Top 10 Famous Tourist Spots in Ha Tien Town

When visiting Mui Nai, travelers will also hear the captivating tale of the sacred deer. Legend has it that long ago, this land was vast and endless. A young deer of the sacred kind often came to the shores to drink from the sea. One day, mesmerized by the beautiful scenery, the deer lost track of time and couldn't return to the forest. The sea churned with wild waves, and the deer turned to stone by the shore. Today, from the peak of Ta Pang Mountain, visitors can spot the rocky outcrop resembling the young deer drinking from the water. Mui Nai Beach is divided into two parts: the front beach and the back beach. The beach isn't large, but it is calm and shallow, with gentle waves, making it perfect for family vacations, especially for those traveling with young children. Sitting on the shore, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view of the sunset over the sea. After a refreshing swim in the clear blue waters, travelers can handpick fresh seafood to be cooked on-site. There's no greater joy than savoring fresh seafood amid the expansive and serene seaside atmosphere.

Two rows of magnolia trees provide shade along the path leading to the pagoda. On days when the flowers bloom, their pure fragrance fills the air, accompanied by the distant sound of temple bells. According to the Đại Nam Nhất thống chí, Phu Dung Pagoda was originally called Phu Cu, built in the 6th year of Emperor Thieu Tri's reign. Later, due to the emperor's name taboo, it was renamed Phu Dung. The original pagoda was completely destroyed during the Siamese invasion of Ha Tien. Today, the pagoda stands on elevated ground, accessible by a series of stone steps. It is believed that the pagoda was built by Mac Thien Tich for his concubine Phu Cu to practice Buddhism. The female poet Mong Tuyet wrote a novella titled 'Nang Ai Co in the Upside-Down Pot,' and the playwright Kien Giang Ha Huy Ha created the play 'Wedding Dress Before the Temple Gate,' both inspired by the love story between Mac Thien Tich and Phu Cu.

In addition to Mount Den in Phu Dong Ward, there is also Kim Du Mountain located to the northwest. In 1831, the Nguyen dynasty constructed a fort on this mountain. Hence, the mountain became known as Phao Dai Mountain, a name that was later adopted for the surrounding district. Today, the site of the old fort is home to an impressive building – the Phao Dai Hotel, featuring well-equipped rooms and a modern swimming pool. From the top of Phao Dai Mountain, guests can sip coffee while enjoying a panoramic view of Ha Tien Town. The bustling urban areas stretch along the Dong Ho Lagoon, while in the distance, the To Chau Bridge and a chain of mountains unfold. The natural beauty atop Phao Dai Mountain remains pristine, with lush vegetation thriving year-round. Visitors to Mount Den can explore fruit orchards and pepper gardens in season.

A key element in the charm and poetic beauty of Ha Tien lies in the literary legacy of two prominent poets, Dong Ho and Mong Tuyet, figures of the Southern 'New Poetry' movement. Their memorial house, located near the Dong Ho Lagoon, showcases personal artifacts and their timeless literary works. The love story of Dong Ho and Mong Tuyet, lasting over half a century, is like a legendary tale. Poet Huy Can once remarked, “For a hundred years, the profound essence of Vietnamese poetry is embodied in Mong Tuyet and Dong Ho. Truly rare…”. Their beautiful legend has sparked countless conversations and literary gatherings, inspiring tea-drinking sessions and discussions among the elder generations. 'A poem, a beating heart, Like the tender light of dawn, like the wind that sweeps, Like spring flowers in bloom, like the moon’s reflection at night.'

Binh San Mountain is located about 1 kilometer northwest of the center of Ha Tien. The mountain is not only a popular tourist destination but also a historic site of the Mac family. True to its name, 'Binh San Diep Thuy', Binh San Mountain stands like a solid screen, surrounded by lush greenery year-round. From the summit, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Ha Tien, which looks like a painting. To the north, there is Phao Dai Mountain and Bai Cau with urban areas stretching out to the sea. To the south, you can see Thach Dong Mountain and the scenic Mui Nai. To the east lies the Dong Ho Lagoon, with its well-maintained houses lining both shores. On top of Binh San Mountain, the remains of the Xuyen Son and Xa Tac platforms can still be seen. Legend has it that during Mac Thien Tich's time, an annual ceremony was held on the 9th day of the lunar new year to worship the heavens and the spirits of the mountains and rivers at the Xuyen Son platform, while a memorial service for fallen soldiers took place at the Xa Tac platform.

