HA TIEN, THE PORT CITY OPEN TO THE GULF OF THAILAND
Located in the extreme south of Vietnam, Ha Tien is a refreshing stopover in your discovery of the Mekong Delta. This port city open on the gulf of Thailand allows you to go to the island of Phu Quoc or to continue your trip to neighboring Cambodia by road.
Thach Dong Cave Pagoda
Located four kilometres from Ha Tien and only three kilometres from the Cambodian border, Thach Dong Cave Pagoda is the only notable Buddhist pagoda in the city that is truly worth a visit. Enter the labyrinthine caves to find smoky altars and rooms hiding funeral tablets. The echoing tunnels and dark stairs leading to the small caves exude a mystical atmosphere, adding solemnity to the simple shrines. Take advantage of the openings to enjoy a beautiful view of the rice fields and hills of Cambodia. The cave is home to a colony of bats which, as soon as the sun declines, fly away in large sheaves from the cave.
Hang Tien Cave
Located 25 kilometres from Ha Tien, in the direction of Rach Gia, this cave served as a refuge for Nguyen Anh, the future emperor Gia Long, in 1784, when he was pursued by Tay Son rebels. His soldiers discovered there coins engraved with zinc, hence its name "coin cave".
Show More
The central market of Ha Tien
The central market of Ha Tien is really a curiosity to see! This very large market comes alive well before dawn each day and it is a whirlwind of scents, colours and clamors that seizes this huge covered market hall and even overflows outside. You will find a wide variety of fruits and vegetables grown in the fertile Mekong Delta region, but the large market in Ha Tien is worth a look for its section dedicated to the sale of fish and seafood. An army of women in conical hats unload the crates filled with seafood caught that very night. There is also the possibility to eat at the market and taste some local specialties such as this delicious vermicelli soup accompanied by seafood, known as Bun Thai Hai San in Vietnamese.
The night market of Ha Tien
Ha Tien is a port city with a rather limited nightlife. This nightlife is concentrated in the night market where several food stalls offer excellent street food. The fresh grilled fish is a must!
Mui Nai Beach
This long blond sand beach located 8 kilometres from Ha Tien is ideal for a moment of relaxation and to take a good sea bath. During the week, you will be almost alone to enjoy the beach and bubbles quietly between the ocean and coconut palms. There are also a few small straw huts in which to make a little dinette with your feet in the water.
An interesting strategic position
Travellers often stop in Ha Tien to take a speedboat to Phu Quoc Island. There are departures in the morning and early afternoon. The port city of Ha Tien is only a few kilometres from the Cambodian border and the delightful Khmer seaside resort of Kep is only about 30 kilometres away, by a beautiful road lined with rice fields, salt marshes and pepper crops.
Best season: We recommend that you stay in Ha Tien during the dry season, from November to April. During the rainy season, the sea connections between Ha Tien and Phu Quoc may be disrupted.
Show Less
