Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Local Night Market (Cho Dem Vung Tau)
$$Restaurant
🕑 1.5 to 2 hours👶 Best for ages 5 and up. Older kids and teens enjoy the independence of choosing their own dishes from different stalls, while younger children love the colorful desserts, fresh fruit smoothies, and watching seafood being grilled right before their eyes. Toddlers may find the crowds and stimulation overwhelming during peak hours.🧡 Saved by 18 families
About
Cho Dem Vung Tau offers families an authentic Vietnamese cultural experience with a dazzling array of street food stalls, fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and sweet treats. The lively atmosphere, colorful displays, and endless food options make it an exciting evening adventure where kids can safely explore new flavors while parents enjoy quality local cuisine at budget-friendly prices.
Highlights
- ✓Fresh grilled seafood including prawns, squid, and fish prepared while you watch
- ✓Colorful Vietnamese desserts like che (sweet soup) with tropical fruits and jellies
- ✓Fresh sugarcane juice and coconut water served in the shell
- ✓Banh xeo (Vietnamese crispy crepes) and other interactive foods kids can help assemble
- ✓Vibrant atmosphere with locals, street performers, and authentic cultural experience
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive around 6:30-7:00 PM when stalls are fully set up but before the heaviest crowds hit at 8 PM
- 2.Bring small denomination Vietnamese Dong (20,000-50,000 notes) as vendors rarely accept cards or large bills
- 3.Look for stalls with plastic stools and tables where families gather, these tend to have the best food and are more child-friendly
- 4.Download Google Translate app for food items, or point and smile as most vendors are patient with international visitors
- 5.Start with familiar items like grilled corn, spring rolls, or fresh fruit before adventuring to more exotic options
Best Time to Visit
Visit Tuesday through Thursday evenings between 6:30-7:30 PM for smaller crowds and full menu availability. The market operates year-round but is most pleasant during the dry season (November to April) when evenings are cooler and less humid.
What to Know
The market typically opens around 5:30-6:00 PM and runs until 10:00-11:00 PM. Most dishes cost 20,000-80,000 VND ($1-3 USD) per item. Seating is communal at plastic tables, and bathrooms are basic. Bring hand sanitizer and wet wipes as facilities are limited.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round. The dry season (November through April) offers the most comfortable weather with cooler evenings and less rain. Avoid visiting during Tet (Vietnamese New Year, late January/early February) when many vendors close for holiday celebrations.
More Activities Near Vung Tau
Museum
Ba Ria – Vung Tau Museum
★4.7$❤️107
This charming local history museum offers families an engaging introduction to Vietnamese culture and regional heritage through interactive displays that keep young minds curious. Housed in beautiful colonial architecture, the museum provides an educational yet entertaining experience where children can learn about Vung Tau's fascinating past while exploring artifacts and hands-on exhibits designed specifically for younger visitors.
Activity
Jesus Christ Statue
★4.6❤️57
This impressive 32-meter white statue of Jesus stands atop Nho Mountain, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Vung Tau's coastline and the South China Sea. Families can ride the cable car to the top, explore the shaded grounds with picnic areas, and climb inside the statue's arms for unique photo opportunities that kids will remember forever.
Park
Front Beach Park
★4.5Free❤️210
Front Beach Park offers families a perfect blend of seaside relaxation and Vietnamese culture along a scenic waterfront promenade. Kids can enjoy street performances, sample local ice cream and snacks from friendly vendors, and play in open spaces while parents soak in coastal views and cafe culture. The 24-hour accessibility and free admission make it an ideal spot for families on any budget.
Park
Front Beach
★4.5Free❤️301
Front Beach offers families a delightful Vietnamese seaside experience with a lively promenade perfect for strolling, sampling local street food, and enjoying ice cream while watching the waves. The family-friendly entertainment areas and sidewalk cafes create a relaxed atmosphere where kids can play and parents can soak in the coastal views of this charming beach town.