Vung Tau Port, Deep-water port in Vung Tau City, Vietnam
Vung Tau Port is a deep-water port on Vietnam's southern coast with several terminals, including Cai Mep-Thi Vai, Sao Mai-Ben Dinh, and Ben Dam, handling both cargo and passenger vessels. The facility accommodates very large vessels and provides maritime services such as pilotage, fuel supply, and container handling.
The port traces its origins to the French colonial period, when Vung Tau served as a stopping point for trade and military ships. Through the 20th century, the facilities were gradually expanded to meet the growing demands of southern Vietnam's industrial and oil sectors.
The port shapes daily life in Vung Tau in a visible way, as fishing boats, cargo ships, and supply vessels for offshore oil platforms all share the same stretch of water. Along the waterfront, visitors can watch traditional wooden boats unloading next to large commercial vessels.
The port is connected to Ho Chi Minh City via National Route 51, making it straightforward to reach from inland areas. Since some terminals may be undergoing work at any given time, it is worth checking in advance which areas are open to visitors.
The port sits at the exact point where the Saigon River meets the open sea, a geography that has made it a natural stopping point for incoming ships long before modern infrastructure existed. Vessels heading toward Saigon would anchor here first to wait for favorable conditions or pilotage.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
