SIGHTSEEING
Vung Tau is not the most well-known destination for foreigners traveling to Viet Nam. However, it still has a lot to offer.
For instance, you can:
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Enjoy the fresh sea food and the delicious bánh khọt (see Food section).
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Enjoy the accessible beaches, burry your feet in the soft sand, take a swim in the sea or have a jog along the seashore. The best beach for swimming is Bai Sau.
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Have a refreshing ice cream cube at the childhood ice cream shop of Anh (the granddaughter of the founder went to the same class in primary school with Anh). It is home-made and has been there for more than 30 years!
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Visit the White Palace, the governor house during the French colonial period. This place is recognized as a national historical and cultural site with a rich history, lots of well-reserved artifacts and French architectural style since the end of the 19th century. Its garden is beautiful with charming alleys filled with green trees and frangipani flowers.
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Climb up to the Christ statue and the lighthouse. It will be wonderful for you to see the city from above.
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Visit temples and pagodas - they're sacred.
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Ride a bicycle along the coastline - see Transportation section.
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And the classics: just relax and stop by any cozy coffee shop facing the sea to read / work / chit chat, have a drink with us or your friends, and maybe end up at the karaoke.
Other ideas available here, or just simply ask Anh!
Near Vung Tau, you can go to other nice beaches in Mui Ne / Phan Thiet or in Ho Tram.
If you take the opportunity of our wedding to travel a bit more in Viet Nam, there are plenty of options. The country is usually divided in 3 main parts:
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The North of Viet Nam:
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Ha Noi, that can keep you busy for weeks, which is also the starting point for all other must-see place in the area:
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The rice fields (Sa Pa, Pu Luong, Mai Chau, and so many others),
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Road trip in the breathtaking mountains of Ha Giang,
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Cat Ba island and Ha Long bay near Hai Phong, or Ninh Binh - the "inland" Ha Long bay.
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The Central of Viet Nam:
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Da Nang, the third economical hub of the country, with great seashores and many activities to do.
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Hoi An, the lanterns city, the most charming ancient village, particularly at night, surrounded by rice fields giving an outstanding green scenery at day-light.
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Hue, the imperial city and old capital of Viet Nam. It arguably offers the best food experience, with very affordable prices.
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The amazing caves of Phong Nha, near Dong Hoi. Only 2 agencies are allowed to operate in this UNESCO protected national park: Oxalis and Jungle Boss.
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These are only a few destinations, do not hesitate to contact some travel agencies. They usually have better price than if you plan everything on your own. Plus, their support will make the trip much more enjoyable.
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Chom Chom Travel (well renowned for family trip, and totally off the beaten track)
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Amica travel (French speaking agency)
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Other options recommended by friends: Go Viet Trip - Lily's Travel Agency - Hanoi Explore Travel - Make Your Asia
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The South of Viet Nam:
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Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), or Saigon, is more of a city to live in and a connection hub than a touristic place to visit but there's still a lot to see: the Central Post Office, the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Saigon, the Opera House and its affordable shows (such as A O show, a must see), water puppets theater, the Independence Palace, relaxing time at the Central Park, Ben Thanh Market, the Museums (on War and Arts), pedestrian Nguyen Hue Street, Dining on the Saigon river, Chinatown (Cho Lon), etc. Some options can be found here and here.
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When you're in HCMC, you might consider to do a few days trip to Phnom Penh in Cambodia or to the Mekong Delta.
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Islands:
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