Top 10 ideas for what to do in Ho Tram on your next trip

What to do in Ho Tram is one of the popular questions that most tourists ask when they plan a weekend break to this new beach resort in southern Vietnam. While renowned for its white sandy beaches, Ho Tram has much more to offer tourists than sun and sand. This article will assist you in discovering the best attractions and activities so that you can enjoy your trip to Ho Tram. If you’re still unclear about what to do in Ho Tram, continue reading for a handpicked list of things to try.

Relax on Ho Tram Beach

Ho Tram Beach stretches over 40 kilometers of white sandy beach dotted with pristine coastline, offering golden sandy shores and clear, calm water ideal for bathing and sunbathing. Listed among the world’s most beautiful wild beaches by CNNGo, it’s a tranquil haven away from the human crowds. The beach is perfect for an early morning walk, practicing yoga on the beach, or simply relaxing under the shade of the green trees.

How to get to Ho Tram Beach? Located approximately 125 kilometers east of Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Tram can be accessed through various means:

• Private car or taxi: Offers door-to-door service, approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, at a rate that begins at USD 45–60.
• Shuttle services: Many resorts have daily shuttle buses for guests, offering a handy and cost-effective option.
• Public buses: There are daily buses from Ho Chi Minh City to Ba Ria, where you can board a local bus or taxi to Ho Tram.​

Explore Hamptons Pier and Plaza

Hamptons Plaza is Vietnam’s first beachfront commercial street, which features a carefully selected blend of dining, shopping, and entertainment establishments under the theme of “one-stop shop”. Attached to Hamptons Pier – the longest pier in Asia, measuring 300 meters – the resort offers a sea view panorama and a tranquil environment to observe sunrise and sunset. Travelers can walk along the wooden decks of the pier, dine at boutique stores, or relish fresh seafood at beachfront eateries, within a ten-minute walk from giant resorts.

Indulge in water sports at Vietnam Kiteboarding School

Located at Hamptons Plaza, the Vietnam Kiteboarding School (VKS) offers lessons and rentals of water sports like kite surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and more. Newbies can enroll in guided group sessions, while seasoned riders can book private coaching to enhance their skills. VKS also offers windsurfing, bodyboarding, and jet skis for rent, which adventure-seekers visiting Ho Tram will certainly love. For a perfect session, attempt a sunrise kite session, which offers ethereal light conditions and lighter winds typical early in the morning.

Play golf at The Bluffs Grand Ho Tram Strip

The Bluffs Grand Ho Tram Strip, crafted by golf legend Greg Norman, is an 18-hole, par-71 championship links-style layout on two miles of pristine white sand beach in southern Vietnam. Dramatic sand dunes, undulating fairways, and clever bunkering provide an enjoyable challenge for players of all levels.

The course is complemented by a modern clubhouse with amenities such as the Infinity Restaurant, Rare Cask Room, Pro Shop, locker rooms, and banquetting facilities. For golfers wishing to improve their game, the complex features a driving range and practice facilities.

Tee times and club rentals can be found on site, and half-day and full-day packages are offered. The Bluffs is part of the Ho Tram Strip complex, making it easy for travelers who are staying at nearby resorts.​

Visit Binh Chau hot springs and Minera forest

Located approximately 29 kilometers from Ho Tram Beach is Vietnam’s sole natural mineral hot springs in the southern regions of Vietnam, i.e., Binh Chau Hot Springs. More than 70 outdoor injection outlets form a series of streams as well as pools and experience temperature variations between 37°C and 82°C.

Visitors can experience many wellness treatments, including mud baths, Himalayan salt rock saunas in onsen style, and hot mineral baths. Close by, Minera Forest offers lush rainforest walks and fruit orchards, with a hands-on eco-exploration experience. ​The location is approximately a 2-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City, which makes it easily accessible for a day trip or a serene weekend getaway. ​

Discover Ho Coc Beach

Adjacent to Ho Tram, Ho Coc Beach is a quieter stretch renowned for its rocky shoreline and untouched dunes, and perfect for photography and love strolls. The beach is less developed, offering a tranquil alternative for those seeking a quiet beach experience. Ho Coc Beach is located approximately 125 kilometers southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, and that equals 2 hours by car and is ideal for a day trip or a weekend getaway.

