There are not many attractions, but in its surroundings, as well as in the nearby city of Phan Thiet, there is something to see.
Other names: Red Stream, Magic River.
This is a very tiny river or stream, passing through a sandy canyon of red and white sand and flowing into the sea in Mui Ne.
The sand here is mixed, multi-colored, in a word, Red and White dunes in one bottle:
Red and white sand
Inspecting the Fey stream involves walking along it barefoot, as long as you have the patience. Mostly the stream is quite shallow, but in some places the water can even reach knee-deep. A 20-minute walk along the stream was enough for us.
In some places, mini-streams can be seen flowing from the canyon and flowing into Fairy Creek. During our walk we came across this touching picture:
Fairy Creek, view from above:
Entrance to the river is free. If you come by bike, you will have to pay the local guys for their impromptu parking 10,000 dong ($0.4).
Mini-zoo Vita Garden
A small zoo a little further from Fairy Creek. Among the animals in the zoo there are: elephants, giraffes, iguanas, monkeys, lynx, crocodiles, porcupines, snakes, rabbits, turtles, parrots. Animals can be fed, and some can even be stroked and held in your hands. If you are vacationing in Mui Ne with a child, he will definitely like this place! Here you can also fish in a small pond and relax in Vietnamese hammocks.
Red Sand Dunes
Dunes called red are actually light orange in color. The Red Canyon is really red (more about it in the next paragraph).
View from the other side: you can see the road and the sea:
The Red Dunes are located just 3 km from Mui Ne. When approaching the dunes, you are attacked by local aunties and kids offering 30,000 dong ($1.3) an improvised “sled” for riding on sand dunes - a piece of plastic with a handle. Of course, we decided to try it.
Vanya drags the sleigh up the mountain
We didn’t like the result: there was no speed, and after such rides the sand evenly covered every centimeter of the body: a rather unpleasant sensation. They say you need to lubricate the plate with coconut oil for better glide.
The duration of the Red Dunes is only a few km. The entrance is free.
Red Canyon
It is located 19 km from Mui Ne and 16 km from the Red Dunes, on the way to the White Dunes. It is quite difficult to notice the entrance to them: there is only a small sign. Previously, entrance to the Red Canyon was free, but since 2017 you will have to pay to visit this attraction 50,000 dong ($ 2,2) per person (children free).
Most likely, the paid entrance is due to the fact that the territory of the Red Canyon has been improved: there is a children's playground with swings, many benches, a cafe, a free toilet and even a campsite where you can camp with your own tent.
Signs prohibiting lizard hunting are posted throughout the area:
And there are an incredible number of lizards here! They are quite large and gallop in the grass like horses. Here is one of them:
The Red Canyon amazes with its Martian landscape:
Here you can also see several sculptures made of red sandstone (of course, not as beautiful as in the sculpture park, which we will talk about below):
You can climb the stairs to the observation deck at the top of the canyon. From here you have great views of the canyon itself and the coast. There is a cafe on the observation deck where you can drink coffee or have a snack.
View of the fishing boats, where the village of Mui Ne is located
View to the other side
Gazebo with a picturesque view
White dunes and lotus lake
They are located 27 km from Mui Ne and 8 km from the Red Canyon. They are considered the most beautiful place in the entire province. The white dunes of Mui Ne resemble a desert: white dunes, and nothing else for many kilometers away. But this is how they look only from one angle, which is what all tourists strive to capture.
In fact, the white dunes are located near the highway and their duration is not that long: the entire massif of white sands is located in an area of 10 km, but tourists usually see only their edge. Walking on sand is quite difficult, and the constant wind in Mui Ne tends to blow this sand into your eyes, nose, mouth, ears and everything else.
Not far from the road there is the so-called “main camp”, equipped by local children. It's worth entering here 10,000 dong. In addition to hiking through the “miniature desert,” you can also take an ATV excursion from the main camp along the white dunes: this will allow you to see them in detail. Rent price: 200,000 dong in 20 minutes on a small and 400,000 dong in 20 minutes on a large quad bike.
Not far from the main camp in the white dunes there is the next attraction - Lotus Lake. There is nothing particularly remarkable, just a lake overgrown with lotuses. If you are lucky, you will see the lake in bloom.
Cham Towers (Thap Poshanu Towers)
Built in the 8th century during the reign of the Cham Kingdom in honor of the god Shiva, whom they worshiped. About 300 years ago, this temple complex was destroyed, and only three towers have survived to this day. To this day, local fishermen come to this dilapidated temple to ask the gods for a rich catch and safe fishing. The architecture is identical. If you've already seen it, there's no point in watching it.
Located near Mui Ne, on the way to Phan Thiet. Entry cost - 5000 dong ($0.2).
Sand sculpture park Forgotten Land
A completely new attraction in Phan Thiet: the park opened only in 2017. A team of artists and sculptors from 12 countries (including Russia) created a real fairy tale from red sandstone. In the sculptures you can see popular fairy tales, myths and legends, as well as famous landmarks and relics from around the world.
I just can’t believe that a person can make something like this out of red compressed sand:
All sculptures are protected from rain. There are already a lot of sculptures in the park, but work continues.
