Top 8 Most Famous Tourist Destinations in Phan Thiet

Ong Hoang’s Pavilion is a unique architectural structure, built on February 21, 1911, at the peak of Ba Nai Hill, about 100 meters south of Po Sha Nư Tower. The building covers an area of 536 square meters and was constructed in the French architectural style.

After the French colonization of Vietnam in 1945, Ong Hoang’s Pavilion became an important military site. The French military constructed a network of fortifications and bunkers to guard the entire Phan Thiet region, and the pavilion witnessed many intense battles. However, after the war, the pavilion was neglected, deteriorating over time. Thanks to the efforts of heritage preservation activists, the pavilion was renovated and restored, becoming one of the popular tourist attractions in Phan Thiet.

The foundation of Ong Hoang’s Pavilion is made of blue stone blocks, elevated by about two meters, with a polished tile floor. The roof is covered with green stone slabs, keeping the interior cool, even in the hottest weather. In front of the villa, visitors are greeted by a spacious courtyard filled with a variety of flowers, ornamental plants, and shaded trees, along with stone benches for relaxation and conversation.

Many visitors are curious about the origin of the name "Mr. Dia's Stone Beach", as it has a unique story. Local legends and myths surrounding this stone beach are deeply rooted in spirituality. It is said that there once was a stone statue resembling Mr. Dia, with a smiling face and eyes facing downward. Upon discovering this, the locals believed it to be a positive omen, a sign from the gods to protect their fishing livelihood.

Although time and the elements have caused the statue to deteriorate and no longer retain its original form, the community still honors Mr. Dia by setting up a shrine at the stone beach. The name "Mr. Dia's Stone Beach" has since been passed down through generations. The people here strongly believe in the spiritual significance and sacredness of this place, which has contributed to their prosperous way of life.

Many people believe that if they sincerely pray at the shrine of Mr. Dia, their wishes and desires will be fulfilled. This beautiful and auspicious tradition has made "Mr. Dia's Stone Beach" not only a scenic spot for visitors but also a spiritual place, where people come to pray and honor the divine.

Located in the Mui Ne area, this place is also known by several other names, such as Mui Ne Sand Dunes, Flying Sand Dunes, Red Sand Dunes, or Pink Sand Dunes. It offers visitors a truly unique experience with its distinctive features that cannot be found elsewhere. The name comes from the color of the dunes, which is primarily yellow, formed by an ancient iron ore deposit that has existed for hundreds of years. The dunes are called Flying Sand Dunes because their shape constantly changes, shifting with the hours, days, and months. The winds erode and blow away the thin layers of sand, constantly reshaping the dunes.

One of the most popular activities here is sandboarding, where visitors can rent a cardboard board from local children for 10,000 VND. They can then slide down the towering sand dunes, with steeper slopes offering a more thrilling ride. This has become one of the most iconic attractions when talking about Phan Thiet. The Pink Sand Dunes are located not far from the city center of Phan Thiet and are considered one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Binh Thuan.

Rang Beach is considered the most beautiful beach in Phan Thiet. Located about 15 km north of the city center, Rang Beach remains a pristine and rustic spot, largely untouched by development. Visitors come here not only to relax and explore but also to discover its unique and intriguing features. The locals commonly refer to it simply as Rang or Rang Beach, while tourists often call it Rang Sea. The beach is known for its numerous dead coral reefs, some fossilized, along with submerged rocky areas. This is a defining characteristic of many Rang beaches along the coast.

Many visitors who have come to Rang Beach agree that its beauty is stunning at any time of day. However, the early morning and sunset hours are particularly breathtaking and should not be missed. Today, Rang Beach has seen the rise of numerous eateries and guesthouses. Visitors can walk out to the fishing boats and purchase freshly caught seafood such as fish, shrimp, and shellfish, which can be either cooked on-site or enjoyed at nearby restaurants. The experience offers both delicious and affordable meals compared to other places.

