Things to Do in Vung Tau 2026: Christ Statue, Beaches and Cape Saint Jacques

Christ of Vung Tau (Thanh Gia Jesu)

A 32m statue on Nho Mountain (170m elevation), built between 1974 and 1994. The base of the statue contains 133 spiral steps leading to observation points inside the figure, with views from the outstretched arms.

Entry: ₫10,000 ($0.40). Note the dress code — shoulders and knees must be covered. The climb from the road to the base takes 20–30 minutes on steep steps. The hilltop view takes in the entire peninsula, the South China Sea, and on clear days, the offshore oil platforms.

Lighthouse Hill (Nui Lon)

The northern headland of the peninsula. The lighthouse was built by the French in 1910 and is still operational. Road access to the base; short walk to the lighthouse and the viewpoint. Good for early morning or late afternoon.

Bach Dinh (White Villa)

A French colonial villa built in 1898 as a royal retreat, used by Vietnamese Emperor Thanh Thai and later by the French Governor-General. The building is a well-preserved example of French colonial architecture — white rendered walls, large verandas, and a hilltop position with sea views.

Now a museum housing Chinese ceramics and artefacts recovered from shipwrecks in the area. Entry: ₫10,000 ($0.40). The grounds and the building itself are worth 45–60 minutes.

Niet Ban Tinh Xa Pagoda

A large Buddhist pagoda complex on Nui Lon (the northern hill). A 12m reclining Buddha, gardens, and temple buildings. Free entry. Popular with Vietnamese visitors — a functional religious site rather than a tourist attraction, though visitors are welcome.

Front Beach (Bai Truoc)

The curved beach on the west (Gulf of Thailand) side of the peninsula. Calmer than Back Beach, flanked by a promenade, and more scenic. Not a pristine beach — this is an urban waterfront — but the setting is pleasant in the morning and evening. Sunrise views from the promenade are good.

Back Beach (Bai Sau)

The 8km east-coast beach. Longer and more open than Front Beach, facing the South China Sea. Gets rough in the northeast monsoon (November–March). The main beach for swimming in dry season. The southern end is less crowded than the northern section near the main hotels. Weekend crowds are heavy.

Cap Saint-Jacques (Mui Nghinh Phong)

The southern tip of the peninsula. A rocky headland with a viewpoint over the sea junction — where the Gulf of Thailand and South China Sea meet. Motorbike access (10km from town). A popular spot for watching fishing boats entering and leaving the harbour.

Ben Da fishing village

A working fishing village at the southern base of the peninsula. Active from pre-dawn. The fish auction at 05:00–07:00 is chaotic and interesting. Fresh catch sold directly off boats. Access by motorbike.