Located at the entrance to Phan Thiet. Open daily from 7:30 to 18:00. Entry fee: 100,000 dong($ 4,4) for an adult and 70,000 dong ($ 3) for a child's ticket.
See all photos of the sculpture park at.
Hot springs in Muine (Muine Hot spring Center)
Located right on the main and only street of Mui Ne. Travel agencies often offer tourists a trip to the Binh Chau hot springs, which are located 100 km from Phan Thiet, but almost the same thing can be done without leaving the village!
The complex has an area with mud baths, hot mineral baths, a cold mineral pool and a Charcot shower. Of course, judging by the reviews of tourists, this SPA center is very modest, the territory is small and uninteresting, and the mud is liquid: this SPA center in Mui Ne is far from the Nha Trang mud resorts (there are 3 of them in Nha Trang: , , and ). But those who have chosen Mui Ne exclusively as their vacation spot are highly recommended to visit this SPA center.
Fisherman Show
A beautiful colorful musical show with traditional Vietnamese dances and music. A legend of a fishing village, a beautiful love story. The design of the show impresses the guests: a laser show, dancing fountains - a symbiosis of water and light. Especially for Russian guests, everything that happens in the play is dubbed into Russian on the big screen, so you will definitely be imbued with this story.
After the performance, the artists go out to the guests and take pictures with them. You can get to the theater itself by bus, which goes from Mui Ne to Phan Thiet, and back only by taxi (or rented bike), since the show ends after 21:00.
The show starts at 20:00, duration is 1 hour. The show is held every evening from Wednesday to Sunday, Monday and Tuesday are closed.
Ticket price 300,000 dong ($13).
Phan Thiet Water Tower
The 32-meter tower is unremarkable in appearance, but it is the symbol of the city of Phan Thiet. The most interesting thing about this tower is that it was designed by none other than the King of Laos, who also worked as the chief architect in the city of Phan Thiet.
The hieroglyphic ornaments on the upper tier of the tower are made of ceramic pieces
Previously, it served its intended purpose, but today it is only a decoration of the city, and inside it there is a warehouse of disused children's attractions from a park nearby.
Near the water tower we met such a cute girl in national Vietnamese dress. The Vietnamese are never averse to posing:
Ho Chi Minh City House Museum and the school where he taught
On the territory of Phan Thiet there is a house in which the Vietnamese leader of the people, Ho Chi Minh, once lived. The house is very modest, but a beautiful garden was laid out around it and a large museum of the leader was built next to it.
Ho Chi Minh City statue with students in front of the museum
We came during the lunch break (it lasts from 11:30 to 13:30), so we couldn’t get into the museum or into the house of Ho Chi Minh City, but the kind guards allowed us and other Vietnamese tourists to go for 5 minutes to the school where the Vietnamese leader worked teacher.
friendship of Peoples
Schoolyard:
The Duc Thanh School, where Nguyen Tat Thanh (this is the real name of Ho Chi Minh City) taught at the time, is located across the street from the museum. The same interior that was in Ho Chi Minh City has been preserved here: desks, tables, benches.
Newspaper clippings about the activities of the Vietnamese leader are hung on the walls:
I especially liked the photo of Ho Chi Minh City reading a newspaper with portraits of Lenin and Stalin on the front page:
Whale Temple
The pagoda was built back in 1762.
It is called so because of the huge whale skeleton located in the main hall. The same skeleton, but slightly smaller, is located in. The length of the skeleton from the Whale Temple is 22 meters; during life it weighed 65 tons.
Why was a temple built in honor of this whale? According to one of the Vietnamese legends, this whale saved a fisherman drowning in the sea. And the Chams living on this land have always worshiped whales, which is why his skeleton, washed ashore, was immortalized.
Currently, whales are still highly respected in Vietnam. Whales in the South China Sea are not uncommon. It happens that they wash up on the shore. Then the dead animal is given a real funeral, with all honors. His body is buried in a huge pit, and a few years later the whale bones are removed from the grave and transferred to the temple. In the whale temple in Mui Ne we saw such a repository of whale bones:
By the way, the last whale stranding in Vietnam occurred in May 2017, right in Phan Thiet. Video from one of the bloggers living in Mui Ne from the site of the whale casting:
His bones will also replenish the temple warehouse in a couple of years. The previous beaching of a whale occurred in 2002.
Wine castle
A beautiful landmark of Mui Ne, located on the territory of the huge Sea Links City hotel complex. It was built in 2012 by the owners of Sea Links and was intended as a warehouse for wine barrels imported from the United States (the owners of Sea Links also own Rang Dong Winery in Napa Valley in California).
Despite the fact that wine is not made in this castle, vineyards are planted on its territory for the surroundings.
There are excursions for tourists inside the castle: they talk about the process of wine production, and here you can see real wine cellars and conduct their tasting (the ticket price includes tasting of 4 varieties of wine, 30 ml each). There is also a restaurant and shops where you can buy a bottle of your favorite drink.
Entrance price to the territory of the wine castle - 100,000 dong ($4.5) for an adult. For children under 1.2 meters in height, admission is free.
Mount Taku and Reclining Buddha Statue
The mountain is located 30 km from Phan Thiet, at an altitude of 694 meters above sea level. You can climb the mountain by cable car on a funicular (which can already be considered a landmark of Mui Ne). The climb offers breathtaking views of the jungle, and the climb lasts 10 minutes.
