One beautiful and vibrant beach in Vung Tau is Thuy Van Beach, also called Back Beach, that boasts a sandy shoreline, gentle waves, and a lively atmosphere, making it ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing by the beach.
Introduction To Thuy Van Beach
The majestic Thuy Van Beach on Vung Tau’s southeast coast is a very sought-after destination known for its beautiful beach. The golden sand, blue waters, and fresh, cool ocean breezes come together in a beautiful blend that provides a respite from the busy world for those who want a peaceful and beautiful haven located only a two-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City.
In addition to the natural scenery it offers, Thuy Van Beach also portrays the energetic atmosphere that Vung Tau always possesses. At this beach resort, visitors can enjoy fresh foods from seafood eateries, watch surfers as they surf on the beach waves, or simply relax in the shade of beach umbrellas to enjoy the golden colors of the sun that illuminate the horizon. Whether it’s early in the morning or in the afternoon for recreational purposes, it’s always a great moment at Thuy Van Beach.
History Of Thuy Van Beach
The beach gets its name from “Thuy Van Street,” which is among the most beautiful beach streets in Vung Tau. The poetic name of the beach is commonly quoted as “view of flowing clouds” or “clouds on the horizon.” Still, others believe that the beach gets its name from the French transliteration of the Vietnamese name “Tuy Van.” This occurred due to the influence of the exchange of cultures as well as the natural scenery of the beach, as it is “one of the favorite beach resorts.”
Top 5 Iconic Attractions In Thuy Van Beach
Thuy Van Beach has more than white sand and blue waters to it – it’s also bordered by weird landmarks and tourist attractions that are just waiting to be discovered. Some of the best and most frequented destinations on your holiday are listed below:
Hon Ba Island
Off Thuy Van Beach is the little but spiritual Hon Ba Island, renowned for its ancient temple and mystical beauty. At low tide, there emerges an ocean path of rock emerges so that people can walk on the sea to the island. It is an otherworldly and religious experience where you can appreciate good ocean views and visit something very much a part of local myths.
Christ of Vung Tau Statue
The Christ of Vung Tau Statue stands tall on Mount Nho, one of the city’s most popular landmarks. Visitors can climb almost 800 steps up to the statue and have stunning views of the entire coastline spread out in front of them, with arms outstretched. The ascent may be daunting, but the payoff is a sight that one will never forget, of the splendor of Vung Tau.
Nghinh Phong Cape
Only a short drive from Thuy Van Beach, Nghinh Phong Cape is alternatively referred to as “the cape that welcomes the wind.” It’s a great place to observe and take in scenery and photos, with breathtaking ocean views and cliff faces. Don’t miss the “Heaven Gate” – a symbolic stone gateway that is one of Vung Tau’s most picturesque landmarks.
Back Beach Square (Bai Sau Square)
Back Beach Square is the bustling center of Thuy Van Beach, where the locals, tourists, and passersby come to hang out, take pictures, or engage in cultural performances. In the evening, it is filled with street paintings and food stalls serving traditional dishes, making it a great location to indulge in the seaside lifestyle of Vung Tau.
Vung Tau Night Market
Within a few minutes’ distance from the beach, the Vung Tau Night Market is a food lover’s paradise. In the evening, this place comes alive with fresh seafood, street food, and souvenirs. It is a delicious and entertaining way to cap off your beach day.
5 Unforgettable Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss
During a trip to Thuy Van Beach, there are numerous ways that can make your vacation absolutely special. Here are five experiences that can add to the memories associated with your trip to Vung Tau.
Explore Hon Ba Island
During low tide, a rock road emerges, making it possible for people to access Hon Ba Island from the beach at Back Beach. The small island is located near Back Beach and contains the Hon Ba Temple, a historic shrine that has a tiled roof adorned by two dragons pointing towards the sun. Hon Ba Temple has areas inside where people pray to the gods of the sea, credited for guarding fishermen and people from Hon Ba Island. Visiting Hon Ba Island is a time to unwind when rough rocks and the sound of breaking waves provide a serene environment.
Taste Local Delicacies and Fresh Seafood
Vung Tau is famous for its fresh and flavorful seafood, especially around Back Beach, where countless restaurants serve grilled, steamed, or stir-fried dishes made with the day’s catch. Don’t miss specialties like crispy bánh khọt (mini savory pancakes) and stingray hotpot, known for its rich, comforting flavor. For a lively experience, take a 15-minute walk to Vung Tau Night Market, a food haven filled with seafood stalls and local snacks. The market opens from 5 PM until midnight, making it the perfect spot for an evening food adventure.
