Things To Do
in Phú Mỹ

Phú Mỹ is a growing town in Ba Ria-Vũng Tàu Province, in southern Vietnam, positioned near the coast and major industrial zones. The area blends rural markets with easy access to nearby sea towns, creating a unique mix of countryside charm and coastal vibes. Visitors can expect friendly locals, rising amenities, and frequent market chatter that reveals everyday life here.

Phú Mỹ serves as a practical base for day trips to Long Hải, Hồ Tràm, and the broader Ba Ria–Vũng Tàu coastline.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Phú Mỹ
morning
:

Arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport and take a scenic drive to Phú Mỹ. Check into your hotel and freshen up before starting your adventure. Enjoy a delicious Vietnamese breakfast at a local café to kickstart your day.

afternoon
:

After settling in, visit the local marketplace to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and sample some traditional street food. Explore the coastal areas, enjoying the beautiful views of the South China Sea. Don’t forget to capture the stunning landscapes on your camera.

evening
:

Savor an authentic Vietnamese dinner at a seaside restaurant while watching the sun set over the ocean. Engage with locals and maybe catch a live music performance nearby. Take a leisurely stroll along the beach, soaking in the sights and sounds of the evening.

day 2
Discovering Local Culture
morning
:

Start your day with a hearty breakfast, then set off to visit local pagodas that showcase traditional architecture and spiritual significance. Engage with monks and learn about their daily routines. Take your time to appreciate the peaceful surroundings.

afternoon
:

Visit the local museum to learn about Phú Mỹ's history and heritage, followed by a cooking class to master some traditional Vietnamese dishes. Interact with local chefs and gather insights into regional cooking techniques. Enjoy the meal you prepared for lunch.

evening
:

Join a cultural event or festival, if available, to experience traditional music and dance performances. Enjoy dinner at a street food stall, sampling various regional delicacies. Conclude your day by visiting an open-air market to pick up unique handmade souvenirs.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$4-8
Coffee or tea$1-3
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$25-60
🚕Local transportation (short ride)$1-5
🛒Groceries (weekly)$20-50

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Accessible from Ho Chi Minh City by car or bus
  • Coastal scenery and seafood
  • Lower costs compared to bigger cities
  • Friendly locals and less crowded than major resorts
  • Good base for day trips to Vũng Tàu and coastal towns
  • Limited direct international flight access (closest major airport SGN)
  • Fewer tourist facilities than bigger destinations
  • Seasonal weather can affect beach plans
  • English may be less understood in rural markets
  • Infrastructure can be variable in rural areas
  • "Xin chào" - Hello
  • "Cảm ơn" - Thank you
  • "Bao nhiêu tiền?" - How much is this?
  • "Ở đây có món chay không?" - Do you have vegetarian dishes here?
  • "Bạn có thể giúp tôi được không?" - Can you help me?

Places to Visit in Phú Mỹ

Visit one of these nice places.

Long Hải Beach at sunrise

Soft light over calm coastal waters with fishing boats and silhouettes.

Vũng Tàu Lighthouse

Dramatic sea views from the cliff with a classic maritime backdrop at golden hour.

Mũi Nghinh Phong

Rocky promontory offering waves crashing on rocks for dramatic seascapes.

Bạch Dinh

French colonial villa with sea views; ideal for sunset photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Phú Mỹ

Southern Vietnam’s cuisine emphasizes fresh seafood, herbs, and balanced flavors; expect rice, noodles, and vibrant dipping sauces across casual eateries and markets.

Phú Mỹ Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Bánh khọt

Crispy mini rice pancakes topped with shrimp, served with fresh herbs and a fish-based dipping sauce; common at seaside stalls near Vũng Tàu.

Must-Try!

Cơm tấm

Broken rice served with grilled pork, pickled vegetables, and nước chấm; a staple in southern towns.

Hủ tiếu Nam Vang

Fragrant pork- and seafood-based noodle soup popular for lunch.

