TRAVEL GUIDE TOUR CRUISE SHIP DOCK AT PHU MY PORT IN VUNG TAU

Whether you’re arriving on a cruise or as part of a business trip, this bustling port in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province serves as the gateway to a host of exciting destinations.

From vibrant markets to serene beaches and cultural landmarks, Phu My Port offers a unique starting point for a Vietnamese adventure.

Supercruise ship carrying more than 4,000 international passengers docks at Ba Ria – Vung Tau port

In this guide, I will delve into the port itself, outline what to do right after your arrival, and suggest fantastic places to explore next.

1. Overview of Phu My Port

Phu My Port, strategically located about 90 kilometers southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, is Vietnam’s largest deep-water port. It plays a crucial role in the nation’s trade and transportation infrastructure, handling a significant portion of the country’s international cargo.

The port is a modern, well-equipped facility that ensures smooth operations for both commercial and tourist activities.

As a major hub for shipping, Phu My Port sees a constant flow of goods and passengers

Its deep-water capabilities allow it to accommodate large vessels, including cruise ships, making it an important entry point for travelers exploring southern Vietnam.

Despite its commercial nature, the port area is equipped to handle tourist needs, providing essential services and easy access to local transportation.

Upon arrival, you’ll find various amenities designed to cater to tourists, including information desks, transport services, and options for local tours. The port is well-connected to the surrounding region, making it a convenient starting point for your explorations.

Phu My Town

Phu My is a town located in the west of Ba Ria – Vung Tau province, about 30km from Vung Tau city, about 10km from Ba Ria city and about 50km from Ho Chi Minh City.

This town has a total area of ​​333.84 km2, bordering districts such as Chau Duc, Can, Dong Nai.

Phu My will be the place many tourists choose if they want to immerse themselves in nature because this place is famous for its majestic mountains, temples, pagodas.

2. Transportation Options from Phu My Port

After arriving at Phu My Port, you’ll find several transportation options to explore the area and its surroundings. The best mode of transport depends on your destination, the size of your group, and your personal preferences.

Phu My Town

Here’s a breakdown of the available transportation options, including their convenience and suitability for different needs:

-Private transfer: Private transfers offer the most flexibility and comfort. They can be arranged in advance, ensuring a smooth transition from the port to your destination. You can arrange through your cruise line or travel agency before your arrival, or book a private transfer service online. However, some local companies offer private transfer services directly at the port.

-Taxi: Taxis are readily available and can be a quick option for reaching nearby destinations like Vung Tau. Prices can vary based on distance and traffic conditions. However, communication with drivers may be challenging if they don’t speak English. Taxis are usually available at the port’s designated taxi stand. In addition, you can use local ride-hailing apps like Grab for more convenience and transparent pricing.

-Motorbike Rentals: Suitable for the adventurous traveler who is comfortable navigating local traffic and road conditions. This is typically the most economical option, the price for rent a motorbike is 150.000 VND/per day (6.25 USD). It requires a valid license and experience with motorbike riding. You can rent from local shops in Phu My or Vung Tau.

In my opinion, I recommend you Private transfer, which is the best option for convenience. They provide door-to-door service, allowing you to avoid the hassle of navigating local transport systems or dealing with language barriers. This is especially advantageous if you are traveling with a group, have specific destinations in mind, or simply prefer a more personalized experience. You can search the information about Private transfer through the internet like Google or you can contact travel services to get the prices and informations.

3. What to Do After Arriving at Phu My Port

3.1. Explore Lam Son Market

Lam Son Market is a bustling hub of local life. Here, you can immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and experience Vietnamese culture firsthand. The market offers a wide range of fresh produce, local snacks, and traditional Vietnamese products. It’s an excellent place to pick up unique souvenirs and sample local delicacies, such as fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and homemade sweets.

Lam Son Market

Address: Phuoc Hoa Ward, Phu My Town, Ba Ria Vung Tau.

Opening Hours: 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM daily.

3.2. Leisurely Stroll in Phu My Town

Take a stroll through Phu My Town to soak in the local ambiance. The town is characterized by its traditional Vietnamese architecture, friendly residents, and charming streets.

You can find small cafés and eateries where you can relax and enjoy a cup of Vietnamese coffee or tea. The laid-back environment makes it an ideal spot for a leisurely exploration.

Nhà Gốm

If you are looking for a green cafe, airy space, spacious garden, and beautiful decor, Nha Gom is the most beautiful cafe in Phu My that many young people recommend today.

Besides having an open space outside, Nha Gom also has an air-conditioned room inside. There is nothing better than stopping by the shop at noon to enjoy a glass of fruit tea and enjoy the cool space.

Nha Gom Coffee and Cake

Address: No. 40, Ngo Gia Tu Street, Phu My Town.

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 10:30 PM daily.

Prices: 25.000 – 40.000 VND

Tiệm Cà Phiêu

When it comes to beautiful cafes in Phu My with chill views, there is no shortage, Tiem Ca Phieu is a bright candidate. The name of the shop is a wordplay, reading it at first glance you may have doubts about the name.

In fact, the meaning of the name is a cafe where you can enjoy a drink slowly and sit and chill, chatting with friends.

Tiem Ca Phieu

Address: No. 10, Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Phu My Town.

Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.

Prices: 20.000 – 35.000 VND

3.3. Experience Binh Chau Hot Springs

Located about 30 kilometers from Phu My, Binh Chau Hot Springs offers a unique relaxation experience. The natural hot springs are known for their therapeutic properties, and you can enjoy a soothing soak in the mineral-rich waters.

Binh Chau Hot Spring

The area also features mud baths, which are popular for their skin-softening benefits. Additionally, there’s a small zoo with exotic animals, making it a fun destination for families.

You can have immersive experience at Binh Chau Hot Spring

Address: National Highway 55, Binh Chau Commune, Xuyen Moc District, Ba Ria – Vung Tau.

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Prices: Range from 150.000 to 1.200.000 VND (6.25 to 50 USD) depending on your option.

3.4. Vung Tau Beaches

Vung Tau, a coastal city just a short drive from Phu My Port, is famous for its stunning beaches.

Spend a day at Back Beach (Bai Sau) or Front Beach (Bai Truoc) to enjoy the sun and sea. Back Beach is particularly popular for its long stretch of golden sand and clear waters, while Front Beach offers a more tranquil environment with beautiful views.

Vung Tau Front Beach brings a beautiful wild beauty, cool blue water. Front Beach is considered to have quite calm waves, very suitable for relaxing swimming. Immersing yourself in the blue water with family and friends under the warm sunlight in the early morning is an experience that many tourists love.

Bai Sau Vung Tau

Visit to Vung Tau is complete without a dip in Back Beach. Its pristine blue waters and minimal underwater obstacles make it the perfect spot for swimming and engaging in a range of water activities.

Both beaches provide opportunities for various water activities, including swimming, jet skiing, and beach volleyball.

4. Discover Vung Tau City

4.1. Christ the King Statue

One of Vung Tau’s most iconic landmarks is the Christ the King Statue, a colossal figure standing 32 meters tall. This impressive statue is one of the largest of its kind in the world and offers panoramic views of the city and coastline from its viewing platform. The statue is situated on Mount Nho, which also provides a picturesque backdrop for photographs.

Christ of Vung Tau

When you visit there, remember to bring a lightweight, sun-protective jacket and a hat to shield yourself from sunburn. Opt for comfortable, modest clothing that covers your knees and has sleeves.

Address: Thuy Van Street, Vung Tau City

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.

Ticket Price: Free

4.2. Vung Tau Lighthouse

Vung Tau Lighthouse, perched on a hill,  with its stunning white design set against a beautiful backdrop, not only guides boats but also provides an excellent vantage point for photos. Built in the 19th century, this historic lighthouse is an essential part of the city’s maritime heritage.

Vung Tau Light House

Climb to the top for a spectacular vantage point overlooking the ocean and the cityscape.

Address: Small Mountain Peak (Tao Phung Mountain), Ward 2, Vung Tau City.

Opening Hours: 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM daily.

Ticket Price: Free

4.3. Tran Temple

The Tran Temple, located near the lighthouse, is a significant cultural and historical site in Vung Tau. Dedicated to Tran Hung Dao, a national hero and military leader, the temple is known for its beautiful architecture and serene surroundings. It’s a great place to learn about Vietnamese history and culture.

