Phan Thiet has an area of about 200 km2, diverse natural landscape, beautiful coastal roads tens of kilometers long and historical relics of the once prosperous Champa civilization.
Best Time to Visit Phan Thiet
Phan Thiet is located in a dry area with a typical tropical climate, with lots of sunshine and wind. There are still two rainy and sunny seasons, but the rainy season is not long. This place is also less affected by storms and there is no fog, so visitors can come to Phan Thiet at any time of the year. June and July or from December to February are the most ideal times to travel to Phan Thiet.
Move
Phan Thiet is about 1,500 km from Hanoi and about 210 km from Ho Chi Minh City. There is no airport so you have to travel by means such as buses, self-driving cars, trains...
If using personal vehicles from Ho Chi Minh City, it will take visitors about 2 hours to travel on the Long Thanh - Dau Giay - Phan Thiet expressway, which will be inaugurated on April 30, 2023.
To go to Phan Thiet from Hanoi, visitors buy plane tickets to Tan Son Nhat airport (HCMC) or Cam Ranh (Khanh Hoa) and then continue by car to Phan Thiet. Airfare ranges from 2 to 4 million VND, depending on the time.
It takes nearly 4 hours from Saigon station to Phan Thiet station, the train ticket costs 250,000-350,000 VND. The bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Phan Thiet costs about 200,000-450,000 VND depending on the type. The bus from Khanh Hoa to Phan Thiet costs about 150,000-300,000 VND. The bus ticket from Hanoi to Phan Thiet ranges from 1 to 1.2 million VND.
From Phan Thiet City there are often shuttle buses to hotels and resorts in Mui Ne.
Accommodation
The place with the most hotels and resorts in Phan Thiet is Mui Ne ward. There are luxury resorts here, providing full services of sea sports, restaurants, swimming pools, bars and spas. Some famous hotels in Mui Ne are The Anam Mui Ne, Anantara Mui Ne Resort, Victoria Phan Thiet Beach Resort & Spa, Pandanus Resort, The Cliff Resort & Residences, Meraki Oasis.
Besides, tourists can choose to stay at affordable motels right in the city center. Motels with basic standards and full amenities cost from 150,000 to 300,000 VND per night.
Top Attractions in Phan Thiet
Phan Thiet's tourist map is divided into four main areas: the city center, Mui Ne, Mui Ke Ga and Hon Rom. Starting from one of these four points, you can explore other famous landmarks in Phan Thiet.
Phan Thiet is often just a stopover for tourists who want to rest in Mui Ne. Therefore, if you only need 1-2 days in the city, visit the famous places below.
Mui Ne Sand Dunes
One of the most famous attractions in Phan Thiet is the Mui Ne Sand Dunes. These natural wonders are divided into the Red Sand Dunes and White Sand Dunes, offering picturesque landscapes reminiscent of a desert. Visitors can try sandboarding, take jeep tours, or simply enjoy the stunning sunrise and sunset views.
Fairy Stream (Suoi Tien)
The Fairy Stream is a small, shallow river flowing through red and white rock formations, creating a surreal landscape. Walking barefoot along the stream is a unique experience that allows travelers to admire the striking natural beauty of the area.
Phan Thiet Beach & Hon Rom Island
Phan Thiet boasts some of Vietnam’s most beautiful beaches. Hon Rom Island is a quiet and serene getaway with crystal-clear waters and golden sand. It is perfect for relaxation, swimming, and enjoying fresh seafood from nearby local restaurants.
Doi Duong Sea Park
Doi Duong Beach Park, formerly known as Doi Duong Beach, is located in the city center. On the way to the beach, visitors will pass through rows of poplar trees planted on both sides to block the wind. Stepping out of the poplar trees is a large white sand beach, stretching into an arc shape, suitable for beach sports such as volleyball and sandcastling. Doi Duong sea water is very shallow and calm, with few big waves, so it is quite safe. Visitors can come and swim for free.
Phan Thiet Water Tower
Phan Thiet Water Tower is a symbol of Binh Thuan province, built in 1928 and completed in 1934 by architect, Prince Souphanouvong (later President of the Lao PDR). The water tower is built of baked bricks, 32 m high. From a distance, the tower looks like a giant lotus flower.
Duc Thanh School relic site
Located in the center of Phan Thiet city, the Duc Thanh school relic site (1907 - 1912) was established and operated under the general policy of the Duy Tan movement. This is also where President Ho Chi Minh stopped to teach from September 1910 to February 1911, before leaving to find a way to save the country.
Today, Duc Thanh school still retains almost intact the memorabilia associated with President Ho Chi Minh's teaching time in Phan Thiet.
Exciting Activities in Phan Thiet
Kitesurfing & Watersports
Phan Thiet, particularly Mui Ne, is one of the best kitesurfing destinations in Asia. The strong winds and warm waters make it ideal for kitesurfing, windsurfing, and other water activities. Many local schools offer lessons for beginners and equipment rental for experienced surfers.
Fishing Villages & Local Markets
Exploring the Mui Ne Fishing Village is a great way to experience local life. Visitors can watch fishermen bring in their fresh catches and buy seafood at local markets. The Phan Thiet Central Market is another must-visit, offering local delicacies, fresh produce, and handmade souvenirs.
Gastronomy: Must-Try Foods in Phan Thiet
Banh hoi is made from rice flour, through many processing stages to create a cake made from small white noodles, looking like vermicelli. Phan Thiet banh hoi is eaten with boiled pork intestines. When enjoying, pork intestines are rolled with banh hoi, rice paper, and dipped in sweet and sour sauce.
Rice paper with shrimp paste is a rustic dish often sold in the afternoon. The simple dish consists of mashed boiled eggs, sour mango, shredded cucumber, and broken grilled rice paper rolled with rice paper. The rice paper dipping sauce is shrimp paste, often with chopped fresh chili and lemon juice, then mixed well. Phan Thiet people use fish meat to make fish cakes, fish bones to cook broth, and fish paste for seasoning.
The fish is cut into pieces, arranged on a plate or left whole and steamed. The fatty meat is chopped, fried until golden brown, and green onions are added. When the fish is steamed, a layer of scallion fat is poured over the fish, then crushed peanuts are sprinkled for aroma, and eaten with a sweet and sour dipping sauce or tamarind fish sauce. Many gourmets will add a piece of fish liver to the dipping sauce, puree it, and when eaten, it will have a rich, fatty feeling.
Note
April and May are the hottest months in Phan Thiet, with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees and intense sunlight. In July and August, Phan Thiet beaches will experience red tides, with algae blooming, making the sea water murky and unsuitable for swimming.
Phan Thiet is a famous beach resort, so if you intend to come here, you should book a room in advance to avoid the situation where hotels and resorts are fully booked, especially during peak season.
Summer in Phan Thiet often rains in the late afternoon, so spend time sightseeing and having fun in the morning.