Phan Thiet

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Please click on the countries below to read more about your desired destinations in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. These pages provide first-hand local travel information regarding transportation, accommodation, attractions, food & drink, entertainment ... together with some suggestions on ready-made tours to and from those places.

Vietnam

Hanoi

Halong

Hoian

Nha Trang

Ho Chi Minh City

Can tho

Sapa

Phu Quoc

Phan Thiet

Dalat

Danang

Qui Nhon

Vung Tàu

Cambodia

Seam Reap

Phnom Penh

Sihanoukville Beach Town

Laos

Luang Prabang

Viang Chan

Overview

Important Information

Gallery

This is one of the best laid-back getaways in Vietnam. The town of Phan Thiet itself is a bustling little fishing port -- quite picturesque and good for a day's visit -- but you'll want to get out to the long, sprawling, sandy stretch of beach to the east: Mui Ne. This is a popular weekend getaway from nearby Saigon, and development in recent years has been rapid. You'll find some very nice upscale resorts and comfy little boutique bungalow properties.

Nick Faldo's golf course at the Novotel in Phan Thiet is a big draw, and the consistent winds of Mui Ne Bay bring wind- and kite surfers from all over the world. Farther east and north along the coast, there are vast sand dunes, like a beachside Sahara, and inland there's the famous and strangely verdant Silver Lake amid the towering, shifting sands -- a good day trip. These spots, as well as other small fishing villages, make for great day trips. There are also some local Cham ruins, and the town of Phan Thiet, famous for a brand of fish sauce (nuoc mam) made here, is worth exploring (especially the market). Phan Thiet is a good getaway from Saigon or to take a break as you make your way down the coast.

Clothing: Lightweight cotton and linen clothing is advised for all year round. Rainwear is advisable in any season.

Electricity: Electricity: 220V, 50 Hz AC (some 110V, 50HZ AC). Two-pin plugs are in use, however sockets are different from those found in most countries and an adapter socket may be needed. Outlets for 110 volts for small appliances are found in most hotels.

Health: A yellow fever certificate is required from travellers over one year of age arriving within 6 days of leaving or transiting countries with infected areas. For the latest immunisation requirements please contact your GP.

Language: Vietnamese is a difficult language to learn. Based on tonal variations, it is difficult for a short term traveler to speak easily. It comes from the Chinese, although the two languages have diverged. Vietnamese has six tones, so a word can be said six ways, imparting six different meanings. There are also regional variations, so what is polite in Saigon may be just the opposite in Hanoi. In the 17th century, Alexander de Rhodes. Jesuit scholar and missionary, created the romanized script which was used only by the educated. In 1954, under Ho Chi Minh, the romanized script became the official written script for the Vietnamese language. Today, English and French arethe most common second languagesin Vietnam, so someone is sure to help you out. And, even though it is a difficult language, give it a try. your efforts will be appreciated!

Tipping: If you are happy with services provided by your local guides and drivers, a tip, though not compulsory, is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, it inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across destinations. Here are our suggestions;

Meals (restaurants): the average amount is $1
Guides: We recommend $2-$5 per day for local guides (depending on group size),
Drivers: You will have a range of drivers on your trip. Some will be with you for a short journey while others may be with you for few days. We would recommend a higher tip for those more involved with the group however a base of $1 to $2 per day would be appropriate (depending on group size).
Bellboy: the average amount is $1
Chambermaid: the average amount is $1 per day. For larger groups and adventure trips you may want to increase this. But please remember that it’s totally up to you, these are guidelines only

Visa Requirements: Almost all visitors to Vietnam need a visa to enter the country, although some qualified exemptions apply for citizens of those countries with bilateral reciprocal agreements with Vietnam. Depending upon the nationality and passport of the applicant, a tourist visa may be granted for either a fifteen (15) or thirty (30) day stay in Vietnam.Click here for more details…

Currency Exchange: US Dollar is widely accepted and ATM can be found in all tourist attactions. Vietcombank can be found at Quang Trung St.

