Viba Monkey Pagoda of Vung Tau – hidden gem inside the coastal city

Many tourists visit Vung Tau for its relaxing beach, and fresh sea food. However, there is a place called Viba Monkey Pagoda of Vung Tau that is hidden in a mountain inside the city, away from travelers who are only attracted by popular tourist spots.
Viba Monkey Pagoda of Vung Tau - hidden gem inside the coastal city
Table of Contents

Where is Viba Monkey Pagoda of Vung Tau?

Viba Monkey Pagoda of Vung Tau or Viba Monkey Pagoda (official name is Tam Bao Pagoda), is located at 72 Viba Street, Ward 1, Vung Tau City. Being on the slopes of Nui Lon (the Big Mountain), this place is home to a wild troop of nearly 100 long-tailed monkeys. They survive on food provided by the temple and tourists.

Monkeys in front of Tam Bao Pagoda - Vung Tau
Monkeys in front of Tam Bao Pagoda - Vung Tau

History

Tam Bao Pagoda (or Viba Monkey Pagoda) was founded by Venerable Thich Gioi Nghiem in the early 1970s with a very simple initial design. In 1984, Venerable Thich Gioi Nghiem passed away. The monks, nuns, and subsequent abbots of Tam Bao Pagoda have continued to build and renovate the pagoda into what it is nowadays.

Until 2024, the pagoda is around 54 years old.

Shelter for wild monkeys

A long time ago, a troop of monkeys appeared on Nui Lon. However, due to human activities depleting their natural food sources and hunters pursuing them, the monkeys gradually moved to live near Tam Bao Pagoda. Over time, this area unknowingly became their home.

Initially, there were only a few dozen monkeys. But with a steady food supply and a safe living environment, their population grew rapidly, forming a troop of hundreds. The monkeys play freely in the pagoda and are not afraid of humans.

As a daily routine, many locals and tourists visit Tam Bao Pagoda to feed the monkeys. Their food mainly consists of bananas and various nuts, but they will also drink soft drinks and eat snacks if offered by visitors.

Monkeys are having their fun at Tam Bao Pagoda
Monkeys are having their fun at Tam Bao Pagoda
Monkeys waiting to be fed by passengers at the Monkey Pagoda Vung Tau
Monkeys waiting to be fed by passengers at the Monkey Pagoda Vung Tau
People are excited to visit the monkeys here
People are excited to visit the monkeys here

A food stall for the monkeys is set up by locals in front of Tam Bao Pagoda. Tourists often buy bananas, peanuts, and snacks to feed the monkeys. This has become the primary food source for the monkeys as their natural food supply decreases.

According to nearby residents, although these monkeys are wild animals, they are quite gentle. They only take the food offered to them and do not snatch belongings from tourists, so people can interact with them comfortably as long as they avoid provoking the monkeys.

The food stall for monkeys at Tam Bao Pagoda
The food stall for monkeys at Tam Bao Pagoda

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Viba Monkey Pagoda of Vung Tau is during daytime when the weather is not too hot. The monkeys will be out of their places to roam on the street, waiting to be fed by tourists and locals.

If you are visiting the pagoda on rainy days, or too hot days, you may not see many monkeys around.

It is best to visit Viba Monkey Pagoda during daytime with cool weather to see many monkeys
It is best to visit Viba Monkey Pagoda during daytime with cool weather to see many monkeys

What to do and not to do

Here are some dos and don’ts for visiting the Viba Monkey Pagoda of Vung Tau:

What to do:

  • Buy bananas, peanuts, or snacks from the food stall at the entrance to feed the monkeys
  • Observe the monkeys from a safe distance to avoid startling them
  • Respect the temple grounds and follow any posted rules
  • Use a camera or smartphone, but do so calmly and without flash to avoid scaring the monkeys
  • Be careful with your belongings (phone, glasses,…) as the monkeys may try to take them

The food to feed monkeys is priced from 5,000 VND to 30,000 VND.

Feed the monkeys at the pagoda gently
Feed the monkeys at the pagoda gently

What not to do:

  • Don’t provoke the monkeys
  • Don’t offer harmful food
  • Don’t touch the monkeys
  • Don’t leave belongings unattended
  • Don’t litter

Nearby attractions and tours

For nearby attractions, you can visit:

For tours to Viba Monkey Pagoda, or Vung Tau, check these ones:

Vung Tau Beach Tour 2D1N with 5-star Hotel

Vung Tau

This article is written by:
AN Tours Vietnam – An expert Vietnam travel company that gives the best advice and insightful tips & tricks for your trip to Vietnam.

Service:
Tours, transfers, activities, visa, hotels,…

Locations available: HCMC, Hanoi, Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Da Lat,…

CONTACTS:
📧 info@antoursvietnam.com
☎️ +84 37 4463 732 (Henry) (Whatsapp/ Zalo available)
☎️ +84 70 6666 520 (Vincent) (Whatsapp/ Zalo available)
Follow our social media: