Vung Tau

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.

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.

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 must-do with panoramic view! The enormous 28-m figure of Jesus gazing to sea with outstretched arms is at the south end of Small Mountain. Built in 1971, this giant Jesus rests on a 10-m-high platform. The interior of the statue is hollow and contains a spiral staircase of 129 steps, ascending from the foot of the statue to its neck. The two shoulders of the figure are balconies, each able to accommodate up to 4 people, which offer a splendid view of the surrounding landscape. This is the largest sculpture in southern Vietnam. A pathway makes the 30-min hike up the mountain pleasant, and the panoramic view from various vista points along the way is magnificent.

Niết Bàn Tịnh Xá and Thích Ca Phật Đài are most popular among the pagodas and temples in Vũng Tàu.

When it was built in 1907 on the lower peak of Small Mount, it burned kerosene in its lamp. In 1911, it was rebuilt to 3 m in diameter and 18 m in height, and moved to the higher peak where it stands today. The Vũng Tàu Lighthouse projects light as far as 65 km (35 mi) and is equipped with telescopes to follow and direct ships at sea. Next to the platform, 4 old French cannons (weighing several tons) were once used to defend the area from naval attacks. The lighthouse affords a panoramic view of the whole of Vung Tau.

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!