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The Glossary
Teeming with urban attractions and conveniently located at the beach front, Vung Tau is a constant weekend escape of tourists from Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). Featuring crowded, tree-lined boulevards and buildings that boast of architectural prowess, this peninsular town is abuzz with the great variety of commercial establishments ready to cater to travelers of all budget ranges.
Back in the colonial era, Vung Tau was considered the beach retreat for the French nobles, which makes it Vietnam's first ever resort. Luckily, Vung Tau is no longer reserved for the elite. Its beachfront is a picture of fine bed of white sand and enticingly sparkling waters. A word of caution: most of the local shores are in close proximity to oil rigs, so the waters might not be that safe for swimming. It would be wise to ask around to find out where good beach spots are.
Those who would rather stay on the safe side can wander around town. The Villa Blanche (which served as the French Governor-General's residence) features a nice collection of antiques and a spectacular view of the seaside from the balcony. Tourists can ask around and see the Thang Tam Temple, which is unique to Vung Tau as it was made in honor of the three legendary men that brought about a revolution in the locals' way of living. The town is peppered with several small pagodas, but the two most popular ones are the Niet Ban Tinh Xa and the Thich Ca Phat Dai.
A visit to Vung Tau would be incomplete without heading out to the giant statue of Jesus Christ on top of Small Mountain, found in the outskirts of the town. Inside is a winding staircase that leads up to the two outstretched arms which are actually balconies, good vantage points to view Vung Tau's surrounding waters.
Vung Tau Landmarks:
- Historical Spots (1)
- Sights (1)
- Temples (3)
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