Accommodation

3 Star	4 Star	5 Star
Apricot Resort	Blue Ocean	Princess d'Annam, Resort & Spa
Little Muine Cottage	Cham Villa
Swiss village resor	Phu Hai resort
Vinh Suong Seaside hotel & resort	Novotel Ocean Dunes & Golf Resort

Brief History

The name Nha Trang is a Vietnamese pronunciation of a Cham word Eatran or Yjatan. Ea or Yja means river, and tran means reed. According to the locals, there once were a lot of reeds along Ngoc Hoi river. The river winds its way through the town. Ngoc Hoi was later renamed Nha Trang river.

Another theory of the origin of Nha Trang's name has a more amusing twist. Long ago, in this part of the country, all the houses were made out of the reeds and mud gathered from Ngoc Hoi river. The only house that was made out of bricks were the house belonging to Dr. Yersin, a French immunologist who made his home here. The house itself was painted prominently white and could be seen by vessels coming from far away. Once there was a foreign vessel passing by. The captain asked his translator where he was. The translator not knowing where they were blurted out "Nha Trang" or white house in Vietnamese. The captain duly noted on his chart Nha Trang. Because most foreign languages do not make use of tones, the captain's name for this part of the country stuck.

The port city of Nha Trang is the biggest city in Khanh Hoa province, and lies at the mouth of the Cai River, 256 miles (412 km) northeast of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). Khanh Hoa is studded with over 200 picturesque islands, and its 200 kilometre coastline abounds in beautiful white sandy beaches. The Khanh Hoa coast is the first place in Vietnam to welcome the morning sunshine, and it enjoys 300 days of sun a year, at a comfortable temperature of 26.5 degrees Celsius.

Its history is known as far back as the 3rd century AD, when, as part of the independent land of Kauthara, a Champa kingdom, it acknowledged the suzerainty of Funan.

In 1653 it was incorporated into the territory of the Nguyen lords of southern Vietnam and after 1802 into the kingdom of Vietnam due to its strategic value in possessing two major rivers, and boasting a well-protected seaport.

After 1862 Nha Trang was acquired by the French, and in July 1891 Alexandre Yersin, a ship’s doctor in search of adventure, made his first landing in Nha Trang. Eight years later, he was back - and this time he founded the now famous Pasteur Institute for research in tropical diseases. and stayed on in the town until his death in 1943.

In 1912 the Saigon-Hanoi railway reached the town of Nha Trang, known then as a fishing port that had oil-storage facilities. It also has a fine, sandy beach, and under the French it became a seaside resort.

On the north bank of the Cai River, opposite Nha Trang, is the village of Thon Cu Lao, behind which, on a granite knoll, sits Po Nagar (“Lady of the City”), a well-preserved cluster of four Cham shrines dedicated to Shiva and erected or rebuilt between the 7th and 12th century. Nha Trang is the site of the University of Fishery and Marine Products.

Airport: Nha Trang Domistic Airport is located 21miles (35km) from the capital city. You can exchange currency for your taxi fare at the airport, however, some drivers accept U.S. currency. The exchange rate is 19.500 to $1 U.S..Hire a metered taxi inside the terminal. The journey should cost roughly $17U.S. including toll fee.

Clothing: Lightweight cotton and linen clothing is advised for all year round. Rainwear is advisable in any season.

Electricity: Electricity: 220V, 50 Hz AC (some 110V, 50HZ AC). Two-pin plugs are in use, however sockets are different from those found in most countries and an adapter socket may be needed. Outlets for 110 volts for small appliances are found in most hotels.

Health:A yellow fever certificate is required from travellers over one year of age arriving within 6 days of leaving or transiting countries with infected areas. For the latest immunisation requirements please contact your GP.

Language: Vietnamese is a difficult language to learn. Based on tonal variations, it is difficult for a short term traveler to speak easily. It comes from the Chinese, although the two languages have diverged. Vietnamese has six tones, so a word can be said six ways, imparting six different meanings. There are also regional variations, so what is polite in Saigon may be just the opposite in Hanoi. In the 17th century, Alexander de Rhodes. Jesuit scholar and missionary, created the romanized script which was used only by the educated. In 1954, under Ho Chi Minh, the romanized script became the official written script for the Vietnamese language. Today, English and French arethe most common second languagesin Vietnam, so someone is sure to help you out. And, even though it is a difficult language, give it a try. your efforts will be appreciated!

