Phan Thiet is a thriving fishing town and one of the major centres of fish sauce production in Vietnam. The pungent smell of fish sauce will confirm you’ve arrived.
There are a handful of humble attractions around town to check out and a walk around town is interesting. Random exploring will be a big part of the fun. You can comfortably visit all these places on foot in an afternoon.
Make sure you stop for some local seafood while you’re here.
Po Shanu Cham towers
The 9th century Po Shanu Cham towers are the most interesting of Phan Thiet’s tourist sighs. They’re located on the coast between Mui Ne and Phan Thiet. For more information on Po Shanu, check out our listing here.
Phan Thiet Water Tower
The Phan Thiet Water Tower is the first landmark you’ll spot as you arrive in the town. It's a handsome structure and an interesting piece of history. It was designed by Lao Prince Suphanouvong during his time as a senior public works official in the French colonial government.
Prince Suphanouvong’s views of colonialism evolved and by the 1950s, he was a supporter of Ho Chi Minh and a leading figure in the communist Pathet Lao. In 1975 he became the first president of the Lao People's Democratic Republic.
Address: Near the main river bridge downtown.
Ho Chi Minh Museum and Duc Thanh School
It seems that all Vietnam’s provinces have a Ho Chi Minh Museum. Phan Thiet’s is opposite the school where Uncle Ho taught briefly in 1907 before his long sojourn abroad. The school is a recreation of the original. Not a must-see but something for history buffs.
Address: 39 Trung Nhi St Phan Thiet
Phan Thiet Market
A lively local market in the heart of town with an especially plentiful supply of fresh seafood.
Address: Ly Thuong Kiet and Nguyen Hue St, Phan Thiet
Van Thuy Tu Whale Temple and Museum
Phan Thiet has been a fishing community for centuries and the Van Thuy Tu temple was dedicated in 1762 to the whale - a creature the local fishermen believe is imbued with special powers. A museum has been built at the back of the temple housing a 22 metre whale skeleton. The area is also home to some lovely old traditional architecture that has almost completely disappeared from the rest of the town.
Address: 231 Ngu Ong, Duc Tong, Phan Thiet
Phan Thiet Waterfront
When you’re done, take a walk along the riverfront for a look at the fishing port. Check out both banks. The main town and the fishing port is along the southern bank. There are lots of local eateries on the northern bank and if you follow the river to the sea, you’ll see the patch of beach where locals congregate each afternoon for a dip.
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