Welcome to this Binh Thuan Travel Guide, your comprehensive handbook to one of Vietnam’s most captivating coastal provinces. Situated at the southern end of the South Central Coast, Binh Thuan boasts a vibrant mix of pristine beaches, iconic sand dunes, and a rich cultural tapestry that appeals to both domestic and international travelers. If you’re looking for year-round sunshine, mouthwatering seafood, and diverse landscapes, Binh Thuan should be at the top of your list.
With its capital city, Phan Thiet, located just 160 km from Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Thuan offers convenient travel options and a variety of attractions suited for weekend getaways, family vacations, or extended tours. Whether you’re a beach lover, a foodie, or a cultural enthusiast, this coastal gem has something to satisfy your wanderlust.
Contents
Getting to Binh Thuan
One of the first steps in planning a trip is understanding how to get there. Although Binh Thuan does not have its own airport, it is easily accessible from major hubs:
- From Ho Chi Minh City: Most visitors fly into Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. From there, you can travel by car or bus along the Dầu Giây – Phan Thiết Expressway, a 99 km stretch of road with a speed limit up to 120 km/h. The drive takes around 2.5 hours under normal conditions, making it a quick and scenic journey.
- From Cam Ranh International Airport (Khanh Hoa Province): You can also reach Binh Thuan via the Vĩnh Hảo – Phan Thiết Expressway, although this route is longer than traveling from Ho Chi Minh City.
- By Train: Binh Thuan sits along the North–South Railway, with Mường Mán Station in Hàm Thuận Nam District being a key stop. Several trains (SE1–2, SE3–4, SE5–6, SE7–8, SPT, SNT, etc.) pause here. Ticket prices range from 145,000 VND to 1,500,000 VND depending on your departure point and seat type.
For those preferring private or public coaches, numerous reputable bus operators like Kumho, Phương Trang, and Minh Nghĩa depart daily from Ho Chi Minh City and other southern provinces, with tickets averaging between 180,000 and 250,000 VND per way.
Where to Stay
Binh Thuan has a broad range of accommodations, from budget-friendly guesthouses to upscale resorts:
- Phan Thiet and Mui Ne: This area boasts an extensive lineup of beachfront resorts, particularly along Nguyễn Đình Chiểu Street. Popular choices include The Anam, Sailing Club Resort, Anantara Mui Ne Resort & Spa, Pandanus Resort, The Cliff Resort and Residences, and Centara Mirage Resort. Prices vary from under 1,000,000 VND for smaller hotels to about 10,000,000 VND per night for luxury stays.
- Phu Quy Island: In recent years, Phu Quy has seen a surge in homestays, boutique hotels, and small-scale resorts. Modern favorites include Queen Sea Resort, Roman Resort Phu Quy, Coco Villa, Villa Biển Xanh, and more. Rates start at around 300,000 VND and can go up to over 1,000,000 VND per night, offering comfortable options for different budgets.
Whether you crave a high-end beach retreat or a cozy homestay in a quieter locale, Binh Thuan’s hospitality scene caters to every traveler’s preference.
Top Attractions in Binh Thuan
As you delve deeper into this Binh Thuan Travel Guide, you’ll discover a wide range of attractions that highlight the province’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventures.
Phan Thiet
Phan Thiet City is divided into four primary areas: the city center, Mui Ne, Kê Gà, and Hòn Rơm. Visitors often choose Phan Thiet as a base for exploring nearby beaches and historical sites. Don’t miss:
- Công viên Biển Đồi Dương (Doi Duong Beach Park)
- Tháp Nước Phan Thiết (Phan Thiet Water Tower)
- Dục Thanh School: A historic site where President Hồ Chí Minh once taught.
- Dinh Vạn Thủy Tú: Home to the largest whale skeleton in Southeast Asia.
- Lầu Ông Hoàng (Mr. Hoàng’s Mansion) & Po Sah Inư Towers
- Bãi đá Ông Địa (Ong Dia Stone Beach)
Mui Ne
A bustling coastal area within Phan Thiet, Mui Ne is known for its clear blue waters, sandy beaches, and iconic sand dunes. Its name comes from local fishermen seeking shelter (né) near the cape (mũi) during storms. Recognized as a National Tourist Area since 2018, Mui Ne offers:
- Bàu Trắng (White Sand Dunes): Ideal for catching the sunrise, sand-sledding, or riding ATVs.
- Nguyễn Đình Chiểu Beachfront: Lined with top-notch resorts and diverse food options.
- Water Sports: Surfing, kiteboarding, and windsurfing spots abound.
Phu Quy Island
Located about 120 km southeast of Phan Thiet, Phu Quy (also called Cù Lao Thu) is a relatively unspoiled island getaway. With multiple smaller islets nearby and scenic spots like:
- Bãi Nhỏ (Small Beach) & Gành Hang (Hang Cliffs)
- Đỉnh Cao Cát (Cao Cat Peak)
- Vịnh Triều Dương (Trieu Duong Bay)
- Phu Quy Lighthouse
Travelers can reach Phu Quy by ferry, which takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on the vessel. The best time to visit is from December to June for calmer seas.