Tipping: If you are happy with services provided by your local guides and drivers, a tip, though not compulsory, is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, it inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across destinations. Here are our suggestions;

Meals (restaurants): the average amount is $1
Guides: We recommend $2-$5 per day for local guides (depending on group size),
Drivers: You will have a range of drivers on your trip. Some will be with you for a short journey while others may be with you for few days. We would recommend a higher tip for those more involved with the group however a base of $1 to $2 per day would be appropriate (depending on group size).
Bellboy: the average amount is $1
Chambermaid: the average amount is $1 per day. For larger groups and adventure trips you may want to increase this. But please remember that it’s totally up to you, these are guidelines only

Placea to see

Pasteur Institute and Yersin Museum located at 10 Tran Phu. Open: 08.00am-11.00am & 2- 4.30pm. Closed Sat. & Sun. The museum is on the second floor of the adjacent building. Guided tours are available in English and there is also a short film shown on Yersin's life.

The Khanh Hoa Museum is also worth a visit featuring Cham statues and costumes. There is also the Uncle Ho room featuring some of Uncle Ho's personal effects.

The Po Nagar Cham Towers complex was built between the 7th and 12th century. The most beautiful towers were built in the year 813 and 817. Most were destroyed and only four towers are still standing. Each tower is a shrine to a different deity The Po Nagar towers once stood at the entrance of Cai River, where the river meets the ocean. The towers stood in isolation on a rock foundation, but over many years the towers and the land it stands on became part of the land mass as the river changed its flows Today, the tower is north of the river and the rock formation it stood on became known as nui Cu Lao or Mount Cu Lao. The town of Vinh Phuoc at the base of the mountain was once a fishing village, known as Xom Chai and Xom Bong. Great views/photos from the hill. Closes at 5 pm. The Long Son Pagoda is about 500m west of the train station on 23 Thang 10 St. It has resident monks and was founded in the late 19th century. At the top of the hill, behind the pagoda is a Big White Buddha seated on a lotus blossom which is visible from all around. It was built in 1963, is 14m high and to reach it, you must climb the 152 stone steps beginning from the right of the structure to the top of the hill. You will be rewarded with great views!

If you head north along Quang Trung St. at the 2nd bridge are 100’s of fishing boats moored among huge boulders. Also, visit the fishing village! The Hon Chon Promontory is a narrow granite promontory providing stunning views of the mountainous coastline north of Nha Trang and great "Kodak Moments".

The Oceanographic Institute (Vien Nghiem Cuu Bien) is open 7.30am-noon and 1pm-4.30pm daily . It was founded in 1923 and is housed in a grand French-Colonial building 6km south of Nha Trang's main post office in the port district of Cau Da.

Nha Trang is the most famous destination in Vietnam for Scuba Diving. Visit The Rainbow Divers located at Nguyen Thien Thuat - Nha Trang for more details.

HANOI

Hanoi is relatively small and runs at quite an unhurried pace for a capital city. Resting in the Red River delta region, the centre is a mixed of tree-lined avenues, maze like back streets with lively merchants stores, temples and lakes and has many fine colonial buildings.

Brief history:

A village existed here at least as early as the 3rdth century. century AD, and a defensive citadel was established in the 8. The official origins of this great capital city go back to the year 1010. According to legend, while the new king, Ly Thai To, was in his royal barge on the river, he saw a golden dragon fly up towards the heavens. This was a good omen, so he moved his court from Hoa Lu to here, renaming his new capital city, Thang Long, “City of the Rising Dragon”. The heart of Thanh Long Citadel was the king’s sanctuary in the ‘Forbidden City’, but a growing collection of villages of commoners grew up around the walls.