On the mountain you will see the Linh Son Trong Pagoda and the largest reclining Buddha statue in Vietnam.
Entrance fee: complex ticket (cable car, entrance ticket to the mountain and electric car through the temple complex) - 100,000 dong ($4.4).
Ke Ga Lighthouse
It is located 60 km from Mui Ne, so it is better to go here as part of an excursion (if available). Taking a taxi will be a bit expensive, and taking a bike will be very tiring, although both of these methods also have their place.
Previously, it was possible to climb the 183 steps inside the lighthouse to the observation deck, but at the moment the lighthouse is closed, tourists are not allowed there, so you can only admire it from the side. Therefore, before traveling such a distance from Mui Ne, think about the feasibility of this.
Pitahaya (dragonfruit) plantations
I don’t know if this can be called a landmark, but in the vicinity of Phan Thiet there are quite a few huge fields with pitahaya growing on them (popularly referred to as dragon fruit or dragon eye). Usually they stop to look at them on the way from Phan Thiet to the Ke Ga lighthouse or Ta Cu mountain.
Suoi Cat park
The real name of the park is Suoi Cat park, but those who visited it forever immortalized another name - the Park of Freaks. And all because of strange sculptures that seem to resemble familiar characters from our favorite cartoons, but something is clearly wrong with them:
Many photos from an abandoned amusement park, as well as the story of why this park was forgotten in our special.
Bo que - seafood restaurants
As a model fishing village, Mui Ne is famous for its abundance of seafood. In the center of the town there is a line of restaurants along the sea; this area is called Bo Ke (Bờ kè). The place has already become legendary and popular among tourists.
In front of each establishment there are aquariums with marine life: scallops, mussels, oysters, shrimp, lobsters, lobsters, fish, seahorses, frogs, squids, crabs, etc.
You choose a victim, point your finger, ask the cost, name the weight and wait at the table until they bring the ready-made dishes. Typically cooked on the grill, quite quickly. Average check per person - 100−150 thousand dong (350 rubles). Compared to Nha Trang, seafood prices are slightly overpriced.
Not long ago, Russian tourists discovered one of the resorts in Vietnam - Phan Thiet. The place, beloved by many, is located in the center of the country, and many people liked it primarily for its mild and comfortable climate. Suffice it to say that the average air temperature here throughout the year is 27 degrees Celsius. Hospitable Vietnamese are happy to treat tourists to original seafood dishes. Visitors have access to a magnificent sandy beach with convenient access to the sea.
Geographical position
Phan Thiet is located in the south of Vietnam, in Binh Huang province, on the picturesque shore of the warm South China Sea. The area of the resort is two hundred square kilometers. The nearest city is Ho Chi Minh City (distance - 240 kilometers).
Infrastructure
Today, many of our compatriots go on vacation to Vietnam. Phan Thiet (Mui Ne is a particularly popular resort) attracts tourists from all over the world. The best hotels are concentrated here, distinguished by modern and original design, excellent technical equipment and an excellent level of European service. The beach stretches for 22 kilometers, being the longest in Vietnam. Every year, the infrastructure of the recreation area is developed and improved in this country.
And lovers of picturesque nature will certainly be interested in pink and white dunes. However, nothing can compare with the impression that the Red Canyon makes on all visitors. Its walls are a mixture of red clay and sandstone, and this local landmark was formed as a result of soil erosion. This process is still ongoing, and after some time the canyon will disappear, so tourists who want to admire this miracle of nature should hurry up with their trip to Vietnam.
Another attraction of these places is the Lost, or Lost Sea. This lake is located deep in the forest on the border of Dong Nai and Binh Thuan provinces. Local residents called it that because of its size, which at first made people think that in front of them there was really a sea, which had taken about 1000 hectares from the forest. During the rainy season it triples. To the east of the reservoir rises Mount Katong.
Poskhanu Towers
This is the heritage of the Champa people. They were once part of an ancient temple complex. Fairies, daughters of the goddess Po Nagar, are worshiped here. Nowadays, three towers are the most preserved. Their age is estimated at thirteen centuries. Champa is distinguished by a special architectural style - false doors, rounded columns, reminiscent of Khmer temple buildings. Every year, in the first lunar month, the Roh Mbanga and Riji Nuta festivals are held at the towers.
Lighthouse "Ke Ga"
It is located four kilometers from Phan Thiet. This is one of the most famous places in the small province of Binh Thuan. In 1897, the lighthouse was built by the French architect Shenawat. The height of the structure is 64 meters. It was recognized as the most beautiful lighthouse in Southeast Asia. The octagonal tower is crowned with a lantern capable of illuminating distances of twenty-two
Mui Ne fishing village
This is what local fishermen named their village. During the stormy season they found refuge here. In translation, “muy” means island or cape, “ne” means shelter. Transparent blue waters, bright sun, snow-white sand created a magnificent landscape that is pleasing to the eyes of guests from abroad. In addition to exciting excursions, tourists can watch the hard daily work of fishermen and take part in fishing.
