Vibrant Vung Tau: The Coastal Gem of Vietnam

• HelloXin chào
  [sin chow]
• GoodbyeTạm biệt
  [tam byet]
• YesCó
  [kaw]
• NoKhông
  [kohng]
• Please/You're welcomeLàm ơn
  [lam uhn]
• Thank youCảm ơn
  [kam uhn]
• Excuse me/SorryXin lỗi
  [sin loy]
• How are you?Bạn khỏe không?
  [buhn kwe khohng]
• Fine. And you?Khỏe. Còn bạn?
  [khwe. kawn buhn]
• Do you speak English?Bạn có nói tiếng Anh không?
  [buhn koh noy tyeng ang kohng]
• I don't understandTôi không hiểu
  [toy kohng hyeow]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseTôi muốn xem menu, làm ơn
  [toy muhn sem menoo, lam uhn]
• I don't eat meatTôi không ăn thịt
  [toy kohng an tit]
• Cheers!Chúc sức khỏe!
  [chuck sook khwe]
• I would like to pay, pleaseTôi muốn thanh toán, làm ơn
  [toy muhn tanh toan, lam uhn]

• Help!Cứu với!
  [kew vew-ee]
• Go away!Đi đi!
  [dee dee]
• Call the Police!Gọi cảnh sát!
  [goy kawng saht]
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• I'm lostTôi lạc đường
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• I'm illTôi bị ốm
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• I'd like to buy...Tôi muốn mua...
  [toy muhn moo-ah]
• I'm just lookingTôi chỉ xem
  [toy chee sem]
• How much is it?Giá bao nhiêu?
  [zah bao nyew]
• That's too expensiveĐắt quá
  [daht kwa]
• Can you lower the price?Có thể giảm giá được không?
  [kaw te zam zah dohng kohng]

• What time is it?Bây giờ là mấy giờ?
  [by zwa la mye zwa]
• It's one o'clockBây giờ là một giờ
  [by zwa la moht zwa]
• Half past (10)Rưỡi (mười)
  [roo-ee (moo-ee)]
• MorningBuổi sáng
  [bwoy sahng]
• AfternoonBuổi chiều
  [bwoy chee-ew]
• EveningBuổi tối
  [bwoy toy]
• YesterdayHôm qua
  [hohm kwah]
• TodayHôm nay
  [hohm nigh]
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  [nyai mahy]
• 1Một
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• 2Hai
  [high]
• 3Ba
  [bah]
• 4Bốn
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• 5Năm
  [nahm]
• 6Sáu
  [sow]
• 7Bảy
  [bahy]
• 8Tám
  [tahm]
• 9Chín
  [cheen]
• 10Mười
  [moo-ee]

• Where's a/the...?Chỗ...ở đâu?
  [chow...uh doh]
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  [yah chee la zee]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Bạn có thể chỉ cho tôi (trên bản đồ) không?
  [buhn kaw te chee chaw toy (truhn bahn doh) kohng]
• When's the next (bus)?Khi nào là chuyến xe tiếp theo?
  [khe nah-oh la chuyen se tee-ep the-oh]
• A ticket (to ....)Một vé (đi ....)
  [moht vay (dee ....)]

Vung Tau has a rich history that dates back to ancient times, serving as an important maritime hub due to its strategic location. Archaeological findings suggest that the area was inhabited by early Vietnamese people who engaged in fishing and trade with neighboring regions.

During the 19th century, Vung Tau came under French colonial rule. The French recognized its potential as a seaside resort and began developing infrastructure, including roads, lighthouses, and colonial buildings. The town was known as Cap Saint Jacques and became a popular retreat for French officials and wealthy Vietnamese.

In World War II, Vung Tau was occupied by Japanese forces following their invasion of French Indochina in 1940. The town's strategic importance was highlighted during this period, and it saw some military activity until Japan's surrender in 1945.

During the Vietnam War, Vung Tau served as a major logistics and supply base for the United States military. The port and airfield were heavily utilized, and the town saw an influx of American soldiers and support staff. Post-war, many of the military facilities were repurposed for civilian use.

After the reunification of Vietnam in 1975, Vung Tau underwent significant changes. The town's economy shifted from primarily military and maritime activities to tourism and oil extraction. The discovery of offshore oil fields in the 1980s boosted the local economy and led to rapid urban development.

Vung Tau is known for its vibrant cultural heritage, which includes a blend of indigenous Vietnamese, French colonial, and modern influences. The town hosts several annual festivals such as the Whale Worshipping Festival (Nghinh Ong Festival) which honors the whale as a guardian deity of fishermen. Another notable event is the Dinh Co Festival, which is celebrated to pray for peace and prosperity.

Vung Tau is located approximately 120 kilometers southeast of Ho Chi Minh City. The most common way to get there is by road. You can take a bus from Mien Dong Bus Station in Ho Chi Minh City, which typically takes around 2 to 3 hours. Alternatively, you can book a private car or taxi for a more comfortable journey. There is also a high-speed ferry service from Bach Dang Wharf in Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau, which takes about 90 minutes and offers scenic views of the Saigon River and the coast.

Vung Tau has a well-developed transportation network. Taxis and motorbike taxis (xe om) are readily available and can be flagged down on the streets or booked via apps like Grab. If you prefer a more independent mode of transport, you can rent a motorbike or bicycle to explore the city. There are also local buses that connect various parts of the city, though they may not be as convenient for tourists unfamiliar with the routes.

The official currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it's advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and street vendors. ATMs are plentiful in Vung Tau, and you can easily withdraw cash using international debit or credit cards. Ensure you have enough small denominations for convenience.

Vung Tau is generally safe for tourists, but like any city, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid leaving your belongings unattended and be cautious in crowded areas where pickpocketing can occur. Some neighborhoods, like the area around the Back Beach (Bai Sau), may have higher instances of petty crime targeting tourists, especially at night. Always use reputable taxi services and avoid walking alone late at night.

In case of emergency, dial 113 for police, 114 for fire services, and 115 for medical emergencies. Vung Tau has several hospitals and clinics, including the Vung Tau General Hospital. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues, and many pharmacists speak basic English.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites like temples and pagodas. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and remove your shoes when entering religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile or a slight bow. A handshake is also acceptable, especially in more formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and street food. Don't refuse food or drink offered by hosts, as it can be considered impolite.

To experience Vung Tau like a local, visit the local markets such as Cho Vung Tau Market for fresh produce and traditional Vietnamese goods. Engage with locals, as they are generally friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss the chance to visit landmarks like the Christ the King statue and the Vung Tau Lighthouse for panoramic views of the city. For a unique experience, try renting a motorbike and exploring the coastal roads at your own pace.