Ho Chi Minh to Vung Tau: Private day trip

In the 14th and 15th centuries, the Vung Tau cape was a swampland used by European traders as an anchorage. Ever since, it has been inextricably tied to the sea - be it as a pirate base, or launching point for the ‘boat people’ fleeing Communism. Today, the city and it’s long stretch of beach is a popular weekend escape for sun-seekers. If you don’t want to get your feet wet, Vung Tau’s wide boulevards are lined with colonial-era buildings, and a surprisingly varied restaurant and bar scene caters to the many expats and oil and gas workers. While Buddhism dominates Vietnam, the most noteworthy monument here is the 28-meter-tall statue of Jesus standing on a hilltop overlooking the sea and city. On another hill overlooking the beach stands the French Colonial Governor’s summer house. Known as the ‘White Villa’, the manor now exhibits hundreds of artefacts from Cau Islet-Con Dao.