Explore Phuoc Buu Nature Reserve

Phuoc Buu Nature Reserve, otherwise known as Binh Chau-Phuoc Buu Nature Reserve, has over 11,000 hectares of preserved rainforest since 1978. The nature reserve is famous for its fertile flora and fauna, with unusual bird populations and long-tailed macaques.

Tourists may take guided strolls on closed tropical canopy paths, where they get an opportunity to spot wildlife and see waterfalls cascading down the land. The reserve provides a perfect environment for nature-loving eco-tourists.

Experience local culture at Phuoc Hai Fishing Village

Phuoc Hai Fishing Village of Dat Do district, Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, is the oldest fishing village in Vietnam. It is here that you find a glimpse into Vietnam coastal traditional way of living.​

Morning activities:

• Fish auctions: Early mornings provide a glance at fishermen offering their nighttime harvest at auctions. The atmosphere is lively, with locals negotiating prices for fresh seafood.​
• Fishing techniques: Observe the traditional fishing techniques, including boat maintenance and net repair, and learn about the villagers’ day-to-day life.​

Cultural encounters:

• Culinary treats: Savor freshly grilled seafood right on the beach. The village is renowned for fish sauce and dried seafood products, offering authentic tastes that are unique to the region.​
• Festivals: In case of traveling during the first Lunar month, attend the Cau Ngu Festival, a ritual festival where fishermen pray for good weather and abundant catches. The festival features vibrant cultural shows, including lion dances and boat racing.

Community-based tourism:

Joining the community guarantees sustainable tourism and preserves the village’s cultural heritage. Experiment with staying in local homestays to feel the full coastal lifestyle. 

Enjoy nightlife at Starlit Hamptons Rooftop Bar

Sitting atop Hamptons Plaza, Starlit Rooftop Bar provides a unique nightlife experience in Ho Tram. With breathtaking views overlooking the South China Sea, it’s the place to relax after exploring the area.​ Look out for special offers, including “Buy 1 Get 1 Free” promotions on certain beverages for certain times of the day. ​Their operating hours are from Wednesday to Sunday: Open from 8:30 PM until 12:30 AM. ​

Highlights:

• Live entertainment: Enjoy live DJ performances that set the mood for a vibrant night.​
• Signature cocktails: Specialty cocktails using local ingredients, which are designed to provide a unique taste experience.​
• Atmosphere: The rooftop setting is stylish and relaxed, ideal for romance nights and social gatherings.​ ​

Take a boat tour on the Ray River

The winding Ray River runs through Ba Ria-Vung Tau and Dong Nai provinces’ lush countryside, offering peaceful boat tours that emphasize the region’s beauty.​ Boat tours are scheduled to accommodate tidal currents, so reservations with local operators should be made in advance to secure optimal departure times.​

Tour information:

• Duration: Approximately 2 hours.​
• Group size: Tours accommodate 4-12 visitors, ensuring a small group experience.​
• Pickup points: Provides pickup at major resorts in Ho Tram.​
• Highlights:
• Mangrove ecosystems: Take a stroll through the dense mangrove forests, observing the strange flora and fauna that call the ecosystem home.​
• Stilt-house villages: Drive by the ancient stilt houses, gaining a glimpse into the daily lives of the local villagers who reside on the riverbanks.​
• Wildlife spotting: Look out for various species of birds and other wildlife unique to the area.

Visit Cicada Ho Tram Forest Reserve

The 68-hectare Cicada Ho Tram Forest Reserve offers a serene excursion into the forest. The reserve offers facilities like picnic areas, toilets, and information centers to enhance the guest experience.​ It is an ideal spot for families, adventure seekers, and those in need of some outdoor healing.​

Activities:

• Hiking and bike trails: Explore along nicely maintained trails winding their way through the forests, which are ideal for both beginners and experienced hikers.
• Camping: There is a specific area where guests have the opportunity to spend evenings sleeping under the stars, filled with the sound of nature.
• Wildlife viewing: The reserve hosts various species such as deer, rabbits, and peacocks, which can be observed in their habitats.
• Horseback riding: Take a new perspective of the forest with guided horseback riding tours. ​
• Children’s playground: A designated area ensures that younger visitors have a safe and enjoyable place to play.​

Visitors’ tips:

• Best time to visit: Early morning is ideal for bird watching and cooler temperatures.​
• What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, insect spray, and lots of water are recommended.

