Vung Tau, Vietnam: attractions, vacations, reviews

Vietnam is rapidly gaining popularity as a tourist region. Here all year round summer, many attractions, a variety of beaches, and in addition, low prices and friendly local people. All this makes the rest of the region so interesting. The country offers more and more points for recreation. And if Nha Trang, Danang or Phan Thiet are already well known to the Russian tourist, then Vung Tau is still little mastered by our travelers. Flight "Moscow - Vietnam" daily delivers to the country hundreds of tourists who want to see new places. Let's talk about what the Vung Tau region is , what are its features, advantages and disadvantages.

Geographical position

Vietnam occupies the eastern coast of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. In its southern part is the province of Bari-Vung Tau, whose area is almost 2 thousand square kilometers. The province is located in the flat part of the country, there are a large number of rivers and tributaries that divide the territory of the region into sections of different sizes.

Climate and weather

South Vietnam is in the tropical climate zone. This means that the region has two main seasons: dry and wet. The first one lasts from May to November, the second from December to April. At the same time the weather is quite suitable for recreation all year round. The difference is that rains are more frequent in wet time. However, they have nothing to do with tropical rainstorms, most often rains occur at night, and in the daytime a fairly high humidity is observed, occasionally a little rain falls for 10-15 minutes. Therefore, what distinguish the local residents as a change of seasons, for tourists usually remains barely noticeable differences.

The average annual temperature in Vung Tau (Vietnam) is 26 degrees Celsius. In the dry period, the temperature is slightly lower than in the humid, and the day on average is 25 degrees Celsius. During the rainy season, the air warms up to an average of 28 degrees on average. At the same time, for example, in August, in Vietnam, weather is quite comparable with the Mediterranean resorts, the temperature is +28, small nocturnal rains, only the humidity is higher than in Spain or the Crimea. The charm of the weather in Vung Tau lies in the fact that the fluctuations between the seasons are only about 3 degrees, so you can rest here all year round. Although the traditionally "high" season falls on the period from December to April. The most unfavorable months for a trip are September and October, when a high danger of typhoons appears.

History of settlement

Today Vung Tau is a fairly large city in the province of Bari-Vung Tau, it has about 300 thousand inhabitants. And the history of this settlement began in the 14th century, then there was a local community of fishermen. Three small villages lived peacefully, periodically taking sailing ships. The ruler of the lands was the representative of the Nguyen dynasty. The Portuguese, who often came here, gave their names to these lands - the Cape of Saint-Jacques - and taught local residents the possession of the Latin alphabet, which greatly facilitated communication between different peoples.

The peaceful coexistence of peoples came to an end when this territory was occupied by the French. They retained the Portuguese name behind this land. In 1859, the local population rose to war with the French invaders. But the venture failed. The French included Vung Tau in a single district of Bari and included it in the administrative unit with Saigon. According to the 1901 census, there were about 5,000 people living here, of which 2,000 were immigrants from the Northern provinces. The main fishery for local residents remained fishing. For the French nobility and aristocracy Vung Tau was a favorite vacation spot, so the president of France built here a magnificent palace in which he received guests. In the 30-ies of the 20th century, the region, together with all of Vietnam, entered the struggle for independence from the French colonization.

During the Second World War, this region was formally under the rule of the Japanese who occupied the country, but in reality to this land the Japanese did not reach. During the war between Vietnam and the United States, the region was captured by the Americans, who placed their military base here. In 1959, the North Vietnamese government decided to unify the country. The years of confrontation began, during which the population of Vietnam was badly affected. And today the country's lands feel the consequences of the use of chemical weapons by the Americans. In 1976, the reunification of the South and the North took place, and the country gained independence. In 1991, the region finally secured the name of Baria-Vungtau with its capital in the city of Vung Tau.

Administrative division and districts

The region is divided into 6 counties and includes two cities of provincial subordination - the capital of Vung Tau and the large city of Baria. Vung Tau is not formally divided into districts, but the local population allocates several: the center, the industrial part, the beach area. Also in the city there are several settlements of expats. In particular, there is an interesting village Vietsovpetro (Vung Tau), in which Russian workers of local shipyards live for many years. They created a Russian-speaking diaspora with their own shops, a library and an Orthodox church. Therefore in Vung Tau you can often hear Russian speech.

Language and religion

The official language of Vung Tau (Vietnam) is Vietnamese. Although a part of the population speaks French from the time of colonization. For example, appeals "madam" and "monsieur", French greetings and farewells, words of gratitude were universally preserved. Also part of the population speaks English from the time of the American occupation. Numerous links with the USSR have led to the fact that many Vietnamese can say at least a few words in Russian.

