- 1. Overview of Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province
- 2. Unmissable experiences in Phan Thiet, Vietnam
- 2.1. Soak in the stunning beauty of beaches
- 2.2. Race down the sunlit slopes of sand dunes
- 2.3. Discover the charm of local fishing villages
- 2.4. Wander along the Fairy Stream
- 2.5. Admire the architecture of Po Sha Inu Cham Towers
- 2.6. Uncover fascinating stories at local museums
- 2.7. Pay a visit to Duc Thanh School
- 2.8. Marvel at Vietnam’s largest whale skeleton at Van Thuy Tu Temple
- 2.9. Unwind at Doi Duong Park
- 2.10. Visit Phan Thiet Water Tower
- 3. Additional things to know about Phan Thiet
1. Overview of Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province
Phan Thiet City is the economic and cultural center of Binh Thuan Province, about 183 kilometers northeast of Ho Chi Minh City.
Phan Thiet City (Source: Collected)
Phan Thiet is a must-visit tourist destination for several reasons. The locals are genuine, friendly, and welcoming. The cuisine is famous for rustic dishes rich in coastal flavors. Alongside its stunning beaches, visitors can explore ancient architectural works and traditional craft villages producing unique Cham products.
Some notable attractions in Phan Thiet include the first fish sauce brand in Vietnam, the sand dunes of Mui Ne, and the Nghinh Ong Quan Thanh De Quan Festival. The city benefits from a tropical climate with ample sunshine and few storms, making it ideal for year-round tourism.
2. Unmissable experiences in Phan Thiet, Vietnam
2.1. Soak in the stunning beauty of beaches
As a renowned tourist destination, Phan Thiet enchants visitors with its unspoiled beaches, particularly during the stunning sunsets. Among the must-visit beaches in Phan Thiet are Co Thach Beach, Rang Beach, Hon Rom Beach, and Hon Ghenh Beach. Some other beautiful beaches in Mui Ne (a town in Phan Thiet), such as Mui Ne Beach, are also famous, where tourists can go kitesurfing and sandboarding at the iconic red and white sand dunes at sunset.
For those looking to swim, there are Phan Thiet beaches with lifeguards and safety measures available. These include the stretch from Mui Ne Bay Resort to Royal Resort, and the one from Hoang Ngoc Beach Resort to Suoi Hong Resort, which are safe from November to April (the northeast monsoon season). Additionally, the stretch from Suoi Hong Resort to Hon Rom Resort is safe for swimming from May to October (the southwest monsoon season).
There are many Phan Thiet beaches (Source: Collected)
2.2. Race down the sunlit slopes of sand dunes
One of the most stunning attractions in Phan Thiet is the Red Sand Dunes, which are known for their rolling waves of sand that can showcase up to 18 unique colors. Here, visitors can rent a sandboard for about 20,000 VND to glide down the slopes. At the base of the dunes, local vendors offer snacks and drinks, including coconut water, Vietnamese tapioca dumplings, and tofu.
The White Sand Dunes Mui Ne, often called Vietnam’s “mini Sahara,” feature vast, untouched scenery. In summer, the White Sand Dunes transform with thousands of blooming lotus flowers amidst the pristine white sand. For a more adventurous experience, visitors can rent an ATV or Jeep to explore the area, with rentals available for around 600,000 VND for a 20-minute ride.
Phan Thiet sand dunes are must-see attractions (Source: Collected)
2.3. Discover the charm of local fishing villages
Visiting local fishing villages is one of the best things to do in Phan Thiet. These peaceful villages offer a chance to watch small boats dotting the horizon, which stand out beautifully against the sky and sea. For photography enthusiasts, they provide scenic views perfect for memorable shots.
For a unique experience, head to Mui Ne Fishing Village early in the morning to see the daily life of the local fishermen. Situated on Huynh Thuc Khang Street, this village stretches along the calm coastline for around a kilometer. The gentle water makes it an ideal anchoring spot for boats and a bustling place for seafood trade. This fishing village is best visited from 4 AM to 7 AM, when the fish market is at its most vibrant.
2.4. Wander along the Fairy Stream
About 16 kilometers away from Phan Thiet City, the Fairy Stream crosses Huynh Thuc Khang Street – the main route to the famous Ham Tien – Mui Ne tourist area. This 2-kilometer stream begins in Dua Village, flows through Ham Tien Ward, and empties into the sea. Visitors are often captivated by the stream’s striking orange-red water, with one side bordered by rolling sands and the other by lush coconut trees and wild pandanus bushes. Often described as an emerald gem, the Fairy Stream is shallow, with water rarely above ankle height and reaching only knee-deep in the deepest sections. Walking barefoot, visitors can feel the refreshing coolness of the stream firsthand.
