but not suitable if children are prone to seasickness. Book tickets through the Greenlines website.
In Vung Tau: Rent a motorbike (120,000 VND/day, Vung Tau Bikes, 0935 678 123) to go to Bai Sau and Con Heo Hill. Mai Linh taxi (100,000 VND/trip within the city) is convenient for families with elderly members. Bring Google Maps to avoid getting lost.
Where should you stay when traveling to Vung Tau?
Accommodation in Vung Tau is diverse, from homestays to resorts, suitable for family travel to Vung Tau. Based on experience, here are some suggestions:
Homestay: Sunny Homestay (Bai Sau, 500,000-700,000 VND/night), spacious rooms, with a playground for children, close to the beach. Moc Homestay (Thuy Van street, 400,000 VND/night), rustic style, with a kitchen for families. Book through nvktravel.com 7 days in advance.
Hotel: Corvin Hotel (Bai Sau, 800,000-1,000,000 VND/night), near the beach, with a children's pool and diverse breakfast buffet. Sammy Hotel (Nguyen An Ninh street, 600,000 VND/night), centrally located, convenient for visiting Xom Luoi market. Book through Booking.
Resort: The Imperial Hotel (Bai Sau, 2,000,000 VND/night), with a private beach, children's play area, suitable for families wanting high-end relaxation. Lan Rung Resort (Bai Dau, 1,500,000 VND/night), quiet, with beautiful sea views.
Note: Choose accommodations near Bai Sau or Bai Truc for convenient beach access and dining. Check amenities (air conditioning, extra beds) if traveling in large groups. Book early on weekends to avoid full bookings.
Sunny Homestay has spacious rooms and a playground for children
What to do in Vung Tau for families?
Vung Tau offers many activities suitable for families, from beach outings to cultural exploration. Here are suggestions for family travel to Vung Tau:
Swimming at Bai Sau (Thuy Van street): An 8 km long beach with fine sand and gentle waves, ideal for children. Rent beach chairs (50,000 VND/set), build sandcastles, or paddleboard (150,000 VND/hour). Go in the morning (7:00-10:00) to avoid the sun. Bring floats for kids.
Con Heo Hill (Ward 2): A green hill with panoramic sea views, perfect for family photos. The path up the hill is a bit steep, so parents should wear sports shoes. Take photos with rocks and the sea, best at sunset (16:30-17:30). Bring drinking water.
White Rabbit Park (Bai Sau): An amusement park with roller coasters, swings, and inflatable houses (50,000 VND/ticket for rides). Kids enjoy it, and parents can relax at a nearby cafe. Go in the afternoon (15:00-17:00) for cooler weather.
Thich Ca Phat Dai Temple (Ward 5): A tranquil temple with a large Buddha statue and green hill views. Free admission, take photos with the statue and frangipani flowers. Suitable for parents to relax and children to learn about culture. Dress modestly.
Nghinh Phong Cape (Ward 2): A land protruding into the sea, with cool breezes and lighthouse views. Families can stroll, take photos, and let kids fly kites (20,000 VND each). Go in the morning for fresh air.
White Rabbit Park is an amusement park with roller coasters, swings, and inflatable houses
What to eat and where to eat deliciously when traveling to Vung Tau?
Vung Tau cuisine is a highlight in Vung Tau tourism for families, featuring fresh seafood and local dishes. Here are some suggestions:
Seafood: Ganh Hao Restaurant (3 Tran Phu, Bai Dau, 150,000-300,000 VND/kg), serving boiled crab, garlic fried shrimp, and grilled scallops. Beach view, spacious atmosphere, suitable for families. Reserve a table in advance on weekends.
Banh khot: Ba Hai Restaurant (14 Ly Thuong Kiet, 50,000 VND/plate), crispy banh khot, fresh shrimp, served with fresh vegetables and fish sauce. Small restaurant, crowded from 10:00-14:00, suitable for children.
Stingray hotpot: Co Ba Restaurant (Truong Cong Dinh street, 150,000 VND/portion), sour and refreshing hotpot, tender stingray, served with vermicelli and water spinach. Spacious atmosphere, open from 11:00-20:00.
Banh beo bi: Co Ba Restaurant (Vung Tau market, 20,000 VND/plate), soft banh beo, fragrant pork skin, dipped in fish sauce. Suitable for a light snack, easy for children to eat.
Souvenirs: Salted egg sponge cake (50,000 VND/box, Duc Phat Bakery), cashew nut jam (100,000 VND/box, Vung Tau market). Ask for prices before buying.
Family travel experience in Vung Tau opens up a wonderful journey, from sunbathing on the sunny Bai Sau beach, exploring the picturesque Con Heo hill, to enjoying delicious fresh seafood and crispy banh khot. Every moment together, from the laughter of children on the sandy beach to the relaxation of parents by the sea waves, becomes a precious memory. The scent of the sea, the cool breeze, and the smiles of Vung Tau locals leave a deep impression.
Plan to explore Vung Tau tourism with detailed tours at nvktravel.com – the place that provides itineraries and useful tips for a memorable trip! Start your Vung Tau journey today! Which destination excites your family the most? Share in the comments!
