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Binh Thuan

Binh Thuan Province: A coastal paradise of Central Vietnam

18/12/2024 1.215 views
5/5 - (1 vote)

Binh Thuan Province is widely beloved by locals and foreigners alike, with many considering it one of their go-to Vietnamese vacation spots. Perfectly capturing the essence of a Vietnamese coastal destination, this province has a little bit of everything, from fun times at the beach to trekking on the mountain and exploring historical landmarks. Binh Thuan has something for everyone. Read on to find out what you can expect from a vacation at Binh Thuan, Vietnam.

Binh Thuan Province

Binh Thuan Province is considered a great destination in Vietnam (Source: Collected)

1. Is Binh Thuan Province worth a visit?

Absolutely! Binh Thuan Province has a lot going for it, from the beautiful tropical gems like Phan Thiet to the charming relics of the Cham People as well as the advantageous geographical location.

This Central Vietnam province is located near the South, 183 kilometers away from Ho Chi Minh City and bordering Ninh Thuan, Dong Nai, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, and the East Sea. In fact, it is situated within the triangle of Ho Chi Minh City tourism (Vung Tau – Da Lat – Nha Trang). With the help of traffic infrastructure, a short 2 – 4 hour drive is enough to reach Binh Thuan from Ho Chi Minh City.

Regarding the diverse cultural tapestry of this province, it houses over 30 ethnicities, including the Cham people, who have left an indelible mark on Vietnamese history. Spending some time here will introduce you to various cultural traits like costumes, music, instruments, and the overall lifestyle. These aspects are evident in the ancient houses, pagodas, temples, and many more, all of which are ready to welcome you.

Most importantly, though, people are here for the beaches and islands, and there are plenty of those along the 192-kilometer-long coastline. Cu Lao Cau, Mui Ne – Hon Rom, and Mui Dien – Ke Ga are all amazing destinations, just to name a few. Aside from that, the flora, fauna, and natural resources have allowed for the creation of many tourist attractions, like the hot spring in Ta Cu Nature Reserve.

Top reasons to pay Binh Thuan a visit

Top reasons to pay Binh Thuan a visit (Source: Collected)

2. Top things to do in Binh Thuan, Vietnam

2.1. Unwind at stunning beaches and islands

If you love beaches, Binh Thuan is the dream destination for you. While the charming beauty of Mui Ne and other Phan Thiet beaches is arguably the most popular with tourists and locals in Binh Thuan, other attractions like Rang Beach, Phu Quy Island, and Cu Lao Cau have also gained some traction.

For people whose definition of a Binh Thuan beach day involves admiring rock formations and unspoiled scenery, Ke Ga Cape, Co Thach Beach, and Ong Dia Rock Beach are home to incredible natural rock formations, where you can enjoy the sight and grab some amazing photos for your travel journal.

Unwind at stunning beaches and islands

The beaches beckon visitors to this province (Source: Collected)

2.2. Admire the architectural works of the Cham people

One of the major historical landmarks of Binh Thuan Vietnam is the architecture of Cham people, specifically Pô Sah Inư and Po Dam Cham Towers. These remnants of the ancient civilization once etched an indelible mark on the Vietnamese cultural tapestry display a distinctive style, both rustic and elegant.

History buffs will be enamored by a chance to turn back the clock and learn more about Cham culture through the intricacies of these towers as well as the serene landscapes around them. Also, the sites are considered sacred worshiping places for Cham people nowadays, so they attract quite a few visitors throughout the year.

The ancient Cham relics are a key part of the Binh Thuan culture

The ancient Cham relics are a key part of the Binh Thuan culture (Source: Collected)

2.3. Explore sacred sites

Aside from the Cham relics, Binh Thuan is dotted with other spiritual landmarks, including the likes of communal houses, temples, and pagodas. These attractions are known primarily as worshiping places, but for the locals, they embrace a sense of community, where traditions are nurtured. For tourists, they provide a glimpse into the different communities of Binh Thuan and their spiritual lives. Some attractions that are worth a visit in Binh Thuan Province are:

  • Communal houses: Van Thuy Tu, Duc Nghia, Duc Thang, Long Hai, Long Huong
  • Temples: Thay Thim, Temple of Princess Ban Tranh, Hai Tan and Van Thach Long, Ba Chua Ngoc Temple and Van Thuong Hai, Van An Thanh
  • Pagodas: Cave Pagoda, Ta Cu Mountain Pagoda, An Lac Pagoda, Ong Pagoda, and Thien Hau Pagoda.

