Vung Tau Lighthouse – where to admire the sea’s poetic beauty

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Vung Tau lighthouse is a great place for taking photos (Source: Collected)

Vung Tau lighthouse is an essential stop on your Vietnam travel itinerary. With consistently pleasant weather in Vung Tau, a visit to the lighthouse offers a serene retreat and breathtaking views of the city. Carefully planning your itinerary to incorporate nearby attractions and indulging in delicious local cuisine along the way guarantees a smooth and delightful journey.

1. Location & opening hours of Vung Tau Lighthouse

• Location: Tao Phung Mountain, Ward 2, Vung Tau City

• Opening hours: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Vung Tau lighthouse is located atop Nho Mountain, also known as Tao Phung Mountain, in Ward 2 of Vung Tau City. It was built by the French in 1862, originally at 149 meters above sea level, to guide ships in the nearby waters. In 1913, it was rebuilt and moved to its current position at 170 meters above sea level.

Among the 79 lighthouses scattered across Vietnam, only a select few, such as the Vung Tau Lighthouse, are situated in urban areas. Noteworthy for its strategic location, it also holds the distinction of being one of the oldest lighthouses in both Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

>>> Read more: Top 18 things to do in Vung Tau for authentic experiences

2. Architecture of Vung Tau Lighthouse

Vung Tau lighthouse is a striking cylindrical tower, standing 18 meters tall with a diameter of 3 meters, painted white. Ascending inside, visitors encounter a staircase winding toward the upper levels, culminating in a viewing balcony. Tourists visiting the Vung Tau lighthouse can explore its ancient architecture and enjoy stunning views of Vung Tau City from 170 meters above sea level. They can also feel the cool sea breeze and take memorable photos from unique angles.

Tourists visiting the Vung Tau lighthouse can explore its ancient architecture (Source: Collected)

>>> Read more: Vung Tau’s beaches: 16 destinations to enjoy coastal bliss

3. Things to experience at Vung Tau Lighthouse

3.1. Enjoy the panoramic view of the city from the lighthouse

Standing atop the lighthouse, you may delight in the invigorating sea breezes. This elevated vantage point presents breathtaking vistas of Vung Tau city. If you have time, venture around the vicinity of Vung Tau lighthouse and you will discover hidden gems, including a vast water reservoir catering to local needs and a timeless garden adorned with porcelain flowers, resplendent in vibrant hues, nestled charmingly nearby.

3.2. Take stunning photos

At the top of the lighthouse, beneath its towering structure and amidst the special porcelain flower display, lie three favorite “Instagrammable” spots for young people. If you are visiting here, don’t forget to dress up and bring your camera for some incredibly artistic photos.

3.3. Sip a cup of coffee or try local food

When visiting the Vung Tau lighthouse, do not miss out on the local delicacies:

• Try “Yaourt Co Tien” Yogurt: These yogurt stalls below the lighthouse are renowned for their affordable prices and delicious snacks. The yogurt, made from fresh creamy milk with peach egg, is a must-try, along with other tempting treats.
• Have coffee at Son Dang Café: Just over 200m from the lighthouse, Son Dang Café is a popular hangout for Vung Tau’s youth. Enjoy your coffee while taking in the sea view and discovering the lesser-known beauty of Vung Tau city.
• Savor seafood in Bai Truoc: After exploring the lighthouse, head down to the restaurants in the front beach area for delicious, fresh seafood. Alternatively, you can stop by Do Chieu Street for some enticing snacks.

You can enjoy your coffee while taking in the sea view and discovering the beauty of the city (Source: Collected)

>>> Read more: Ho May Park: A diverse tourism complex in Vung Tau

4. Guide to visit the Lighthouse in Vung Tau with ease

4.1. How to get to the lighthouse

To reach the lighthouse, tourists can travel by motorbike or car, or enjoy a leisurely walk along the mountain road, basking in the cool weather and immersing themselves in nature’s beauty. Particularly in the refreshing afternoon breeze, this route comes alive with bustling activity, as it doubles not only as a tourist attraction but also as a favored walking and hiking trail for local residents.

For independent travel, consulting Google Maps ensures you stay on track. Alternatively, you can book a taxi with a local driver who can effortlessly take you to your destination. Prioritize reputable taxi companies (like Xanh SM) to prevent overcharging.

You can download the Xanh SM app or check out its website for the price and car booking before your trip to the Vung Tau lighthouse. Not only does Xanh SM offer various payment methods, but it also provides you with a premium experience, including odorless, emission-free trips in VinFast’s smart electric car models.

Xanh SM is a newly born yet reliable taxi service (Source: Collected)

4.2. Best time to visit Vung Tau Lighthouse

• Best time of the year:  Vung Tau weather experiences two seasons: rainy and sunny. The dry season falls roughly from November to April, being the ideal time to visit Vung Tau lighthouse. Despite this, the region maintains a temperate climate throughout the year, with calm seas and cool temperatures averaging between 27-30 degrees Celsius, rendering it suitable for year-round exploration.
• Best time of the day: You can visit the Vung Tau lighthouse at any time, but it is especially romantic during sunset and at night. Apart from the lighthouse, Vung Tau’s nightlife offers a range of thrilling experiences, including beachfront clubs and various other exciting activities waiting for you to explore.

>>> Read more: Vung Tau nightlife: 12 must-try experiences for night owls

4.3. Other tips for your trip

As you travel to Vung Tau lighthouse, there are some tips for a seamless trip:

• The road to the lighthouse is scenic, with many twists and turns. When traveling by motorbike or car, it is important to go slowly to avoid accidents.
• For those who enjoy hiking, sturdy shoes are recommended to prevent foot pain.
• Make sure your phone and camera are fully charged, as there are plenty of beautiful photo opportunities along the way.

Beside Vung Tau lighthouse, you can consider the following attractions such as Vung Tau’s Jesus Statue – the largest Christ statue in Vietnam, Nghinh Phong cape, Pig Hill, Front Beach and Back Beach. These places offer a blend of religious significance and natural beauty ensuring a memorable visit to Vung Tau.

Jesus Statue in Vung Tau is the largest Christ statue in Vietnam (Source: Collected)

Vung Tau lighthouse stands as a captivating spot for travelers exploring Vung Tau city. Beyond providing a serene retreat, it boasts picturesque vistas ideal for photography enthusiasts. Before embarking on your journey to Vung Tau and specifically the lighthouse, it is advisable to monitor weather conditions and plan transportation arrangements for a smooth excursion.

Apart from Vung Tau, there are many destinations such as Hanoi, Ha Long, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, and so on. Each destination boasts its distinctive natural landscapes and vibrant cultures, all awaiting your exploration. 

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