Vung Tau is a lot more commercialized compared to the Con Dao Islands and there's a lot more to do in the mainland town. This is partly because this area was used as a rest & recreation destination for American soldiers during the Vietnam War. Later on when Vung Tau became the centre of the oil business in the country, many Russians came to work in the oil fields and started a large resident compound here. Many of them socialised downtown and revitalised the place. If your idea of a good night out is a game of pool and chatting with girls who work as hostesses in some of the more ‘colourful’ cafes and bars, Vung Tau is the place to be. Con Dao is beautiful and very quiet at night. Nightlife activity here is still very limited. It can be quite simple – eating out at one of the local restaurants, followed by drinking Vietnamese coffee or tea or beer probably at the same venue. 

Markets are among the best places in Vietnam for travellers looking to experience the daily lives of its local population. Operating as early as 03:00, you’ll find throngs of marketgoers haggling for the freshest fruit, vegetables, seafood and meat. Vietnam markets are also great for sampling a wide range of local delicacies at affordable prices, as they are often fitted with a dedicated food court surrounded by food stalls.   While most markets in Vietnam have been in operation for hundreds of years, there are several (especially those located in the cities) that are now geared towards tourists, featuring stalls selling handicrafts, souvenirs and pre-packaged food items. While goods here are sold at relatively low prices, you can still exercise your bargaining skills to get better deals. Read on for our handy guide on Vietnam’s most popular local markets.