More name changes over the centuries, and in 1802, the Nguyen dynasty moved their capital from here to the central city of Hue. In 1831, Emperor Tu Duc changed the name of the former royal capital to ‘Ha Noi’ - “City in a bend of the River”. While Ha Noi was no longer home to royalty, it was destined to soon become an important political centre again. The French colonialists occupied Hanoi in 1883, and it became their main administrative centre for all of French Indo-china (Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos). Hanoi became the capital of their new colony of Tonkin (northern Viet Nam). Cochin-china (the southern 1/3rd of Viet Nam) had become a French colony in 1862. The Nguyen dynasty continued to rule from Hue, nominally at least, until 1945, but the French ‘pulled the strings’, dethroning any patriotic kings who opposed them.

On September 2, 1945, the free and independent nation of Viet Nam was proclaimed in Hanoi by Ho Chi Minh, before a huge crowd gathered in Ba Dinh Square, near Ho’s mausoleum today. The August Revolution had seized power throughout the country. The last king, Bao Dai, abdicated power to the new revolutionary republican government, led by Ho, thus ending the feudal monarchy. This independence was short-lived. The French eventually fought their way back to reclaim their colonial power, with increasing support from the U.S. The Viet Minh had to fight a bloody 9-year war against the French, finally culminating in the historic victory at Dien Bien Phu, which ended French colonialism in Indo-china. In 1954, after the Dien Bien Phu victory, Ho’s government returned to Hanoi, greeted by excited crowds. But yet again, foreign interference conspired to deny them the victory they had won on the battlefield, and in Geneva. So began the 21-year American War. In 1965, US aircraft began to attack Ha Noi, culminating in the infamous B52 bombing campaign of 12 days and nights of Christmas, 1972. Even this could not defeat Ha Noi’s fighting spirit, any more than the many earlier invasions by feudal Chinese, Mongols, Japanese, Nationalist Chinese or the French.Finally, on April 30, 1975, Viet Nam won its independence and reunification, as the Ho Chi Minh Campaign liberated the south.

In July 1976, Hanoi was officially declared the capital of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Ha Noi – the heart and soul of Viet Nam - was named City of Peace by UNESCO in the year 2000. Now, Ha Noi is preparing to celebrate its 1000th Birthday, in 2010 – the oldest continuing capital city in S.E. Asia.

Airport: The international airport is Noi BaiInternational Airport and is located 16miles (25km) from the capital city. You can exchange currency for your taxi fare at the airport, however, some drivers accept U.S. currency. The exchange rate is 19.500 to $1 U.S..Hire a metered taxi outside the terminal. The journey should cost roughly $15U.S. including toll fee. NoiBai InternationalAirportis about 35km north of the city center.

Clothing: Lightweight cotton and linen clothing is advised for much of year, although warmer clothing is needed during the chilly winter between Octover to March. Rainwear is advisable in any season.

Electricity: Electricity: 220V, 50 Hz AC (some 110V, 50HZ AC). Two-pin plugs are in use, however sockets are different from those found in most countries and an adapter socket may be needed. Outlets for 110 volts for small appliances are found in most hotels.

Health:A yellow fever certificate is required from travellers over one year of age arriving within 6 days of leaving or transiting countries with infected areas. For the latest immunisation requirements please contact your GP.

Language: Vietnamese is a difficult language to learn. Based on tonal variations, it is difficult for a short term traveler to speak easily. It comes from the Chinese, although the two languages have diverged. Vietnamese has six tones, so a word can be said six ways, imparting six different meanings. There are also regional variations, so what is polite in Saigon may be just the opposite in Hanoi. In the 17th century, Alexander de Rhodes. Jesuit scholar and missionary, created the romanized script which was used only by the educated. In 1954, under Ho Chi Minh, the romanized script became the official written script for the Vietnamese language. Today, English and French arethe most common second languagesin Vietnam, so someone is sure to help you out. And, even though it is a difficult language, give it a try. your efforts will be appreciated!

