Vung Tau Night Market – a nighttime culinary hub located behind the Imperial Hotel, near Back Beach (Bai Sau). The market attracts visitors with fresh seafood selected on the spot and prepared immediately, alongside a lively, bustling atmosphere after a day at the beach.
Quick Summary
- Address: Nguyen Bieu – Dao Duy Tu intersection (behind the Imperial Hotel), Vung Tau, HCMC
- Opening hours: Usually from late afternoon until around midnight
- Admission: Free
- Highlights: Fresh seafood cooked to order, grilled octopus, various types of snails and shellfish
History and Features
- The market developed as a concentrated dining area catering to tourists visiting Back Beach.
- Stalls display live seafood for guests to choose from and have cooked to their preference.
- In addition to food stalls, there are vendors selling dried seafood and souvenirs.
- Around 7:00 PM is the liveliest time at the market, especially during peak tourist seasons.
What to Buy at Vung Tau Night Market
- Dried squid, dried fish, and various dried seafood products as gifts.
- Semi-dried squid (muc mot nang) and semi-dried mackerel to take home.
- Small souvenirs crafted from seashells.
What to Eat at Vung Tau Night Market
- Grilled octopus, grilled scallops with scallion oil.
- Snails, clams, and shellfish steamed, stir-fried, or grilled.
- Blue crabs, prawns, and fish selected at the stalls and prepared to order.
- Average cost ranges around 40,000–200,000 VND per person depending on the dish.
How to Get There
- From central Vung Tau, take a taxi or motorbike for just a few minutes to the Back Beach area.
- You can easily walk from hotels along Thuy Van Street.
- Set a specific pickup point if using ride-hailing apps during peak hours.
Tips for Visitors
- Always ask for the price per kilogram and the cooking fee before ordering.
- Check the scale carefully when choosing live seafood.
- Weekends and holidays get very crowded, so arrive early to secure a seat.
- During the day, you can explore Back Beach, the Christ the King statue, or Vung Tau Lighthouse.
Price Guide
- Grilled octopus: around 70,000 VND each
- Grilled scallops with scallion oil: around 20,000 VND each
- Grilled green mussels with cheese: around 10,000 VND each
- Stir-fried razor clams with tamarind sauce: around 70,000 VND per plate
- Grilled fish: around 70,000–140,000 VND each depending on the variety
Prices are for reference only and may vary depending on the season and individual stalls.
Best Time to Visit
- Between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM is when the market is liveliest, peaking around 7:00 PM.
- Arrive around 5:00 PM–6:00 PM for the best table selection and the freshest seafood.
- Weekends, summer months, and holidays are packed, with some stalls staying open until late at night.
Useful Information for Visitors
- Payment: Stalls accept cash and QR code transfers, while some larger stalls accept cards; be sure to confirm the price per kilogram and cooking fees before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Vung Tau Night Market open?
The market usually operates from late afternoon until around midnight, peaking between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM.
Where is Vung Tau Night Market located?
The market is located in the Nguyen Bieu – Dao Duy Tu street area, behind The Imperial Hotel near Back Beach.
How much does it cost to eat at Vung Tau Night Market?
Depending on the dish and type of seafood, the typical cost is around 40,000–200,000 VND per person.
Need a guide when visiting Vung Tau Night Market?
- Post a free tour guide request – receive quotes from local tour guides and interpreters.
- View available tours or submit a customized tour request.
- Car rentals and airport transfers.
See also
Market opening hours and operations may vary, please verify before visiting.