Flora and fauna
The forests in these places are ancient. Here you can see countless numbers of a wide variety of orchids, living well with trees, which are also very diverse - sandalwood, thuja, cypress, etc. The depths of the sea hide a variety of fish; Many birds nest on its banks, and there are many of them here - from simple pheasants to majestic peacocks.
Phan Thiet Town
The picturesque area near the calm Phan Thiet River was inhabited many centuries ago, but until the twentieth century it remained a quiet, unknown fishing town, or rather, even a village. In ancient times, it was part of the Champ kingdom. Despite its rather modest size, the settlement played a significant role in the history of the country and gave the Vietnamese people several outstanding figures of history and culture. There are many resorts and exotic places in Vietnam. One of them is the resort of Phan Thiet (Vietnam). The townspeople (the population is approximately 200 thousand people) are very hospitable and welcoming. Those of them who are not involved in the tourism business earn money from fishing or agriculture, like their distant ancestors. The main nationalities living in this territory are the Viet, Cham, and Hoa. Everyone who comes to this pretty town is pleasantly surprised that most local residents speak English and Russian quite well. This makes communication much easier. It must be said that the development of tourism has significantly improved the well-being of the population.
Economics, transport
Perhaps the most significant drawback of this resort is the lack of an international airport. But it's not that scary. When you fly into Vietnam, you will arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, from which it is very easy to get to Phan Thiet. Trains, buses, and taxis are available to guests (the cost of the latter, by the way, is quite affordable). Tourists prefer to travel around the city by taxi or rented car, which costs eight dollars per day. All hotels in the city provide this service.
Where to stay
Hotels in Vietnam (Phan Thiet is no exception in this sense) are modern buildings with an original design, well equipped technically. A variety of hotels are presented to the attention of tourists - these can be modest 3* rooms or excellent 4* and 5* apartments. All of them have a set of necessary services.
If you are planning to go to Vietnam, tours (Phan Thiet is definitely on the list of the most popular) must be agreed in advance with the tour operator. What number exactly do you want? If you are planning a vacation with children, make sure that they have their own room. In addition, it is necessary to discuss other services provided by the hotel - Internet, cable TV, air conditioning and others.
Another important issue is nutrition. In Vietnam it is one or two meals a day. All hotels in Vietnam offer a buffet. Phan Thiet amazes many tourists with its varied menu. It is almost impossible to try all the offered treats at breakfast or dinner. It offers a variety of seafood and meat dishes. Various vegetables and fruits are available in abundance. Those with a sweet tooth will be delighted by the large selection of ice cream and drinks. European cuisine predominates in hotels, and those who like to try something exotic should go to the nearest cafe or restaurant.
Today we will present to your attention several hotels. They are the most popular among tourists coming to Vietnam. Your vacation (Phan Thiet guarantees you this) will be at the highest level if you stay at the Swiss Village Resort 5* hotel. It stands on a magnificent white beach, in the middle of a coconut grove. The complex was built at the expense of a Vietnamese architect who lived in Switzerland since nineteen sixty-six. Several years ago he returned to his homeland.
The hotel's architectural style is based on Asian cultures, embodied in buildings with round roofs and rounded columns. The exquisitely decorated rooms are equipped to Swiss standards. On site there are two restaurants, four bars, a beauty salon, a business center, a souvenir shop, a library, and a fitness center. Each room is equipped with a radio, telephone, paid minibar, air conditioning, hairdryer. It is possible to connect a modem and a fax. For children there is a playroom, a mini-club, a swimming pool, babysitting services, and an equipped playground.
Pandanus Resolt 4* - this hotel is located on the seashore. It features a stylish design, an abundance of greenery and fountains. The total area is ten acres. The hotel has 134 comfortable rooms, a restaurant, a swimming pool with a jacuzzi, two bars, a beauty salon, and a SPA center. For lovers of active recreation, there is a fitness center with an excellent gym, where a trainer works with guests. You can play tennis on two courts. In the evening you can visit a disco or night club.
Prices at the resort
We can say with confidence that Vietnam provides its guests with the most affordable vacation. Phan Thiet is no exception. The cost of the tour starts at $500 (7 days), with accommodation in a four-star hotel. Of course, this does not include paid services and additional meals. But here everything is more or less tolerable. For example, a full dinner will cost 150 rubles, and a glass of beer costs five rubles. The main costs are for the purchase of air tickets and payment for hotel services.
Vietnam, Phan Thiet: shopping
Those who are accustomed to European shopping will probably be surprised when they find themselves in a Vietnamese store. There are no famous world brands here, but there are a lot of exotic things, for which many come here. Visit Phan Thien's oldest market, the Central Market. But be careful - it's very easy to get lost here. In small shops, pavilions, tents you can buy shoes and clothes, jewelry with mother-of-pearl, silver. Near the hotels there are usually small shops and shops with gifts and souvenirs. Don't know what to bring for your family and friends? Pay attention to Vietnamese wicker hats and natural silk.
Phan Thiet is a young, but already very popular Vietnamese resort. It stretches 40 km along the coast of the South China Sea and includes the city itself and several neighborhoods and villages to the east and west of it. All tourist life is concentrated on the coast - hotels, restaurants, rental shops and other entertainment. There are almost no attractions in the central part; the only thing that might interest city guests is a museum, a couple of temples, a market and a crocodile nursery.