Questions of religion are complex for Vietnam. Only 18% of the population consider themselves to be some kind of official confessions, most often it is Buddhism. 80% of the country's inhabitants profess a system of popular beliefs built on ancient rituals and pagan representations. At the same time, Vietnamese often perform their rituals in Buddhist temples, this is the reason for such a large number of these structures in the country.

Time

Region Vung Tau, like the whole country, refers to the time zone UTC + 7. The same belt includes, for example, Krasnoyarsk, Cambodia, Indonesia, part of Mongolia. The time difference between Moscow and Vietnam is +4 hours. So, if in Vung Tau 12 noon, then in Moscow it's 8 am.

How to get there

There are several ways to get to southern Vietnam. Vung Tau Airport serves only small airplanes of local airlines. So the fastest way is to fly to the city. Although there are more simple and economical possibilities. The most popular option for Russian tourists is to fly to Ho Chi Minh City, then by bus or taxi to Vung Tau. Buses can be both superior comfort, and the most usual, flight. The journey time will be 2.5-3 hours. Travel agencies organize special flights for tourists directly from the airport and from the center of Ho Chi Minh City. For lovers of comfort, there are always taxis near the airport, which will drive to Vung Tau for 1, 5 hours and a large amount of money. There is also an opportunity to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau by water, on the "Rocket". The journey time is only 1 hour and 15 minutes.

What to see

In addition to the beaches, Vung Tau (Vietnam) provides great cognitive opportunities for the curious tourist. The first thing to see is a statue of Christ, several temples and pagodas, a villa of Blanche, a French cannon field, a statue of the Virgin Mary on Mount Nylon. Also of interest is the Kondao Museum, which tells the story of the "prison" island and the prison of the Tray Phu Hai prison. In your spare time, you can reach the Hai Dang Lighthouse, built in 1907. The lighthouse will have to climb uphill, but the site offers a magnificent view of the city and the bay. A separate walk is worthy of the small island of Honba, where the Vung Tau convent is located.

The sights of the country will be interesting both to fans of architecture and history, and to fans of flora and fauna. The latest is to look at the natural attractions: hot springs, hills near the city, ecotourism park on the Great Mountain and, of course, beaches.

The Statue of Christ

In 1974, the main sight of the province appeared - "Christ" (Vung Tau). The statue of Jesus is only 6 meters less than the famous analogue in Rio de Janeiro. It was established by the Catholic community, choosing for the statue the summit of the mountain of Nuino. Christ looks at the South China Sea, and is seen from afar. Rise to the statue will require some courage, because you have to overcome about 900 steps. To relax during the ascent on the stairs there are special areas, but it is better to take the water with you. It is customary to climb in the morning as a greeting to God. The statue is carved from white marble and stands on a 10-meter pedestal decorated with bas-reliefs. The length of the arms of Jesus is almost 20 meters. Inside the figure there is a ladder (133 steps), along which you can climb to the level of the shoulders and see an impressive panorama. Visiting the statue is equated to the entrance to the temple, so it is necessary that the clothes cover the knees and shoulders.

Villa Blanche

In 1898, they began to build a villa for the French governor of Indochina, Paul Dumer. This is how Villa Blanche (Belaya) appeared, which today is rightfully proud of Vung Tau (Vietnam). This governor did not manage to live at the villa, but his successors spent many years here. The building is built in a luxurious 18th century style and looks like a small palace. In the early 20th century, the last emperor of the Vietnamese ruling dynasty was kept under house arrest here. Today there is a museum with a good collection of antiques and things of the colonization times.

Temples of Vung Tau

Buddhist temples look very elegant and effective, they always have a lot of interesting. Therefore, it is worth while to rest in Vung Tau for a walk along the most remarkable places. First of all, it is the Temple of the reclining Buddha or the House of pure nirvana. It was built in the 70s of the 20th century and is remarkable for the fact that inside it is a 12-meter statue of a reclining Buddha. It is placed on a pedestal of mahogany 2.5 meters high. On the feet of the statue are cut out lines of sacred texts. On the second floor of the temple stands an amazing boat in the shape of a snake, it is filled with water, and in it floats fish. And the third floor is given to a huge bell, under which you can put a note with a wish. Vietnamese believe that these desires will come true.

Temple complex The altar of Buddha is also very interesting. As we rise to the top of the complex, we can consider Buddhist sculptures depicting scenes from the life of a saint. The beautiful Guanyin Pagoda is also worth a visit. In front of her is an 18-meter figure of a saint who helps in the birth of children. Pagoda Thang Tam is dedicated to the founders of the first three villages, which later became the city of Vung Tau.