Gỏi cuốn

Fresh spring rolls with shrimp, herbs, vermicelli, and lettuce, served with peanut or fish sauce dip.

Lẩu mực

Seafood hotpot featuring squid and other seafood in a savory broth, ideal for sharing.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Chợ Phú Mỹ

Bustling local market offering fresh seafood, produce, and ready-to-eat snacks; visit early for best selections.

Seafood street stalls along Long Hải–Hồ Tràm corridor

Rows of seaside stalls offering grilled seafood, banh mi, and fresh fruit.

Climate Guide

Weather

The region experiences a tropical monsoon climate with a hot, humid season year-round; a defined wet season brings heavy rains, while the dry season features sunny days and sea breezes.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Temple and sacred site etiquette

Dress modestly; remove hats; show respect and speak softly when visiting temples.

Greetings and interactions

A warm smile and a simple Vietnamese hello go a long way; handshake is common in urban settings.

Public behavior

Queue politely, avoid loud behavior in residential areas, and respect local customs during festivals.

Safety Guide

Safety

Stay aware of petty theft in crowded markets and on beaches; keep valuables secure and use licensed transport; road conditions can be busy with motorcycles, so wear helmets.

Tipping in Phú Mỹ

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service; small tips (5–10%) or simply rounding up in nicer places.

Payment Methods

Cash in VND is widely accepted; many places take credit/debit cards; small markets are often cash-only.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer (May–August)

Hot, humid days with afternoon showers; great for beach time and sunset photography when skies clear.

Rainy season (September–November)

Frequent rain and possible typhoons; carry rain gear and plan indoor activities or temple visits.

Dry season (December–April)

Lower humidity, sunny days; ideal for outdoor exploration and coastal hikes.

Nightlife Guide

Phú Mỹ at Night

Nightlife around Phú Mỹ and nearby coastal towns is relaxed and seafood-driven, with seaside bars and open-air cafes; you’ll find live music and night markets in Vũng Tàu, but the scene is more laid-back than bigger cities.

Hiking in Phú Mỹ

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Núi Lớn overlook (Vũng Tàu area)

Hiking to elevated viewpoints above the coast for panoramic shots.

Núi Minh Đạm (Minh Đạm Mountain)

Forested trails with coastal scenery and quiet summit views.

Airports

How to reach Phú Mỹ by plane.

Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport (SGN)

Ho Chi Minh City's major international hub; typically 70–110 minutes by road from Phú Mỹ, depending on traffic.

Long Thành International Airport (planned)

Under development; expected to improve regional access to Ba Ria-Vũng Tàu after opening.

Getting Around

Walkability

Phú Mỹ town center is compact and walkable, but most sights lie outside the core area; a scooter, bike, or short car ride makes exploring easy.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Kinh (Vietnamese)

Predominant ethnic group with diverse occupations.

Khmer and Hoa communities

Smaller minorities contributing to local culture and cuisine.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

A popular leisure activity in schools and communities; casual matches are common.

Badminton

Played in community centers and gyms across towns.

Beach Volleyball

Common on Long Hải and Hồ Tràm beaches during dry seasons.

Transportation

Traffic

Highway connections link Phú Mỹ with Ba Rịa, Vũng Tàu, and Ho Chi Minh City; local roads favor motorcycles; expect congestion during peak hours and on coastal weekends; rideshares and scooters are common.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Phú Mỹ.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many places offer vegetarian options; ask for dishes without fish sauce or pork, look for chay or vegetarian restaurants in larger towns.

Gluten-free

Most dishes are rice-based and naturally gluten-free; avoid soy sauce unless requested.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare options include local clinics and district hospitals in Phú Mỹ and nearby Ba Ria, with more comprehensive services in Vũng Tàu and Ho Chi Minh City; carry insurance and necessary prescriptions.

Discover Vietnam

Read more in our Vietnam 2025 Travel Guide.

Vietnam Travel Guide