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Phan Thiet Information
Things to see & do
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Events
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.
