Vung Tau is a beach resort on the South China Sea and the closet beach to Ho Chi Minh City. It is also the home of the rapidly expanding petroleum exploration industry in Vietnam but this has not spoiled the beauty of the port town and beaches. Many Saigonese make day trips to the Vung Tau to lie on the beach or swim in the clear water. The port may be reached by fast hovercraft from Saigon or by highway. Closeby to Vung Tau are the deserted beaches of Long Hai.