Cable car to Cloud Lake in Vung Tau

The cable car up to Cloud Lake is European designed - Photo: Kiet Tran

The day trip to Cloud Lake Cultural and Ecotourism on Big Mountain in Vung Tau City left us enjoyably confused and a bit dizzy from all the carousel rides. It is one of those places that makes you wonder? How did the South African ostriches and Caribbean Pine trees end up there? What role did the radar play in the war? All the questions have answers in the brochure about Nui Lon, Nui Nho (Big and Small Mountain) in Vung Tau.  

As you approach Vung Tau via hydrofoil (VND200,000 one way) or mini bus (VND60,000 with TV entertainment) from Saigon you will notice the cable car ride up Big Mountain. The European designed cable cars offer a smooth ride and their colorful lights can be seen at night from all over Vung Tau. It is the most convenient way to access one of Vung Tau’s main attractions for VND100,000 return including a car tour around the mountain and a brief introduction.

It is difficult to categorize Cloud Lake because it has a bit of everything but not much of anything. It is not a theme park because there are only a few rides including a Rocking Boat and a traditional merry-go-around for VND10,000 a ticket. It is not a zoo because it’s only got ostriches and monkeys. Neither is it a natural reserve as the forest is small and the lake and waterfall are artificial. But it does have a few coffee places, outdoor festival area and bar and restaurant.

Cloud Lake is suitable for a half-day trip in the morning or the evening to avoid the hot sun. The staff are friendly, and the car cable ride was brief but enjoyable as we got a great view of the coastal city. The only disappointment was the coffee places that looked more like canteens than to the amazing cafes that Vietnam usually offers. 

You can walk up the mountain by road. It’s a 1.5 hour climb and you will meet many locals on their daily exercise routine. There is a resting place halfway for a healthy fruit juice or lunch before carrying on to the top. From the top there’s an amazing view of Vung Tau including Cloud Lake. However, Cloud Lake is only accessible by the cable car.

 Cloud Lake:

Car cable return ticket: VND100,000, www.vcct.com.vn, tel; 064 3856078

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Cable car to Cloud Lake in Vung Tau

The cable car up to Cloud Lake is European designed - Photo: Kiet Tran

The day trip to Cloud Lake Cultural and Ecotourism on Big Mountain in Vung Tau City left us enjoyably confused and a bit dizzy from all the carousel rides. It is one of those places that makes you wonder? How did the South African ostriches and Caribbean Pine trees end up there? What role did the radar play in the war? All the questions have answers in the brochure about Nui Lon, Nui Nho (Big and Small Mountain) in Vung Tau.  

As you approach Vung Tau via hydrofoil (VND200,000 one way) or mini bus (VND60,000 with TV entertainment) from Saigon you will notice the cable car ride up Big Mountain. The European designed cable cars offer a smooth ride and their colorful lights can be seen at night from all over Vung Tau. It is the most convenient way to access one of Vung Tau’s main attractions for VND100,000 return including a car tour around the mountain and a brief introduction.

It is difficult to categorize Cloud Lake because it has a bit of everything but not much of anything. It is not a theme park because there are only a few rides including a Rocking Boat and a traditional merry-go-around for VND10,000 a ticket. It is not a zoo because it’s only got ostriches and monkeys. Neither is it a natural reserve as the forest is small and the lake and waterfall are artificial. But it does have a few coffee places, outdoor festival area and bar and restaurant.

Cloud Lake is suitable for a half-day trip in the morning or the evening to avoid the hot sun. The staff are friendly, and the car cable ride was brief but enjoyable as we got a great view of the coastal city. The only disappointment was the coffee places that looked more like canteens than to the amazing cafes that Vietnam usually offers. 

You can walk up the mountain by road. It’s a 1.5 hour climb and you will meet many locals on their daily exercise routine. There is a resting place halfway for a healthy fruit juice or lunch before carrying on to the top. From the top there’s an amazing view of Vung Tau including Cloud Lake. However, Cloud Lake is only accessible by the cable car.

 Cloud Lake:

Car cable return ticket: VND100,000, www.vcct.com.vn, tel; 064 3856078

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Cable car to Cloud Lake in Vung Tau

The cable car up to Cloud Lake is European designed - Photo: Kiet Tran

The day trip to Cloud Lake Cultural and Ecotourism on Big Mountain in Vung Tau City left us enjoyably confused and a bit dizzy from all the carousel rides. It is one of those places that makes you wonder? How did the South African ostriches and Caribbean Pine trees end up there? What role did the radar play in the war? All the questions have answers in the brochure about Nui Lon, Nui Nho (Big and Small Mountain) in Vung Tau.  

As you approach Vung Tau via hydrofoil (VND200,000 one way) or mini bus (VND60,000 with TV entertainment) from Saigon you will notice the cable car ride up Big Mountain. The European designed cable cars offer a smooth ride and their colorful lights can be seen at night from all over Vung Tau. It is the most convenient way to access one of Vung Tau’s main attractions for VND100,000 return including a car tour around the mountain and a brief introduction.

