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After we have bypassed almost the entire coast of Vung Tau, we can say with confidence: there are only three beaches here that can be considered safe and suitable for swimming. Now we will analyze each of them in detail, show real photos and give honest recommendations on choosing a beach for a holiday.
Back Beach (Back Beach / Bai Sau) - the main beach of Vung Tau
This is by far the best beach in Vung Tau, and this is where we spent the most time. The back beach stretches for 4 kilometers within the city and continues for many kilometers beyond its borders (back beach on the map).
| ✔ Advantages of Back Beach | ✘ Disadvantages of Back Beach |
|---|---|
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Our opinion: The back beach is the best choice in Vung Tau. It is spacious here, there is minimal infrastructure, and the main thing is to swim safely. But be prepared for long walks in shallow water at low tide.
Pineapple Beach is a secluded option
Pineapple Beach is located behind Nuino Mountain in a relatively quiet and isolated place from the center (Pineapple beach on the map). This is 150 meters of sandy beach, cleared of stones.
| ✔ Advantages of Pineapple Beach | ✘ Disadvantages of Pineapple Beach |
|---|---|
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Our opinion: Pineapple Beach is suitable if you are looking for privacy and are willing to sacrifice amenities. This is a good option if you are staying in one of the hotels nearby and want to have "your own" beach.
Front Beach (Front Beach / Bai Truoc) - disappointment
The main beach is located in the bay and is considered more protected from waves (front beach on the map). But, in our opinion, he is not worth staying in a hotel next to him and going swimming here.
| ✔ Advantages of Front Beach | ✘ Disadvantages of Front Beach |
|---|---|
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Our opinion: Front Beach can only be used for a quick refreshment in the heat, but not for a full beach holiday. It is better to choose any other beach.
Dangerous beaches - swimming is not recommended
In addition to the three main beaches, there are several other places on the shore where you can sunbathe. But we strongly do not recommend swimming there for several reasons:
- Sharp rocks underwater - you can get hurt
- Stones at the bottom - it's uncomfortable to go into the water
- Strong undercurrents - life-threatening
- Big waves - can hit rocks
- There are no rescuers - there is nowhere to wait for help
Comparative table of all beaches in Vung Tau
| Parameter | Back beach | Pineapple Beach | Front beach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recommendation | The best choice | For privacy | Not recommended |
| Beach length | 4+ km | 150 m | 100 m |
| Beach width | 50-200 m | 20-30 m | 10-15 m |
| Infrastructure | Sun loungers, restaurants | Almost none | I don't |
| Cleanliness | Average | A good one | Low |
| Security | High | High | Average |
| People | Not enough | Very little | Lots of locals |
| Waves | Often large | Average | Small |
| Amenities | There are no toilets | There is nothing | There is nothing |
Our verdict: is it worth going to Vung Tau for a beach holiday?
We personally came to an unequivocal conclusion for ourselves:
Vung Tau is NOT the best choice for a beach holiday. If you are going to Vietnam for the perfect beaches, it is better to choose Nha Trang, Mui Ne or Phu Quoc.
When should I go to Vung Tau:
- If you are in Ho Chi Minh City and want to go to the sea for 2-3 days
- If you don't need perfect beaches, just the sea is enough
- If you are a budget traveler - it's really cheap here
- If you want to avoid the tourist crowds
When NOT to go to Vung Tau:
- If you are planning a beach vacation for 1-2 weeks
- If you are waiting for snow-white sand and turquoise water
- If a developed beach infrastructure is important to you
- If you are traveling with small children
Do you want to know more about Vung Tau? Be sure to check out our the complete guide to Vung Tau, where we tell you in detail about hotels, attractions, food, transport and much more.
The beaches of Vung Tau are not the place to go specifically for a beach holiday. But if you are here for other reasons, the Back Beach will provide you with everything you need for a comfortable, though not ideal, holiday by the sea.
Well, so that you have a more balanced opinion on this matter, we also advise you to watch our video about Vung Tau. In it, we show everything in detail and reliably without any embellishments.