Hon Ghenh (also known as Hon Lao by locals) is located just under 1 km off the coast from Mui Ne. From the mainland, the island resembles a giant sea turtle swimming towards the shore. Today, Hon Ghenh remains a secluded, untouched island with wild vegetation, rocky formations, and numerous bird species. There are no houses on the island, only a small temple dedicated to the sea god Nam Hai, where fishermen come to offer incense year-round.

The first impression upon arriving by boat is the crystal-clear water, where visitors can easily spot beautiful and vibrant coral layers beneath the surface. The island is surrounded by large and small rock formations, stacked on top of each other, creating caves that beckon adventurous visitors to explore. Hon Ghenh is a prime spot for those seeking adventure and discovery. You can camp, trek across rocky outcrops, enjoy the stunning views, or even try your hand at fishing. For the best views of the island, it's recommended to visit in the late afternoon, when the sunset creates a breathtaking spectacle over the sea.

Doi Duong Beach is one of the most famous tourist spots in Phan Thiet, attracting both local and international visitors. However, it is not only a place for sightseeing but also an ideal location for relaxation and recreation. This beach is located in the central area of the city, making it easily accessible by public transport or even on foot.

The Doi Duong Beach area is surrounded by a lush pine forest, creating a peaceful and picturesque atmosphere. The rustling sound of the pine trees blends with the ocean waves, forming a scene straight out of a painting. The beach is named after the pine forest, even though it's a beach rather than a hill, which might seem paradoxical at first. However, the name is quite simple to understand, as the early settlers named the area based on the natural landscape they saw before them. Hence, they named it Doi Duong after the pine-covered hill surrounding the beach.

To reach Doi Duong Beach, you just need to drive straight along Nguyen Tat Thanh Avenue from the center of Phan Thiet. When you spot the distant green pine trees and the vast ocean, you will know you’ve arrived at Doi Duong Beach. If you're looking for a beautiful spot to swim and relax, this is the perfect place.

If you visit Doi Duong Beach in the summer, the weather can be quite hot. However, the pine trees provide a refreshing and comfortable coolness, which is why they are considered a special feature of this beach.

The city of Phan Thiet is not only known for its beautiful beaches but also for its rich history, cultural landmarks, and stunning natural scenery. Among these, Duc Thanh School stands out as a significant memorial with great spiritual value. Located in the heart of Phan Thiet, along the Ca Ty River, Duc Thanh School was recognized as a national historical and cultural relic by the Ministry of Culture in 1986.

Duc Thanh School is historically important as the place where Ho Chi Minh, under the name Nguyen Tat Thanh, taught from September 1910 to February 1911. During his time here, he imparted cultural knowledge and inspired a sense of patriotism in his students before heading to Saigon and then abroad in search of a way to save the nation. The school is a testament to the modest, sincere lifestyle of a young teacher deeply committed to his country and his students.

Today, Duc Thanh School is an inspiring destination for visitors from all over the country, offering them a deeper understanding of Ho Chi Minh's life and his contributions to education and the struggle for independence.

Po Sha Nư Tower (also known as the Po Sha Inư Tower) is one of the ancient architectural relics of the Champa Kingdom, located on Ba Nai Hill in Phu Hai Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province, Vietnam. This tower complex was constructed between the early 13th and mid-14th centuries and is believed to symbolize the prosperity of the Champa Kingdom in the southern Central Vietnam region.

Po Sha Nư Tower is a prominent example of Champa architecture, showcasing the Ho Lai style—a traditional artistic style of the Champa people. The style is characterized by graceful curves, intricate patterns, and vibrant colors. The towers were built using limestone, with stone pillars stacked in a tiered formation and joined with a paste made from rubber tree sap and lime. Despite the passage of time, the towers remain well-preserved and magnificent.

The tower is dedicated to the worship of Shiva, a principal deity in Hinduism, which was a dominant religion at the time. In the 15th century, additional temples were constructed by the Cham people to honor Princess Po Sha Inư, the daughter of King Para Chanh. Princess Po Sha Inư was highly respected for her wisdom and noble character, and the Cham people revered her deeply. Although the Po Sha Nư complex is not large, its unique architectural features and exquisite decorative art make it a significant and mysterious site. Today, it is considered one of the top tourist attractions in Binh Thuan.