The Surf Window

Vung Tau

Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Vietnam

Beach breakBeginner

Vietnam's "weekend beach" for Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau is a peninsula south of Saigon where South China Sea swells create modest beach break for the 10 million people who live two hours up the road, and the oil industry town has developed a genuine surf scene.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalE (90°)
WindowNNE–SSE (30°–150°)
Size–SE 0.8–1.5m at 8–10s

Wind

NW

Light to W under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

Nov–Mar

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Beach break

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Short beach peaks

Length

30–60m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Beginner to intermediate
  • •Why: Modest beach break perfect for learning in warm South China Sea water

Hazards

  • •Very crowded on weekends with Ho Chi Minh City day-trippers
  • •Jellyfish in certain seasons
  • •Very flat in summer southwest monsoon

Local Tips

  • •Bai Sau (Back Beach) on the east side is the main surf beach, more exposed than the front beach
  • •The giant Jesus statue (visible from offshore ships) overlooks the peninsula
  • •The seafood at the beachside restaurants is excellent and very cheap

Location

Map showing the location of Vung Tau in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Vietnam

10.3479, 107.0745