Forget about the long highway drive to faraway Ho Chi Minh City when you have so much culture and beauty to discover right on the coast! Vung Tau is a vibrant seaside city famous for its sweeping ocean views, historic French colonial architecture, and fascinating spiritual landmarks. By booking our premium Vung Tau Seatown Tour from Phu My Port, you will enjoy a relaxed, traffic-free day exploring coastal highlights including the towering Jesus Christ Statue, the majestic Lying Buddha, and the historic Vung Tau Lighthouse.
Perfect for cruise passengers arriving at Phu My Port who prefer a shorter commute and a breezy coastal atmosphere, this Phu My port to Vung Tau tour guarantees an unforgettable private sightseeing experience with a 100% on-time return to your ship.
If you prefer to focus on urban shopping or need a simple transfer, you can also explore our Ho Chi Minh City Shopping Private Tour or book a direct Transfer from Phu My to Ho Chi Minh.
HIGHLIGHTS OF VUNG TAU SEATOWN TOUR FROM PHU MY PORT
- Seamless Port Transfers: Private, air-conditioned pick-up and drop-off directly from Phu My Port or Vung Tau Port.
- Statue of Christ the King: Climb Mount Nho to visit the spectacular 32-meter tall Jesus Statue offering breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline.
- Nirvana Pagoda (Niet Ban Tinh Xa): Admire the sheer magnitude of the majestic marble statue of the Lying Buddha and drum the giant bronze bell for good luck on this Vung Tau Seatown Tour from Phu My Port.
- The Grandeur of the White Palace: Explore the elegant French colonial summer palace once used by Bao Dai, the last Emperor of Vietnam.
- Authentic Vietnamese Lunch: Enjoy a delicious local meal featuring crispy Vietnamese pancakes (Banh Xeo) and rice noodles with savory grilled pork and fried spring rolls.
- Whale Temple & Lighthouse: Delve into local fishing folklore at the unique Whale Temple and enjoy 360-degree ocean vistas from the historic Vung Tau Lighthouse.
TOUR INFORMATION
Price: from $65 USD /Adult (from 12 years old) , Children (from 5 – 11 years old): 50% of Adult
(Price varies by group size)
| Private/group | 1 pax | 2 pax | 3 pax | 4 pax | 5 – 6pax | 7 – 8pax | 9pax+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price/Adult | $220 | $125 | $110 | $90 | $80 | $70 | $65 |
Duration: All private tours are approximately 8 hours or longer depending on your cruise time constraints. At the end of the Vung Tau day tour from cruise ship, we always make sure that you return on-time to board the cruise ship.
Meeting point: Vung Tau Port or Phu My Port
Port Permit Service:
- Opt to purchase port permit service: For a fee of $25 USD/person, our guide and transport can go inside the port, right up to your cruise ship gangway for pick-up and drop-off. This requires passport details such as full name, passport number, DOB, expiry date, and nationality. We highly recommend this service for maximum safety and comfort during hot or rainy days, as well as highly reliable transport service.
- Opt not to purchase port service fee: Please walk out of the port gate (15 – 20 minutes) or take an internal port shuttle bus ($3-$5 USD/person) where our guide and driver will welcome you with a sign and a smile. This option does not include an extra fee.
Tour customizable: Absolutely! Tell us your specific pacing or mobility requirements in the inquiry form below.
Category: Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursions
Inclusions:
- Round trip in a private air-conditioned vehicle for your Phu My port to Vung Tau tour
- Fluent English-speaking local guide
- All attraction entrance fees
- Lunch as indicated in the itinerary (we can cater to any dietary requirements, just be sure to get in touch beforehand)
- Unlimited bottles of cold drinking water
Exclusions:
- Port permit fee ($25 USD/person if inside-port pick-up is requested)
- Tips and extra drinks
- Other personal expenses
Payment method: We accept 
What to bring: Passport (or copy) • Sunscreen • Hat • Insect Repellent • Light Jacket • Comfortable Walking Shoes
What to wear: Please ensure you dress respectfully for temple visits. Knees and shoulders should be covered at all times.
DETAILED ITINERARY: VUNG TAU SEATOWN TOUR FROM PHU MY PORT
Welcome on dry land! Your private English-speaking guide will be waiting for you at Phu My Port or Vung Tau Port, greeting you with a personalized welcome sign and a big smile to start your Phu My port to Vung Tau tour.
Stop 1: Christ the King Statue (Mount Nho)
We begin our Vung Tau Seatown Tour from Phu My Port by making our way to Mount Nho to snap photos of the famous Christ the King statue. For those feeling energetic, a climb up the 900 steps leads you directly to the spectacular 32-meter tall Statue of Jesus. With its 18.3-meter long arms acting as viewing balconies, this statue serves as an excellent vantage point to admire the whole city, the sweeping shoreline, and Hon Ba—a tiny islet featuring a beautiful temple worthy of a few photos! After walking down the mountain, enjoy a cool, refreshing drink provided by your guide.