Fairy Stream is often described as an emerald gem in Phan Thiet, Vietnam (Source: Collected)
2.5. Admire the architecture of Po Sha Inu Cham Towers
Po Sha Inu Cham Towers are situated on Ba Nai Hill, about 7 kilometers away from Phan Thiet City. Built in the early 9th century, these towers reflect the flourishing period of the Champa Kingdom and are dedicated to the deity Shiva. In the 14th century, additional temples were constructed around the main tower for Po Sha Inu, daughter of King Parachanh and sister of King Po Kathit.
The complex consists of three towers. The main tower (Tower A) rises 16 meters with three tiers, while a side tower (Tower B) stands about 12 meters tall. Tower B resembles tower A but is simpler in design. There is another side tower (Tower C), which originally served as a shrine to the Fire God. In 1991, the complex was designated a National Heritage Site. After exploring the complex, visitors can also explore the nearby Prince’s Castle, a historic retreat of the French Duke De Montpensier in the 1910s.
Po Sha Inu Cham Towers showcase the legacy of the Cham culture (Source: Collected)
2.6. Uncover fascinating stories at local museums
You can discover the rich heritage of Phan Thiet by exploring its fascinating museums:
- Ho Chi Minh Museum – Binh Thuan Branch (39 Trung Nhi Street): This museum showcases documents, images, and artifacts related to President Ho Chi Minh’s life and career.
- Binh Thuan Museum (4 Ba Trieu Street): This museum features exhibitions on various topics, including artifacts from the Neolithic era, antiques of the Cham culture, and relics salvaged from shipwrecks.
- Traditional Fish Sauce Museum (360 Nguyen Thong Street): This museum tells the story of Phan Thiet’s fishing villages, highlighting their traditional fish sauce making. Here, visitors can learn more about the life of the local fishermen.
Discover the heritage of Phan Thiet, Vietnam at the local museums (Source: Collected)
2.7. Pay a visit to Duc Thanh School
Duc Thanh School, located at 39 Trung Nhi Street in Phan Thiet City, was founded in 1907 in support of the Duy Tan Movement which aimed to promote education and patriotism. In 1910, during his quest to find a path for Vietnam’s independence struggle, the young teacher Nguyen Tat Thanh (later known as President Ho Chi Minh) taught here for a brief period. In February 1911, he left Duc Thanh School for Saigon, where he would board a ship to embark on his journey overseas.
Two relics from the time of Nguyen Tat Thanh remain: a starfruit tree and a well. His days at Duc Thanh School were essential for him to gather insights about southern Vietnam, and prepare himself for his quest. Today, Duc Thanh School is preserved as a national heritage site, honoring this significant chapter in Vietnam’s history.
2.8. Marvel at Vietnam’s largest whale skeleton at Van Thuy Tu Temple
Van Thuy Tu Temple, located on Ngu Ong Street, was built in 1762 and is dedicated to the Whale God of the Southern Sea. The temple symbolizes the local belief in whales as guardians of fishermen. According to legend, when King Gia Long’s fleet encountered a violent storm, he prayed for help. Two whales appeared, guiding his boat to safety. In gratitude, he honored them with the title the Whale God of the Southern Sea.
Van Thuy Tu Temple is famed for its valuable artifacts which document the fishing practices of Binh Thuan Province in particular and the South Central Coast in general. Inside, there are 24 royal decrees from the Nguyen Dynasty, Han-Nom inscriptions, calligraphy panels, and a 140-year-old bronze bell. An on-site museum displays a preserved 22-meter whale skeleton, along with over 100 smaller whale skeletons, some of which are over a century years old. In 1996, the temple was recognized as a national heritage site.
Van Thuy Tu Temple is famed for its valuable artifacts (Source: Collected)
2.9. Unwind at Doi Duong Park
Doi Duong Park encompasses the entire Doi Duong Beach, located in the heart of Phan Thiet City. On the way to the park, visitors will stroll through rows of casuarina trees that line the path. Beyond the trees, a broad expanse of white sand curves gracefully, which is perfect for beach activities like volleyball and sandcastle building. With calm waters and minimal waves, Doi Duong Beach provides a safe swimming experience for all, and free access is a plus.
2.10. Visit Phan Thiet Water Tower
Phan Thiet Water Tower, a symbol of Binh Thuan Province, was built between 1928 and 1934. It was designed by architect Souphanouvong, who later became a President of Laos. Standing 32 meters tall and constructed from fired brick, the tower resembles a giant lotus flower when viewed from a distance. It is located in the area of Long Khe Village, on the left bank of the Ca Ty River, in a high and airy spot about 350 meters away from the Consulate Office.
