Old Artillery Battery Small Mountain
Explore French colonial cannons and bunkers on a scenic Vung Tau hilltop, offering historical insights and coastal views. Free entry!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, less heat
Old Artillery Battery Small Mountain
Best Time
Fewer crowds, less heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore French colonial cannons and bunkers on a scenic Vung Tau hilltop, offering historical insights and coastal views. Free entry!
"Impressive cannons and well-maintained bunkers with great views, and it's free!"
💰 Free Entry, Buy a Drink
Admission is free! A local couple sells drinks, perfect for a refreshing break.
🚶♀️ Hike or Buggy Ride
The walk up is steep. Consider hiring a local guide with an electric buggy for an easier ascent.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
French Colonial Cannons
Various emplacements
Imposing cannons from the French colonial era, offering a glimpse into past military strategies.
Well-Maintained Bunkers
Throughout the site
Explore the clean and well-preserved brickwork of the bunkers and gun emplacements.
Panoramic Coastal Views
Hilltop vantage points
Enjoy scenic views of the coastline and surrounding areas from the elevated position.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, But Consider a Guide
Best to Visit with Your Own Transport
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Free Entry, Buy a Drink
Admission is free! A local couple sells drinks, perfect for a refreshing break.
🚶♀️ Hike or Buggy Ride
The walk up is steep. Consider hiring a local guide with an electric buggy for an easier ascent.
🗺️ Ask Locals for Directions
No English signs. Show a photo of the cannons to locals for directions to the site.
💧 Stay Hydrated
It can get hot, especially on weekend mornings. Bring water or buy one from the vendors.
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Free Entry, Buy a Drink
Admission is free! A local couple sells drinks, perfect for a refreshing break.
🚶♀️ Hike or Buggy Ride
The walk up is steep. Consider hiring a local guide with an electric buggy for an easier ascent.
🗺️ Ask Locals for Directions
No English signs. Show a photo of the cannons to locals for directions to the site.
💧 Stay Hydrated
It can get hot, especially on weekend mornings. Bring water or buy one from the vendors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Old Artillery Battery for its impressive historical cannons and well-maintained structures, all accessible with free entry. The scenic views are a bonus, though the steep hike up can be a challenge for some. Many recommend hiring a local guide with a buggy for an easier ascent and a more enjoyable experience.
"Pretty impressive place, we went up on a Saturday morning in blazing heat. Not many people there nice little shop at the entrance if you need a drink.
No need to buy tickets for entry, we hired a local guide to take us up there in an electric golf type buggy as it's quite a hike up the hill, he waited for us to do the sight seeing and then took us to the pub, think it was about 350000vnd and we gave a tip.
Given the size and quantity of the cannon, it makes you wonder how they got them up there along with the building material.
Very impressive."
Gary Smith
"Tham quan miễn phí. Di tích rất sạch sẽ
They keep this area really clean. The walls, the bunker, and those cannons give you a nostalgic vibe. The most important part is, it’s free."
Vyz
"Enter through Duong 444. You’re rewarded with a nice view on your way up. There’s a place to park your bike. No ticket required 🎟 but you can buy a drink from the couple watching the site."
John Dean
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The battery is located on the western side of the Vung Tau peninsula. If you have your own transport, take the coastal road west. Look for small lanes branching off to the left around 5km from Vung Tau. It's recommended to have a photo of the cannons to show locals for directions as there are no English signs.
Yes, there is a parking area near the entrance of the fort once you reach the top of the sealed track.
While taxis and Grab can get you close to the base of the hill, the final ascent is a steep, paved track. You might need to walk the rest of the way or arrange for a local guide with a buggy.
Many visitors hire a local guide with an electric golf-type buggy for a fee. This makes the hike up the hill much easier and more comfortable.
Public transport options directly to the battery are limited. It's best to combine a local bus or taxi to the general area and then arrange local transport or walk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Old Artillery Battery Small Mountain is free.
The site is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no official opening or closing times posted, but it's best to visit when there's natural light for exploration and safety.
There is no entrance fee. The site is maintained by locals who may sell drinks and snacks.
While there are no strict hours, it's advisable to visit during daylight for the best experience and safety. Early mornings or late afternoons are often recommended to avoid the heat.
No booking is required as the site is free to enter and explore at your own pace.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see several large cannons from the French colonial era, well-preserved bunkers, and gun emplacements. The site also offers nice views of the coastline.
Most visitors spend about 1-2 hours exploring the site, including the walk up and enjoying the views.
Yes, children can explore the site, but adult supervision is recommended due to the historical structures and uneven terrain.
The site is on a hill with a paved track leading up. Inside the battery, there are brick structures and some uneven ground. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
There are no formal facilities like restrooms. However, a local couple often sells drinks and snacks near the entrance.
📸 📸 Photography
The cannons themselves make for dramatic shots. The gun emplacements and the panoramic coastal views from the hilltop are also excellent photo opportunities.
Yes, photography is allowed throughout the site. Capture the historical cannons and the scenic vistas.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful shadows and highlights on the cannons and structures, and offer softer light for landscape shots.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules before flying a drone in the area.
There are no specific restrictions mentioned for general photography. However, always be respectful of the historical site.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Historical Significance
Exploring the battery offers a tangible connection to this period. The well-preserved brickwork and gun emplacements provide a sense of the military architecture of the time. While the cannons themselves may not have fired in conflict, they stand as silent witnesses to a complex history, reminding visitors of Vietnam's past struggles beyond just its conflicts with France and America.
Getting There and Navigating the Site
Once at the site, the terrain consists of well-maintained brick structures and gun emplacements. Comfortable walking shoes are a must. While there are no formal facilities, a local couple near the entrance often sells cold drinks, which are highly recommended, especially during warmer months.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit