MileHacker Logo
Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Guide

Around Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Accommodation Types

Full Spectrum of Lodging Options

  • Hostels

    These have budget-friendly dormitories or private rooms. Find them near Back Beach, popular with backpackers and solo travelers seeking social interaction. Check Hostelworld for options.

  • Guesthouses (Nha Nghi)

    Small, family-run establishments. They have basic but clean rooms, often without many frills. Good for budget and mid-range travelers.

  • Mid-range Hotels

    Numerous 2-4 star hotels dot the city, especially around Back Beach and Front Beach. These properties have standard amenities like air conditioning, private bathrooms, and sometimes a swimming pool or breakfast service. Good value for comfortable stays. Find them on Booking.com or Agoda.

  • Luxury Hotels and Resorts

    Vung Tau hosts international and local 4-5 star properties. Many locate along Back Beach or boast direct ocean views. They have extensive amenities. Expect large pools, spas, multiple restaurants, and high levels of service. Consider IHG Hotels for international brands.

Unique Local Accommodation Types

  • Homestays

    Some guesthouses in Vung Tau might have a more personal, family-run feel. These give insight into local daily life. Formal, community-based tourism initiatives are limited within Vung Tau city.

  • Mini-hotels

    Small, privately-owned hotels often found on side streets away from the main tourist strips. They typically have basic but clean and functional rooms, often at a lower price point than larger hotels.

  • Vacation Rentals and Apartments

    Platforms like Airbnb or local agencies have vacation rentals and serviced apartments. These have more space, privacy, and often kitchen facilities, good for families, groups, or longer stays. Look on Vrbo.

  • Camping and Outdoor Accommodation

    Camping is not common within Vung Tau city. Some larger beach resorts or glamping sites may exist in the broader Ba Ria-Vung Tau province.

Neighborhood Guide

Detailed Breakdown of Areas and Their Character:

Back Beach Bãi Sau

Pros
  • Direct beach access
  • Wide range of accommodation types
  • Numerous restaurants and bars
  • Lively atmosphere, good for swimming and sunbathing
Cons
  • Crowded, especially on weekends and Vietnamese public holidays
  • Can be noisy at night with karaoke

Front Beach Bãi Trước

Pros
  • Central location, close to hydrofoil terminal and attractions
  • Scenic promenades, pleasant parks
  • Good for evening strolls and sunsets
  • Quieter nightlife options
Cons
  • Less suitable for swimming due to boat traffic and cleanliness
  • Fewer direct beach resorts with private access

City Center

Pros
  • Authentic local experience
  • Generally cheaper food and accommodation options
  • Good access to local markets and shops
  • Central base for exploring
Cons
  • Further from the main beaches
  • Potentially less tourist-focused amenities

Safety and Proximity to Attractions

Safety Considerations

All main tourist areas in Vung Tau are generally safe. Standard precautions against petty theft, like bag snatching, apply across the city, especially in crowded areas. Be aware of your belongings regardless of the neighborhood.

Proximity & Noise

Front Beach stays: quick access to hydrofoil, Lighthouse, Christ the King. Back Beach: Ideal for beach activities. A short taxi or Grab ride connects to city attractions. Back Beach can be lively at night. Front Beach and city center are generally quieter in the evenings.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking helps you get good accommodation for your Vung Tau trip, especially during peak times.

Advance Booking Recommendations by Season

  • High Season (December-February) & Public Holidays: Book accommodation several weeks to months in advance. Demand and prices surge, and popular hotels can sell out quickly. This applies specifically to Tet (Lunar New Year) and other national holidays.
  • Shoulder/Low Season: Booking a few days to a week in advance is usually sufficient. You may find better deals and more availability during these quieter periods. Flexibility with dates can yield savings.

Deposit and Cancellation Policies

  • These vary by property and booking platform. Always check the specific deposit requirements and cancellation policies before confirming your reservation.
  • Many platforms have free cancellation up to a certain point, giving flexibility. Pay attention to non-refundable rates if budget is a concern.

Trusted Booking Platforms and Local Reservations

Online Platforms
  • Booking.com
  • Agoda
  • These are widely used and reliable for booking hotels and guesthouses in Vung Tau. For larger chains, direct booking on the hotel's official website can sometimes have exclusive deals.
Local Custom
  • For smaller, local guesthouses, walking in or contacting them directly might sometimes yield a slightly better price, especially during the low season.
  • Negotiation: For smaller guesthouses during low season or weekdays, a polite inquiry about a slightly better rate for walk-in customers might be possible. Do not expect significant discounts. For larger hotels, prices are generally fixed.

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

Peak Times

Prices for accommodation in Vung Tau are significantly higher during the high season, on weekends, and especially during Vietnamese public holidays.

Best Value

Weekdays in the shoulder or low season have the best value for your money.

Minimum Stays

Be aware that some hotels may have minimum stay requirements during peak times.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are some top picks for various travel styles and budgets in Vung Tau.

Budget & Mid-Range

Budget Options

Look for small, clean guesthouses near Back Beach. These often have basic accommodation with a good location.

Mid-Range Options

Comfortable rooms and amenities at a reasonable price.

Luxury & Family-Friendly

Luxury Options

International standards with resort amenities and high service quality.

Family-Friendly Stays

Resorts along Back Beach, like Pullman Vung Tau or The Imperial Hotel Vung Tau, often have amenities for families. These include large swimming pools, kids' clubs, and spacious rooms. Vacation rentals or apartments also have more space and kitchen facilities for families.

Solo Traveler Recommendations

  • Hostels & Budget Guesthouses

    Around Back Beach are good options for solo travelers. They have opportunities to meet other travelers and are often close to social areas. Look for properties with good reviews concerning cleanliness, security, and staff helpfulness.

Long-Stay Accommodations

  • Serviced Apartments & Vacation Rentals

    For those planning an extended stay, serviced apartments or vacation rentals (found on platforms like Airbnb or through local rental groups) have more autonomy, space, and often better value than hotels for longer durations.

Properties with Cultural or Historical Significance

The White Palace Bach Dinh

This is a historical site and museum, not an accommodation. It is a place of cultural importance.

The Imperial Hotel Vung Tau

Draws inspiration from the city's colonial past through its classic architecture and decor. This property has a sense of historical elegance.

Trusted House Sitters

For a different kind of stay

Consider TrustedHousesitters for unique accommodation exchanges.