You know, Mui Ne is the central coastal resort town of Binh Thuan Province that located in South of Vietnam. Just spending about 4 to 5 hours of driving (about 220 km) from Ho Chi Minh City. The town is close to Phan Thiet city.
Phan Thiet is the largest town of Binh Thuan province. Phan Thiet’s average temperature is 27°C, and the climate is hot and dry almost of the year. With the clear sky, the blue sea and abundant sand, Phan Thiet is a beautiful landscape on Viet Nam. Today tourism plays a very important role in the local economy. Like a gift from nature, Phan Thiet with sea breeze and coconut trees is the favorite stop for domestic and international tourist. The romantic landscape here is wonderful for those enjoying their sweet honeymoons, for families and friends to stay away from the busy city life. As a fact, most travelers come to Phan Thiet for heading to Mui Ne Beach, 11km away. Phan Thiet is one part of the Cham Kingdow now being a bustling town of around 100,000 inhabitants. Phan Thiet’s main industry is fishing, as evidenced by the fleets of colorful fishing boats at the ports. According to local statistics, person here caught nearly 100 varieties of fishes. Moreover, Phan Thiet is also traditionally known for fish sauce.
Many people say: “You’ll never be alone at Mui Ne”.
So, what should to go?
Mui Ne Beach is the most interesting place while coming to Phan Thiet. There are peaceful beaches such as Doi Duong Beach and Hon Rom. Nearby Phan Thiet, visitors can discover some historical and cultural sites including Ke Ga Light House, Thuy Tu Temple, The lying Buddha, the Ong Hoang Building and the Poshanu Cham Tower.
There are also beautiful landscapes such as Suoi Tien (Fairy Spring) and Cau Isle. For a small place, the Phan Thiet area has its fair share of sights. Those looking for cultural enlightenment will find it in and around the city centre at Thuy Tu Temple and the school where Ho Chi Minh used to teach. In Phu Hai, the remains of the Cham civilization are on display at a series of still standing towers set against the sea. The distinctive ruins pale in comparison to My Son or Angkor Wat, but they remain impressive nonetheless.
In Ham Tien, the major destination is the Fairy Spring, a 30 minute hike up a babbling creek bed. Cut through the canyon and up to the waterfall, splashing upward progress and admiring the surrounding red clay canyon as you do.
Past Mui Ne, the area’s most famous attractions, the Red and White Sand Dunes, allow travellers to imagine the Sahara and ride down the slopes on rickety homemade sleds. Local children will be happy to assist in the fun, earning themselves a nice tip in the process. Further out, climb Ta Cu Mountain to see the gigantic sleeping Buddha, on its side with a look of eternal contentment.
What should to stay?
Phan Thiet offers tranquility and long stretches of palm fringed beaches. Small bungalow resorts have recently been joined by four star properties and International golf course desiged by Nick Faldo.
At weekends, Phan Thiet is a popular weekend destination for Ho Chi Minh City residents. A good range of accommodation from five-star to comfortable bungalow-style resorts.
Where should to eat?
Not very surprise, the dining scene in Phan Triet is dominated by local seafood. The places along the river draw crowds of Vietnamese even if they are staying in Mui Ne — the word is the offerings in Phan Thiet are better and cheaper.
There are several interchangeable places along the beach but locals single-out Song Bien on Le Loi for its seafood — it’s set up mostly for large groups, so those dining solo in and in pairs may find themselves sitting alone at a table for ten.
The beach is also home to a dozen water-side cafes offering drinks only — again, one is as good as the next, so pick the one with the best atmosphere and the best views of the water. There are more places along the beach promenade to the north of those along Le Loi.
Along Ton Duc Thang St, just before the turn to Mui Ne, is Nelly Natural Restaurant. Despite the name, it mostly offers Italian food and ice cream. The interior feels a bit unwashed, but western-food options in Phan Triet are limited, so give it a try.
The Co-op Mart on the corner of Nguyen Tat Thanh and Tran Hung Dao Sts features a Lotteria, which is a Korean chain emulating McDonald’s, adapted to Asian palates. The supermarket on the first floor has a deli case where you can pick up good, cheap rice dishes to go.
If you’re on the west-bank, Nam Thanh Lau, along the Thi Minh Khai Promenade, usually draws the crowds with a wide variety of Vietnamese dishes, and unlike the places along the beach, there’s an emphasis on meat dishes as well as fish.
For fine dining with a selection of seafood and international cuisine and an extensive wine list, head to the Seahorse Restaurant at the Novotel. In the evenings they set up tables on the beach surrounded by tiki torches. You’ll have to get a visitors’ pass at the gate to enter, but it doesn’t cost anything.
What should to go shopping?
The tourist industry is quite new for the fishing villages of Mui Ne and Phan Thiet, but they are catching up fast, with souvenir shops opening almost every week.
Products include handicrafts such as embroidery, paintings, lacquer ware, blankets, scarves, handbags and ceramics. Many of these products are created in the ancient Cham style, making them unique and special. It is also fun to explore the local market. Don’t forget to try favorite local fruits such as Dragon Fruit.
Markets
There are a number of good markets in Phan Thiet. In Phan Thiet, you might want to start at the Co-op Mart on the corner of Nguyen Tat Thanh and Tran Hung Dao, for souvenir and jewelry shops. Phan Thiet Central Market, which is the largest in the province, is the place for local stuff such as fresh fruit, coconut candies, dried seafood, and sand paintings. Mui Ne Village Market, too, has a range of fresh fruits.
Mui Ne Handicraft
Mui Ne Handicraft at Java Restaurant is a recent addition to the Mui Ne shopping scene. Stop by to watch deaf children create sand art or shop for hand-woven textiles with traditional Cham patterns, then get the local tailor to turn them into clothes at bargain prices. Java Restaurant is on the road into Mui Ne, on a hill just above the town.
Other restaurants that also carry interesting souvenirs include The Hot Rock, which carries an eclectic selection of locally-inspired jewellery and handbags using local fabrics and traditional designs; and Forester Shop, which stocks Cham ceramics, crocodile leather and assorted high-quality souvenirs.
Phan Thiet Safety Tips
Phan Thiet is generally a safe and great destination for visitors, however, the main safety concerns are connected with water sports, particularly kite boarding. It can pose risks even to those with lots of experience. Traffic poses another risk, as everywhere in Vietnam. Generally disorderly and with poorly educated drivers, the recent boom in motorcycles has seen accident numbers soar.
Travel Guide to Phan Thiet
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