OVERVIEW OF BÀ RỊA VŨNG TÀU PROVINCE

Geographical Location

Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu is a coastal province located in the Southeast region of Vietnam. The province has a natural area of 5,601.9 square kilometers and a population of over 1.1 million people, with 38 ethnic groups living together.

Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu is situated in the center of the Southern key economic region and has the following geographical boundaries:

• To the North, it borders Đồng Nai Province

• To the East, it borders Bình Thuận Province

• To the South, it borders the East Sea

• To the West, it borders Lâm Đồng Province

The topography of Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu is diverse, including mountains, hills, plains, and the sea.

• Mountainous Region: Accounts for about 20% of the province's natural land area, with the highest peak being Mount Dinh (716 meters).

• Hilly Region: Covers approximately 30% of the province's natural land area, with many low hills interspersed among the plains.

• Plains: Make up about 50% of the province's natural land area, with two large plains: the Đồng Nai River Plain and the Coastal Plain.

• Coastal Area: Has a 465-kilometer-long coastline with many beautiful beaches, such as Vũng Tàu Beach, Long Hải Beach, Hồ Tràm Beach, and others.

Climate

Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu has a tropical monsoon climate, with two distinct seasons: the rainy season and the dry season.

• Rainy Season: From May to October, with an average rainfall of about 2,000 millimeters.

• Dry Season: From November to April, with an average rainfall of about 600 millimeters.

History

Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu has a long history, with many valuable historical and cultural relics.

• Prehistoric Period: Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu was inhabited by Homo erectus around 2 million years ago.

• Ancient Period: Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu was one of the centers of the Champa civilization.

• Medieval Period: Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu was an important region of Đại Việt.

• Modern Period: Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu has made remarkable progress, becoming a key province in Vietnam.

Economy

Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu is a province with a diverse and developed economy, with several key industries, such as:

• Tourism: The leading economic sector of the province, with many beautiful beaches, historical and cultural relics, and attractive entertainment areas.

• Industry: Has many industrial zones and clusters that are operating effectively, producing many valuable products.

• Agriculture: Boasts specialized farming areas for crops and livestock, supplying products to both domestic and international markets.

Culture

Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu has a diverse and rich culture, deeply imbued with national identity.

• Folk Culture: Includes many traditional art forms, such as Bài Chòi singing, Hò Khoan singing, and antiphonal singing.

• Festival Culture: Includes many traditional festivals, such as the Nghinh Ông Festival and the Bà Thủy Long Thánh Mẫu Festival.

• Culinary Culture: Features many distinctive dishes with a strong sea flavor, such as Bún Chả Cá, Bánh Khọt, and Bánh Canh Chả Cá.

1. Vũng Tàu Beach 

Vũng Tàu Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam, featuring fine white sand and clear blue water. It is an ideal destination for swimming, relaxing, and participating in various beach entertainment activities.

2. Christ the King Statue (Tượng Chúa Kitô Vua)

Christ the King Statue is one of the iconic symbols of Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu. Located on the summit of Small Mountain, the statue stands 32 meters tall and was constructed in 1971. Visitors can climb to the top of the statue to enjoy a panoramic view of Vũng Tàu City.

3. Hòn Chồng Hòn Vợ  

Hòn Chồng Hòn Vợ is a famous scenic spot in Vũng Tàu. Two large rocks are positioned next to each other and are associated with a legendary love story. It is an ideal location for sightseeing, photography, and exploration.

4. Con Heo Hill (Đồi Con Heo)

Con Heo Hill is a famous tourist attraction in Vũng Tàu. The hill is located north of Vũng Tàu Beach and has a shape resembling a lying pig. It is an ideal spot for watching the sunset and sunrise.

5. Đá Bàn Streamlet  (Suối Đá Bàn)

Đá Bàn Streamlet is an eco-tourism area located in Xuyên Mộc District, Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu Province. The stream features numerous waterfalls, pools, and large rocks, creating a majestic natural landscape. It is an ideal destination for sightseeing, relaxation, and camping.

6. Bình Châu Phước Bửu Primary Fores

Bình Châu Phước Bửu Primary Forest is a tropical rainforest located in Xuyên Mộc District, Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu Province. The forest covers a vast area and is home to many rare species of flora and fauna. It is an ideal destination for sightseeing, exploring nature, and relaxation.

7. Hồ Tràm Tourist Area

Hồ Tràm Tourist Area is a high-end resort destination located in Xuyên Mộc District, Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu Province. The area features numerous resorts, hotels, entertainment facilities, and a variety of engaging activities for sightseeing and relaxation.

8. Long Hải Tourist Area

Long Hải Tourist Area is a coastal resort destination located in Long Điền District, Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu Province. The area features numerous resorts, hotels, beautiful beaches, and a variety of engaging activities for sightseeing and relaxation.

9. Long Sơn Island

Long Sơn Island is a small island located at the mouth of the Dinh River, Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu Province. The island features many historical and cultural relics as well as engaging activities for sightseeing and exploring nature.

10. Dinh Mountain Cable Car Tourist Area 

Dinh Mountain Cable Car Tourist Area is an eco-tourism destination located in Tân Thành District, Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu Province. The area features a modern cable car system that takes visitors to the summit of Dinh Mountain, offering panoramic views of Vũng Tàu City and the surrounding areas.