Swim and Watch A Dreamy Sunrise
Thuy Van Beach is stunning, thanks to its endless white-sand beach and clear water, making it perfect for a refreshing morning dip. Perhaps the most magical experience that can be had in Thuy Van Beach is watching the sunrise, when golden light spills on the peaceful blue water. This is a beautiful experience that can only feel both peaceful and inspiring, a reminder that Nature is beautiful at dawn. The surroundings are cool and peaceful during the early morning.
Feel the Breeze in Bai Sau Square and Take Pictures
Bai Sau Square is a vibrant beachside destination where travelers can appreciate the ocean breeze and also take beautiful check-in photos. This square usually has various cultural activities, sports activities, and also important local festivals, so it adds vibrancy to the beach location. Whether for relaxation, people-watching, or walking under the open sky, Bai Sau Square is definitely a location that travelers must visit if they want to feel the pulse of Vung Tau. Of course, don’t forget to bring your camera along.
Enjoy the Nightlife at Black Pearl Bar
For people interested in exploring the nightlife that Vung Tau has to offer, it is highly recommended that they visit the Black Pearl Bar. The bar has a pirate theme, making it unique from other settings where people can spend their time once the sun goes down. The bar has nice, entertaining music, and the prices are also quite fair, offering a mixture of cocktails, beer, and wines that will enable people to unwind after a day spent on the beach.
Entrance Fee
Thuy Van Beach is commonly known as Bai Sau. This beach offers free access to swimmers as it is a public beach. However, it may be noted that in order to avail certain services within the beach area, charging may be applicable for services such as car parking, beach chair rental, umbrellas, swimwear, and beach performances. These charges may be reasonable.
Best Time To Visit Thuy Van Beach
The early morning hours from 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM and late afternoon hours from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM remain ideal for visiting Thuy Van Beach, as it provides a refreshing atmosphere since the sun rises from behind the horizon. The late afternoon hours remain ideal for a swim since the beach possesses a beautiful sight due to the orange colors of the sun.
To fully enjoy your visit to Vung Tau, it’s suggested that you visit the place from November to April since it’s warm and dry. If you want a quiet atmosphere for your visit, it’s better that your visit doesn’t coincide with the weekend since it tends to get busiest during that time.
How To Get To Thuy Van Beach
Access to Thuy Van Beach is simple and hassle-free, whether it comes from Ho Chi Minh City or from the central location that is Vung Tau. Instructions on how to reach the beautiful location are given below.
How to Get to Vung Tau from Ho Chi Minh City
The distance from Ho Chi Minh City’s downtown area to Vung Tau is around 120 km, and it will take around 3 hours to drive. However, given its closeness, many people choose Vung Tau as an incredible weekend vacation destination. The popular paths that lead to Vung Tau from Ho Chi Minh include
- Route 1: Depart from Ho Chi Minh via the direction for Suoi Tien, Dong Nai Bridge, and then merge at the Vung Tau Junction, turn right on Road 51, drive along the straight road, and eventually arrive at Vung Tau City.
- Route 2: Depart from Ho Chi Minh City, traveling along the Ring Road 2, turning left onto the Long Thanh – Dau Giay Expressway. Proceed for a distance of approximately 20 kilometers, then turn left onto Highway 51, driving straight through to Vung Tau City.
How to Get to Thuy Van
To get to Thuy Van Beach from Vung Tau city center, it only takes 5 to 10 minutes by taxi, motorbike taxi, or scooter rental via Thuy Van Street, straight along the coastline. The fares for riding any of the transportation options are also quite reasonable, only around 20,000 to 50,000 VND. Access to this beautiful beach proves to be effortless.
Things To Know Before Traveling To Thuy Van Beach
To get the maximum benefit from your trip to Thuy Van Beach, it is important that you prepare well for it by having a few things in mind that can help you during your trip. The important things that you need to know when visiting Thuy Van Beach are discussed below:
- Check the weather forecast: Avoid rainy or stormy days to fully enjoy the beach’s beauty and outdoor activities.
- Pack swimwear, light clothing, and fashionable beachwear, such as maxi dresses or jumpsuits.
- Select fresh and economical seafood options by visiting local fishing villages or seafood markets.
- Don’t forget sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and other items to protect your skin and stay comfortable throughout your trip.
- It is better to stay at either hotels or resorts in Vung Tau, near Thuy Van Beach for ease of access.
- If you desire a serene environment, it is better to visit during weekdays and avoid holidays and weekends.
- Keep the beach clean and follow local guidelines to help preserve Vung Tau’s beautiful coastal environment.
Final Thoughts: Is Thuy Van Beach Worth Visiting?
Thuy Van Beach is definitely a very appealing destination for any visitor to Vung Tau, so a really perfect blend of relaxation and activities. This beach boasts a wonderful golden-sand shore along with nice waves, where you can enjoy some aerobic classes, sunbathing, and so on. Come and explore the magic of Vung Tau’s coastline through Seni World!
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