Historically,
Vung Tau used to be part of Bien Hoa. The first settlements in this area occurred during the reign of King Gia Long. During this period, there were many Malay bandits in this region. They often enter the area through Song Be entrance from the ocean. This created a threat for merchants in the Gia Dinh area.
King Gia Long 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 first three successful settlements in this area were under the leadership of the three officers who originally led the troops here. Thang Nhat (first win) township, Thang Nhi (second win) township and Thang Tam (third win) township were led by Mr. Pham Van Dinh, Mr. Le Van Loc, and Mr. Ngo Van Huyen respectively. Ever since then, this area is known as Tam Thang or Three Wins. 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). Another name for this area is Cap Saint Jacques or Au Cap in French. The Vietnamese mispronunciation is "O^ Ca^'p". Bai Truoc - Anterior Beach
Bai Truoc
is also known as Bai Tam Duong. Tam Duong means "searching for the sun." The beach, which looks like a small bay, is located between Nui Lon (great) mountain and Nui Nho (small mountain). It is shady because of many coconut and willow trees. The beach is shaped like a crescent moon. It is not only a clean beach for swimming, it also has many kiosks, open-air restaurants, bars and villas.
Bai Sau - Posterior Beach
Bai Sau
is also known as Bai Thuy Van. It is a clean beautiful beach in the southeastern part of the town, and extends for 8 kilometers from the foot of Nui Nho to Cuu Lap. The sea is calm during the rainy season but there are frequent periods of high winds and big waves during the dry season. Strong undertow currents make swimming dangerous in some spots.
Bai Dua - Pineapple Beach
Bai Dua is a quiet beach over 1 kilometer from the posterior beach, along the road around Nui Lon.
Historically, it was well-known for its
wild pineapple trees and black rocks. Bai Dua is located at the foot of Nui Nho Mountain. It is the smallest of the four major beaches in Vung Tau but very popular for its calm waters and its majestic sunset. Bai Dua is also known as Huong Phuong beach. Visitors come to this rocky cove for its tranquility and cleanliness.
Paradise Beach
In 1994, a Taiwanese conglomerate paid a large sum of money to the vietnamese government for the right to build a theme park with a private beach on the northern end of Bai Sau. This beach, not too aptly named Paradise Beach, is open to the public but requires an entrance fee. Everything here costs twice as much as at the other beaches. It is visited mostly by groups of tourists from other Asian countries.
Bai Dau
Bai Dau is situated 3 km northwest of town. It is a small, rocky beach but its water is calm, shallow and very clear. Known as "foreigners' beach," it is frequented by travelers who want to relax. Vietnamese visitors also go to Bai Dau, but for a different reason: to eat at Cay Bang, widely recognized as the best sea-food restaurant in Vung Tau.
Hon Ba
Hon Ba - Islet of the Goddess, just off Nghinh Phong point between Bai Dua and Bai Sau, can be reached only on foot when the tide is low. It has the shape of a tortoise and is home to a temple built by fishermen in honor of the Goddess of the Sea. |
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