Other Attractions

In addition to the 10 locations mentioned, visitors can explore many other places:

Hồ Cốc Beach, Hồ Tràm Beach, Long Hải Beach, Long Sơn Beach, Suối Ồ Beach, Vũng Bầu Beach, Phước Bửu Beach, Chí Linh Beach, Gò Găng Beach, Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu Provincial Museum, Đức Bà Vũng Tàu Church, Núi Church, Long Sơn Pagoda, Thích Ca Phật Đài Pagoda, Hải Long Pagoda, Quan Âm Bồ Tát Pagoda, Bửu Long Pagoda, Phước Hải Pagoda, Nước Ngọt Pass, Cổng Trời Pass, Giã Dê Pass, Bà Tô Pass, Bưng Bạc Pass, Đá Xanh Lake, Đá Bạc Lake, Hồ Cốc Lake, Hồ Tràm Lake, Long Hải Fishing Village, Phước Hải Fishing Village, Côn Đảo Fishing Village, Bình Châu Phước Bửu Primary Forest Fishing Village, Chí Linh Fishing Village, Gò Găng Fishing Village, Bến Đá Fishing Village, Phước Thọ Fishing Village, Bình Châu Fishing Village, Bình Châu Hot Springs, Bình Ba Hot Springs, Bình Tân Hot Springs, Phước Hải Hot Springs, Côn Đảo Hot Springs, Hồ Cốc Tourist Area, Hồ Tràm Tourist Area, Long Hải Tourist Area, Long Sơn Tourist Area, Suối Ồ Tourist Area, Vũng Bầu Tourist Area, Phước Bửu Tourist Area, Chí Linh Tourist Area, Gò Găng Tourist Area, Côn Đảo, Phước Hải, Tân Thành, Xuyên Mộc, Long Điền, Đất Đỏ, Ngãi Giao, Tân Phước, Vũng Tàu.

1. Mini savory pancake (Bánh khọt)

Bánh Khọt is a specialty dish of Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu, made from rice flour, shrimp, pork, and green onions. The pancakes are thin and golden brown, served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce and fresh herbs.

2. Salted Egg Sponge Cake (Bánh bông lan trứng muối)

Salted Egg Sponge Cake is a famous snack from Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu. The cake is made from flour, eggs, fresh milk, and salted egg yolks. It has a sweet, rich, and nutty flavor, with a salty and creamy layer of salted egg yolk.

3. Mai Fish Salad (Gỏi cá mai)

Mai Fish Salad is a specialty dish from Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu, made from mai fish, onions, Vietnamese mint, chili, and various seasonings. The mai fish is cleaned, marinated with spices, and then mixed with the other ingredients. The salad has a tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor, making it very appetizing.

4. Stingray Hotpot (Lẩu cá đuối)

Stingray Hotpot is a specialty dish from Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu, made from stingray, various vegetables, and seasonings. The stingray is cleaned, cut into pieces, and then cooked with broth. The hotpot has a light, rich, and flavorful taste, making it very appetizing.

5. Pan-fried Razor Clam With Garlic & Butter (Ốc móng tay xào bơ tỏi)

Pan-fried Razor Clam With Garlic & Butter is a famous seafood dish from Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu. The razor clams are cleaned and stir-fried with garlic butter, onions, and various seasonings. The clams have a sweet, rich, and delicious flavor, making them very appetizing.

6. Grilled Scallops with Green Onion Oil (Sò điệp nướng mỡ hành)

Grilled Scallops with Green Onion Oil is a famous seafood dish from Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu. The scallops are cleaned and grilled with green onion oil, onions, and various seasonings. The scallops have a sweet, rich, and delicious flavor, making them very appetizing.

7. Vũng Tàu Fish Cake (Chả cá Vũng Tàu)

Vũng Tàu Fish Cake is a specialty dish from Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu, made from mackerel, bonito, and other fish. The fish is cleaned, minced, seasoned, and then either steamed or fried. The fish cake has a sweet, rich, and flavorful taste, making it very appetizing.

8. Grilled Seafood (Hải sản nướng)

Grilled Seafood is a specialty dish from Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu, made from various types of seafood such as shrimp, crab, squid, and mantis shrimp. The seafood is cleaned, seasoned, and then grilled. The grilled seafood has a sweet, rich, and delicious flavor, making it very appetizing.

9. Châu Đức Fish Sauce (Nước mắm Châu Đức)

Châu Đức Fish Sauce is a famous specialty from Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu. The fish sauce is made from anchovies, salt, and various seasonings. It has a golden color and a rich, savory taste, making it very appealing.

10. Fish Cake Noodle Soup  (Bánh canh chả cá)

Fish Cake Noodle Soup is a specialty dish from Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu. The noodle soup is made from rice flour, and the fish cake is made from mackerel, bonito, and other fish. The noodle soup has a sweet, rich, and flavorful taste, making it very appetizing.

11. Other food

In addition, Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu also offers many other local specialties, such as Vietnamese Pancakes, Fish Cake Noodles, and Steamed Rice Cakes. Visitors can enjoy these dishes at various restaurants and eateries throughout the province.

IDEAL TIME TO VISIT BÀ RỊA VŨNG TÀU

Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu has a tropical monsoon climate, with two distinct seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season in Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu lasts from May to October, with an average rainfall of about 2,000 mm. The dry season lasts from November to April, with an average rainfall of about 600 mm.

The best time to visit Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu is during the dry season, from November to April. During this time, the weather is dry and there is little rain, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as swimming and sightseeing.

However, if visitors want to save on costs, traveling to Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu during the rainy season can be a good option. During this time, tourism services are usually cheaper compared to the dry season.