After nearly two weeks in Vietnam exploring all three regions of the country, I was still thinking about what to do in the Mekong Delta to end the trip in the best possible way. In the end, my girlfriend and I decided to enjoy a short seaside getaway instead. We chose 3 days in Ho Tram Vung Tau because this destination offers a very interesting combination: beautiful beaches, a primary forest and natural hot springs. Compared with many famous tourist destinations, Ho Tram is still quite untouched, less crowded and perfect for relaxing after a long journey.
In the 3-day itinerary in Ho Tram that we planned ourselves, the first day was dedicated to relaxation: visiting Ho Tram beach and the Binh Chau hot springs. On the second day, we explored the Binh Chau – Phuoc Buu nature reserve and later relaxed at the wild beach of Ho Coc. On the final day, we visited a few historical and religious sites before heading back.
You can refer to:
>>> 4-day trip to Saigon Mekong Southern
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>>> 2-week Mekong Delta Itinerary
What we loved most about this 3-day trip to Ho Tram was the slow pace of coastal life and the still-preserved natural environment. The beaches are wide, the forest is lush, and the small local seafood restaurants are simple but incredibly delicious. Prices are also quite reasonable: fresh seafood, a wide variety of dishes and friendly service. For us, 3 days in Vung Tau Ho Tram were the perfect way to end our long journey through Vietnam.
We left Saigon early in the morning by car and headed to Vung Tau. Once we arrived, we started our 3 days in Ho Tram Vung Tau journey with a relaxing moment at Ho Tram beach. Since our hotel was located close to the sea, we dropped off our luggage there and immediately went for a swim. Not too crowded, Ho Tram beach has a rather wild and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for resting after several days immersed in the busy rhythm of Ho Chi Minh City.
What to eat in Ho Tram? Vung Tau is well known for its delicious and affordable seafood, so we decided to enjoy lunch at a small restaurant near the beach before returning to the hotel to check in and rest. Our 3-day trip to Ho Tram was not too packed because this destination also marked the end of our two-week journey in Vietnam. We mainly wanted a calm and comfortable place to relax. That is why I added Minera Binh Chau hot springs, a famous destination near Ho Tram, to our itinerary. This natural mineral spring complex offers several hot soaking pools, spa facilities and even areas where visitors can cook eggs in the mineral water, a fun experience that both my girlfriend and I really enjoyed. After soaking in the warm mineral water, it felt as if our bodies had been completely refreshed.
In the late afternoon, we returned to Ho Tram beach and walked to the wooden pier stretching out into the sea to watch the sunset. Afterwards, we continued strolling and decided to have dinner at the Ho Tram seafood market. If you are planning 3 days in Vung Tau or Ho Tram, this is definitely a place you should not miss. The seafood is extremely fresh: shrimp, crabs, squid and shellfish are all cooked on the spot. We enjoyed a variety of cheap street food, discovered the local coastal lifestyle, drank a few beers while listening to the waves, a perfect ending to the first day of our trip.
On the second day of our 3 days in Ho Tram itinerary, we decided to do a bit of physical activity after a relaxing first day. After a light breakfast, we headed to explore the Binh Chau - Phuoc Buu Nature Reserve, one of the few coastal forests in southern Vietnam that still preserves an almost intact ecosystem.
The road through the forest is beautiful, lined with tall trees and sunlight filtering through the canopy. The atmosphere here is fresh and peaceful, completely different from the noise of the city. This is also one of the reasons why I chose to spend 3 days in Ho Tram: it is not overly touristy and offers both beach and forest landscapes.
For people who love adventure and outdoor experiences like me, trekking through the forest and observing primates and rare bird species is very exciting. It is not only a great way to stay active but also an opportunity to discover the mysterious and untouched beauty of the forest. If you want a more dynamic experience, you could also consider adding this place to your 3-day Mekong delta tour itinerary.
In the late afternoon, we headed to Ho Coc beach, located not far from the forest. Compared to Ho Tram, Ho Coc beach is even more untouched and far less crowded by tourists. It is therefore an ideal place for couples looking for a quiet atmosphere. If you are wondering what to do in the Mekong delta while avoiding crowds, visiting Vung Tau can be a good option. At the end of the day, we simply spent time lying on the sand and watching the waves hit the natural rocks.
On the last day of our 3 days in Ho Tram itinerary, we took the opportunity to explore a few historical sites in the area before heading back to Ho Chi Minh City. Our first stop was the Minh Dam historical site. The road leading up the mountain is quite winding, but the scenery is beautiful. From the top, the view where the mountains meet the sea is truly impressive. This place used to be an important resistance base during the Vietnam War, and the visit gave us some interesting insights into Vietnam’s wartime history. After that, we visited Truc Lam Chan Nguyen Zen Monastery, located not far from Minh Dam Mountain. The atmosphere there is very peaceful, surrounded by lush green forest.
Before ending our 3 days in Ho Tram Vung Tau trip, we stopped by Phuoc Hai Square to take some photos and admire the sea one last time. The area is quite lively, with many seafood restaurants along the coast. We decided to enjoy a simple seafood lunch full of fresh ocean flavors. After lunch, we returned to the hotel, checked out and started our journey back.
Although three days may seem short, it was enough for us to fully appreciate the beauty of Ho Tram, from its beaches and primary forest to its historical sites. If you are looking for a short getaway near Saigon, 3 days in Ho Tram Vung Tau is definitely worth trying.
If you are planning 3 days in Ho Tram Vung Tau, here are a few tips we learned from our experience.
For a perfect itinerary 3 days in Ho Tram, the best approach is to combine beach time with nature exploration so the trip does not become monotonous. The area is well known among locals for its beautiful beaches, but we strongly recommend adding visits to local markets or the nearby primary forest to better understand the region and its people.
However, if you plan to go trekking in the forest, make sure you prepare proper equipment. It is advisable to hire a local expert or guide to avoid getting lost and to follow the best trails where you might even spot wildlife. If you want to experience activities like this in Vietnam, you can contact a local travel agency in Vietnam to help arrange the services in advance.
Another tip is not to miss the local seafood restaurants during your 3 days in Vung Tau. Since this is a coastal region, seafood in Ho Tram and the surrounding areas is very fresh and reasonably priced. In the evening, walking around the Ho Tram seafood market or having dinner by the sea is definitely worth trying.
For us, this 3-day trip to Ho Tram was not only a relaxing getaway but also an opportunity to enjoy nature and the slower pace of life. If you are looking for a destination near Saigon to unwind after exploring southern Vietnam or after a Mekong Delta tour, Ho Tram and Vung Tau are excellent choices. From swimming at Ho Tram beach and exploring forest to tasting local seafood, 3 days in Vung Tau Ho Tram offer a different experience compared to the classic Mekong Delta itineraries. Finally, we would like to thank Autour Asia, a professional and dedicated local travel agency in Vietnam, for suggesting this 3 days in Ho Tram itinerary for us.
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