Dua Beach in Vung Tau: A beautiful check-in spot you won't want to leave amidst the blue sea

1. Overview of Dua Beach in Vung Tau

1.1. Where is Dua Beach located?

Dua Beach in Vung Tau is located on Ha Long street, on the slope of Nui Nho mountain facing the sea, between Front Beach and Back Beach, and near the Nghinh Phong cape area. Unlike beaches with long sandy stretches, this place is mainly rocky with large natural rock formations, clear blue water, and gentle waves, making it very suitable for sightseeing and photography. Thanks to the beautiful light almost all day and the peaceful atmosphere, Dua Beach has become a favorite stop for tourists looking for a quiet corner of the sea to stroll or admire the sunrise and sunset.

Dứa Beach is located between Bãi Trước and Bãi Sau areas right in the city center. (Source: Collected)

1.2. Origin of the name Dứa Beach

The name Dứa Beach originates from the fact that in the past, the area along the slopes of Núi Nhỏ had many wild pineapple plants growing in clusters. This plant has thorns and emits a characteristic fragrance, reminiscent of sticky rice or nang rice, spreading with the sea breeze to create a very pleasant feeling. That natural aroma became a distinctive feature of the coastline, linked to the memories of local people, and gradually formed the name Dứa Beach. The harmony between rocks, mountains, and the scent of wild pineapple has created a poetic landscape and a unique identity for this place.

1.3. Tourism value and experience

Dứa Beach in Vũng Tàu offers a relaxing and peaceful feeling, suitable for those who want to temporarily escape the bustling atmosphere of the central area. Visitors can stroll on the rocky outcrops, feel the clear blue water, capture beautiful photos, or sit quietly watching the sunrise and sunset paint the sea surface. Some calm water areas are also suitable for snorkeling to admire coral reefs, providing an intimate experience with the underwater natural world. These gentle activities make the exploration of Dứa Beach complete and relaxing.

2. How to travel and experience the journey to Dứa Beach

2.1. Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City center to Vũng Tàu

From Ho Chi Minh City center, visitors can reach Vũng Tàu by various means such as buses, limousines, high-speed ferries, or by driving themselves, depending on their desired time and comfort level. Current bus and limousine routes take about 2.5 to 3 hours to arrive, suitable for short trips.

If you want to experience the sea route, high-speed ferries departing from Ho Chi Minh City center to Vũng Tàu are also a worthwhile option with a travel time of about 2 hours. In cases where visitors travel by private car or rent a car, the travel time depends on traffic flow, especially on weekends when the number of tourists flocking to the coastal city increases. Therefore, visitors should proactively book tickets in advance or depart early in the day to avoid traffic jams and overloaded transportation.

2.2. Traveling within Vũng Tàu city to Dứa Beach

After arriving in Vũng Tàu, visitors can easily travel to Dứa Beach by heading towards the city center along Hạ Long street and then continuing along the slope of Núi Nhỏ. The Dứa Beach area is located right at the curve of the coastal road, near Nghinh Phong Cape, making it very convenient to access.

Tourists move to Bai Dua (Pineapple Beach) right in the central area along the coastal road. (Source: Collected)

Because this area restricts large vehicles and has no large parking lots, tourists often park their vehicles at parking spots along Ha Long Street, then walk down the steps leading to the rocky shore. The walking distance is short but brings a pleasant feeling thanks to the fresh sea air and the adjacent mountain and sea scenery.

2.3. Itinerary for exploring Bai Dua

The journey to explore Bai Dua often begins with a walk along the mountainside to feel the harmony of rocks, sea, and wind. The gentle and flat rock formations are ideal spots for taking photos, but you still need to choose a stable place to ensure safety. If you visit in the early morning, from around 5:30 AM to 8 AM, you will see the soft golden sunrise light casting over the water, creating a very clear and beautiful blue color.

The afternoon from 4 PM to 5:30 PM is also when Bai Dua becomes captivating with sunlight pouring down from the slope of Nui Nho (Small Mountain), bringing a very relaxing feeling. Thanks to the rocky terrain and calm waters, visitors can combine sightseeing, photography, and relaxation in a peaceful sea space.

3. Ideal time to explore Bai Dua

Bai Dua is most beautiful from around December to April each year, when Vung Tau's weather is dry, sunny, and the sea is clear blue, which is very convenient for photography and experiencing the landscape. This is also the period when the sea is quite calm, with little rain, making it easy for tourists to move around and explore the characteristic rocky outcrops of the area.

Bai Dua is most beautiful from around December to April annually, when the weather is dry. (Source: Compilation)

Besides the seasonal factor, the time of day also greatly influences the beauty of Bai Dua. Early morning, from about 5:30 AM to 8 AM, is when the dawn light gently covers the sea surface with a light golden hue, creating clear and soothing colors, ideal for taking photos or watching the sea in a tranquil atmosphere. In the afternoon from 4 PM to 5:30 PM, sunlight reflects from the slopes of Nui Nho mountain onto the water, creating beautiful light streaks, bringing a sense of relaxation.

