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Essential Information
destinations » Vung Tau
Vung Tau City is located in the south of Vietnam, and is situated at the tip of a small peninsula. It has traditionally been a significant port, particularly during Vietnam's period of French rule. Today, the city's importance as a shipping port has diminished, but it still plays a significant role in Vietnam's offshore oil industry. Vung Tau is the only petroleum base of Vietnam where crude oil and gas exploitation activities dominate the city's economy and contribute principal income to Vietnam's budget and export volume.
Vung Tau is the most popular weekend beach destination for the well-to-do from Sai Gon. The water is not too clean, but the many water sports, outdoor restaurants, the full range of tourist facilities and the proximity to Sai Gon attract many Saigonese to flock to Vung Tau to get unwound at weekend. Bai Truoc (Front Beach) located to the south-west of the city is the most popular thanks to the convenient location. However Bai Sau (the Back Beach) located to the south east is bigger and more beautiful.
For those who end their Vietnam holiday in Ho Chi Minh City may like to get relaxed in Vung Tau for a few days at international hotels resorts before heading home. Vung Tau is quite quiet and relaxing on a weekday. Don't forget to visit the White Villa, the former Governor's Residence. A hike at sunset to the giant statue of Jesus atop Nui Nho Mountain offers a fabulous view of the city and the surroundings.
The King sent three garrisons of troops to the area to quell the disturbance and to clear this area for settlement. A few years later, the bandits were driven away and in 1822, King Ming Mang rewarded the three officers who led the army to this region. The soldiers were allowed to retire and brought their families to this area to make a living. The name Vung Tau came about because the geography in this area also forms a natural bay where many merchant ships would stop to seek shelter. In time, this area became known as Vung (puddle) Tau (ships).
Vung Tau is also of interest for religious reasons. It has about 14 Catholic wards with active services. A notable monument in the city is a large statue of Jesus, constructed on a hilltop by Vietnam's Catholic minority. It was completed in the early 1970s with the height of 32 m and two outstretched arms spanning 18.4 m. It is considered to be among the tallest statues of Jesus Christ in Asia.
The winding road goes up and down along the shore, offering a spectacular view of the skyline and refreshing ocean wind. Facing the ocean on three sides.
Traditionally a weekend get-away spot for city dwellers from Saigon , Vung Tau has also a significant fishing industry. With oil riggs only 70 km off shore, the city is a center of services for the exploitation of gas and oil.