The main tourist destinations are beach and active recreation. It is equally good here to relax under the warm sun and catch a wave on a windsurf or wakeboard. During the windy season, the city attracts many water sports fans. In addition, the Vietnamese resort attracts gourmets from all over the world. The already unique cuisine of this country here acquires a special flavor due to the abundance of seafood, exotic delicacies and tropical fruits.
Entrance to the beaches of Phan Thiet, as well as sun loungers and umbrellas, is free.
Almost every piece of the beach belongs to some hotel, but this does not mean that a random guest will not be able to swim - admission is free everywhere, and umbrellas and sunbeds are free. Other infrastructure is not very well developed - changing rooms are not available everywhere, and there are few water activities. But there are plenty of schools and instructors for kiting and windsurfing. Water sports enthusiasts are attracted here by the waves, which are especially high during the windy season. They represent the only danger for families with children. Otherwise, Phan Thiet is an ideal place to relax with kids - the shore is quite shallow, the entrance to the water is gentle, there are no stones, corals or dangerous sea creatures. There is generally little living life off the coast of Phan Thiet - everything that floats is caught by fishermen early in the morning, and by lunchtime it is served to the table by waiters. So there is nothing for divers to do here.
For those seeking solitude, there are wild beaches to the west of the city. There are few hotels there, there are completely deserted areas, but you can’t count on any infrastructure.
Phan Thiet Hotels
The choice of hotels in Phan Thiet is large - from modest hotels with affordable prices to luxurious villas and apartments. Most of them are located in the Phu Hai, Ham Tien neighborhoods and the town of Mui Ne, a little less - in Phu Tui and to the west of it.
The most budget option is guest houses and hostels in the center of Phan Thiet. The cost of a double room varies from 230,000 VND to 700,000 VND per night, but you will have to get to the beach by bus or taxi.
The most expensive hotels are concentrated in the Phu Hai area. These are mainly spa hotels with a wide range of additional options. The price per room ranges from VND 2,000,000 to VND 4,000,000. You can find an inexpensive hotel for 300,000-700,000 VND, but there are so few of them here that you need to book places several months in advance.
In the Ham Tien quarter, prices are more affordable, most of the hotels are “double” and “triple”. A double room will cost 900,000-1,500,000 VND. But there are also a couple of “fours”, the cost of living in which reaches VND 2,500,000 per day.
What to bring
For souvenirs in Phan Thiet, it is better to go to the central market - Phan Thiet Fair; in the only shopping center, Co-op Mart, prices are much higher and the choice is less. Pearls are considered the most popular gift from Vietnamese resorts; pearls are sold here at every turn. True, most often the stones are grown artificially, but the jewelry still looks exquisite and is in demand.
The market also sells elaborately painted silk clothes and crocodile skin products - belts, bags and purses. The shelves are full of handmade goods made of stone and wood - boxes, frames and other trinkets, and as a souvenir of the sea you can bring a picture made of shells and sand.
The calling card of these places is the “nuoc cham” fish sauce.
For exotic lovers, ointments and tinctures with snake and scorpion venom, natural herbs and other exotic ingredients are sold in Phan Thiet. The cream is used externally to treat bruises and sprains, and the balm is used internally to strengthen the cardiovascular system and immunity. From grocery stores it is worth grabbing the famous Vietnamese coffee, green tea and the calling card of these places - Nuoc Cham fish sauce, which is produced at a local factory.
Cuisine and restaurants of Phan Thiet
The cuisine of southern Vietnam is distinguished by an abundance of herbs, seasonings and sauces, the most famous of which is Nuoc Cham. They even serve chicken with it. The menu of local establishments includes more fish dishes - marine fishing has fed the residents of Phan Thiet from time immemorial. On the table there are often shrimps, squids, lobsters and fish in a variety of forms. Exotic dishes and delicacies deserve special attention in traditional Vietnamese restaurants - turtle soup, roast crocodile meat, grilled snakes and much more.
For those who do not risk trying something unusual when traveling, Phan Thiet has quite familiar Italian, French and even Russian establishments. Menus in English and Russian are also not uncommon.
You should choose an establishment here not only based on gastronomic preferences - the price range is wide. There are no fast food chains, but finding the usual hamburgers or fries is not a problem. This is the most budget-friendly snack option - 70,000-150,000 VND per person. The cheapest way to eat a nutritious meal is in Vietnamese cafes - 250,000 VND for a modest lunch of fish, rice and vegetables for two. Most of the eating places in Phan Thiet are middle class restaurants. A good lunch there will cost 500,000-600,000 VND (European cuisine is more expensive due to imported products). Those who want to indulge in the exotic at an expensive high-end restaurant should be prepared to fork out VND 1,500,000 for a dinner with alcohol for two.
Entertainment and attractions
For lovers of water sports, the choice of entertainment in Phan Thiet is large - kiting, surfing and windsurfing. There are schools on the coast, equipment rentals are available, and frequent winds create excellent weather conditions. Those who prefer a more relaxing pastime should pay attention to golf clubs. The most famous and largest course with 18 holes and 72 routes is located on the territory of the Ocean Dunes Resort hotel. Thanks to good infrastructure, it has become a center of attraction for fans of this sport.