Stop 2: Nirvana Pagoda (Niet Ban Tinh Xa)
Next, we head to the spiritual haven of Niet Ban Tinh Xa (Nirvana Pagoda). Set against the hillside facing the ocean, you can admire the sheer magnitude of the majestic 12-meter marble statue of the Lying Buddha. Before you leave, try drumming the giant bronze bell located on the upper level to ring in good luck and prosperity.
Stop 3: The Historic White Palace (Villa Blanche)
Our history exploration continues at the White Palace. Built by the French in 1898, this elegant colonial mansion once served as a luxurious summer retreat for French Governors and later for Bao Dai, the last Emperor of Vietnam. Stroll through the lush, frangipani-lined gardens and view an impressive collection of antique ceramics recovered from local shipwrecks.
Stop 4: Authentic Vietnamese Lunch
After a busy morning of sightseeing on your Vung Tau day tour from cruise ship, we will treat you to a delicious local lunch at a highly-rated Vung Tau restaurant. You will sample authentic Southern Vietnamese cuisine, including crispy Vietnamese pancakes (Banh Xeo) and refreshing rice noodle bowls topped with savory grilled pork and fried spring rolls.
Stop 5: The Unique Whale Temple (Lang Ong Thuy Tuong)
After lunch, we dive into local coastal folklore with a visit to the fascinating Whale Temple. This ornate, incense-filled temple worships the skeletal remains of a massive whale that washed up onto the Vung Tau shore over 100 years ago. It is the sacred site where local fishermen traditionally pray for calm seas and safety before heading out to the ocean. This stop offers a deeply fascinating insight into the spiritual belief systems of Vietnamese coastal communities.
Stop 6: Vung Tau Lighthouse
Enjoy your second chance for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city at the historic Vung Tau Lighthouse. With its peak located 170 meters above sea level, this French-built lighthouse is widely regarded as one of the most interesting landmarks in the city, offering stunning 360-degree vistas of the ocean and the surrounding mountains. Definitely do not forget your cameras for this stop! If you prefer not to hike up, your guide can arrange a quick, fun 10-minute local motorbike ride to the very top.
In the mid-afternoon, you will hop back into your private vehicle. We will head back to Phu My Port or Vung Tau Port in excellent time for your cruise departure, concluding a perfect Vung Tau Seatown Tour from Phu My Port.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How far is Vung Tau from Phu My Port?
Vung Tau city is much closer to Phu My Port than Ho Chi Minh City. The drive from Phu My to Vung Tau takes only about 45 to 60 minutes along a scenic coastal highway, making the Vung Tau Seatown Tour from Phu My Port an excellent, low-stress shore excursion choice for passengers who want to avoid long bus rides.
Is the climb up to the Jesus Statue difficult?
The walk up Mount Nho to the Jesus Statue involves about 900 stone steps. It is a moderately challenging climb, especially in the tropical heat. However, there are plenty of shaded rest stops along the way. If you have mobility issues or prefer not to climb, you can still enjoy fantastic views from the base or relax at a nearby coastal cafe.
Do I need to buy the $25 USD Port Permit Service?
The $25 USD Port Permit Service is optional, but we highly recommend it for any Vung Tau day tour from cruise ship. It allows our private car and guide to pick you up right at your ship’s gangway inside the port. Without the permit, you will need to walk 15–20 minutes to the outside port gate or pay $3–$5 USD for the internal port shuttle.
Are the entrance fees and lunch included in the tour price?
Yes! Our pricing is transparent and all-inclusive. Your private vehicle, English-speaking guide, all entrance fees to the pagodas, the White Palace, and the Lighthouse, as well as a full authentic Vietnamese lunch and bottled water, are all included in your Phu My port to Vung Tau tour.
Do you guarantee that we will return to the cruise ship on time?
Absolutely. We specialize in shore excursions and strictly monitor your ship’s all-aboard time. Because Vung Tau is so close to the port, traffic is rarely an issue, and we guarantee a safe, on-time return well before your vessel’s departure.
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Mary (Ms.)
Travel Expert
Interacting with our travelers during their whole trip helps me understand more about their interests and concerns. I like seeking exotic and valuable experiences, and I believe that this is one of the reasons that make us different.
Want a trip designed just for you? Let’s get started! Please fill out the form below or email us directly at vietnambookingtoursvn@gmail.com. Based on your cruise schedule, specific needs, and interests, our travel experts will design a personalized Vung Tau Seatown Tour from Phu My Port just for you.
Please note this inquiry is totally free and you are under no obligation!