1. Abandoned villa in Vung Tau: History and unique location
1.1. History of construction and the first owner
The abandoned villa in Vung Tau was commenced in the late 1990s, precisely around 1997, by a prominent businessman of Chinese origin at the time. The project, featuring classic French architecture — with two floors, a tiled roof, and a rather imposing structure — was expected to become a resort villa or a luxurious seaside project.
Exterior view of the abandoned villa in Vung Tau (Source: Collected)
However, after commencement, the construction process was interrupted about a year later, and the project was abandoned very early on. In 2008, the owner once attempted to continue construction of this project, but after a short period, it ceased completely while the villa was still unfinished. Since then, over two decades have passed, and the project stands there in a state of ruin, uncared for, leading many local residents and tourists to call it the seaside "haunted house".
During its abandonment, although the land remained under private ownership, it was rarely exploited, resulting in overgrown weeds and moss, peeling walls, and a characteristic desolate feeling. Previously, this place attracted many tourists, photography groups, and music video crews, but the entrance is now locked and fenced off to prevent strangers from entering.
1.2. Location of the abandoned villa in Vung Tau on Con Rong slope
The abandoned villa in Vung Tau is located on Con Rong slope, in Vung Tau city, near Bai Sau — one of the most beautiful beaches of this coastal city. The project is situated on Ha Long street, at an ideal elevation, thus offering a wide open sea view.
Close-up of a corner of the villa (Source: Collected)
This location is very special because "Con Rong Slope" (Dragon Slope) is a prominent steep hill section that creates panoramic views of the beach and Vung Tau city below. Compared to the surrounding structures, which are mostly houses, hotels, or beachfront resorts, this villa stands alone, "with its back to the mountain and face to the sea" — making it both hidden amidst nature and possessing a "million-dollar" view of the ocean. This explains why, despite being abandoned for many years, it has become a curious spot, sought after by many for visits and distant photography.
Although the exact GPS coordinates are rarely disclosed publicly, in terms of tourist positioning, this spot is located on Ha Long Street (Con Rong Slope) — easily recognizable by its higher elevation compared to the beach below and just a few minutes' walk from Bai Sau. This prime location contributes to the contrast between its dilapidated interior and the bright surrounding natural landscape, giving the place a simultaneously mysterious and attractive beauty.
2. Architecture of the abandoned villa in Vung Tau: Magnificent aesthetic value and current state
2.1. French Classical Style
Despite being abandoned for over two decades, the abandoned villa in Vung Tau makes a strong impression at first glance thanks to its magnificent French classical architecture. The structure is designed in a European style with refined lines, balanced proportions, and a harmonious blend of traditional French architectural elements. The architect used massive forms, intricate moldings and cornices on windows and balconies, along with soft, flowing details to create a sense of solemnity and freedom — a characteristic feature of old French villas. Thick walls, large arched windows, and red tiled roofs once made the structure stand out like a proud youth facing the blue sea.
French classical style architecture inside the villa (Source: Collected)
This villa was originally built on a spacious two-story scale, with many rooms and airy corridors — exactly as a high-class resort villa should be. Although not fully completed and not a true 19th-century French colonial structure like other mansions, its design lines clearly reflect the spirit of classical architecture with symmetrical proportions, high ceilings, and rows of columns emphasizing grandeur. This style, even as it faded over time, allowed the villa to retain its majestic beauty, like a forgotten relic amidst wild nature.
2.2. Deterioration Process: Imprints of Time, Moss, and Wild Plants
After more than 20 years without care, time has left deep imprints on every wall of the abandoned villa in Vung Tau. The external condition shows moss-covered walls, peeling plaster, and red roof tiles faded by the sun and coastal winds. The paths around the villa are overgrown with weeds, and bushes creep through the cracks, making the place even more desolate, creating a scene that is both eerie and captivating for explorers.
From the outside, the structure still retains its large form and overall composition, but many small architectural details have been damaged. The antique windows are now empty, the corridors are covered in moss, and sunlight streams through the cracks, creating artistic photo opportunities for photographers and social media enthusiasts. Inside, due to lack of maintenance, the ceiling has collapsed in places, vegetation has taken over, and cracks on the ceiling and walls create a sense of mystery and slight eeriness for first-time visitors.
The combination of classical architectural beauty and its deteriorated state under the impact of time has transformed this villa into an attractive destination — not only for those who love exploring architecture and coastal urban history but also for those who want to capture beautiful, unique moments through their lenses.