Note for Foreign Visitors: Phu Quy does allow international tourists, though there may be a limit on numbers and a permit requirement. Always check the most recent regulations before planning your trip.
Cổ Thạch Beach
Known as “Seven-Color Stone Beach,” Cổ Thạch in Tuy Phong District features stones of varying sizes and hues, including large moss-covered boulders. Photographers often flock here in mid-March when the vibrant green moss and sunlight create postcard-perfect images.
Wind Farms
Binh Thuan hosts three major wind farms: Tuy Phong, Đại Phong, and one on Phu Quy Island. The Tuy Phong Wind Farm, covering around 400 hectares, is particularly popular for photography. From October to March, fields of blooming red artichoke flowers add to the scenic appeal.
Mũi Kê Gà and Kê Gà Lighthouse
Around 30 km from Phan Thiet, Kê Gà is named for rock formations that resemble a chicken’s head. Alongside the unique “stone garden,” you’ll find:
- Kê Gà Lighthouse: One of Southeast Asia’s oldest lighthouses, providing spectacular coastal views.
- Beaches: Relatively uncrowded, with clear waters.
Late afternoon (around 5 p.m.) is a prime time for a visit, as the setting sun offers spectacular photo opportunities. Boat or canoe services typically stop around this hour, so plan accordingly.
Tà Cú Mountain
If you’re into hiking or nature, Tà Cú Mountain stands at about 649 meters and is accessible via a two-hour trek or a 10-minute cable car ride. The mountain is home to:
- Linh Sơn Trường Thọ, Long Đoàn, and Chùa Tổ: Historical temples with Buddhist statues.
- Protected Flora and Fauna: Part of Vietnam’s national conservation areas, Tà Cú hosts various rare species and a lush forest environment.
Cù Lao Câu (Hòn Cau)
About 10 km offshore in Tuy Phong, Cù Lao Câu remains largely undeveloped. There are no permanent residents, and tourism services are minimal:
- Marine Reserve: An excellent spot for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, as it’s a designated protected area.
- Overnight Camping: Possible but requires prior registration or guided tours.
Because of limited freshwater and facilities, visitors typically make day trips unless they’ve arranged a tour that includes camping gear and supplies.
Local Cuisine
No Binh Thuan Travel Guide would be complete without a look at local specialties. Thanks to its coastal setting, Binh Thuan serves up some of Vietnam’s most memorable seafood dishes:
- Lẩu Thả (Hot Pot with Fish)
A unique hot pot that features fresh fish (often mai, suốt, or đục) marinated in spices. Accompaniments include thinly sliced egg crepes, boiled pork, assorted herbs, green mango, cucumber, and rice noodles. You can enjoy it in two ways: mixing the fish and ingredients with a thick peanut sauce or pouring hot broth directly into your bowl for a hearty soup. - Cua Mặt Trăng (Moon Crab)
Predominantly found around Phu Quy Island and Tuy Phong, moon crabs feature bright red circles on their shells. Their meat is sweet and firm, and they’re especially delicious during the full moon period—opposite of many other crab species that become less meaty then. - Gỏi Cá (Fish Salad) & Gỏi Ốc Giác (Snail Salad)
- Gỏi Cá: Typically made with fresh fish like mai or đục, served with herbs, rice noodles, and a tangy dipping sauce.
- Gỏi Ốc Giác: Sliced snail meat, pork, herbs, roasted peanuts, and fried shallots in a sweet-and-sour dressing.
- Dông (Sand Lizard)
Known as the “king of sand dunes,” dông thrives in hot, arid climates. Its white, tender meat is used in various dishes—from grilling to making sausages or adding to porridge. - Bánh Hỏi
Delicate rice noodle sheets eaten with boiled pork and a sweet-sour dipping sauce. Often wrapped in rice paper, bánh hỏi is a favorite breakfast or brunch choice in Phan Thiet.
Conclusion
Binh Thuan offers a rich blend of natural wonders, cultural landmarks, and delicious cuisine, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Vietnam’s southern coast. From the bustling resorts of Mui Ne to the tranquil shores of Phu Quy Island, this province holds experiences that cater to every traveler’s taste.
If you’re planning a broader trip around the region, be sure to check out our Southern Vietnam highlights for more ideas and inspiration. For official information on visas and travel regulations in Vietnam, consider visiting Vietnam.travel .
We hope this Binh Thuan Travel Guide helps you craft the perfect itinerary. Whether you’re an adventure-seeker, a food lover, or simply craving a sun-soaked escape, Binh Thuan promises a rewarding journey you won’t soon forget. Safe travels and enjoy discovering this coastal gem!