Phan Thiet is not the best place for sightseeing tourism, but there is still something to do and see, both in the city itself and in its surroundings. Those interested in Vietnamese history should check out the Ho Chi Minh Museum. The exhibition features exhibits dedicated to the life of the famous political figure and his role in the 1945 revolution. In addition, archaeological finds from excavations in the vicinity of Phan Thiet are exhibited.
A popular excursion among tourists is to Ba Island, which is 70 km from the city. It is best to go in March, when locals celebrate the birthday of the lady - the female deity Ana, in whose glory an ancient Cham temple was built here in the 17th century. The island is covered with huge trees; from the shore it seems as if they are growing straight out of the water.
An hour's drive from Phan Thiet is the Binh Chau mineral springs. Hot healing water, mud and good infrastructure attract spa connoisseurs and those who want to improve their health or get a boost of energy. A huge health and entertainment complex with bars, hotels and sports grounds has grown up around the springs.
4 things to do in Phan Thiet
- Pet and feed the crocodile.
- Climb Mount Taku and feel the peace and tranquility of the Buddhist temple.
- Learn to control a kite.
- Find the most unusual dish on the menu of local restaurants.
Phan Thiet for children
There are several places in the city that are definitely worth visiting with your child. One of them is clearly not for the faint of heart - in the crocodile nursery, an adrenaline rush is guaranteed even for the bravest tourists. Not everyone dares to feed huge reptiles from a fishing rod and hear the characteristic clicking of their jaws, and even less so to hold their babies in their arms. But children are absolutely delighted by these dangerous and mysterious predators.
The Temple of Whale, one of the most unusual attractions of Phan Thiet, will not leave young travelers indifferent. It resembles a museum rather than a religious building. In a separate room, several hundred fragments of the skeletons of whales and other marine life are kept, and in the neighboring building there is a whole skeleton 22 m long. During life, it weighed more than 45 tons. In this sanctuary, fishermen worship the god Whale and believe that he will protect them from storms and hurricanes.
november
December
The tourist season in Phan Thiet, although it lasts all year round, is still divided into high and low. From May to October there is more rainfall, there are fewer people on the beaches, and prices in hotels and restaurants are lower. Short-term heavy showers usually occur in the evening or at night, sometimes the weather remains dry for weeks.
Families with children are better off choosing the rainy season for their vacation - the sea is much calmer, and precipitation slightly cools the hot air.
The high season begins in November and lasts until the end of April. This is the time for surfers, especially from January to March - the waves are so high that swimming may not be very comfortable. It rains very rarely, the weather is hot and dry.
The capital of Binh Thuan Province, Phan Thiet is a small (population of just over 200 thousand) but prosperous Vietnamese city and a good destination for tourists. It is located 200 km from Ho Chi Minh City. You can get from Ho Chi Minh City to Phan Thiet by bus or train, but there is no airport in the city. And this is very, very annoying. In principle, the name of the city is a little familiar to the Russian ear. But, oddly enough, almost 80% of our travel agencies do not send tourists to this city (perhaps due to the distance from the airport and the reluctance to have additional problems with transfers). However, we are familiar with this direction more from the beach area of Mui Ne (which is a 15-minute drive from the center of Phan Thiet and which is part of the city), where 80% of Russian-Ukrainian tourists are found, and some shops and restaurants are located in the possession of our fellow citizens. In general, Mui Ne is called a “Russian village”, and you will be convinced of this as soon as you set foot on this land. Read completely
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Weather in Phan Thiet by months:
| Month | Temperature | Cloudiness | Rainy days / Precipitation |
Water temperature in the sea |
Number of solar hours per day |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| During the day | At night | |||||
| January | 30.6°C | 21.8°C | 20.3% | 1 day (9.6 mm.) | 25.2°C | 11 o'clock 34m. |
| February | 31.2°C | 21.9°C | 11.7% | - | 25.4°C | 11 o'clock 47m. |
| March | 32.4°C | 23.3°C | 14.1% | 1 day (11.8 mm.) | 26.8°C | 12h. 4m. |
| April | 33.6°C | 24.5°C | 15.7% | - | 28.4°C | 12h. 22m. |
| May | 34.1°C | 25.6°C | 29.5% | 6 days (84.8 mm.) | 29.5°C | 12h. 37m. |
| June | 33.2°C | 25.1°C | 37.6% | 6 days (84.4 mm.) | 28.4°C | 12h. 45m. |
| July | 32.6°C | 24.5°C | 39.8% | 8 days (98.8 mm.) | 27.6°C | 12h. 41m. |
| August | 32.5°C | 24.6°C | 37.6% | 10 days (134.0 mm.) | 27.6°C | 12h. 28m. |
| September | 32.1°C | 24.4°C | 37.2% | 12 days (183.6 mm.) | 28.0°C | 12h. 11m. |
| October | 32.0°C | 23.8°C | 29.8% | 10 days (129.6 mm.) | 28.5°C | 11 o'clock 53m. |
| November | 31.9°C | 23.6°C | 21.8% | 3 days (61.5 mm.) | 27.8°C | 11 o'clock 38m. |
| December | 30.8°C | 22.7°C | 26.5% | 2 days (25.0 mm.) | 26.7°C | 11 o'clock 30m. |
*This table displays weather averages collected over more than three years
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HOLIDAY PRICES:
Cost of holiday in Phan Thiet. November 2017.
tour cost
We went on a last minute package from Anex Tour for $433 for two people. The tour was for 9 days with departure from Moscow and arrival in the city of Nha Trang. In fact, it was two days on the road and a full seven days of rest on the seashore. Transfer to and from the hotel was included in the tour price. Our hotel was located in the south of Vietnam, and it was almost a 3-hour bus ride one way.
