Listly by Joanna James
Phan Thiet is one of the busiest coastal towns in Vietnam, most popular for its pristine beaches that are ideal for a relaxing holiday. But inward from the shores lies several intriguing places and hot spots that are worth exploring. From impressive sand dunes to remnants of long-ago empires to vibrant fishing villages, Phan Thiet has something for everyone.
Located towards the northern end of Mui Ne Bay and a short drive from Anantara Mui Ne Resort, the Mui Ne Fishing Village is the heart and soul of Phan Thiet. The village presents an expansive view of the coastline with colourful fishing boats on the waters. It also features a busy harbour lined with stalls selling fresh catch from the waters including crabs, scallops, stingrays, groupers and more. A visit to the village is the perfect way to experience the daily life of local fishermen as they work to bring in the best catches that supply the many seafood restaurants nearby.
The Po Sah Inu Cham Towers, are 3 ancient worshipping towers from the once-flourishing Cham civilisation. Dating back to the 8th and 9th centuries, these brick towers are dedicated to the worship of the Hindu deities Shiva, Nandi and Agni. They are adorned with intricate carvings that stand as a testament to the cultural and architectural legacy of the Cham people. A visit to this ancient complex reveals the true grandeur of the Cham Kingdom and the religious rituals they took pride in.
The Fairy Stream is a captivating natural wonder known for its stunning and colourful landscape. The stream’s waters are of a unique tinted reddish colour that remains constant all year round. Additionally, the stream is flanked by two very different landscapes; on one side lies the lush green forests with coconut palms, tall trees and colourful flowers, and on the other stands a mix of red and white sand dunes. Originating from the Coconut Village, this 1.8-metre picturesque stream is frequently explored by tourists looking to appreciate the wonders of nature.
The Van Thuy Tu Temple is a magnificent structure built in the 18th century, dedicated to the worship of whales, revered as protectors by local fishermen. The temple houses the skeletal remains of over 600 whales, including that of a 22-metre-long whale believed to be the largest whale in Southeast Asia. The temple is also popular for its architectural features which include the majestic Ngoc Lan House and a decorated statue of a sea god at the centre of the temple. There are also several artefacts to be explored from the Nguyen Dynasty like written decrees by former kings, incense tables, terra cotta statues and more.
This is a natural marvel which features a landscape of white sand leading to a small lagoon with lotus flowers. Its unique feature is the presence of a small pine forest that serves as a welcome resting place for those exploring the dunes in the hot sun. Those who climb to the top of a dune will be greeted with stunning views of the white sandy landscape. Sand-sledging and ATV rides are also popular activities for those looking for a thrill out on the sand.
Prince’s Castle stands as a remnant of French architecture and offers scenic views of the coastline from its position atop Ong Hoang Hill. Built by Duke De Montpensier in 1911, the estate house initially extended across 536 square metres. What remains today are the building’s foundations, an old watchtower and military bunkers that were used when the French occupied Vietnam. Visiting Prince’s Castle is one of the more popular things to do Mui Ne as it is located nearby to several other historical marvels like the Po Shanu Cham Towers, and the tomb of a famous Vietnamese poet.
This sacred mountain is a prime location for outdoor lovers. Visitors can embark on a 2-hour long trek through the jungles of the mountain, or opt for a 10-minute cable car ride that offers majestic ariel views of the surrounding landscape including the Ke Ga Lighthouse. Atop the mountain stands the Linh Son Truong Tho Pagoda which was built in 1879 and features a 49-metre-long statue of a reclining Buddha.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.