2.4. Trek on Ta Cu Mountain

A trek up Ta Cu Mountain is a chance to get closer to Binh Thuan nature and enjoy picturesque scenery along the way. This can be a change of pace from the usual cityscape and busy pace of your daily lives. Pack your gear and prepare to conquer the 2290-meter-long journey to reach the top on foot or take the cable car to sit back and relax.

During your journey, keep your eyes peeled for some unique species of flora and fauna indigenous to Binh Thuan. And once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with an amazing view of the surrounding area as well as many significant spiritual destinations of Binh Thuan Province in the form of temples and pagodas scattered across the mountain.

Ta Cu Mountain

Conquer Ta Cu Mountain for a great view (Source: Collected)

2.5. Experience sand sledding at Binh Thuan’s sand dunes

Binh Thuan is famous for its unique sand dunes, where you can either grab some amazing photos for yourself or try sand sledding. The White Sand Dunes (Bau Trang) resemble a small desert adorned with small lakes filled with blooming lotus flowers. Meanwhile, the Red Sand Dunes shine when bathed in sunlight, offering you a magnificent view.

Sand sledding has to be the activity that attracts tourists to these two attractions. You can rent one for only VND 10,000 to 20,000 to give it a shot, or you may sit back and relax with refreshing coconut water to enjoy the view.

2.6. Capture stunning photos at the wind farms

The massive wind turbines have become an indispensable part of Binh Thuan’s skyline because the province houses 3 major wind farms: Tuy Phong, Dai Phong, and Phu Quy. Other than their practical importance to the province, these attractions also provide a stunning contrast against the blue sky and green fields, which make amazing photo ops.

Needless to say, this peaceful combination of nature and man-made achievements is very popular with tourists, especially from October to March, when the bright red artichoke flowers are in full bloom.

Capture stunning photos at the wind farms

Swing by the wind farms to admire the incredible scenery (Source: Collected)

2.7. Enjoy a boat ride on Da Mi’s lakes

Lauded as the uncut gem of Binh Thuan Province, Da Mi is brimming with potential. Its two lakes, Ham Thuan and Da Mi, give tourists stunning views of gorgeous and peaceful surroundings. A boat ride on these emerald waters gives you a great way to take in the area’s natural beauty.

This eco-tourism spot has won over many types of visitors, from families to friend groups. With an area of 2,500 hectares and 600 hectares, respectively, Ham Thuan and Da Mi Lake have way more to offer than the scenery. Once their potential is fully explored, this will be an even bigger attraction in Binh Thuan Province.

Da Mi lakes Binh Thuan

Da Mi lakes are the places to be for a romantic getaway (Source: Collected)

2.8. Witness the magnificence of beautiful waterfalls

Speaking of natural waters in Binh Thuan, the province has its fair share of spectacular waterfalls like Mua Bay, Truot, Ba Tang, Chin Tang, and Dau Trau. These spots are named after unique characteristics that made them stand out from one another. For example, Dau Trau Waterfall has two streams, almost like the horns on a buffalo’s head, hence the name.

The main thing to do at these waterfalls is to sit back or climb up to enjoy the view. You can consider these places to be small pit stops for you to recharge during the trip while treating yourself to a great view.

2.9. Soak in a hot spring

Do you know that Binh Thuan has a natural hot spring? Hot springs are a hot commodity for tourists since they are believed to have therapeutic properties thanks to the high temperature.

Bung Thi hot springs in the Ta Cu nature reserve are where you can either soak in to relieve stress or bring some eggs to boil. It is a great experience unwinding in the middle of nature while the warm water washes away the tiredness of your muscles.

