Vũng Tàu's Epic Ocean Festival: A Guide to Vietnam's Coastal Celebration

As the year draws to a close, Vũng Tàu isn't just offering cool sea breezes – it's buzzing with excitement thanks to the "Mỹ Vị Sóng Ngàn" (Epic Ocean Festival). If you're seeking a multi-layered experience – delicious food, vibrant entertainment, and stunning scenery – this is the most comprehensive guide you'll find. This festival promises to be a highlight of late 2025, boosting tourism in Vũng Tàu and Ho Chi Minh City alike. Get ready to immerse yourself in a celebration of culture, cuisine, and coastal charm!

1. Understanding the Mỹ Vị Sóng Ngàn Festival

More than just a food fair, the Mỹ Vị Sóng Ngàn Festival is positioned as a key cultural and tourism event designed to stimulate tourism in Vũng Tàu and the wider Ho Chi Minh City area during the year-end season. It’s a fantastic opportunity to experience the best of Vietnamese hospitality and local flavors.

• Dates: November 29th, 2025 – December 7th, 2025 (9 days)
• Location: Bãi Sau Park, Vũng Tàu. Specifically, along La Văn Cầu Road to 151 Thùy Vân Street, Vũng Tàu City, Ho Chi Minh City (Free Admission)
• Scale: Over 90 meticulously planned stalls, combining Food – Commerce – Services – Entertainment – and Art.

The Mỹ Vị Sóng Ngàn Festival serves as a bridge connecting traditional and modern culture. It’s a chance to celebrate Vũng Tàu’s renowned fish sauce-making heritage, recreate the atmosphere of traditional Vietnamese villages, and provide a safe and enjoyable entertainment space for locals and tourists.

2. Festival Schedule: A Timeline of Events

To help you navigate the 90 stalls and numerous activities, we've broken down the schedule from the organizers into a handy timeline. Save this guide to fully enjoy the festival!

2.1 Morning & Afternoon: Cultural Experiences & Playful Fun

This time of day offers beautiful sunshine, perfect for workshops and photo opportunities:

• 10:00 – 12:00 | Vietnamese Traditional Costume Photography (FREE): Try on stunning traditional Vietnamese outfits for a unique photo shoot – completely free!
• 10:00 – 11:00 | Tò He (Sugar Statue) Art (FREE): Step back in time with this traditional Vietnamese folk art. Artisans will demonstrate or create Tò He figures, perfect for children.
• 10:00 – 14:00 | Traditional Vietnamese Games: Enjoy classic games like Ô ăn quan, jumping stilts, and tug-of-war. This area is open throughout the afternoon and is free to use.
• 11:00 – 14:00 | Bát Tràng Pottery Workshop: Learn to hand-mold your own cup or bowl with guidance from Bát Tràng artisans.
• 12:00 – 13:00 | Blindfolded Pig Catching: A quirky and hilarious activity! Don't be afraid to try – there might be a prize!

2.2 Afternoon: Sunset Photos & Relaxation

As the sun begins to set, artistic performances take center stage.

• 14:00 – 15:00 | Calligraphy Master: Receive a calligraphy scroll for good luck in the new year. A beautiful traditional touch.
• 14:00 – 18:00 | Giant Kite Flying (Note: Highlight event on November 29-30): The sky above Bãi Sau will be filled with massive kites. This is a golden opportunity for stunning wide-angle photos.

2.3 Evening: Chill Music by the Beach

After a day of eating and exploring, relax your soul.

• 20:00 – 22:00 | Acoustic Performances: Enjoy a romantic atmosphere with sea breezes and mellow acoustic music.

3. Exploring the Stalls at the Mỹ Vị Sóng Ngàn Festival

3.1 A Culinary Paradise: Flavors of Vietnam

As you enter this area, your sense of smell will be awakened by the fragrant aromas from dozens of stalls. The festival prioritizes quality, offering authentic regional dishes instead of generic street food. You'll find a culinary journey representing the North, Central, and South of Vietnam.

From delicious seafood to traditional cakes and fruit-shaped pastries, there's something for everyone. Don't miss the opportunity to witness the artistic food presentation by Chef Hồ Đắc Thiếu Anh, turning dining into a refined and safe cultural experience.

3.2 A Check-in Spot Recreating Ancient Farming Life

Amidst the breezy space of Bãi Sau, the organizers have cleverly created a nostalgic Vietnamese countryside scene. Golden hay bales, rice paddies, and a time-worn mill create a rustic backdrop for photos. This area is also a place for older visitors to reminisce and for parents to introduce their children to the origins of rice civilization.

3.3 Discovering the Traditional Fish Sauce Village

A visit to Vũng Tàu isn't complete without mentioning fish sauce. At this stall, you'll see direct models of large wooden fish sauce vats and hear the story of the process that creates this "national soul." This is a place to celebrate the pride of the coastal people and understand the hard work and centuries-old secrets behind its savory flavor.

3.4 A Lively Area of Traditional Games

If you're looking for hearty laughter, gather your friends and head to this area. The atmosphere is always lively with team-based games like tug-of-war and jumping stilts. The "blindfolded pig catching" game is a particular highlight, creating moments of fun and breaking down barriers between strangers.

3.5 Henna & Face Painting Art Corner

For those who love beauty and want to stand out, this area is a must-visit. Talented artists will transform your hands or face into colorful works of art using the mystical Henna patterns of India or whimsical Face painting. This is the perfect preparation for stunning check-in photos at the event.

3.6 Return to Childhood with Tò He and Calligraphy

Amidst the hustle and bustle, find a moment of peace in this corner of traditional values. The image of an old calligrapher carefully writing calligraphy on red paper or an artisan meticulously shaping Tò He figures evokes a sense of tranquility. Here, you can request a "Peace" scroll for the upcoming new year or buy Tò He figures as a simple yet meaningful childhood gift.

4. Must-Not-Miss Activities

4.1 Beer Party & Explosive EDM Music Stage

The festival atmosphere wouldn't be complete without a little cheer and lively music. At the sponsor area, you'll be instantly refreshed with sample kiosks offering ice-cold beer – a truly invigorating flavor in the sea breeze. And as the buzz sets in, the mini DJ stage comes alive with EDM sets, turning the beach into a giant dance floor.

4.2 Meet & Greet with Culinary Legend Yan Can Cook

One of the most anticipated highlights is the appearance of Chef Martin Yan. Not only will you witness his masterful knife skills that made him famous, but you'll also have the opportunity to interact with him and see his signature smile right here in Vũng Tàu.

4.3 Colorful Street Parade (Carnival)

Thùy Vân Street will come alive with spectacular Carnival parades. Dancers in dazzling costumes, combined with vibrant street music, will create an endless flow of energy. You'll find it hard to stay still as the parade passes, inviting visitors to join the festive atmosphere of a dynamic and hospitable coastal city.

4.4 Spectacular Fireworks Display

To conclude the days of celebration, the night sky above Bãi Sau will be illuminated by a breathtaking fireworks display. Amidst the sound of waves and sea breezes, the moment the fireworks burst into bloom will create a romantic and awe-inspiring scene, leaving an unforgettable impression on everyone at the Mỹ Vị Sóng Ngàn Festival.

A festival offering delicious food, fun activities, and EDM music on the beach – for FREE – is an opportunity you shouldn't miss. The event runs until December 7th, 2025, so don't delay! Tag your friends, start your engines, and head to Vũng Tàu now! See you at Bãi Sau!