Should I stay at Front Beach or Back Beach in Vung Tau?

Front Beach has the more scenic position with sea views and is quieter. Back Beach has more accommodation options and direct beach swimming access. Couples and mid-week visitors suit Front Beach; families and weekend visitors suit Back Beach.

How far apart are Front Beach and Back Beach in Vung Tau?

The peninsula is narrow — 2-3km across at the widest. The town centre between the two beaches is walkable to either side, though not always practical in midday heat.

Where to Stay in Vung Tau | The Vietnam Guides

Q: Do I need to book Vung Tau accommodation in advance for weekends?

Yes. Vung Tau is primarily a domestic weekend destination — HCMC families block-book entire hotels on long weekends. International holiday periods (Christmas, New Year) are also particularly crowded.

Front Beach (Bai Truoc) area

The curved west-coast promenade has the most scenic position. Hotels along Tran Phu street face the beach with sea views. The area is quieter than Back Beach — Front Beach is not the main swimming beach, so it doesn’t attract the same volume of domestic weekend crowds.

Best for: Couples, travellers who prioritise location and view over beach access, and those visiting mid-week when the promenade is pleasant in the evenings.

Downside: The beach at Front Beach is not the best for swimming. If swimming is the priority, Back Beach is the option.

Back Beach (Bai Sau) area

The 8km east coast beach has most of the resort-style hotels and the widest range of accommodation. Close to the beach for swimming in dry season. More infrastructure — restaurants, beach bars, and water sports.

Best for: Families, weekend beach visitors who want beach access close to accommodation.

Downside: Gets crowded on weekends and public holidays. The beach area is noisier than Front Beach.

Town centre

The city centre between the two beaches has the practical guesthouses and budget options. Not on the beach but walkable to either side of the peninsula (the peninsula is narrow — 2–3km across at the widest). Good for access to the restaurants, the market, and the colonial-era buildings.

Best for: Budget travellers, day visitors using Vung Tau as a transit point, travellers who aren’t beach-focused.

Booking notes

Vung Tau is primarily a domestic weekend destination. Weekday availability is easy and prices are reasonable. Weekend and public holiday bookings should be made in advance — HCMC families block-book entire hotels on long weekends. International holiday periods (Christmas, New Year) are particularly crowded.

Named hotel recommendations

Imperial Hotel (Back Beach): The most complete resort option. Pool, spa, direct beach access. ₫2,000,000–6,000,000 ($80–240) per night as of 2026.

Mia Resort (Back Beach south): Boutique property with pool and good design. ₫1,500,000–3,500,000 ($60–140) as of 2026.

Rex Hotel (Front Beach): Long-established hotel with sea views on the promenade. ₫1,000,000–2,500,000 ($40–100) as of 2026.

Grand Hotel (Front Beach): Older hotel with solid reputation and sea-view rooms. ₫800,000–2,000,000 ($32–80) as of 2026.

Town centre guesthouses: Simple air-conditioned rooms between the two beaches. ₫200,000–500,000 ($8–20) as of 2026.

Price patterns

Weekday rates are 30–50% lower than weekend rates at all Vung Tau hotels. A room costing ₫500,000 on Tuesday may cost ₫800,000–1,000,000 on Friday–Sunday. Vietnamese public holidays (Tet, April 30, September 2) see the highest prices and the most difficult availability.

Eating from your accommodation

Front Beach area: Walking distance to several waterfront cafes and local restaurants. The promenade has food stalls in the evening.

Back Beach area: Resort restaurants and strip dining options. Prices are 20–40% higher than the town centre.

Town centre: The best value eating. The central market area has cheap Vietnamese food from early morning. Budget meals from ₫30,000–60,000 ($1.20–2.40) as of 2026.

Transport from accommodation

Grab is reliable throughout Vung Tau. Motorbike rental (₫100,000–150,000 / $4–6 per day as of 2026) provides access to the Bai Dau seafood area, the lighthouse, Cap Saint-Jacques, and the Christ statue. The peninsula is compact — most destinations are within 15 minutes by motorbike.

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Where to Stay in Vung Tau 2026: Front Beach, Back Beach and Town Centre