Serving as the capital of Binh Thuan Province, Phan Thiet is a bustling port city in Southeast Vietnam. It has long been a hub for fishing and the manufacture of fish sauce, although its white sandy beaches draw an increasing number of sun-seekers.
Things to do in Phan Thiet
At the heart of Phan Thiet is a lively fishing port framed by colourful boats bobbing along the Ca Ty River and in Mui Ne Bay. Experience the hustle and bustle of the outdoor markets where fresh produce is for sale or dine at one of the numerous seafood restaurants serving everything from shrimp and squid to snails and sea cucumbers.
One of Phan Thiet’s most famous buildings is the Duc Thanh School where a young Nguyen Tat Thanh (later President Ho Chi Minh) worked as a teacher. It is preserved almost exactly as it was more than a century ago and includes the classroom where Thanh taught. In 1983, the Ho Chi Minh Museum was created at the site, with a statue of “Uncle Ho” at its entrance.
No visit to Phan Thiet is complete without relaxing on one of its beaches, such as Tien Thanh and Ke Ga. Ke Ga is also notable as being home to the oldest lighthouse in Southeast Asia, which rises atop the small offshore island of Hon Ba. You can admire the 65-metre-high tower of Ke Ga Lighthouse from Ke Ga Cape or rent a boat for an up-close view.
Getting around Phan Thiet
Phan Thiet is just over four hours’ drive from Ho Chi Minh City and Tan Son Nhat International Airport. Trains connect to Ga Phan Thiet railway station and buses travel east to Mui Ne. Taxis and motorcycle taxis are readily available for getting around Phan Thiet.