Located on the shores of the South China Sea, Phan Thiet is a picturesque city brimming with vibrant culture, breathtaking beaches and historic sites. A trip to Vietnam would not be complete without visiting this underrated gem. Being a coastal city, all the sports lovers would enjoy the numerous watersports available for people of all ages. With famous religious sites, water sports, scenic views, markets and scenic beaches, Phan Thiet will keep you on your toes. Whether you want to unwind and enjoy the waves of the sea or enjoy the most out of your trip, Phan Thiet is the ideal place.
Phan Thiet Attractions
Phan Thiet, Vietnam, is home to popular cultural sites, vibrant beaches and natural beauty. With an array of places to visit, you might need a brief on the most popular areas. We have combined details of the most popular attractions so you can understand the fascinating culture and history of Phan Thiet. Some of the popular Phan Thiet attractions are:
1. Po Shanu Cham Towers
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The Cham dynasty constructed the majestic Po Shanu Cham Tower in the 8th century. The Cham dynasty existed from the 2nd to the 19th century and was influenced by Indian religions. As you enter, you will see two towers ( dedicated to Agni and Nandi) and a central tower dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located on the Ong Hoang hill and offers panoramic views of Phan Thiet. It is surrounded by lush green forest contrasting the red-brown hues of brick. You can visit this magnificent tower from 7 AM to 5 PM, but it is better to visit early to avoid heat and crowd.
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2. Mui Ne Beach
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A long stretch of sandy beach contrasting the turquoise waters is a stunning location in Phan Thiet. This pristine beach is a tropical paradise with clear water and numerous watersports. You can enjoy watersports, sunbathing, swimming, or just absorbing the beauty of the place. Many fine-dining restaurants and local restaurants offer freshly prepared seafood delicacies. Don’t miss out on the sunrise or sunset view, as the golden hour light makes the beach a sight.
3. Ta Cu Mountain
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Located 28 km away from Phan Thiet Beach, Ta Cu Mountain is the perfect spot if you are looking for some natural beauty. It is open from 6 AM to 6 PM, and you can reach the top by following the hiking trail, which takes 2 to 3 hours. You can also use the cable car and enjoy a fast ride with surreal aerial views. Apart from its natural beauty, it houses Linh Son Truong Tho Pagoda, an important Buddhist temple in Vietnam. The reclining Buddha statue here is 49 metres in length and 11 metres in height, making it one of the most giant statues in Asia.
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Things To Do At Phan Thiet
Whether you are a nature lover or an adrenaline junkie, Pha has activities for everyone. The glistening beaches, clear water and bustling market would not let you have dull moments on your trip. We have prepared a list of must do at activities to enjoy in Phan Thiet, Vietnam:
1. Go For Fresh Seafood Shopping In Ham Tien Market
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Indulge in the traditional Vietnamese culture by visiting the most popular seafood market. With the brewing aroma of freshly cooked seafood, you would be left captivated. Get the experience of purchasing your seafood and getting it cooked as your choice. Enjoy the unique delicacies of fisherman’s stew, grilled octopus and squids, and fresh hotpots surrounded by the shopping chaos around you. Don’t be intimidated by the local setup as these chefs cook some of the best authentic dishes you might have ever tried.
2. Walk Along Fairy Stream
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Explore the beauty of the fairy stream as you walk through the uneven terrain adorned by intricate limestone formations. With contrasting hues of red stands and lush green mountains, walking through the water stream will be one of the most unique experiences. You may carry your shoes or deposit them at the entrance and head on a journey to walk through this shallow stream to admire nature’s beauty.
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3. Go Quad Biking
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You can rent or go for guided quad biking tours at the white or red dunes. The adrenaline from driving on unpaved roads over stretches of rolling landscapes is unmatched. You might even witness breathtaking ripples in the sands due to the effect of light and shadow. You can go here for sunrise or sunset from a fantastic view. After you are done with the ride, go down to the Lotus Pond and admire the views around you.
4. Go For Kitesurfing
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Phan Thiet is one of the most popular places in Asia for kitesurfing. You can join the kitesurfing professionals at an affordable price and go on an adventurous ride. Kitesurfing combines aspects of paragliding and surfing which can be done on the vast stretches of beach. You can also do kite surfing at Malibu Beach, Ham Tien Beach and Suoi Nuoc Beach.
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5. Enjoy The Golden Hour Magic At Mui Ne
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Mui Ne offers golden sand and calming waves of water, allowing you to sit back and relax. Unwind yourself and watch the turquoise water amidst the stunning hues of the sunrise and sunset. The water is filled with colourful boats for fishing and tours in the morning and daytime. You can indulge in water sports or stroll with your loved one feeling the waves of water on your feet.
How To Reach Phan Thiet
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Public transport takes you to Phan Thiet from Ho Chi Minh City, covering a distance of around 200 km.
By Bus: You can take a bus from Ho Chi Minh to Phan Thiet at a budget-friendly rate of 90,000 to 150,000 VND. You can even opt for sleeper air-conditioned buses for a more comfortable journey. Multiple operators offer the journey for locals and tourists designated at different times of the day. The journey is 5 to 6 hours, during which you can enjoy the scenic views of Vietnam.
By Train: You can take a train from Ho Chi Minh station to Phan Thiet railway station, which takes around 4 hours. You can book a seat of your choice from 180,000 to 300,000 VND. The train offers both seating cabinets and sleeper coaches for overnight travel. The train passes through a beautiful trail in South Vietnam, which you can enjoy from the comfort of your seat.
By Car: If you are looking for less travel time and are ready to spend more money, you can book a taxi or cab to reach Phan Thiet. You can book one according to your budget with a range of options, from minivans and sedans to SUVs. With each vehicle having a capacity of 4 to 9 passengers, you can also opt for sharing.
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Best Time To Visit
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Phan Thiet Beach is located in the tropical climate zone; hence, it is best to visit it during the winter months of November to March. With clear skies and temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius, there is minimal to no rainfall.
In the summer months (April to August), temperature ranges from 25 degrees to 32 degrees with extremely high humidity levels. The scorching heat makes it difficult to enjoy outdoor activities, making it unsuitable for visiting. There might be sudden showers in September and October, but the weather is mostly dry with a similar temperature range.
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Phan Thiet, Vietnam, is the perfect coastal escapade from your mundane life. With each season offering something different and exciting for everyone, there is never a wrong time to visit this gem. If this guide about Phan Thiet encourages you to pack your bags, here are some of the best plans for a trip to Vietnam Explore the popular sights on a budget with your friends and family. Enjoy the tranquillity and magnificence of Vietnam at the beaches of Phan Thiet.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Phan Thiet
Are Phan Thiet and Mui Ne different?
No, they are in the same place. Mui Ne is a part of the Phant Thiet.
How much time should I spend in Phan Thiet?
For a complete trip, 1 to 2 days in Phan Thiet is enough to cover the major attractions. If you are a beach lover, you may stay for one or two days more to soak in the sun.
Is there a direct flight to Phan Thiet?
No, you have to fly to Ho Chi Minh City and then follow any mode of transport to reach Phan Thiet.
Which local dishes should I try in Phan Thiet?
While Phan Thiet is known for its fresh seafood and fish sauce, local specialty such as Banh Xeo (Vietnamese pancakes) is a must-try.
Where to shop in Phan Thiet?
Phan Thiet Central Market, Mui Ne Handicraft and Slam Mui Ne are best for shopping in Phan Thiet.
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