Phan Thiet Water Tower – a symbol of Binh Thuan Province (Source: Collected)
Discover the map of Phan Thiet for popular tourist attractions!
3. Additional things to know about Phan Thiet
3.1. Weather
Phan Thiet, having a typical tropical climate, is characterized by abundant sunshine and strong winds. There are two distinct seasons – the shorter rainy season and the longer dry season. This city is also less susceptible to typhoons and does not experience fog, making it an attractive year-round destination for tourists. The best times to visit Phan Thiet are from June to July and from December to February, when the weather is particularly pleasant. For more detailed insights into the weather during each month, check out the weather in Phan Thiet to plan your trip effectively.
3.2. Transport
Phan Thiet does not have an airport. Travelers typically rely on sleeper buses, car rentals, or trains. Those driving from Ho Chi Minh City can expect a two-hour journey via the Long Thanh – Dau Giay – Phan Thiet expressway. A train ride from Saigon to Phan Thiet takes nearly four hours, with ticket prices between 250,000 and 350,000 VND. Sleeper bus fares from Ho Chi Minh City to Phan Thiet vary from 200,000 to 450,000 VND.
Travelers from Hanoi can fly to either Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City or Cam Ranh Airport in Khanh Hoa, then take a sleeper bus to Phan Thiet. Airfares range from 2 to 4 million VND, while sleeper bus fares from Khanh Hoa to Phan Thiet vary from 150,000 to 300,000 VND. Alternatively, sleeper buses from Hanoi to Phan Thiet cost about 1.1 million VND.
Once in Phan Thiet, you can rent a motorbike to easily get around the city. The rental fee is around 150,000 VND per day. Rentals can be arranged through your hotels or rental shops in the city center.
It is easy to travel to Phan Thiet, Vietnam (Source: Collected)
3.3. Food
Here are some must-try specialties in Phan Thiet, Vietnam:
- Lau tha (mixed hotpot): A hotpot of mai fish or muddy fish, boiled pork, shrimp, vegetables, and a flavorful dipping sauce.
- Banh can (mini rice pancake): Served with diluted chili fish sauce, crispy pork rinds, minced sour mango, boiled duck eggs, and braised mackerel.
- Goi ca mai (mai fish salad): Served with fresh herbs, rice paper, and a unique peanut dipping sauce.
- Cha cuon ca trich (mackerel spring rolls): Filled with marinated mackerel, cassava, and shredded green papaya.
- Ca loi xoi mo (steamed fish with scallion oil): Tender steamed fish topped with scallion oil and crushed peanuts.
- Banh hoi long heo (steamed rice vermicelli with pig’s intestines): A breakfast dish of pig’s intestines served with the fresh banh hoi (steamed rice vermicelli).
Phan Thiet food is renowned for its delectable dishes (Source: Collected)
3.4. Accommodation
Many luxurious resorts with private beaches are available in the area of Mui Ne. For those looking to save on costs, guesthouses, homestays and hotels in Phan Thiet provide ideal options. On Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street in Ham Tien Ward, you will find a range of options at various price points. Alternatively, there are plenty of accommodations in Phan Thiet in the center of Mui Ne.
3.5. Souvenirs
Beyond tourism, Phan Thiet is renowned for two iconic products: fish sauce and dragon fruit, both make for meaningful souvenirs. Other popular treats like rice paper and dried sticky rice also make great gifts. For handcrafted items, especially those made from seashells, travelers can easily find them along the streets of Ly Tu Trong, Nguyen Thai Hoc, Ly Thuong Kiet, and Kim Dong. Additionally, Phan Thiet is famous for Phi Long sand paintings.
Phan Thiet fish sauce is famous nationwide (Source: Collected)
3.6. Other tips
For a flawless trip to Phan Thiet, Vietnam, keep these tips handy:
- Prepare a jacket and umbrella for visits to the sand dunes, wear light clothing for outdoor activities, and dress modestly at religious sites.
- If you are traveling to the islands, check the ferry schedule beforehand and book tickets well in advance.
- Mui Ne is often crowded during summer and holidays.
- April and May are hot while July and August may have red tides, making swimming unsuitable.
- Summer evenings often bring rain, so plan activities for the morning.
Phan Thiet presents visitors with a variety of experiences, from swimming in pristine waters to indulging in freshly harvested seafood and discovering the allure of local fishing villages. After exploring Phan Thiet, consider touring other destinations in the region such as Nha Trang, which is just over a 3.5-hour drive away.
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