The price for the sightseeing tour was $10. We abandoned her and walked on our own. Entrance to the Temple of Whale cost 15,000 dong (40 rubles). The entrance to the Cham Towers costs the same. Package excursions from Anex Tour cost no less than $100. For example, a trip to Saigon would cost $130, and mud springs would cost $120.
Food and products
In tourist places, the check can reach up to 500,000 dong for two (1,350 rubles) for a large hot pot, a portion of fried shrimp and two fresh juices. Therefore, it is better to eat in those places where locals have lunch and dinner. It's cheaper, tastier and the portions are huge. There are a huge number of such cafes on every street. One huge portion of Pho Bo noodles costs 20,000 dong (50 rubles). On average, any lunch in local cafes cost us 150,000 dong for two (405 rubles). This amount included a huge portion of rice with seafood or rice soup, fried squid or shrimp, and drinks. Any dish can be safely taken for two people. Small beer costs 15,000 VND for 0.3 liters. A serving of four grilled mussels costs 130,000 dong (351 rubles). In the market, prices are usually rounded for the convenience of payments to tourists. So a whole peeled pineapple costs 15,000 dong. A drinking coconut costs the same. Delicious baguettes with banh mi filling cost an average of 20,000 dong (54 rubles). There were two large supermarkets in the city; we liked COOP mart the most in terms of assortment. In the store, a two-liter bottle of water costs 4,000 dong (11 rubles). Mangoes cost, depending on the variety, from 25,000 dong per kilogram to 120,000 dong, both in the market and in the store. Ready-made pies cost from 3,000 to 5,000 dong (8-14 rubles).
Souvenirs and other goods
Olong green tea for 200 grams costs 220,000 dong (594 rubles). A 200 gram pack of delicious coffee costs 169,000 dong (422 rubles). A magnet with a piece of silk or a bamboo mat costs 20,000 dong (54 rubles). We bought one sunglasses for 190,000 VND. An average basket for transporting fruit costs 13,000 dong (35 rubles). In Duty Free, a small 175 ml bottle of local Rhum Chauvet rum was quite expensive - 5 euros. A silk scarf costs 17 euros, but the quality of the seams is very mediocre. A lot of jewelry, a Pandora bracelet costs from 180 euros. I recommend taking something in the area towards Mui Ne (the beaches are better there). And, of course, something on the first line overlooking the sea. Hotels in Vietnam are cheap. We lived in SKY STAR RESORT 3*. An excellent option, a new hotel consisting of one 3-story building and 18 small bungalows on the 1st line. A very green area, making your way through which you find yourself on a clean white beach. Bathroom with slippers) And free Wi-Fi with a good signal.
What to do at the resort?
There is nothing to see in Phan Thiet itself. On one of the days of our vacation, we decided to rent a bike and ride around the surrounding area. We stopped on the way to Mui Ne to see the Red Stream. This is a small river, the bed of which is limited on one side by red-orange sandy rocks. A kind of Martian landscape. There are several cafes upstream, so if you get tired, you can have a snack there.
35 km from the city there is a unique desert - white dunes. The white sand stretches for 10 km and looks very beautiful against the blue sky. You can rent a jeep and arrange a safari. And 30 km away there is Mount Taku and the statue of the reclining Buddha. The giant statue, whose dimensions symbolize the tenets of Buddhism, is the largest in Vietnam. The mountain offers a beautiful view of the jungle and the cable car.
Wide sandy beaches are what makes it worth coming here. Free to visit, as are beach equipment. Coconut palms get close to the water in some places. Gentle descent, shallow water. The only small negative is the choppy sea with waves, so the water is not very clean, but slightly cloudy.
It is best to buy fruits on the street in small shops. And definitely in the morning, because by lunchtime their price increases. And also the new Phan Thiet market. The market is open from 5 am to 5 pm. But the spectacle is not for the squeamish - seafood right on the ground. We recommend purchasing groceries from the Coop Mart supermarket. There is everything here - food, clothing, household chemicals. On the ground floor you can buy greens, meat products, baked goods, milk, alcoholic drinks and everything related to food. On the second floor there are household goods, clothing, perfumes and everything related to souvenirs. And on the third floor there are various cafes and a children's entertainment center. And the opening hours are convenient - from 8 am to 10 pm.
Meat with a side dish is 4-4.5 dollars, and in establishments further from the coast - 2.5 dollars. A large portion of rice with seafood costs about 3 dollars, Pho soup costs from 2 to 3 dollars. Lunch for two will cost around $5. And you can have a seafood dinner for 15-17 dollars for two with alcoholic drinks.