Bung Thi hot springs offer a unique experience

Bung Thi hot springs offer a unique experience (Source: Collected)

2.10. Tour the famous craft villages of Binh Thuan Province

Same as any other province in Vietnam, Binh Thuan has its fair share of craft villages, and three of the most popular ones are Phu Long and Cho Lau, specializing in rice paper, and Binh Duc, where people work on pottery.

At Phu Long and Cho Lau, you can get a glimpse into the traditional recipes and techniques of making rice paper. While the ingredients are not much different from rice paper in other regions, some have said that Cho Lau and Phu Long rice papers have a distinctive taste, which you can see for yourself when you come by.

Unlike Phu Long and Cho Lau, whose specialty is still going strong, Binh Duc is the only pottery village left on the Binh Thuan Vietnam map. This village has been keeping the pottery-making traditions of Cham people for generations, with items like pots, jars, and other decorative pieces. In fact, this village is considered one of the intangible cultural heritages requiring emergency safeguarding, so through tourism, the locals hope to promote their products and keep the traditions going.

Craft villages in Binh Thuan have interesting stories to tell

Craft villages in Binh Thuan have interesting stories to tell (Source: Collected)

Check out more destinations on the Phan Thiet map!

3. Ideal 2-day Binh Thuan itinerary for first-timers

With all the attractions welcoming you with open arms, what is the best way to allocate your time in Binh Thuan? Simple, stick to this fun-filled 2-day itinerary for your trip to Binh Thuan Province.

  • Day 1:
    • Morning: Arrive in Binh Thuan; have breakfast with one of Binh Thuan’s signature dishes. Visit Van Thuy Tu and the Ho Chi Minh Memorial (Duc Thanh School and Ho Chi Minh Museum).
    • Afternoon: Have lunch with lau tha, Binh Thuan’s iconic hotpot variation with fish and various vegetables, then swing by Ke Ga lighthouse and various beaches in the province.
    • Evening: Enjoy a seafood meal by the beach or at a Binh Thuan restaurant.
  • Day 2:
    • Morning: Admire the sunrise at the White Sand Dunes and try sand sledding.
    • Afternoon: Explore more beaches or visit the fish sauce museum.
    • Evening: Indulge in another Binh Thuan delicacy and depart.

Most of the choices in the itinerary are changeable. You may visit the Cham relics or traditional craft villages if you are into the local culture of Binh Thuan Province. In case hiking and trekking are more your speed, Ta Cu Mountain is the place to be. Depending on which attractions you want to swing by, you can choose from numerous food stalls nearby to sample what Binh Thuan cuisine is all about.

Ideal 2-day Binh Thuan itinerary for first-timers

A two-day itinerary is enough for you to have a taste of the province (Source: Collected)

4. Additional information about Binh Thuan, Vietnam

4.1. Weather

Binh Thuan has a tropical monsoon climate while being located in the driest region of Vietnam. This climate reflects on Binh Thuan weather, giving it a similar look to most Southern cities and provinces. 

It has two seasons: dry and rainy. The period from May to October is considered the rainy season, while the dry season spans from November to April. However, Binh Thuan mostly rains in August, September, and October, so it may seem that the dry season is abnormally longer.

Thanks to this, the best time to visit Binh Thuan is anytime throughout the year. With that said, each period gives you a different experience. From January to March, you can take your time and swing by the destinations in the comfortable weather or spend some time swimming at the pristine beaches. As April comes by, the weather reaches its hottest point of the year, so from this month to August, tourists can enjoy the amazing beaches to cool off from the weather. Lastly, from September to December, Binh Thuan will start raining, which can make the beach water a bit cloudy due to the alluvium, but other attractions will still give you a great time.

weather in Binh Thuan

The weather is amazing for tourists to explore the province (Source: Collected)

4.2. Transportation

What about how to move from other destinations to Binh Thuan and from one spot to another within the province?

  • Transport to Binh Thuan: Binh Thuan does not have an airport, so like other destinations in the same shoes, you need to make your way to Ho Chi Minh City first. From there, you have a few choices:
    • Rent your own vehicle (car or motorbike): This will take around 2 to 3 hours.
    • Train: Get to Muong Man Railway Station is located just outside of Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan.
    • Coach: Book your ride with the many providers on this route. Tickets cost anywhere from VND 180,000 to 250,000.
  • Transport within Binh Thuan: Within Binh Thuan, taxis, motorbikes, and local buses are popular options for tourists. For taxis, Quoc Te, Mai Linh, Sun Taxi, and Lado are some popular choices for you to pick from.

