Vung Tau hotels guide

Introduction

Where to stay in Vung Tau?

I don’t find Vung Tau’s beaches very enticing for swimming so that doesn’t figure in my thinking about where to stay. I prefer the feel of the Front Beach part of town. It’s more mellow and it’s where the town’s attractions, best architecture and best food are located.

There are lots of small inexpensive hotels in this area (less than 40USD) that are comfortable and good value for money. Spend between $50 - $100US and more options open up.

The Back Beach area is more developed. This is a big destination for domestic travellers. There are international-style hotels that are mainly fairly bland affairs.

Here are the places we've checked out in and around Vung Tau.


The Rex Hotel - retro Vung Tau

If you’d like a trip back into 1960s Vung Tau, pull into The Rex Hotel. It’s barely changed since it opened during the Vietnam War years. The original neon at the front is a stunning piece of work.

For many travellers, the Rex’s unimproved condition will not be good news. But I find the place a fun, quirky place to stay. Service is on the mediocre side.

There’s a good pool and spacious grounds.

 

 

Binh An Village - traditional design, gardens, waterfront setting

The polar opposite of The Rex, Binh An Village is probably the most tastefully done digs on the Vung Tau waterfront. It’s changed hands in recent years and now appears to be targeting local travellers. The green grounds and ocean views are pleasant and the rooms are generous with some nice design touches.

 

 

 

Alma Oasis Long Hai - international style resort 17kms from Vung Tau

Alma Oasis is the nicest place to stay in the Long Hai area, around 15kms from Vung Tau. It’s well located for travel into the former Australian military base at Nui Dat and to the Long Tan Cross. The “Long Hais”, the mountains that saw frequent fighting during the war between Australian and communist fighters, are nearby.

There are a range of rooms and villas across a green resort space that looks over the beach. The beach isn’t great.

This may be one of the closest beach resorts to Saigon.

 

 

 

The Grand Ho Tram Strip - casino and golf resort on Ho Tram beach 50kms from Vung Tau.

The Grand is a grand-scale international casino and resort development on Ho Tram Beach around 50kms from Vung Tau and around 120kms from Saigon. There’s an international standard golf course nearby too - but not much else. The place has been waiting for years for a license to admit Vietnamese gamblers - and the wait goes on. If you have a foreign passport, you're good to go. Beach is ok. Golf course gets good reviews.