3. Why is the abandoned villa in Vung Tau trending?
3.1. Associated with 
The villa is a famous location for MV filming, wedding photo shoots, and artistic photos (Source: Collected)
Besides, the villa is also a chosen spot by many photographers and couples to conduct wedding photo shoots with classic, mysterious, or avant-garde artistic styles. The moss-covered walls, old windows, and time-worn stairs become unique backdrops, helping the photos bear a strong personal imprint. Thanks to frequent appearances on social media, travel, and photography forums, the image of the abandoned villa in Vung Tau has spread powerfully, contributing to a "check-in fever" for many consecutive years, even though this place has never been officially exploited for tourism.
4. Suggestions for combining experiences with famous Vung Tau destinations
4.1. Bai Sau
Located right near the abandoned villa area, Bai Sau is an ideal stop to combine sightseeing and relaxation. The beach boasts a long, gentle sandy shore, clear blue sea water, and a vibrant atmosphere year-round, especially bustling in the early morning and late afternoon. This is a suitable place for swimming, strolling, or simply enjoying the cool sea breeze after exploring nearby attractions.
Bai Sau is one of the most famous beaches in Vung Tau (Source: Collected)
Besides the natural landscape, the Bai Sau area is also home to many restaurants, cafes, and beachfront hotels. Visitors can easily combine a tour itinerary of abandoned villas in Vung Tau with relaxing, dining, and watching the sunset at one of the city's most beautiful beaches.
4.2. Quang Truong Tam Thang
Quang Truong Tam Thang is a newly emerging destination, attracting a large number of tourists and local residents thanks to its spacious, modern environment and clear sea view. This place often hosts community activities, cultural-entertainment events, and is a familiar meeting point every evening.
Vibrant space at Tam Thang Square at night (Source: Collected)
When combining a visit to abandoned villas in Vung Tau , visitors can stop by Tam Thang Square to feel the youthful, vibrant rhythm of the coastal city. The contrast between the ancient, tranquil beauty of the villa and the modern, dynamic space of the square creates a multi-faceted experience journey.
4.3. Christ the King Statue
Located on top of Small Mountain (Nui Nho), the Christ the King Statue is one of the most famous religious structures in Vietnam. To reach the summit, visitors need to conquer hundreds of steps, in return for a panoramic view of Vung Tau city from above.
After visiting the abandoned villas in Vung Tau , the journey of climbing the mountain and admiring the city from the Christ statue brings a sense of balance between exploration and contemplation. This is also an unmissable check-in spot for those who love majestic landscapes and want to capture impressive moments during their trip.
4.4. Nghinh Phong Cape
Nghinh Phong Cape is located near Bai Sau, famous for its sky gate facing the ocean and a small path leading to the rocky outcrop jutting into the sea. This is an ideal place to watch the sunrise, take photos, and feel the pristine beauty of Vung Tau's nature.
Cape Nghinh Phong is a famous sunrise viewing spot in Vung Tau (Source: Collected)
After visiting the abandoned villa in Vung Tau, visitors can continue their journey to Cape Nghinh Phong to enjoy the spacious, breezy atmosphere. The combination of old, wild architecture and open nature brings a complete experience for both emotions and vision.
4.5. Bach Dinh
Bach Dinh is an architectural work imbued with historical and cultural imprints, once a resort for the Governor-General of Indochina and King Bao Dai. The structure features a classic European style, leaning against the slope of Big Mountain (Nui Lon) and facing the sea, creating a scene that is both solemn and poetic.
When combining a visit to the abandoned villa in Vung Tau with Bach Dinh, visitors will clearly feel the interplay between two architectural styles: one side is the beauty of ruin and mystery; the other is the preserved antiquity and history. This is an ideal choice for those who love to explore the cultural depth of the coastal city.
Amidst the vibrant rhythm of the coastal city, the abandoned villa in Vung Tau quietly exists as a mysterious imprint of time. Not only does it possess unique architectural value with its ancient French style, but this structure is also associated with popular stories, historical imprints, and a rare ruined beauty. It is precisely this interplay between past and present, between beauty and decay, that creates a special attraction, making it an unforgettable stop for many tourists. Whether just glimpsed from the outside or captured in a few shots through the lens, the abandoned villa in Vung Tau is enough to leave a strong impression – like a quiet symbol in the heart of the bustling coastal city.