4.3. Accommodation

There is a wide variety of accommodation in this province for all budgets, and they are mostly in major Binh Thuan tourism hubs like Phan Thiet, Mui Ne, and Phu Quy Island. Luxury resorts are plentiful in this city, but after the pandemic, smaller-scale lodgings like motels and homestays have been more common, giving visitors more affordable options.

4.4. Cuisine

Binh Thuan is a foodie haven, especially for seafood dishes. Grilled and boiled fresh seafood are on the table, but there are many other exciting options like:

  • Lau tha (a fish hot pot): A unique and gorgeous-looking hotpot with cooked deboned fish, fried eggs, pork, and vegetables served in flower-shaped dishes made of banana flower. Enjoy these ingredients as is with fish sauce or blanch in a boiling broth.
  • Grilled squid teeth: The perfect dish for a late-night drink by the beach with friends. These chewy and crunchy bites are absolutely mouth-watering.
  • Fried stingray with scallions: This simple dish lets the freshness of ingredients do all the work. Stingray is steamed and served with piping hot scallion oil and sweet and sour fish sauce.
  • Shrimp-filled dumplings: These little steamed pockets of goodness are filled with fresh shrimp and chopped pork belly. They are incredibly easy to find at any market in Binh Thuan.
  • Moon crab: This otherworldly-sounding species of crab tastes best on full-moon days. Indulge in the firm and sweet flesh of this crab in Binh Thuan.
  • Fine rice vermicelli and pork innards: The innards are thoroughly cleaned and steamed, then served with fine rice vermicelli, fresh vegetables, and fish sauce.
  • Herring rolls: The delicate fish is wrapped in rice paper and an array of colorful vegetables, treating your palate to an incredible feast.
  • Grilled sand lizard: This may seem a bit out there for the average palate, but lizard meat is a delicacy in Binh Thuan. You will be surprised how flavorful and tender these crawlies are when prepared with herbs and spices.
The dishes of Binh Thuan are both unique and delicious

The dishes of Binh Thuan are both unique and delicious (Source: Collected)

Check out some restaurants in Mui Ne to enjoy these delicious dishes!

4.5. Souvenirs

Popular souvenirs include Binh Thuan dragon fruit, grapes, java olive, fish sauce, milky rice cakes, and re cakes. These make for excellent gifts that showcase the province’s rich flavors. Other than that, sun-dried squid and Phan Thiet fish cakes are seafood products that you can bring home.

4.6. Festivals

Binh Thuan locals have some significant festivals throughout the year to celebrate different aspects of their culture. If you happen to visit during these times, it can be a memorable experience to be a part of these occasions.

  • Kate Festival: This festival celebrates the Cham heritage and is hosted in the 8th or 9th lunar month.
  • Nghinh Ong Festival: The Hoa people in Binh Thuan host this festival in the 7th lunar month to commemorate Guan Yu, a revered general hailed as a guardian deity.
  • Dinh Thay Thim Festival: In the 9th lunar month, the locals join this celebration in honor of two individuals that helped cure diseases of the people in Binh Thuan. Nowadays, people come to Lagi to pray for health and fortune while taking part in traditional games.
Binh Thuan festivals are important occasions in the province

Binh Thuan festivals are important occasions in the province (Source: Collected)

Binh Thuan has a treasure trove of attractions, and you will not have a dull moment during your vacation here. With its amazing attractions, you can either enjoy swimming at the beaches, uncover its diverse cultural tapestry, or do a little bit of both. Nonetheless, Binh Thuan has a fair share of reasons why it is considered one of the best travel destinations in Vietnam.

To continue your exploration of Vietnam, make your way to Nha Trang, which is only 3 to 4 hours away from Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan. Another one of Vietnam’s coastal gems, this city has plenty of sun, sand, and sea for you to indulge in.

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