Located about 5 kilometers from the foot of Binh San Mountain, the Mạc Cửu Temple, also known as Trung Nghĩa Temple or the Temple of Mr. Lịnh, was designed and constructed by Mạc Thiên Tích between 1735 and 1739. The temple faces east, its back supported by the sturdy, semicircular mountain wall. To the left is Bát Giác Mountain, and to the right is Đại Kim Dự Mountain. The temple grounds feature a spacious courtyard, welcoming pilgrims from both near and far. To the right of the temple is a shrine dedicated to those who arrived in Ha Tien before Mạc Cửu, while to the left is a shrine for those who came after him. The main altar bears a plaque with the inscription 'Khai trấn trụ quốc', acknowledging the Mạc family's contributions to expanding the southern borders. Every year, on the 26th and 27th of the fifth lunar month, a memorial ceremony is held at the temple to honor Mạc Cửu. In front of the temple are three lotus ponds. Local elders from Binh San recount how Mạc Cửu had ordered the digging of three freshwater ponds to meet the needs of the community. Later, when the Gianh Thanh River was connected to the Vĩnh Tế Canal, bringing water from the Hau River, the freshwater ponds were abandoned, and lotus flowers and water lilies began to flourish in the now stagnant water.

Starting from the Cừ Đứt ferry station, located along Đông Hồ Street, visitors can reach the Đông Hồ saltwater lagoon by small boats or motorized canoes. The journey lasts around 20 minutes, covering nearly 10 km, and takes you to an area where people still live in close-knit communities. To this day, the water route remains the only access to the Đông Hồ lagoon for both tourists and locals. The lagoon’s natural conditions are pristine, completely detached from the hustle of modern life, making it a favored destination for eco-tourism. Visitors can rent boats to explore the lagoon, or alternatively, take scenic cruises to appreciate the surrounding beauty. In addition to its tourism potential, Đông Hồ lagoon is also of great ecological importance. With its rich and diverse flora and fauna, it stands out as a crucial part of Vietnam's coastal wetland system. The mangrove forests here, home to over 25 plant species, form a vital green barrier that prevents flooding and protects coastal embankments. The pristine environment and abundant food sources create a haven for various animal species, particularly migratory birds.

The Mạc Cửu tomb lies within a secure enclosure, with stone steps transported from Guangxi by Chinese traders. The tomb is carved in a crescent shape, set into the mountainside, and resembles a resting buffalo, known as the 'sitting ox' posture. Descending the moss-covered steps brings you to the family tombs and the graves of Mạc Cửu's generals. Nearly 40 tombs are arranged in hierarchical order based on the individual's contributions. Below Mạc Cửu's tomb lies the grave of his wife, Nguyễn Thị Hiếu Túc, to the left, and to the right is the grave of his son, Mạc Tử Hoàng, with Mạc Thiên Tích’s tomb situated in the center. While Mạc Cửu is credited with founding Hà Tiên, his descendants further developed the region. Notably, Mạc Thiên Tích founded the Tao Đàn Chiêu Anh Các literary society, significantly contributing to the growth of Vietnamese literature and poetry.

Alongside the breathtaking natural landscapes and cultural richness, the people of Hà Tiên have also made their mark through their resilience in battle and their dedication to production. The scars of war remain visible at the Hà Tiên Prison, located in the heart of Đông Hồ Ward. This historical site stands as a testament to the brutal colonial rule of the French and the suffering endured by the local people. Amidst the harsh conditions of captivity, the spirit of political resistance grew stronger. In May 1930, the Hà Tiên Communist Party branch was formed. In 1945, during the Japanese coup against the French, the prison warden Nguyễn Văn Lợi freed nearly 500 prisoners, including many who later became key figures in the revolutionary movement in Hà Tiên.

Tô Châu Mountain lies to the west of Đông Hồ Lagoon, comprising the larger Đại Tô Châu and the smaller Tiểu Tô Châu peaks. Unlike the majestic Bình San Mountain, Tô Châu exudes the quiet charm of a gentle village maiden—its beauty soft and modest, yet full of an understated allure that captivates all who visit. Above, Tô Châu rises proudly; below, the serene Đông Hồ Lagoon stretches out in a stunning emerald green. It is a picture-perfect, tranquil scene of natural harmony in Hà Tiên! The slopes of the mountain are cultivated with pepper and fruit trees, bearing sweet fruits year-round. From the summit of Tô Châu, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Hà Tiên, the Giang Thành River, and even further out to the mystical Thất Sơn region of An Giang.