It is difficult to categorize Cloud Lake because it has a bit of everything but not much of anything. It is not a theme park because there are only a few rides including a Rocking Boat and a traditional merry-go-around for VND10,000 a ticket. It is not a zoo because it’s only got ostriches and monkeys. Neither is it a natural reserve as the forest is small and the lake and waterfall are artificial. But it does have a few coffee places, outdoor festival area and bar and restaurant.

Cloud Lake is suitable for a half-day trip in the morning or the evening to avoid the hot sun. The staff are friendly, and the car cable ride was brief but enjoyable as we got a great view of the coastal city. The only disappointment was the coffee places that looked more like canteens than to the amazing cafes that Vietnam usually offers. 

You can walk up the mountain by road. It’s a 1.5 hour climb and you will meet many locals on their daily exercise routine. There is a resting place halfway for a healthy fruit juice or lunch before carrying on to the top. From the top there’s an amazing view of Vung Tau including Cloud Lake. However, Cloud Lake is only accessible by the cable car.

 Cloud Lake:

Car cable return ticket: VND100,000, www.vcct.com.vn, tel; 064 3856078

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Cable car to Cloud Lake in Vung Tau

The cable car up to Cloud Lake is European designed - Photo: Kiet Tran

The day trip to Cloud Lake Cultural and Ecotourism on Big Mountain in Vung Tau City left us enjoyably confused and a bit dizzy from all the carousel rides. It is one of those places that makes you wonder? How did the South African ostriches and Caribbean Pine trees end up there? What role did the radar play in the war? All the questions have answers in the brochure about Nui Lon, Nui Nho (Big and Small Mountain) in Vung Tau.  

As you approach Vung Tau via hydrofoil (VND200,000 one way) or mini bus (VND60,000 with TV entertainment) from Saigon you will notice the cable car ride up Big Mountain. The European designed cable cars offer a smooth ride and their colorful lights can be seen at night from all over Vung Tau. It is the most convenient way to access one of Vung Tau’s main attractions for VND100,000 return including a car tour around the mountain and a brief introduction.

It is difficult to categorize Cloud Lake because it has a bit of everything but not much of anything. It is not a theme park because there are only a few rides including a Rocking Boat and a traditional merry-go-around for VND10,000 a ticket. It is not a zoo because it’s only got ostriches and monkeys. Neither is it a natural reserve as the forest is small and the lake and waterfall are artificial. But it does have a few coffee places, outdoor festival area and bar and restaurant.

Cloud Lake is suitable for a half-day trip in the morning or the evening to avoid the hot sun. The staff are friendly, and the car cable ride was brief but enjoyable as we got a great view of the coastal city. The only disappointment was the coffee places that looked more like canteens than to the amazing cafes that Vietnam usually offers. 

You can walk up the mountain by road. It’s a 1.5 hour climb and you will meet many locals on their daily exercise routine. There is a resting place halfway for a healthy fruit juice or lunch before carrying on to the top. From the top there’s an amazing view of Vung Tau including Cloud Lake. However, Cloud Lake is only accessible by the cable car.

 Cloud Lake:

Car cable return ticket: VND100,000, www.vcct.com.vn, tel; 064 3856078

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Cable car to Cloud Lake in Vung Tau

The cable car up to Cloud Lake is European designed - Photo: Kiet Tran

The day trip to Cloud Lake Cultural and Ecotourism on Big Mountain in Vung Tau City left us enjoyably confused and a bit dizzy from all the carousel rides. It is one of those places that makes you wonder? How did the South African ostriches and Caribbean Pine trees end up there? What role did the radar play in the war? All the questions have answers in the brochure about Nui Lon, Nui Nho (Big and Small Mountain) in Vung Tau.  

As you approach Vung Tau via hydrofoil (VND200,000 one way) or mini bus (VND60,000 with TV entertainment) from Saigon you will notice the cable car ride up Big Mountain. The European designed cable cars offer a smooth ride and their colorful lights can be seen at night from all over Vung Tau. It is the most convenient way to access one of Vung Tau’s main attractions for VND100,000 return including a car tour around the mountain and a brief introduction.

It is difficult to categorize Cloud Lake because it has a bit of everything but not much of anything. It is not a theme park because there are only a few rides including a Rocking Boat and a traditional merry-go-around for VND10,000 a ticket. It is not a zoo because it’s only got ostriches and monkeys. Neither is it a natural reserve as the forest is small and the lake and waterfall are artificial. But it does have a few coffee places, outdoor festival area and bar and restaurant.

Cloud Lake is suitable for a half-day trip in the morning or the evening to avoid the hot sun. The staff are friendly, and the car cable ride was brief but enjoyable as we got a great view of the coastal city. The only disappointment was the coffee places that looked more like canteens than to the amazing cafes that Vietnam usually offers. 

