What to See in Vung Tau, Vietnam: Free Audio Guide

Looking for things to do in Vung Tau? This coastal city in Vietnam is known for its religious landmarks, hilltop views and strong connection to the sea. Its most striking sights include the Christ of Vung Tau on Mount Nhỏ and Niết Bàn Tịnh Xá, a Buddhist temple complex overlooking the coast. Neywo also offers a free audio guide for Vung Tau, with 2 narrated places available in 11 languages.

What to see in Vung Tau

See the Christ of Vung Tau

The Christ of Vung Tau is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. The monument stands on Mount Nhỏ, facing the South China Sea, and has attracted visitors and pilgrims for decades.

The statue of Jesus is 32 metres high and stands on a 4-metre platform, making the entire monument 36 metres tall. Its outstretched arms span 18.3 metres, giving it an imposing silhouette above the coast. The statue is made of concrete, with a granite mantle that gives the monument a distinctive finish.

Construction began in 1974 at the initiative of the Vietnamese Catholic Church, and the statue was completed in December 1994. A 133-step staircase runs inside the monument, offering a particularly unusual way to experience this landmark. The hilltop setting also makes the Christ of Vung Tau a place to pause and take in the relationship between the city and the sea.

Visit Niết Bàn Tịnh Xá

Niết Bàn Tịnh Xá is one of Vung Tau’s best-known spiritual landmarks. The Buddhist temple complex is built on the slopes of Nui Nho, or Small Mountain, facing the sea.

The complex covers nearly 10,000 square metres and consists of several ranges of buildings spread across the hillside. Its construction took place between 1969 and 1974 under the direction of Hoa Thuong Thich Thien Hue, a Buddhist monk who organized the project on the mountain slope.

The hill was formerly known as Tao Phung, a name connected with its earlier history. In December 1989, Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture and Information recognized Niết Bàn Tịnh Xá as a national historical heritage site, reflecting its religious and cultural importance.

Take in Vung Tau’s coastal setting

Vung Tau’s landmarks are closely tied to its position by the sea. The Christ of Vung Tau and Niết Bàn Tịnh Xá both occupy the slopes of Nui Nho, creating a route through the city’s religious heritage with the coast as a backdrop.

The city’s maritime identity is also visible in its fishing traditions, working boats, seafood and coastal shrines. These elements give Vung Tau a character that goes beyond its monuments: it is a place where religious sites, hills and the shoreline come together in a compact coastal landscape.

For travellers exploring more of Vietnam, Vung Tau offers a different perspective from inland heritage destinations and larger urban centres. It is also a coastal stop to consider alongside cities such as Nha Trang and Quy Nhon.

Explore Vung Tau with Neywo

Neywo’s free Vung Tau audio guide includes 2 narrated places. The app tells the story of each place as you reach it, at your own pace, with no group and no schedule. Put on your headphones, walk between the city’s landmarks and discover the stories where they happened. You can also continue your journey through Vietnam with the Neywo guides to Ho Chi Minh City or Hội An.