The capital of Binh Thuan Province, Phan Thiet is a small (population of just over 200 thousand) but prosperous Vietnamese city and a good destination for tourists. It is located 200 km from Ho Chi Minh City. You can get from Ho Chi Minh City to Phan Thiet by bus or train, but there is no airport in the city. And this is very, very annoying. In principle, the name of the city is a little familiar to the Russian ear. But, oddly enough, almost 80% of our travel agencies do not send tourists to this city (perhaps due to the distance from the airport and the reluctance to have additional problems with transfers). However, we are familiar with this direction more from the beach area of Mui Ne (which is a 15-minute drive from the center of Phan Thiet and which is part of the city), where 80% of Russian-Ukrainian tourists are found, and some shops and restaurants are located in the possession of our fellow citizens. In general, Mui Ne is called a “Russian village”, and you will be convinced of this as soon as you set foot on this land. 
In general, there are not many foreigners in Phan Thiet, except those visiting the town for shopping from Mui Ne or stopping on the Open Tour minibus on a tour of the area. For a Vietnamese tourist, however, Phan Thiet is a good compromise: the hotels here are not too expensive, and not the cheap guesthouses like in Mui Ne, and there are plenty of seafood restaurants. In addition, the beaches here are as good as in Mui Ne - there are just fewer of them. 
It can be noted that on the stretch of coast from Phan Thiet to Mui Ne there is one of the most popular resort areas among tourists. Nha Trang is still considered the largest resort city in the country, and Phan Thiet (together with Mui Ne) seems to be the second. But that's it for now. 
However, if Nha Trang is developed very well - there is entertainment, roads, and bars open until the morning, then in Phan Thiet the excursion program is rather poorly developed, and moreover, many establishments close by 10 pm. That is, there are bars and clubs, but you most likely won’t be able to stay until dawn. It turns out that Phan Thiet is a place not for desperate party-goers, but for those who are looking for a relaxing holiday or a bit of romance, for example, perfect for families with children. 
The busy fishing harbor around which the town is formed is filled with colorful boats. Come here at sunset for stunning views of the red sky and boats bobbing on the waves. 
And go down to the piers themselves to see how the fish market works, and maybe even buy something. 
Basically, there are several markets scattered throughout the city, reasonably priced, fun, a little dirty, but offering an excellent range of goods, fruits and vegetables (in particular, be sure to try pitaya, “dragon fruit”, because Phan Thiet is considered the “land of pitaya”, and these fruits are exported from here to China, Europe, Japan and the USA), as well as ready-made traditional dishes. Near the beaches you will find the cutest fish restaurants. 
Some attractions will brighten up your vacation - you can visit Cham Towers of Poshanu(the territory of the city and region also once belonged to the ancient state of Champa), reclining Buddha on Mount Taku, Kega lighthouse, red canyon, white dunes and lotus lake. With a guide or on your own (from Phan Thiet or Mui Ne). True, in the city itself you will only find these towers, and to admire the rest of the sights, you will have to travel some more (but 40 kilometers is the maximum). 
In addition, the city has a pleasant, dry and hot climate - perfect for a beach holiday. From October to February it can be quite windy here, and therefore surfers and water sports enthusiasts flock to the city during these months (though, again, more in Mui Ne than in Phan Thiet). By the way, if you have never tried these interesting activities, there are a couple of surfing and kiting schools on the coast - from $35 per hour including training. Moreover, many trainers speak Russian, which is very convenient. 
In terms of cost of living, variety of restaurants and attractions and entertainment, Phan Thiet is still inferior to Mui Ne. Phan Thiet is, nevertheless, an ordinary Vietnamese city, and not a tourist place. On the other hand, there are too many tourists in Mui Ne, especially ours (almost all the staff speak Russian, there are signs in Russian, well, purely our Gelendzhik), which is also somehow not very good, you will agree. Many people don’t even like the completely Russified Mui Ne.
Summarizing all of the above, we can deduce the main pros of Phan Thiet:
1) Low prices for hotels and guesthouses
2) There are many souvenir shops where souvenirs are very cheap compared to other resorts in the country
3) There are many massage parlors with low prices (you can get a good and short massage for only 5-15 dollars)
4) Great beaches
5) Signs in Russian and staff who can speak a little Russian (even if this is still a plus, knowing how our fellow citizens, for the most part, speak poor English)
6) Historical attractions within walking distance
7) Calm and pleasant atmosphere, not too many tourists
8) Conditions for surfing and other water sports
And here minuses of this resort are the following:
1) Inconvenient access to the city - you will have to drive from Ho Chi Minh City airport for 5-6 hours, which is difficult, especially considering that the road here is so-so in some places, and the air conditioning will not necessarily work. Traveling with children is problematic.
2) It can be a little windy on the beach, so the city administration sometimes prohibits swimming
3) From time to time there is an influx of Russian tourists who do not always behave well (well, you know how often this happens)
As you can see, there are still more pros than cons, so go with peace of mind and forget about all the little troubles, such as a long road - all this will definitely pay off with an excellent and inexpensive vacation. 
If you have already bought a ticket to Mui Ne, set aside one or two days, or even half a day, for a walk around Phan Thiet - this is a completely adequate option. And you definitely won’t regret it, and, fortunately, it’s not far away. Or be sure to add it to your list of cities you plan to visit during your long-term Vietnam trip.
