Phan
Thiet Places of Interest
PHAN THIET
The attraction of Phan Thiet is the beaches. Although there are
not too many to choose from, what are available are quite good,
clean and tranquil. About 10 minutes from town is the longest and
popular Mui Ne beach. It can be considered as the
main tourist area as most of the resorts are located here. Mui Ne
is a long, straight and narrow road with resorts by the beach and
a handful of restaurants on the other side. The water is not crystal
clear but the beach is broad and you can walk for miles on the fine
sandy beach fringed by rows of palm trees. As most of the resorts
are set apart from each other, peace and privacy are pretty much
guaranteed.
A similarly attractive beach and a more exclusive choice
can be found right in front of the Novotel Coralia Resort Ocean
Dunes. Since it is the only hotel here, do not be surprised to have
the beach to yourself. The other attraction of this resort is the
18-hole golf course designed by Nick Faldo which
is so far the only one in town. The scenic course features some
challenging holes with stunning ocean views and sand dunes. Green
fees range from USD 45-70 but hotel guests enjoy lower rates.
For a nicer more idyllic beach, you need to venture further a field.
A good 1½ hours drive away is Ca Na Beach which promises
pristine turquoise water and white sandy beach.
The Red Sand Dunes in Mui Ne draws a steady stream
of curious crowds. The climb up to the top is fairly steep but manageable
- proper footwear helps. Once at the peak, the view is magnificent,
the smooth velvety mounds cascade up and down like giant folds of
silk fabric, leaving one to feel almost ashamed to leave footprints
over the flawless formation. With the shift of winds, the dunes
take on a different character at each visit. You can either slowly
work your way down from the dunes or take the quick and fun way
- slide down on a plastic sheet.
By day, Phan Thiet town is a vibrant commercial area for the fishing
industry. The best time to capture the delights of this little fishing
harbour is in the early morning when the entire place has
a lively buzz - there are fishes of all shapes and sizes and the
local housewives come to bargain for the day's catch. The place
is a little messy, noisy and the air smells fishy but still it is
about the most action you will get in town. There are some good
pictures to be taken as well, the colorful traditional boats that
dock in the river right in the center of town or the man with his
cart piled high with ice rushing for a timely delivery.
While in town, be sure to hop over to the Thuy Tu Fishermen
Association where fishermen come to pay their respect to
the Gods of the Sea. This association looks like a Chinese temple
and is quite an intriguing place to visit. Over a century ago, whales
were frequently spotted in the surrounding coast of Phan Thiet and
fishermen believed they were Gods of the Sea who guided and protected
them. When a whale died, their remains were brought back and buried
in the grounds of the association. After 3 years the bones were
placed in a pagoda for worship. Inside the association, different
rooms store tons of whale bones, some over 100
years old. On display is the preserved bone structure of an enormous
fin whale that is over 120 years old, 22 meter long and weighs over
65 tons. This ritual is still practiced today and the last whale
burial was in 2002.
Also in town is the Ho Chi Minh Museum, which has
a rather neglected feel. The museum has mainly newspaper clippings
and old photographs of the country during the revolution under the
revered and affectionately known, Uncle Ho. If interested, bring
along a guide for translation as most of the literature is in Vietnamese.
Across from the museum is a small school and garden
that is kept in memory of Ho Chi Minh who lived and taught there
while he was in Phan Thiet. The locals are proud of this visit and
even the trees in the garden that have lived longer than their "hero"
earn a certain respect.
Bai Rang
Bai Rang or Rang Beach is probably the most beautiful beach in Phan
Thiet. It is located 15 Km northeast of Phan Thiet and is described
by the locals as the beach that is nestled in the middle of a coconut
palm forest. Other landmarks in the area of Rang beach are Da Ong
Dia (boulders of the Earth God), and Suoi Tien (Celestial stream).
Mui Ne
Sand Dunes
However, by far the most popular among tourists are Mui Ne Sand
Dunes and Mui Ne Beaches located 12 miles East of Phan Thiet. The
sand dunes in this area are shaped by the elements of the wind and
therefore is a spectacular site to the visitors.
Mui Ne Fishing Village
Mu~i Ne gets its name from the local fishermen using this area as
a shelter during the stormy season. Mu~i meaning nose or peninsula
and Ne meaning to duck or to take shelter. The combination of sun,
sand and deep turquoise water of the pacific ocean create a breath
taking and spectacular site to the visitors.
Po Sha Nu Tower
An ancient site now recognised as the crowning glory of Cham architecture.
The cpmplex lies on a hill 6km north east of Phan Thiet, and has
three towers still standing and the ruins of many more , some dating
back to the 8th century.
Highlights
Duc
Thanh School
Ho Chi Minh was taught here in 1910 before he left
for Saigon and set in motion the momentous events which finally
ended in the country’s liberation from the
colonial yoke.
Po
Sha Nu Tower
An ancient site now recognised as the crowning glory of Cham architecture.
The cpmplex lies on a hill 6km north east of Phan Thiet, and has
three towers still standing and the ruins of many more , some dating
back to the 8th century.
Novotel
Ocean Dunes
The leading resort in town, it’s right on
the ocean at 1D Ton Duc Thang(tel:822-393) and includes a master’s
golf course and star hotel.
Getting There
Bus Buses leave every hour from HCM City Bus Station , 217 Le Hong
Phong; tickets VND 30,000.
Train Two train leave from HCM City ; tickets VND 70,000. Phan Thiet railway station is at 1 Hoang Hoa Tham, tel : 821-161.
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