While attractions in Phan Thiet city itself are somewhat limited, the beautiful surroundings provide lots of great sights to visit. One of the main places of interest in the city is the charming harbour with its fishing boats. There are also plenty of pagodas and natural attractions within easy reach.

Cave Pagoda
This pagoda is located in Binh Thanh Village, Tuy Phong District, and was constructed in 1835. It was designed by Bonze Bao Tang, who belonged to Thien Lam Sect’s 40th generation. The pagoda offers numerous shrines for prayer and is situated inside a cave on Co Thach Mountain.

Fairies’ Stream
This watercourse is set in stunning natural surroundings, unspoiled by humans and offering spectacular views of mountain water. A majestic peak, coloured in red and white, is near the stream. The colours derive from the soil and sand. Located around 15kms northeast of Phan Thiet, this place is perfect for picnics.

Ganh Son Cliff
Located in Chi Cong Village of Tuy Phong District, this natural cave offers scenic views of a lively fishing village. The cave and peculiar images have been formed over time by erosion caused by wind, waves and rain. The best views can be had in the early morning or late afternoon.

Lighthouse of Khe Ga
Forty-five kilometres south east of Phan Thiet is the island of Khe Ga. This is where a French engineer constructed a lighthouse in the waning days of the 1800s. There were more and more French soldiers in the area, and a lighthouse was required to guarantee the safety of commercial and naval ships. Made of granite, the tower stands 65ms tall and is the province’s only remaining example of European influence.

Linh Son (Sacred Mount) Pagoda
The oldest pagoda in the island district of Phú Quy, Linh Son was constructed in Tam Thanh Village on Cao Cat Hill in 1747, during the reign of King Le Hien Tong. The pagoda contains a number of old documents and objects of cultural significance, chronicling local island life.

Phan Thiet Harbour
This picturesque harbour is home to many colourful fishing boats, making for ideal photo opportunities. The harbour is situated at the mouth of the Ca Ty River, which flows through the heart of down-town Phan Thiet. The best time to watch the neighbouring parks and bridges is after sundown, when their colourful lights have been switched on.

Po-Klong-Moh-Nai Temple
Po-Klong-Moh-Nai was the last of the Cham Kings at the start of the 17th century. This temple is situated on a high hill next to National Road 1A, 50kms north of Phan Thiet. It houses three statues of Po-Klong-Moh-Nai and his two wives, as well as several other statues. Made of dark blue stone, they have been painstakingly and stylishly crafted.

Reclining Buddha
Only 30kms to the south of Phan Thiet on Ta Cu Mountain you can find this elegant reclining Buddha statue, 10 meters high and 49 meters long. Getting up the mountain can be a bit tiring and involves negotiating a string of winding steps through a forest. The view from the top makes it all worthwhile.

Tran Hung Dao Park
This green park in Phan Thiet city is home to an impressive memorial, dedicated to Tran Hung Dao, the legendary military commander. It is located near the northern bank of the lovely Ca Ty River.

Water Tower
This tower can be found on the Ca Ty River and was designed by Laotian Prince Suphanouvong, who was Nha Trang Public Works Bureau’s principal engineer. Construction started in 1928 and was finished in 1934. In those days the tower served as the town’s main supply of water. An octagonal water reservoir tops the tower, five meters high and nine metres across. It is also the symbol of Binh Than province.

White Lake
This lake is located around 65kms north east of Phan Thiet. The white sand dunes bordering it give the beach its name. The landscape has, however, transformed over the course of time and today greenery covers most of the white sand. Lining the edge of the lake are attractive, blooming lotus flowers.

Fish sauce manufacturing is one of Phan Thiet’s main industries and many locals make their livelihood producing this pungent condiment, considered one of the best in Vietnam. The production can often be observed in the open shop houses lining the streets.

Hit the beach and work on that suntan. The many beaches in and around Phan Thiet offer lots of distractions and relaxation opportunities.

Stroll along the old fishing harbour and observe traditional life as it’s been for ages, just slowly starting to change with the arrival of more and more tourists.

Visit a pagoda and join the locals in making merit. They’ll be only too happy to show you how it’s done.

Walk along the ‘street of mist’. The street gets its name from the smoke produced when preparing the local delicacy, banh xeo. This crispy rice pancake filled with a mix of meat, sprouts or cork and the seafood of Phan Thiet is made in restaurants lining the length of this street.

Windsurfing can be learnt at one of the many schools offering lessons on Mui Ne Beach.