Experience Ho Tram night market

Approximately 6 kilometers away from the heart of the major resort town, the Ho Tram Night Market is a busy nighttime spot featuring a multicultural blend of local culture and cuisine. Under the cover of nightfall, the market comes alive with sparkling lights, the aroma of grilled seafood on the grills, and the chatter of vendors and customers. Here, you can indulge in a variety of Vietnamese street foods, from freshly caught shrimp, crabs, and squid to a variety of shellfish, all prepared on the spot to your taste. 

Besides the culinary delights, the market also features stalls that sell local handicrafts, souvenirs, and traditional games, providing a full cultural experience. It is an ideal destination for families, couples, and solo travelers to immerse themselves in local culture and savor the real flavor of the region.

Explore Vung Tau City

Embark on a scenic 45-minute to one-hour drive from Ho Tram to reach Vung Tau City, a city rich in history and natural beauty. Arguably, the city’s most popular symbol is the Christ the King Statue, a massive 36-meter figure that stands atop Little Mountain. Visitors have access to climb 133 stairs inside the statue to reach the open arms, from where they have city and South China Sea panorama views. 

Vung Tau Lighthouse is another point of interest, a 360-degree view of the surrounding area from a French-made building. The lighthouse can be reached by a relaxed stroll or a short car trip and is particularly busy mornings and evenings for sunrise and sunset viewing.

When in Vung Tau, don’t forget to try local specialties like banh khot (small savory pancakes), banh beo (steamed rice cakes), and freshly grilled seafood, all of which testify to the richness of the city’s culinary culture.​

Attend local festivals

Visiting during local festivals can give a better insight into the cultural fabric of the region. Two major festivals in the Ba Ria – Vung Tau province are:

• Nghinh Ong Festival: Observed annually from the 16th to the 18th day of the eighth lunar month, this festival honors the Whale God, reputed to protect fishermen when they are at sea. The festival is preceded by a sea procession with a festive boat at its head, music performances, and other cultural activities, offering a lively glimpse into local seafaring culture.
• Dinh Co Festival: Taking place from the 10th to the 12th day of the second lunar month in Long Hai town, the festival is one of the largest water festivals along the southern coastline. The festival consists of solemn ceremonies, folk dances, and social activities honoring the sea goddess, which reflects the spiritual belief of the local fishermen who sail in the sea.

Enjoy family activities at The Grand Ho Tram

Grand Ho Tram is not only a luxury resort but also a family entertainment paradise so that the resort guests of all ages enjoy a holiday full of fun. The Kids Quarter at the resort is an area for children aged between 4 and 12 years and has a number of activities under the supervision of a guide, such as arts and crafts, dress-up play, and interactive games.

For adults and older children, there is the Game Zone featuring an entire bowling alley, computer games, and amusement park-type rides like air hockey and dancing machines, to occupy them for hours. Those who like spending time outdoors have the Parkland with a kids’ playground, a maze in the gardens, a giant chessboard, and a badminton court, all within elegantly landscaped gardens.

In addition, the Putt-Putt Miniature Golf and Water Fountain area is provided by the resort, perfect for family times and relaxation. With so many activities to enjoy, The Grand Ho Tram guarantees an unforgettable experience for families who seek both relaxation and excitement.

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What to do in Ho Tram isn’t just a question – it’s an invitation to explore, unwind, and connect with Vietnam’s coastal charm. Whether you’re drawn by the golden beaches, vibrant markets, thrilling adventures, or quiet nature escapes, Ho Tram offers something for every traveler. So pack your bags, follow your curiosity, and let this laid-back gem surprise you with unforgettable moments.

Read more: Bach Dinh: A must-visit colonial villa in Vung Tau