You can walk up the mountain by road. It’s a 1.5 hour climb and you will meet many locals on their daily exercise routine. There is a resting place halfway for a healthy fruit juice or lunch before carrying on to the top. From the top there’s an amazing view of Vung Tau including Cloud Lake. However, Cloud Lake is only accessible by the cable car.

 Cloud Lake:

Car cable return ticket: VND100,000, www.vcct.com.vn, tel; 064 3856078

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• Cable car to Cloud Lake in Vung Tau
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Cable car to Cloud Lake in Vung Tau

The cable car up to Cloud Lake is European designed - Photo: Kiet Tran

The day trip to Cloud Lake Cultural and Ecotourism on Big Mountain in Vung Tau City left us enjoyably confused and a bit dizzy from all the carousel rides. It is one of those places that makes you wonder? How did the South African ostriches and Caribbean Pine trees end up there? What role did the radar play in the war? All the questions have answers in the brochure about Nui Lon, Nui Nho (Big and Small Mountain) in Vung Tau.  

As you approach Vung Tau via hydrofoil (VND200,000 one way) or mini bus (VND60,000 with TV entertainment) from Saigon you will notice the cable car ride up Big Mountain. The European designed cable cars offer a smooth ride and their colorful lights can be seen at night from all over Vung Tau. It is the most convenient way to access one of Vung Tau’s main attractions for VND100,000 return including a car tour around the mountain and a brief introduction.

It is difficult to categorize Cloud Lake because it has a bit of everything but not much of anything. It is not a theme park because there are only a few rides including a Rocking Boat and a traditional merry-go-around for VND10,000 a ticket. It is not a zoo because it’s only got ostriches and monkeys. Neither is it a natural reserve as the forest is small and the lake and waterfall are artificial. But it does have a few coffee places, outdoor festival area and bar and restaurant.

Cloud Lake is suitable for a half-day trip in the morning or the evening to avoid the hot sun. The staff are friendly, and the car cable ride was brief but enjoyable as we got a great view of the coastal city. The only disappointment was the coffee places that looked more like canteens than to the amazing cafes that Vietnam usually offers. 

You can walk up the mountain by road. It’s a 1.5 hour climb and you will meet many locals on their daily exercise routine. There is a resting place halfway for a healthy fruit juice or lunch before carrying on to the top. From the top there’s an amazing view of Vung Tau including Cloud Lake. However, Cloud Lake is only accessible by the cable car.

 Cloud Lake:

Car cable return ticket: VND100,000, www.vcct.com.vn, tel; 064 3856078

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Surf’s up on Malibu Beach in Mui Ne

A longboarder surfs at Mui Ne’s Malibu Beach also known by Vietnam locals as Ghan Beach - Photo: Chiga Balazsd

I had two of my best surfs so far in Vietnam over Christmas on the back beach at Mui Ne also known as Malibu Beach.

The surf on Christmas Day and Christmas Eve had three foot sets with some good rides, both lefts and rights. It was slightly bigger down the south end of Malibu Beach near the No Mad kitesurfing camp, but it was glassier down further near the resorts, which was particularly good. Boxing Day was reportedly excellent as well.

December has swung the wind from the South to the North bringing the wind-swell onto the east-facing Malibu beach. The front beach at Mui Ne has very little surf this time of year. The website, forecasts.swellwatch.com, demonstrates really well where the wind and swell are coming from. For another tip to find secret spots to surf in Vietnam  look at Google Earth.

It’s best to go around sunrise before the wind picks up at 10am when it starts to get blown out.

I got my hands on a motorbike with a board rack, which was a great score, so I could cruise along the beach and choose the best peak. Otherwise I recommend you get a taxi or a xe om (motorbike taxi) and hold your board under your arm. If you get in and out of Malibu Beach before 10 in the morning the wind is not going to be too much of a problem for carrying the board on the bike.

To get to Malibu Beach from the main resort strip, just head up to the fishing port and turn left at the roundabout at Mui Ne Town, then follow your nose.

I took my own board (borrowed actually) from Saigon on a Phuong Trang bus from De Tham Street. It’s an eight footer and truly if it was another inch longer it wouldn’t have fitted in the luggage compartment, so be mindful of that if you’ve got a longer board – you might need a bus with roof racks on top. It can be handy to have some octopus straps as well.

Surfing at Malibu Beach is nothing like Uluwatu in Bali or Nias in Sumatra or other legendary surf spots. It’s just a beach break but it’s much better than Vung Tau and I suspect more consistent this time of year. But it hasn’t been a good season for wind so far – leaving all the kite surfing schools in Mui Ne feeling a bit down.

It may not be Uluwatu but it’s definitely frontier Asia surfing with waves, coconut palm trees and fishermen in basket boats just beyond the break, which makes for an epic adventure.

If you don’t have a board and want to check out some local spots contact Chiga at 01265246650 or jagannathsurf@gmail.com. Or look at the website, zubakovf.com.

Chiga takes half day surfing safaris around Mui Ne for US$95.

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