From a familiar beach to an icon of Asian beach tourism called Vung Tau

At the 32nd World Travel Awards (WTA) Asia - Oceania recently held in Hong Kong (China), Vung Tau ward (HCMC) was named in the category "Asia's Leading Coastal Resort Destination 2025".

This prestigious award is considered the “Oscar of the world tourism industry”, recognizing Vung Tau's great progress on the international tourism map, and opening a new development stage for this beautiful coastal area.

From a "familiar beach" to an international beach tourism center

If in the past, Vung Tau was known as the "beach destination of the Southeast people" - a familiar resort every weekend, now this coastal city has strongly developed to become an international sea tourism center, with modern infrastructure, professional services and rich experiences for domestic and foreign tourists.

Vung Tau is becoming a symbol of innovation, creativity and sustainable development in the regional tourism industry.

According to the WTA Jury, Vung Tau stands out with its 20km long coastline, clear blue water, year-round temperate climate and the perfect combination of natural landscape and Southern cultural identity.

Not only attractive for its beautiful beaches and rich cuisine , Vung Tau also "scores points" thanks to its spectacular transformation with a series of new iconic constructions, civilized, modern and tourist-friendly public spaces.

Mr. Graham E. Cooke, Chairman of World Travel Awards, commented: “ Vung Tau has shown impressive development, from a traditional beach destination to a modern tourist center with full facilities and world-class experiences. We are particularly impressed by the spirit of innovation and commitment to improving the quality of service here."

Objective assessments from WTA show that Vung Tau is becoming a symbol of innovation, creativity and sustainable development in the regional tourism industry.

Before officially becoming a part of Ho Chi Minh City, the tourism industry of Ba Ria - Vung Tau (formerly) had achieved impressive growth results.

In 2024, the locality recorded more than 16 million visitors, an increase of 13% over the previous year; total tourism revenue reached 17,313 billion VND, an increase of nearly 15%. In the first 6 months of 2025 alone, the number of visitors reached 10.62 million, an increase of more than 29% over the same period, with revenue of nearly 11,000 billion VND, affirming the strong attraction and stable growth of Vung Tau sea tourism.

These figures not only demonstrate potential but also demonstrate a strong change in development thinking, aiming to build Vung Tau into a leading coastal destination in Southeast Asia, converging elements of resort, entertainment, culture and economy.

Turning point in infrastructure development and urban coastal appearance

After merging and officially becoming a ward of Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau entered a new development phase with many large-scale, modern projects, with thorough investment to comprehensively change the urban appearance and enhance the tourism experience.

One of the outstanding projects is the renovation of Thuy Van and Bai Sau roads, 3.2 km long, creating a completely new look for the central coastal tourist area.

Among them, Tam Thang Tower - a symbolic project invested by Sun Group Corporation, completed in just 75 days with a total capital of 155 billion VND, has quickly become a "new symbol" of Vung Tau, attracting thousands of visitors and check-ins every day.

Tam Thang Tower sparkles at night. (Photo: Bao An)

Not only is it an architectural work of art, Tam Thang Tower is also considered a symbol of the spirit of dedication and cooperation for the community, when Sun Group donated the entire project to Ho Chi Minh City.

The central square space combined with a modern water music system and LED lights has created a vibrant public entertainment spot, contributing to improving the quality of people's lives and increasing the attraction of night tourism.

Along with that, a series of new projects such as Blanca City coastal urban area or Sun World Vung Tau entertainment complex are being implemented synchronously.

In particular, Sun World Vung Tau, with a scale of 15 hectares, is expected to open in early 2026, promising to become the largest coastal entertainment complex in Vietnam with modern thrill rides, a diverse culinary area and a coastal commercial center appearing for the first time in our country.

The establishment of these projects not only improves the capacity to serve tourists but also creates a breakthrough in the economy, culture and tourism brand of Ho Chi Minh City - Vung Tau in the international arena.

Preserving the spirit of the sea, spreading indigenous cultural values

Despite its strong development, Vung Tau still retains the soul of the Southern sea, where traditional fishing villages, hard-working fishermen and folk cultural festivals are still preserved and promoted. Destinations such as Bach Dinh, the Statue of Christ the King, Vung Tau Lighthouse, Hon Ba or Xom Luoi Market are always cultural, historical and life symbols closely associated with the people.

Along with that, Vung Tau cuisine is also the "key to keeping tourists" with specialties with strong sea flavors such as banh khot, fresh seafood, shrimp paste, grilled stingray... The local tourism industry is gradually building a culinary map of Vung Tau, turning culinary culture into a typical tourism product, contributing to positioning the destination brand.

Stingray hotpot is always a favorite dish in Vung Tau. (Photo: Thanh An)

The award “Asia’s Leading Coastal Resort Destination 2025” is not only the pride of Vung Tau, but also a testament to the vision of sustainable tourism development of Ho Chi Minh City, which is gradually forming a chain of modern coastal urban areas connecting the Southeast region.

With favorable natural advantages, modern infrastructure and the support of large corporations, Vung Tau is qualified to become "Asia's new symbol of sea tourism". Not only focusing on the number of visitors, Ho Chi Minh City - Vung Tau also focuses on the quality of growth, developing green tourism, smart tourism and sustainable community tourism, in line with global trends.

Vung Tau's new journey is a journey connecting tradition and modernity, local identity and international standards, regional pride and the aspiration to reach the world. The WTA 2025 Award is a stepping stone for this coastal city to affirm its position on the global tourism map, contributing to spreading the image of Ho Chi Minh City - a "lively, friendly and rich in identity" destination throughout the region.

Hoang Tho ( )

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/tu-bai-bien-quen-thuoc-den-bieu-tuong-du-lich-bien-chau-a-mang-ten-vung-tau-ar983613.html