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VietnamDescription and is it worth a visit
Vung Tau Fortress or French Fort (Vung Tau Fortress, Old French Fort) is one of the largest defensive complexes in Asia. It occupies a vast territory spread over the peaks of the mountains Nuino (Small Mountain) and Nuilon (Big Mountain). Unfortunately, now there is little left of the fortress and it is not even officially an attraction and is known only to the most inquisitive tourists, but if you like little-tourist places and "abandoned", then we definitely advise you to see it.
The fortress consists of three positions, each of which was equipped with its own defensive fortifications and artillery pieces. All facilities were built in such a way as to provide maximum visibility of the coast and the sea area. The most visited are two areas on Mount Nuino, as they are located on the way to the main attractions of Vung Tau – statue of Jesus Christ and lighthouse.
The fortress was built by the French from 1885 to 1905, and in 1941 it was completed by Japanese troops. During the construction of fortifications, the work of ordinary workers and prisoners was used, who manually dug trenches and crushed stones with picks and shovels.
The fortress included powerful concrete fortifications with massive walls and platforms for artillery installations. Bunkers were used as weapons depots, defensive posts and command centers. There was also a network of underground tunnels on the territory. The weight of one gun could reach more than 15 tons, and the length of the barrel – up to 4 meters. On some tools, you can still see the engraving with the date of production and weight.
Visiting all defensive positions is free, and access to them is not limited. However, no one monitors the condition of the facilities: part of the fortifications is overgrown with grass and shrubs, littered with garbage, and some areas are difficult to get to at all.
Positions on the map:
- Artillery complex on Mount Nuilon or Ancient Battery on the map – located on Mount Nuilon, preserved in good condition, there are 6 cannons.
- Battlefield or Ancient Artillery Battlefield on the map - located next to the statue of Jesus Christ, in an abandoned state among the thickets, but you can go to it. 2 cannons have been preserved.
- Bunker at the lighthouse or Lighthouse Bunker on the map – located near the Lighthouse. Only the bunker has been preserved, there are no guns, but you can climb around the bunker.
🕐 Working hours
Around the clock.
💵Entrance fee / ticket price
Free of charge.
🚶 How to get there
The remains of the Vung Tau fortress are located in three places on Nuilon Mountain (Nui Lon) and Nuino Mountain (Nui Nho) in the city limits. You can get to them by taxi, rented transport and on foot. Here are the points on the map:
- Artillery complex on Mount Nuilon or Ancient Battery on the map – located on Mount Nuilon, preserved in good condition, there are 6 cannons. You can get here by car.
- Battlefield or Ancient Artillery Battlefield on the map - located next to the statue of Jesus Christ, in an abandoned state among the thickets. 2 cannons have been preserved. You can get to it only on foot from the statue of Jesus.
- Bunker at the lighthouse or Lighthouse Bunker on the map – located near the Lighthouse. Only the bunker has been preserved, there are no guns, but you can climb around the bunker. You can get there by car.
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