Vung Tau is 2 hours west of Ho Chi Minh City with a population of roughly 500 000 million people. It is known for the Front and Back Beaches, the tallest Christ Statue in Asia and their famous Banh Knot food dish(see photo of the small crepe with shrimps, very yummy!).

My sister Tam has moved here from Canada in May 2025. She now runs a coffee shop and teaches English to students. She loves the heat, the people and freedom in Vietnam. Of course we all thought she was a bit crazy to leave Canada(lol) but seeing how happy she is here, going to the market, working in her coffee shop and darting around on her motorbike, it’s clear she’s found her new home.

Here are some photos of Vung Tau. The first set is the hotel Pullman where we stayed then the beaches( Front and Back beaches) then the Chon Khong Monastery. Lastly is the famous Vung Tau dish Banh Khot and Tam on her motorbike.

The Chon Khong Monastery was another world to enter. It was very sacred and the grounds were immaculate and well cared for. The deep serene sounds of the wind chimes could be heard as we approached the main building. There were many people dressed in traditional outfits celebrating Chinese New Years having their photos taken.

We spend 3 days in Vung Tau and headed back to Ho Chi Minh City where we will celebrate Chinese New Year.