Tran Temple

Here, you’ll find a remarkable collection of valuable antiques, including an 8-seat wooden furniture set and a rectangular table that’s over 200 years old, reputedly from the royal city of Thailand.

The collection also features numerous religious artifacts such as blue ceramics, horizontal lacquered panels, and gilded scrolls. Notably, there are intricately carved cabinets with 33 religious compartments, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. These antiques highlight the sculptural and decorative skills of artists from across the country.

5. Best dishes in Vung Tau that you must try

5.1. Seafood

Coming to Vung Tau, you cannot forget to enjoy delicious seafood dishes.

Not only does the menu have a variety of fresh dishes, the restaurant space is also extremely clean and airy, besides, the restaurant staff is also extremely enthusiastic and agile.

In particular, I will introduce to you the top 3 delicious and cheap snail restaurants that will make you fall in love in the coastal city of Vung Tau.

Oc Tu Nhien

Address: No. 34, Tran Phu Street, Vung Tau City.

Opening Hours: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily.

Prices: 30.000 to 80.000 VND (1.25 to 3.3 USD)

Ganh Hao

Address: No. 3, Tran Phu Street, Vung Tau City.

Opening Hours: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily.

Prices: 40.000 to 150.000 VND (1.6 to 6.25 USD)

Quan Oc Xoay

Address: No. 107, Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Vung Tau City.

Opening Hours: 3:00 PM to 12:00 AM daily.

Prices: 20.000 to 150.000 VND (0.8 to 6.25 USD)

5.2. Khot Cake

Every visit to this city must include a taste of Vung Tau’s specialty: Vung Tau-style Banh Khot.

These small, round cakes are visually appealing, with their white flour base, pinkish-orange shrimp nestled inside, and crispy shrimp powder, all enhanced by the vibrant green of finely chopped scallions.

When you taste them, the experience is even more delightful. They have a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior, with a fragrant flour taste and the fresh sweetness of shrimp that melts in your mouth. Served with fresh vegetables, pickles mixed with crunchy lotus stems, and a tangy sweet and sour fish sauce, Banh Khot offers an unforgettable flavor.

Khot cake that you must try in Vung Tau

This dish is akin to the mini pancakes from Central Vietnam, renowned for their crispy crust and delectable shrimp filling.

You can go to these eateries to experience the Khot cake:

Banh Khot Ba Hai

Address: No. 42, Tran Dong Street, Vung Tau City.

Opening Hours: 6:30 AM to 12:00 PM daily.

Prices: 20.000 to 50.000 VND (0.8 to 2.08 USD)

Banh Khot Goc Vu Sua

Address: No. 14, Nguyen Truong To Street, Vung Tau City.

Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM from Monday to Saturday and 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Sunday.

Prices: 40.000 to 100.000 VND (1.6 to 4.1 USD)

Banh Khot Cay Sung

Address: No. 19, Hoang Hoa Tham Street, Vung Tau City.

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily.

Prices: 30.000 to 60.000 VND (1.25 to 2.5 USD)

5.3. Stingray Hotpot Vung Tau If you’re a fan of hotpot, you can’t miss this dish. In Vung Tau, while seafood hotpots are common, the stingray hotpot is truly exceptional. Featuring a tangy broth with a fragrant garlic aroma, the real highlight is the stingray meat.

It’s uniquely delicious, fresh, tender, and imbued with the distinctive taste of stingray

You can visit these eateries to enjoy the stingray hotpot:

Lau Ca Duoi Co Hoa

Address: No. 61B, Phan Chu Trinh Street, Vung Tau City.

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.

Prices: 80.000 to 150.000 VND (3.3 to 6.25 USD)

Lau Ca Duoi Ut Muoi

Address: No. 10, Truong Cong Dinh Street, Vung Tau City.

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Prices: 70.000 to 200.000 VND (2.9 USD to 8.3 USD)

Lau Ca Duoi Hoang Minh

Address: No. 44, Truong Cong Dinh Street, Vung Tau City.

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM daily.

Prices: 80.000 to 250.000 VND (3.3 to 10.4 USD)

Phu My Port is more than just a transit point; it’s the beginning of a journey through some of Vietnam’s most intriguing locations. Enjoy your adventure, and make the most of your time in this beautiful part of Vietnam!