Vung Tau is an old port town to the southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, developed under the French as a seaside resort called Cap Saint Jacques. Known as Cap St. Jacques by the French, Vung Tau is a popular weekend getaway for Ho Chi Minh City residents.

On arrival, drive to visit:

• Thich Ca Phat Dai Pagoda: this is a hillside park of a monumental Buddhist statuary built in the early 1960s. It is a must-see site for dosmetic tourists.
• Light House: The 360 degree view of the entire hammer-head-shape peninsula from the light house is truly spectacular, especially at the sun-set
• Giant Jesus: This 30m-high Giant Jusus statue was constructed in 1974 by the light house. The statue can be reached on foot by a path that heads up the hill.
• White Villa: The Villa Blanche is a former royal residence set on a lushly forested hillside overlooking the sea. It was built in 1909 as a retreat for French governor Paul Doumer. It later became a summer palace for Vietnamese royalty: King Thanh Thai reigning the Nguyen Dynasty. From the late 1960s to early 1970s, the building was a part-time playground for South Vietnam President Theu.
• Today the building services as a museum housing antiques dating centuries ago.
• Relaxing on Vung Tau beach before driving Sai Gon in the afternoon.