Tipping: If you are happy with services provided by your local guides and drivers, a tip, though not compulsory, is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, it inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across destinations. Here are our suggestions;

Meals (restaurants): the average amount is $1
Guides: We recommend $2-$5 per day for local guides (depending on group size),
Drivers: You will have a range of drivers on your trip. Some will be with you for a short journey while others may be with you for few days. We would recommend a higher tip for those more involved with the group however a base of $1 to $2 per day would be appropriate (depending on group size).
Bellboy: the average amount is $1
Chambermaid: the average amount is $1 per day. For larger groups and adventure trips you may want to increase this. But please remember that it’s totally up to you, these are guidelines only

Best Buys: The list of bargains is endless, but to whet your appetite, here are a few examples: Silk painting, silk sheets, silk shirts, t- shirts, coffee filters, ground coffee, tea, ceramics, embroidered pictures, and table cloths, marble carvings, lacquer-ware, rattan furniture, beaded bags and shoes, a new season wardrobe tailored in Hoi An and so much more…….!

Currency Exchange: US Dollar is widely accepted and ATM can be found in all tourist attactions. ANZ ATM and Bank, Le Thai To St (near Hoan Kiem Lake); Vietcombank: Tran Quang Khai St or HSBC ATM: on Le Thai To St ( Hoan Kiem Lake)

Communication: Tin Tin’s Café (Hang Hanh), Queen’s Café (Hang Be) in the old quarter. Emotion Cybernet Café (52 Ly Thuong Kiet) near Hanoi Towers.

Places to see

Hoan Kiem Lake “Lake of the Restored Sword”
The name refers to a famous legend of the great Vietnamese hero, king Le Loi, who led a successful uprising against the Chinese in the 15th century. The Lake is still famous for its rare species of very large turtles , that occasionaly appear!

Ngoc Son Temple, “Temple of jade Mound”
Founded in the 14th century, and dedicated to Van Xuong, the God of Literature. Also worshipped here are the national hero General Tran Hung Dao, who defeated the Mongols in 1288; the physician La To; and a martial arts practitioner, Quan Vu. The red bridge was constructed in 1875

The Old Quarter“36 Streets”
Known as “Venice of the Far East” by early explorers and traders, due to the constant flooding. From the 13th century, 36 distinct guild areas set up. Streets are named after the original merchandise - ‘Hang’ means selling. While the various streets started out as villages, usually specializing in one particular craft or product, today the Old Quarter, with some 100,000 people in only 100 h ectares, has one of the highest population densities in the world.

Under feudal law, houses were limited to 2 storeys and could not be taller than the Royal Palace. Note the typical tube houses, which can be as little as a couple of metres wide, but extend back as far as 150 metres! Hang Bac (“Silver Street”) is perhaps Vietnam’s oldest urban thoroughfare. Hang Ma Selling paper products for at least 500 years burnt offerings to the ancestors. Hang Quat - Bright red prayer flags for funerals and festivals.

Night Market
The outdoor Night Market is very different from workaday Dong Xuan, mostly because it's more of a social event. Locals stroll the streets shoulder to shoulder, perusing inexpensive goods sold at the lighted stalls. It's fun and colourful, and definitely not about the shopping.

Temple of Literature
Ha Noi’s most revered temple complex and Viet Nam’s principal Confucian sanctuary, dedicated in 1070. Viet Nam’s first university was founded here, in 1076, but most of the buildings were destroyed by French bombs in 1947, leaving few traces among the weeds. One of the few remnants of the Ly king’s original city, despite past reconstructions. Many reconstructed buildings rose from the rubble as part of Ha Noi’s 990th birthday celebrations in 2000.

Museum of Ethnology
Located on Nguyen Van Huyen Street, about 20 minutes by taxi, this museum features about 15,000 artefacts made and used by the 54 ethnic minorities of Vietnam, and is highly recommended.

Museum of Independence
(48 Hang Ngang) Uncle Ho’s first house in Hanoi, where he lived for a short time after the success of the August Revolution, and where he wrote Viet Nam’s Declaration of Independence in 1945. Significantly, Ho Chi Minh used the opening words from the American Declaration of Independence, and referred to the French Revolution principles of liberty, equality and fraternity.

Food and drinks

The strip of restaurants that run from the southern to mid-southern end of Nguyen Dinh Chieu is a good place to start, with a range of cuisine and flavours available, from Indian to Italian.

