Buzz
Hà Tiên offers both beach and numerous scenic spots for travelers to explore. Furthermore, a trip to Hà Tiên is not only convenient in terms of transportation but also very cost-effective.
Climate
Hà Tiên lies within the tropical monsoon climate zone near the equator, with an average annual temperature of around 27°C. The lowest average temperature is 23.9°C, usually occurring around December - January, while the highest is 30.2°C, typically in April - May. The rainy season spans from May to October, with some years experiencing an earlier onset and later end compared to other areas in the Mekong Delta region. Overall, the climate in Hà Tiên is pleasantly cool and refreshing, ideal for beach outings or sightseeing.
Travel from Ho Chi Minh City
From Ho Chi Minh City to Hà Tiên, it's approximately 350 km, taking about 7-8 hours under normal driving conditions. There are several bus companies operating routes to Hà Tiên, with ticket prices ranging from 130,000 to 150,000 VND per ticket:
– Kumho Bus
Pick-up and drop-off locations are at Lê Hồng Phong station and the Miền Tây bus station (with complimentary shuttle buses between these two locations). Departures from the Miền Tây bus station are at 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 3:30 PM, 9:00 PM, and 10:00 PM. Departures from Hà Tiên bus station are at 7:50 AM, 11:00 AM, 8:20 PM, 9:10 PM, and 10:30 PM.
Booking contacts:
Miền Tây bus station (Ho Chi Minh City): (08) 3752.7878; Lê Hồng Phong station: (08) 3833.8180 – 3833.8190.
In Hà Tiên: (077)3.95.97.97
– Specifically for Mai Linh Bus (08 39 29 29 29) and Phương Trang Bus (Ticket Office 328A Lê Hồng Phong, District 10 – Tel: (08)3.833.3468), these two bus companies currently do not operate on the Ho Chi Minh City-Hà Tiên route. If you wish to travel with these companies, you can take a bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Rạch Giá and then transfer to another bus to Hà Tiên (the fare is 50,000 VND per person).
Getting Around and Sightseeing in Hà Tiên
– The rental price for a motorbike ranges from 150,000 to 200,000 VND per day (make sure to request the renter to provide a full tank of gas so you don't have to refill it when returning the bike – in other words, they cover the fuel for you). You can inquire about rentals directly at your hotel.
– If you're traveling short distances, you can rent a cyclo for 40,000 VND per day. Cyclo drivers will take you to visit all the tourist spots within the town. Each cyclo can accommodate 2 passengers, which is most convenient.
Accommodation in Hà Tiên
Upon arrival in Hà Tiên, you'll find plenty of hotels and guesthouses, and there are also many drivers offering shuttle services who will recommend hotels to you. To be safe, it's best to book your hotel room in Hà Tiên before your trip. You can stay in the downtown area of Hà Tiên or at Mũi Nai beach area (about 10km from downtown Hà Tiên).
Scenic Attractions
Overview of Hà Tiên Travel Itinerary: Hà Tiên's travel itinerary can be summarized into two main areas: the outskirts and the town center. The prominent attractions surrounding the town center include Phù Dung Pagoda, Lò Gạch Pagoda, Mạc Family Ancestral Temple, Mạc Cửu Tomb, and the Four-Pillar Coconut Tree...
Scenic Beauty: Once renowned for its poetic landscapes, Hà Tiên's scenery has evolved over time. However, the remaining attractions still captivate visitors. Due to their distance, it's advisable to follow a suggested day trip itinerary: After visiting Thạch Động, proceed 1 km further to Núi Đá Dựng. From there, travel approximately 8 km along winding roads amidst lush green rice fields and pristine, friendly natural surroundings. You'll reach Mũi Nai Tourist Area, a beautiful beach where you can rent a spot by the shore to swim, watch the waves, feel the sea breeze, and enjoy seafood (remember to inquire about prices beforehand). Mũi Nai marks the end of your day-long adventure.
Dining: For dining options, you can try Quán 66 or Hiền Rice Eatery (located on the right-hand side after crossing the bridge into downtown Hà Tiên). The prices are reasonable and the food is delicious.
Apart from the seafood specialties found at Hà Tiên's tourist spots, a unique delicacy at Mũi Nai is the sour soup with zinc fish cooked with lemongrass and turmeric alongside bamboo shoots. Coconut jelly rice dessert offers a refreshing conclusion to the meal. For a unique taste experience, try the durian brought from Kampot (Cambodia). Kampot durians are known for their thick flesh, intense aroma, sweet taste, and rich texture, an unforgettable treat.
The night market and culinary street are popular attractions drawing many visitors to sample various dishes. Some specialties of Hà Tiên include blood cockles, sea snail noodles, minced fish salad, fish noodles, seafood stew, razor clams, and Hà Tiên sticky rice...
Summary: To sum up, Hà Tiên offers both coastal beauty and cultural richness, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking a blend of natural splendor and historical charm. With its diverse culinary scene and array of attractions, Hà Tiên promises an unforgettable experience for visitors of all tastes and preferences.
Roadside eateries along the streets offer a variety of dried specialties such as dried stingray, dried cuttlefish, dried fish, sea snails, blood cockles... paired with local fruits like coconut, guava, and mango, which are quite enticing. Some eateries serve customers throughout the night.
Important Note:
- The Hà Tiên night market offers a diverse range of goods, from cosmetics and fabrics to handicrafts made from stone, shell, glass, plastic, to jewelry made of gold and gemstones, displayed right on the sidewalks. Popular items among tourists include dried and fresh seafood, coconut jelly, fish sauce...
- A summarized trip, the cost per person is approximately 800,000 - 1,000,000 VND, including round-trip transportation at 300,000 VND, rental fees for motorbikes, cyclos, accommodation, admission tickets to 4 tourist spots, meals... (price calculated for a group of 6 people)
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Source: Travel Handbook by Mytour
MytourJune 26, 2014
