What to eat in Ho Tram
Food in Ho Tram revolves around freshly caught seafood, cooked the simple way - steamed, grilled, or boiled to keep its natural sweetness. Two dishes that keep coming up are the tangy, spicy stingray hot pot and "lau sung," a hot pot made with crunchy water-lily stems in a sour, light broth that suits the seaside breeze perfectly. Herring spring rolls wrapped in rice paper are also worth trying - unusual, but distinctly local. For something lighter, crispy banh khot (mini savory pancakes) served with fresh herbs and sweet-and-sour fish sauce make a great breakfast.
Before ordering at the beachfront seafood restaurants, ask about prices first - since this is a resort area, seafood tends to run a bit higher than at more casual beach towns. If you'd rather save some money, head to Binh Chau fishing port early morning or late afternoon to pick up seafood straight off the boat and have a nearby eatery cook it for you. On your way home, grab a few bags of dried fish, braised squid, or seaweed as souvenirs - all classic specialties from this stretch of coast.
Things to do in Ho Tram
Beyond swimming and strolling along the shore, Ho Tram has plenty to keep you busy, depending on what you're in the mood for:
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Swim in the sea, try some gentle water activities, or just lie in a hammock listening to the waves.
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Soak in the Binh Chau hot springs and try a mineral mud bath to unwind after a stressful stretch of work.
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Play a round at The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip, one of Vietnam's most beautiful seaside golf courses, welcoming to beginners and experienced golfers alike.
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Camp overnight at Ho Coc, light a bonfire, watch the stars, and fall asleep to the sound of the sea.
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Visit a family-friendly water park like Tropicana Park, with its man-made lagoon and kids' zones.
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Go for a light trek through the Binh Chau - Phuoc Buu Nature Reserve to get a closer look at this rare coastal forest ecosystem.
A suggested 2-day, 1-night weekend itinerary
Day 1: Leave Saigon early in the morning, taking the Long Thanh - Dau Giay expressway before joining National Highway 55 - the drive usually takes around 2 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic. Arrive in Ho Tram around midday, check in, and have lunch with some local seafood before resting up. In the afternoon, go for a swim, bike around the resort area, then head out to one of the seaside piers for sunset - arguably the best moment of the day in Ho Tram. For dinner, grilled seafood is the way to go, and if you're staying near the beach, you might even catch a bonfire.
Day 2: Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the sea, then head to Binh Chau Hot Springs for a soak, a mud bath, and the classic egg-boiling experience - a fun one for the whole family. Have a light lunch near the springs, then stop by the fishing port or a local market in the afternoon to pick up some dried seafood as gifts before driving back to Saigon.
With an extra day (3 days, 2 nights): spend a full day playing golf at The Bluffs, head to Ho Coc for a night of camping, or go trekking through the Binh Chau - Phuoc Buu reserve to explore this rare primary forest ecosystem in more depth.
A few tips before you go
The dry season (roughly November to April) brings calmer, prettier seas, making it the best time for swimming and camping. During peak season or weekends, Ho Tram's resorts and restaurants can get crowded, so book ahead if you're traveling with a large group. Bring sunscreen, drinking water, and your own supplies if you plan on outdoor activities like trekking or camping, since some areas still have limited services.
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