Phan Thiet Activities
Activities
 The main transport in Phan Thiet is the motorcycle. Most resorts offer motorcycles for rent at about 10 USD per day. Along Mui Ne there are a few makeshift shacks with bikes lined up. Some can be a little dodgy so make sure the vehicle is safe and thoroughly checked for scratches before renting to avoid any misunderstandings. A photocopy of your passport is often required for security.
Be really careful on the road, the left hand driving in Phan Thiet takes getting used to for some and as for overtaking, it can happen anytime and anywhere. Use of the horn is constant and the general rule of thumb is, if it is bigger than you, get out of the way. As such the bigger trucks and tour buses rule the road. If you cannot ride a bike, there are motor-taxis that can zip you around but this is recommended only for short trips.
The traditional cyclos are widely used in Phan Thiet. These are sort of a bicycle driven trishaws with the rider behind and a fairly spacious seat compartment in front. It is no chariot but for the same price as a motorcycle rental, you get chauffeured around at a nice leisurely pace - a good way to take in the sights and sounds.
Taxis are available but can get expensive. Car rentals come with a driver for about 50 USD a day. Renting a car without a driver is unheard of.
From Ho Chi Minh, it takes about 3 hours by car and a little longer
with the big coach buses to get to Phan Thiet. The well-known Sincafe
Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh is one of the better travel agents
and a roundtrip ticket costs only 13 USD. Alternatively the hotels
in Phan Thiet can arrange car transfer for about 60-70 USD per way.
Tour
 The
serene and beautiful White Lake is about 65 km
north east of Phan Thiet. The lake is aptly named because of the
white sand dunes that border around it. However the landscape has
changed over the years and the white sand is now mostly covered
by greenery. But the lake has a stunning display of Lotus flowers
that bloom along the water's edge, like pink icing on a cake.
Just 30 km south of Phan Thiet lies the graceful 49 meters long
and 10 meters high reclining Buddha of Ta
Cu Mountain. It takes a bit of effort to get a glimpse
of this impressive statue so be prepared to hike up a series of
winding steps guided by a forest of tall trees. After 1½
hours the spectacular view at the top is a big reward.
On the island of Khe Ga 45 km south east of Phan
Thiet is the historical lighthouse built at the
end of the 19th century by a French engineer. The lighthouse, prompted
by the then increasing French army presence, was needed to ensure
the safety of commercial and naval vessels. The solid 65 meter granite
structure has stood the test of time and remains as the only prominent
symbol of European influence in the region.
For an exciting and rugged way to explore the terrain of Phan Thiet,
take a jeep. Fasten your seat belt and get ready for a bumpy ride
from a trip to the Red Sand Dunes to a refreshing ride along the
coastline.
Event
Most events in Phan Thiet are religious in nature. The most celebrated
event is the Lunar Tet Festival, the equivalent
of the Western New Year. The dates are never fixed and change according
to the lunar calendar. This 5-day event falls between the months
of January or February. In Phan Thiet the river Ca Ty in the city
comes alive with colorful boat races, traditional operas and plenty
of song and dance.
The Mid-Autumn Festival held on the 15th day of
the eighth lunar month or between August and September is a favourite
event among kids. The full moon is celebrated with a parade of colourful
lanterns and sweet moon cakes.
Typical to Phan Thiet and celebrated in a grand scale is the Mbang
Kate festival, a religious event celebrated by the Cham
people during 8th and 9th months of the lunar year. The day starts
with worship and pilgrimage to the shrines and temple and ends with
a thanksgiving of games and entertainment.
A non-religious event is the Phan Thiet Golf Open,
which is held at the Novotel Coralia Resort Ocean Dunes. Throughout
the year, many other tournaments are held there.
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