This coastal town in southern Vietnam draws visitors with its white-sand beaches, active water sports scene, and fresh seafood markets. A gateway to explore Mui Ne and Dalat.
Phan Thiet, a coastal city 200 kilometers east of Ho Chi Minh City, remains an active fishing port while developing as a beach destination. You'll find dramatic red sand dunes where locals rent boards for sliding, quiet fishing harbors where boats unload their daily catch, and 8th-century Po Sah Inu towers rising above the city. The area's beaches range from calm swimming spots to wind-swept stretches popular with kite surfers, while inland, the Fairy Stream's orange and white canyon walls create an unexpected landscape.
Getting to Phan Thiet
You can reach Phan Thiet from Ho Chi Minh City by train, bus, or private car. Trains depart twice daily from Saigon Railway Station at 6:10 AM and 7:15 AM, taking 4 hours to reach Phan Thiet. Several bus companies run sleeper services between the cities, with reclining seats and air conditioning, taking 4-5 hours. By car, follow Highway 1A northeast from Ho Chi Minh City.
Natural Formations and Landscapes
The red sand dunes lie 3 kilometers north of Mui Ne. Local vendors rent wooden boards for sliding down the reddish-brown slopes. The white sand dunes, 23 kilometers north of town, surround Bau Trang, a small lake filled with lotus flowers. Between Mui Ne and Ham Tien, the Fairy Stream has carved a small canyon through the landscape, exposing distinct layers of white and red sand in its walls.
Beaches and Coastal Areas
The 57-kilometer coastline varies in character along its length. Ke Ga and Tien Thanh beaches see few visitors, making them good spots for swimming and walking without crowds. A 10-kilometer strip of beach runs through Ham Tien ward, with restaurants and guesthouses along the shore. Mui Ne beach has become the main kitesurfing and windsurfing area, with steady winds from November to April creating reliable conditions.
Cultural Sites and Architecture
Three brick towers of Po Sah Inu stand on Ong Hoang Hill, built in the 8th century as Hindu temples. The Van Thuy Tu Temple, built in 1762, displays whale skeletons and items connected to local fishing practices. From the hilltop Prince's Castle, a partially restored French colonial building, you can look out across the city.
Local Food and Markets
Fish sauce producers in Phan Thiet age their product in wooden barrels, creating some of Vietnam's most sought-after fish sauce. At Phan Thiet Central Market, fishing boats deliver fresh catches each morning. Try the local grilled scallops and squid served with green chili sauce. You'll also find dried seafood and dragon fruit grown in nearby farms.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
Phan Thiet has two main seasons. The dry season (November to April) brings steady winds and little rain, making it ideal for kitesurfing and beach activities. The wet season runs from May to October, with July and August receiving the most rain. Temperatures stay around 26-27°C (79-81°F) throughout the year.
