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A fun evening if you don't have hang ups about dogs racing. You are given a 'form card' and can use that to bet on races. Either 'slum it' with the locals next to the track or go VIP for an air-conditioned experience. Beers are a little more than in local bars but not much more so. A good place to engage with locals and expats alike!
Villa Blanche
Built by the French (1898-1916) as a summer holiday house for French Governor-General Paul Doumer. Also formerly known as Dinh Toàn Quyền (Villa du Gouverneur). Under French rule, the mansion was a holiday getaway for French governors and Bảo Đại, the last Emperor of Vietnam. During the American War, the mansion was used for R&R. Since the end of the American War, the mansion has been for public use. A mix of French colonial and Vietnamese architecture, Bạch Dinh boasts lavish decorations and a collection of antiques, including fine porcelain and African elephants' tusks.
Martyrs Monument
A stone obelisk on a hilltop, on the way to the sea, the Soldiers' Memorial Hill is said to incorporate the biggest traffic circle in Indochina. A cool hangout for lovers.
Thắng Tam Local Gods Communal House
According to legend, it was built in the Minh Mạng dynasty (1820-1840) as a place to worship the 3 men who set up the 3 villages of Thắng in Vũng Tàu, starting a new way of life. The architecture is particularly interesting around the Tam Quan Gate, the sanctum, the public commune, the meeting room, and the stage for military operas that is skillfully engraved. The sanctum is roofed with ying-yang tiles and is in the shape of “a couple of dragons joking upon the moon” and the pillars are engraved with the shapes of dragons. On the right of Thắng Tam commune is the Whale Tomb where there is a set of whale bones and on the left is Ngũ Hành Temple, celebrating the 5 elements, metal, wood, water, fire, earth.
A fascinating collection of arms and uniforms from around the world. Most major wars and battles are covered. The emphasis is in British and Australian regimental uniforms but there are also Samurai, Mongols, Saracens, Turks and Bulgarians as well as most European and North American armies. There is a wide range of guns, swords and other weapons of war. Quite why Bob Taylor chose to open his museum in the relative obscurity of Vung Tau is not clear from the collection but if you have even a passing interest in military history it is well worth a couple of hours of your time if you find yourself in the city.
Fun day out if you have kids (quite fun even if you don't!). Dodgems, Go-Karts, various fairground rides, a large water park, a games centre, the 'Alpine Luge' and other attractions are all included in the cost!