Discover Back Beach: The Jewel of Vung Tau

• HelloXin chào
  [sin chow]
• GoodbyeTạm biệt
  [tam byet]
• YesCó
  [koh]
• NoKhông
  [kohng]
• Please/You're welcomeXin vui lòng
  [sin voo-ee long]
• Thank youCảm ơn
  [gam un]
• Excuse me/SorryXin lỗi
  [sin loy]
• How are you?Bạn khỏe không?
  [ban kwee kohng?]
• Fine. And you?Khỏe. Còn bạn?
  [kwee. kawn ban?]
• Do you speak English?Bạn có nói tiếng Anh không?
  [ban koh noy tieng anh kohng?]
• I don't understandTôi không hiểu
  [toy kohng hye-oo]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseTôi muốn xem menu, xin vui lòng
  [toy mown sem menu, sin voo-ee long]
• I don't eat meatTôi không ăn thịt
  [toy kohng an tit]
• Cheers!Dô!
  [doh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseTôi muốn thanh toán, xin vui lòng
  [toy mown thanh to-an, sin voo-ee long]

• Help!Cứu!
  [kyoo]
• Go away!Đi xa!
  [dee sa]
• Call the Police!Gọi cảnh sát!
  [goy keng sat]
• Call a doctor!Gọi bác sĩ!
  [goy back see]
• I'm lostTôi lạc đường
  [toy lakt doo-ong]
• I'm illTôi ốm
  [toy om]

• I'd like to buy...Tôi muốn mua...
  [toy mown mwa]
• I'm just lookingTôi chỉ xem thôi
  [toy chee sem toy]
• How much is it?Giá bao nhiêu?
  [za bao nyew]
• That's too expensiveĐắt quá
  [dat kwah]
• Can you lower the price?Giảm giá được không?
  [yam za doo-kohng?]

• What time is it?Bây giờ mấy giờ?
  [bay zoh my zoh]
• It's one o'clockMột giờ
  [mowt zoh]
• Half past (10)Mười giờ rưỡi
  [mooee zoh ruh-ee]
• MorningSáng
  [sang]
• AfternoonChiều
  [chew]
• EveningTối
  [toy]
• YesterdayHôm qua
  [hom kwah]
• TodayHôm nay
  [hom nai]
• TomorrowNgày mai
  [nyai my]
• 1Một
  [mowt]
• 2Hai
  [high]
• 3Ba
  [bah]
• 4Bốn
  [bun]
• 5Năm
  [nahm]
• 6Sáu
  [sow]
• 7Bảy
  [bahy]
• 8Tám
  [tam]
• 9Chín
  [cheen]
• 10Mười
  [mooee]

• Where's a/the...?Chỗ...ở đâu?
  [choh...uh dow]
• What's the address?Địa chỉ là gì?
  [dia chee la zee]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Bạn có thể chỉ cho tôi (trên bản đồ) không?
  [ban koh tee chee cho toy (tren ban do) kohng?]
• When's the next (bus)?Xe buýt tiếp theo khi nào?
  [se bwit teep the-ow kee now]
• A ticket (to ....)Một vé (đi ...)
  [mowt vay (dee ...)]

Back Beach, known as 'Bai Sau,' emerged during the French colonial period in the late 19th century as a popular retreat for colonial officials and wealthy citizens. The development of beachside villas and resorts began, transforming the area into a leisure destination. This period laid the foundation for Back Beach's reputation as a holiday spot, characterized by its scenic coastline and serene atmosphere.

During the Vietnam War, Vung Tau served as a significant hub for American military forces, with Back Beach becoming a popular area for rest and recreation. Numerous military bases were established in the vicinity, and the beach hosted various activities for soldiers. This influx of military personnel brought economic changes and influenced local culture, as the area adapted to the needs of the servicemen.

After the reunification of Vietnam in 1975, Back Beach underwent a gradual recovery. The lifting of travel restrictions in the 1990s led to a tourism boom, with increased investments in infrastructure and accommodation. Today, Back Beach is known for its vibrant atmosphere, attracting both local and international tourists who come to enjoy its natural beauty and recreational offerings.

Back Beach is not just a tourist destination but also holds cultural significance for the local community. Traditional fishing practices continue to thrive in the area, and local festivals often take place on the beach, celebrating Vietnamese culture and community spirit. The blend of traditional and modern influences enriches the cultural landscape of Back Beach, making it a unique part of Vung Tau.

In recent years, Back Beach has faced environmental challenges, including pollution and coastal erosion. Local authorities and community groups have initiated various conservation efforts to protect the beach's natural beauty and promote sustainable tourism practices. Ongoing awareness campaigns aim to preserve the ecological integrity of Back Beach while maintaining its status as a popular tourist destination.

Back Beach is easily accessible from various parts of Vung Tau. If you are coming from the Vung Tau city center, you can take a local taxi or rent a motorbike for a quick ride, which usually takes around 10-15 minutes. For those arriving from Ho Chi Minh City, there are frequent bus services that take you directly to Vung Tau, and upon arrival, you can take a taxi or a local bus to Back Beach.

Back Beach is quite walkable, but renting a bicycle or motorbike is a popular way to explore. Bicycles can be rented from local shops along the beach. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab are readily available for longer distances or if you prefer not to cycle. Local buses also connect Back Beach to other neighborhoods in Vung Tau.

Back Beach is generally safe for tourists, but it is advisable to remain vigilant, especially at night. Areas closer to the beach can be prone to petty theft, so avoid leaving valuables unattended. It's best to stay in well-lit areas and be cautious if approached by strangers. While violent crime is rare, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 113 for police assistance, 114 for fire services, and 115 for medical emergencies. There are several hospitals and clinics in Vung Tau, including the Binh Dan Hospital, which can provide urgent care. Ensure you have travel insurance for medical emergencies, and keep a list of local emergency numbers handy.

Fashion: Do wear lightweight, breathable clothing due to the tropical climate, but avoid overly revealing outfits, especially when visiting local temples. Religion: Do respect local customs; when visiting temples, cover your shoulders and knees. Public Transport: Do give way to elderly passengers; don’t engage in loud conversations. Greetings: Do use a gentle handshake or a nod as a greeting; don’t be overly familiar. Eating & Drinking: Do try local seafood and street food, and drink bottled water; don’t consume food from dubious sources.

To experience Back Beach like a local, start your day early with a walk along the shoreline to enjoy the sunrise. Visit local seafood markets for fresh catches and try dining at the small beachside eateries for authentic flavors. Don't miss the chance to join locals in beach activities like volleyball or tai chi in the morning. Engage with local vendors for insights into their products and be open to trying new dishes.