Vung Tau History Tour
Duration: Half-day
Size: max 10 persons
Time: 8am – 1pm OR 1pm – 6pm
Price: from $25 pp
Itinerary
- Visit the White Palace (Bach Dinh), a stunning French colonial villa built between 1898 and 1902, which once served French governors and later Emperor Bao Dai.
- Explore the Upside Down House – a quirky café where inside rooms are deliberately flipped upside down for a fun, photo-worthy experience.
- Discover the Whale Temple (Lang Ca Ong), a revered site where fishermen honor whales as the guardians of the sea.
- Choose between two iconic sites:
- Big Mountain Artillery Fort (Pháo Đài), a French-built military fortification with tunnels and historical cannons showcasing colonial military strategy.
- Or the Christ the King Statue (Tượng Chúa Kitô Vua), an impressive statue atop Big Mountain that offers panoramic views – please note respectful dress code is usually required (no shorts above the knee).
Book this tour
| Guests | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost pp | $162 | $84 | $58 | $53 | $44 | $38 | $35 | $29 | $27 | $25 |
| Total | $162 | $168 | $174 | $212 | $220 | $228 | $245 | $232 | $243 | $250 |
This tour can be booked up to 1-day in advance.
Vung Tau History: Discover modern culture and a colonial past
Our Vung Tau tour begins with a visit to the magnificent White Palace, locally known as Bạch Dinh, perched on the verdant slopes of Big Mountain. Constructed over four years from 1898 to 1902 by French colonial authorities under Governor-General Paul Doumer, the villa was originally named “Villa Blanche” after Doumer’s daughter. It served as a summer retreat for French governors and later became a residence for Emperor Bao Dai, the last emperor of Vietnam, as well as for other leaders of the Republic of Vietnam.
Bach Dinh is more than just a charming villa; it is a repository of history and culture. Visitors can admire the elegant European-style architecture, featuring pristine white facades, red-tiled roofs, arched doorways, and intricate mosaics. Inside, the palace houses valuable antiques and royal artifacts that narrate Vietnam’s imperial and colonial past, including royal settees, vases, and statues symbolizing happiness, wealth, and longevity. The site also preserves relics such as cannons from the Nguyễn dynasty and collections recovered from 17th-century shipwrecks. The villa’s stunning position offers breathtaking views of Front Beach and the South China Sea.
Next, enjoy a whimsical change of pace with a visit to the Upside Down House café. This creatively designed attraction turns conventional perceptions on their head, featuring furniture and décor suspended or inverted to create an entertaining environment perfect for photographs and lighthearted fun.
Your private tour then takes you to the Whale Temple (Lăng Cá Ông), a culturally significant site where local fishermen pray for protection and good fortune on the seas. The temple celebrates the whale as a guardian spirit of the ocean, reflecting the spiritual traditions deeply embedded in Vietnam’s coastal communities.
You will then choose to explore either the Big Mountain Artillery Fort or the iconic Christ the King Statue, depending on your interest. The artillery fort presents a well-preserved military installation built by the French, complete with underground tunnels and artillery pieces that illustrate colonial-era defenses and military engineering.
Alternatively, the Christ the King Statue is one of Vung Tau’s most famous landmarks. Standing atop Big Mountain, this colossal statue of Christ overlooks the city and coastline. It invites visitors not only to appreciate its religious significance but also to enjoy sweeping panoramic views. Visitors are advised to wear respectful clothing, adhering to the local norms around religious sites.
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from Vung Tau, Ba Ria, or Ho Tram.
- Knowledgeable English-speaking guide.
- Entrance fees to all attractions visited on the itinerary.
- 1 x bottle mineral water.
Excluded
- Additional drinks.
- Food and snacks.
- Gratuities.
For more tours in Vung Tau with a historical feel, check out Long Tan Battlefield and Minh Dam Mountain. Alternatively, join our food tour, or take in Vung Tau city and sights.
For tours in other regions, discover our adventures in the Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh City, and Mui Ne.