Back Beach, Vung Tau Travel Guide

Back Beach in Vung Tau offers golden sands, clear waters, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural experiences, making it a must-visit destination for tourists.

Back Beach, known locally as Bãi Sau, is a stunning stretch of coastline in Vung Tau, Vietnam. This beautiful beach is famous for its golden sands and clear blue waters, making it a perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, and leisurely walks. The gentle waves and warm weather create an inviting atmosphere for both relaxation and adventure. Back Beach is not just about the sea; it is also a hub for local culture and cuisine. The beachside promenade is dotted with seafood restaurants offering fresh catches of the day, and street vendors selling delicious Vietnamese snacks. In the evenings, the area comes alive with vibrant nightlife, featuring live music, bars, and beach parties. For those interested in exploring further, Back Beach is conveniently located near several historical and cultural landmarks. The Vung Tau Lighthouse, one of Vietnam’s oldest, offers panoramic views of the city and the ocean. Additionally, the Christ of Vung Tau statue, standing at 32 meters tall, is a must-visit for its impressive architecture and serene surroundings. Whether you are looking to relax on the beach, taste local delicacies, or immerse yourself in the rich culture, Back Beach in Vung Tau provides a perfect blend of experiences for every traveler.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Back Beach.

Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and enjoy the beach at its best.
Try the local seafood at beachside restaurants for an authentic taste of Vung Tau.
Bring cash as some smaller vendors and eateries may not accept credit cards.
Rent a bicycle or scooter to easily explore the nearby landmarks and attractions.
Check the tide schedule if you plan to swim, as the waves can be strong at certain times.

Explore Back Beach: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Back Beach

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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White Rabbit Amusement Park

Discover the joy and excitement of White Rabbit Amusement Park in Vung Tau, Vietnam, where thrilling rides and family fun await every visitor.

3.9

Valley Beach

Experience tranquility at Valley Beach, a stunning coastal gem in Vung Tau, Vietnam, where beauty and culture meet under the sun.

4.3

Back beach 貝殼海岸

Experience the golden sands and vibrant atmosphere of Back Beach, Vung Tau—your gateway to relaxation and adventure in Vietnam.

4.8

Best landmarks in Back Beach

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Best Landmarks

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Back beach

Experience the tranquil beauty of Back Beach in Ba Ria - Vung Tau, where golden sands meet azure waters for the perfect getaway.

4.4

Jesus Christ Statue

Discover the iconic Jesus Christ Statue in Vung Tau, Vietnam, a serene and spiritual destination offering breathtaking views and cultural significance.

4.6

Front Beach Park

Discover the natural beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Front Beach Park, Vung Tau's coastal gem, perfect for relaxation and adventure.

4.4

Bãi Sau Vũng Tàu

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Bãi Sau Vũng Tàu, where golden sands meet thrilling water activities and stunning coastal views.

4.5

Best restaurants in Back Beach

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La Sirena

Experience unparalleled seafood dining at La Sirena in Vung Tau – where fresh flavors meet breathtaking ocean views.

4.6

Van Chai Restaurant

Experience authentic Vietnamese cuisine at Van Chai Restaurant in Vung Tau - a culinary delight by the sea.

4.0

SKY GARDEN -Seafood & Coffee-

Discover SKY GARDEN in Vũng Tàu: where fresh seafood meets tranquil lakeside dining for an unforgettable culinary adventure.

4.9

DIC Lotus

Experience authentic Vietnamese cuisine at DIC Lotus in Vung Tau – where local flavors meet stunning coastal views.

3.7

Best bars in Back Beach

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Cask Bar

Discover Cask Bar in Vung Tau, where vibrant nightlife meets stunning beachfront views, perfect for relaxation and socializing.

4.5

MK Bar

Experience the vibrant nightlife at MK Bar in Vung Tau, where refreshing cocktails meet stunning views for an unforgettable evening.

3.8

Pullman Vung Tau Beach Bar

Experience vibrant nightlife and stunning ocean views at Pullman Vung Tau Beach Bar, your perfect seaside escape in Vietnam.

4.2

UNIC Restaurant & Lounge

Discover a vibrant nightlife experience at UNIC Restaurant & Lounge in Vung Tau, where exquisite cuisine meets lively entertainment.

4.2

Best nightclubs in Back Beach

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Blue Moon - Beer Club

Discover Vung Tau's nightlife at Blue Moon - Beer Club, where great drinks, music, and a lively crowd create unforgettable nights.

4.0

88 Beer Garden

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Vung Tau at 88 Beer Garden, where music, drinks, and fun come together for an unforgettable experience.

4.2

H68 Club

Discover the electrifying nightlife at H68 Club in Vung Tau, Vietnam, where music, dance, and vibrant energy combine for an unforgettable experience.

4.1

The Ship Club

Discover the electrifying nightlife of Vung Tau at The Ship Club, where unforgettable dance and music experiences await every visitor.

3.9

Best shops in Back Beach

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Lotte Mart Vung Tau

Explore Lotte Mart Vung Tau for a unique shopping experience featuring local flavors, international products, and a vibrant atmosphere.

4.2

Moss Vũng Tàu - Phụ kiện Quà tặng

Discover unique gifts and souvenirs at Moss Vũng Tàu, your go-to shop for fashion accessories, cosmetics, and home goods in Vietnam.

4.5

Couple TX Vũng Tàu

Discover unique gifts and local treasures at Couple TX Vũng Tàu, your one-stop shop for clothing, jewelry, and baby products.

3.9

Papka Fashion Tầng 3 - Lotte Mart Vũng Tàu

Discover stylish clothing and accessories at Papka Fashion in Vũng Tàu, located conveniently at Lotte Mart for a trendy shopping experience.

5.0

Explore Back Beach on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Back Beach, mapped for you.

Back Beach Essentials

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.

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Back Beach

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Back Beach. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- 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 ...)]

History of Back Beach

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.