4. Notable experiences at Bai Dua

4.1. Check-in at beautiful rocky outcrops

Bai Dua in Vung Tau impresses with its clusters of large and small rocks interspersed, creating many unique check-in spots looking directly out at the turquoise sea. Thanks to beautiful lighting almost all day, the rocky outcrops here are always a place where tourists flock to capture photos that are both wild and poetic. When moving on the rocks, you should choose flat and firm spots as some surfaces are mossy and slippery, especially in the early morning or after rain.

4.2. Watch the sunrise and sunset

The sunrise at Bai Dua begins from behind Nui Nho mountain, with light filtering through the mountain slopes and reflecting onto the water, creating a very peaceful and emotional scene. In the afternoon, as the sun gradually sets, the entire area is covered in a warm golden-orange hue, ideal for gentle relaxing moments. This experience is suitable for couples wanting to enjoy romance as well as groups of friends who love the fresh sea air.

Sunset over Bai Dua beach is beautiful, romantic, and attracts tourists. (Source: Collected)

4.3. Nature Experience, Beach Strolls, and Meditation

Not only for those who want to take photos, Bai Dua beach is also an ideal place to immerse yourself in nature through gentle activities such as strolling along the beach, breathing in the fresh air, or meditating on the rocky outcrops facing the sea. The quiet, undisturbed space helps visitors easily find balance after busy days. For convenience during relaxation, you can bring a sitting mat and shoes with good grip for safe movement on the rocky terrain.

5. Experience and Notes When Visiting Bai Dua Beach

When visiting Bai Dua beach, visitors should prepare light, comfortable clothing and bring sunscreen for convenience when moving under the sea sun. A pair of shoes with good grip will help you move safely on the rocky areas. Visitors should also bring a towel and drinking water to keep their bodies comfortable.

Visitors to Dứa Beach should move carefully on the mossy and slippery rocky shores. (Source: Collected)

Due to the terrain being mainly rocky with some mossy areas, it is quite slippery. Visitors need to pay attention to their steps, avoid entering deep water or when the tide is high to ensure safety. In addition, please preserve the landscape by not littering, not taking coral or rocks as souvenirs, and minimizing noise to maintain the area's inherent tranquility.

6. Suggested nearby attractions to combine with Dứa Beach

6.1. Christ the King Statue

The Christ the King Statue on top of Núi Nhỏ is a work bearing the distinctive religious imprint of Vũng Tàu. It stands approximately 32 m high with a wingspan of 18.3 m. A small balcony on the statue's hand allows visitors to view the entire seascape from an altitude of 170 m. The journey of over 800 steps leading up to the statue is covered by lush greenery and refreshing sea breezes, offering a sense of both relaxation and a gentle challenge. This is a must-visit spot when going to Dứa Beach due to its close proximity and the spectacular scenery from the mountaintop.

6.2. Vũng Tàu Lighthouse

Vũng Tàu Lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses in Vietnam, standing about 18 m tall. Painted white, it stands out against the blue sky and is located at an altitude of over 100 m above sea level. The surrounding area is covered by old frangipani trees emitting a gentle fragrance, creating a unique characteristic of this region. From the base of the lighthouse, you can gaze out at Bãi Sau, Bãi Trước, and all the winding coastal roads of the city. It is also a popular check-in spot thanks to its beautiful lighting and expansive views.

6.3. Nghinh Phong Cape

Nghinh Phong Cape is a headland extending into the sea, characterized by its two sides facing the ocean and receiving wind year-round. The most distinctive feature of this place is the "heaven's gate," an opening looking directly out to the blue sea, which is very popular among tourists for photos. From here, you can observe both Dứa Beach and Bãi Sau on either side, creating a harmonious natural picture of mountains, sea, and sky. With convenient access and its location right next to Dứa Beach, this is a perfect spot to combine in the same itinerary.

6.4. Bãi Sau and Tam Thắng Tower

Bãi Sau is Vũng Tàu's most famous beach, known for its long sandy shore, moderate waves, and spacious area suitable for swimming or coastal sports. In the afternoon, the beach becomes livelier with many entertainment services, creating a vibrant atmosphere contrasting with the tranquility of Dứa Beach. Near this area is Tam Thắng Tower with its unique architecture, attracting many tourists and locals for check-ins and sea views.

Tourists check-in at Bai Sau, the Tam Thang Tower area with unique architecture. (Source: Collected)

Dua Beach in Vung Tau is a stop that brings a gentle and relaxing feeling, where you can immerse yourself in the blue of the sea, watch the sunrise or sunset on the rocky outcrops, and enjoy a rare peaceful atmosphere. When combined with a trip to Nghinh Phong Cape, Vung Tau Lighthouse, or the Christ the King statue, the journey will be even more complete with diverse experiences. If you are looking for a place to refresh your emotions or want to spend quality time with yourself, try spending an afternoon at Dua Beach, bringing a truly comfortable mood to fully enjoy the beauty of the coastal city.