Where to live

Almost all hotels in Vung Tau are located either in the beach line area or in the city center. Since the settlement has a very compact layout, in general there is no difference where to settle. But if you plan to mainly beach vacation, it is better to choose a hotel closer to the sea. In the city a large selection of places, except for the usual hotels and hostels, you can rent apartments or stay in a guest house. Prices for accommodation here are quite moderate, inexpensive rooms start from $ 10. Since the city is very popular as a holiday destination for residents of Ho Chi Minh City, then the prices usually rise slightly to the weekend.

Where to eat

It is impossible to stay hungry in Vung Tau. Here they eat always and everywhere: on beaches, streets, in cafes, shops, temples. Street food here is delicious, inexpensive and safe. Evening time in Vietnam is meal time. With sunset, local residents take to the streets to eat, all around the city there are merchants of different kinds of food, cafes are filled with families who are going to have dinner together. For those who are still afraid to eat on the street, there are many cafes and restaurants not only Vietnamese, but also Italian, American, Korean, Japanese and even Russian cuisines. Quickly and inexpensively you can eat at the food court in the shopping center. But still, the most authentic and delicious food will be in local markets and street cafes, where a large number of local people gather. Since Vietnamese cuisine is very sharp, you can ask the cook to put less pepper.

On the beach - the most expensive food. Therefore, it is better to leave from there to have lunch. Vung Tau is famous for its seafood, it perfectly prepares different kinds of fish, also makes delicious sushi and rolls. They can be bought one by one from the trays on the street.

Things to do

Most of the time tourists in Vung Tau spend on the beach. But besides this there is something to do. On the Nuilon mountain there is a large amusement park, in which you can climb the cable car. The park has attractions, there is a lake and an artificial waterfall, children will be interested to visit the zoo. For lovers of outdoor activities, there is a yacht club, golf course, skate station, diving schools. Men like to spend time on fishing, which is simply extraordinary. For ladies, shopping in Vung Tau is attractive, they should go to the Lam Shaun area. Here on three streets you can buy souvenirs, products of local artisans, as well as clothes, shoes, bags. The size range of clothes and shoes is not large, big men are unlikely to do anything here. The assortment is mostly summer, but you can choose good jackets and suitcases.

Also Vung Tau is a great place to improve your health, there are several good massage parlors here, hot springs help with rheumatism and arthritis.

Beach holidays

The main attraction of the region is the beaches of Vung Tau. The largest beach of Bai Sao (Back Beach) belongs to the municipality. It is located close to the hotels, and therefore it is always quite crowded. The entrance fee is paid, you also have to pay for the sunbed and other services.

Bai Chyok (Front beach) is also in the center, and it's too noisy in the daytime, but in the evenings you can walk and watch the sunset.

Pineapple beach is located between Front and Rear, on the very edge of the cape. His name he received in honor of the once growing pineapples. Today it is quite crowded, but noisy due to the proximity of the road.

Long Hai Beach is a 15-minute drive from the city. It is the cleanest in Vung Tau, near the shore there are spectacular boulders, where tourists arrange romantic photoshoots. Visiting Vietnam in August or November, you can choose beaches on the edge of the cape, and in September and October it is better to choose the ones that are closer to the center of the continent.

Security

Vietnam in terms of crime is on average in the world. But in Vung Tau, the life of tourists is not threatened. What can not be said about their property. The risk of being deceived in the market is very great, as well as being robbed during an evening walk on deserted beaches. Most often, there are thefts of wallets and cell phones. Evening time in Vietnam and Vung Tau is fraught with burglaries, which most often occur according to one pattern: a bike passes by tourists, a seated on it tears out a bag or phone and leaves. Therefore, tourists are advised to observe the rules of elementary care.

Practical information

Vung Tau is a very compact city, there is no public transport, but almost everywhere you can get there on foot. For long trips, a taxi or a rented bike or bicycle will do.

From the tap in Vung Tau water flows, which is not recommended to eat raw for safety.

In Vietnam, local money is dong, but in tourist places you can pay in dollars, although the course is most likely to be unprofitable. You can exchange money in banks (the safest option) or in special exchangers, where the rate will be the most profitable, but you need to look carefully so that additional fees are not charged.

Reviews about Vung Tau

In the tourist forums you can read a lot of stories about trips to Vietnam. Vung Tau, reviews about which are less common, is estimated by tourists in different ways. There are very loyal travelers to this place who like the atmosphere and beaches. And there are those who are disappointed, expected more. Tourists point out that life in Vung Tau is calmer than in the more famous resorts of the country. They also say that there is a very good cultural program and many attractions. But the service of many vacationers is disappointing. Here you will not find helpful personnel, Vietnamese always see in the tourist first of all an opportunity to earn. In addition, the reviews can be read about the fact that the Vietnamese have special ideas about cleanliness, and the hotel rooms can not always be held an ideal cleaning.