During the April 30-May 1 holiday, workers are entitled to four days off. Combined with the sweltering weather across southern Vietnam, many families and young people chose Vung Tau beach to cool off.
Dozens of lifeguards and rescue vehicles were stationed along the beach, urging visitors to swim only in safe areas.
According to the Vung Tau Ward Public Services Supply Centre, three visitors were swept away from the shore by the sea but were rescued in time by lifeguards.
Many companies and agencies also used the holiday to organise group activities, aiming to strengthen staff bonds and ease pressure after intense working days.
In mid-April, Vung Tau's seawater changed colour because of algae, while sea worms and jellyfish caused itching among visitors. That situation has now ended, leaving beachgoers more at ease.
As the afternoon wore on, the number of swimmers continued to rise. The Vung Tau Ward Public Services Supply Centre said the area also welcomed about 70,000 beachgoers on the day alone, equal to the total recorded over the three-day Hung Kings Commemoration holiday between April 25-27.
To improve tourism services, the Vung Tau Ward People's Committee encouraged shops and eateries to open their toilets free of charge to visitors. Cleaning staff worked continuously to keep the beach area and Thuy Van Park clean.
In addition, 11 extra parking sites opened by the Vung Tau Ward People's Committee around the bathing areas also helped attract visitors. By the afternoon of April 30, the parking area at Back Beach was overloaded and had no spaces left.
The surge in visitors to Vung Tau also made travel along Thuy Van Street difficult. Restaurants and shops were operating at full capacity, while accommodation was fully booked.