Paradise Beach Club
Set in a soothing, seaside pavilion at the popular Coco Beach Resort, the Paradise Beach Club is the place for fine fresh seafood and barbecue. Choose from a raw bar and have your meal cooked to order, as you like it. The long roster of a menu covers anything from light snacks and sandwiches to hearty Western meals. For dessert, they make the most unique sundaes I've ever seen. Check it out. The resort's more upscale restaurant, Champa, is also a great choice.

Luno Autumno (51A Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Ham Tien, Phan Thiet)
For a tasty pizza cooked in a traditional wood-fired oven try Luno Autumno. Set under a huge bamboo roof, delicately lit and with a small patio area out front, this place has a nice ambiance. An extensive wine list includes over 50 bottles of Italian and French produce.

Good Morning Vietnam (Km11, Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Ham Tien, Phan Thiet)
This is also a popular Italian choice further down the road and comes recommended.

Shree Ganesh (57 Nguyen Dinh Chieu St, Ham Tien, Phan Thiet)
The only Indian restaurant in town is called Shree Ganesh and all the naans, curries and poppadoms are cooked by an Indian Chef. For a varied Asian menu including some

Bamboo Bamboo (81B Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Ham Thien, Phan Thiet)
Thai food try Bamboo Bamboo -- they even make Austrian wiener schnitzel as well.
Vietnamese options are obviously plentiful and range from small family restaurants that sit on the beach to 2 story complexes on the other side of the road.

Lam Ton (92 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Ham Tien, Phan Thiet)
Just next to Jibes on the beach side of Nguyen Dinh Chieu. This is a traditional family run Vietnamese restaurant with an expansive menu of noodles, soups, hotpots, seafood and meat/fish dishes. The Golden Sand Saloon Resort is an all singing all dancing restaurant with a large choice on the menu. The speciality is undoubtedly seafood, with the BBQ display of freshly caught fish and shellfish tempting in passing customers.

Nightlife and entertainment

For nightlife, options are limited, but that doesn't mean a good time can't be had. What with the local community of kite surfers and expats, and the constant flow of tourists and backpackers, there's always some action to be found in Mui Ne.

Mellow Bungalows (117C Nguyen Dinh Chieu: daily 07:00-21:00)
It has a friendly bar area and a pool table, a good place to get chatting with some local kite surfing enthusiasts or fellow backpackers heading out for the night, but closes early. Further down the road is the popular

Beach Break (52 Nguyen Dinh Chieu: daily 08:00-02:00)
The bar is part of Ngoc Bich resort and has happy hour all night, if that makes sense, including bottles of green label Saigon lager (Saigon Xanh) for 10,000 dong. BB has a comfy seating area outside where most of the clientele reside, whilst others battle for domination of the pool table inside. Directly across the road is

The Sand Dollar (79A Nguyen Dinh Chieu: daily17:00-Late)
Another place to go mid-evening to make use of the happy hours. This place is all bamboo and also provides perches for street side viewing. The two bars compete with each other for dominance of decibel level and number of customers they can drag off the street -- at time of writing, Beach Break was winning.

Guava (53 Nguyen Dinh Chieu: daily 10:00-Late)
Guava is situated a little further along, and looks very posh.

Wax (68 Nguyen Dinh Chieu: daily 06:00-Late)
Later in the evening, all roads lead to Wax. Opened at the end of 2006 Wax has immediately become a hit with residents and visitors alike. Happy hours are from 18:00-19:00 and 21:00-22:00, Saturday is ladies night from 20:00-23:00, and some kind of theme or party nights are always organised for weekends and throughout the week. To find it, get to Wind Champ resort and follow the path leading to the beach at the northern end of the resort, about 50 metres down.

Jibes (Thon 3, Xa Ham Tien, Phan Thiet: daily 07:00-Late)
Another late night option is Jibe's, a cafe come bar come kite surfing school come nightclub. European DJ's bang out different tunes every night until the wee hours here, or come earlier to enjoy the happy hour from 19:00-22:00.