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| Phan Thiet is a small, pleasant town on the
central Vietnam coast. Located midway between Ho Chi Minh City and Nha Trang on
National Highway 1, over the years it has earned a reputation as a convenient overnight
stop for travelers. Ironically, what those same travelers didn't know was that Phan Thiet
is also the gateway to one of the most beautiful, unspoiled stretches of coastline in
Vietnam, if not the world! (Check out "The
Secret of Phan Thiet") Today, with the recent opening of a handful of resorts and an
18-hole golf course, Phan Thiet is quickly becoming a destination in itself.
 Phan Thiet is divided by the Ca Ty
River, with the older part of town to the South. As you enter town, National Highway 1
becomes Tran Hung Dao Street. The Tran Hung Dao bridge offers an excellent view of
the fishing boats in the small port. Walking is the best way to get around the downtown
Phan Thiet; although, there is no shortage of xichlos.
While Phan Thiet town is pleasant enough, the real attraction of the area is the Mui Ne
Cape, stretching 25 kilometers into the South China Sea. (Of course, golfers may argue
the real attraction is the new golf course!) Both are located north of the river and east of
Tran Hung Dao Street. Golfers will likely stay at the Vinh Thuy Hotel (Ocean Dunes
Golf Resort Hotel) when it opens later this year. Beach lovers will likely end up at the
Hai Duong Resort (Coco Beach Resort). The golf resort is actually on the outskirts of
town, with the hotel sandwiched between the golf course and the sea. The Hai Duong
resort is12 klicks from town on the cape between Phan Thiet and the fishing village of
Mui Ne.
Whatever your preference, I can't personally think of a better place to spend a relaxing
couple of days in Vietnam. It's a great way to unwind after the challenges of traveling the
country. When you tire of the beach or golfing, there are the sand dunes, numerous
pagodas and even a Cham temple to explore. Best of all, the sea food is out of this
world!
You won't find any taxis in Phan Thiet; although, that's likely to change soon! Many
people choose to hire a car from Ho Chi Minh City. In Phan Thiet you can rent bicycles
or take a xichlo or Honda Om. Coco Beach Resort has mountain bikes available for rent
for its guests.
Hot and humid year-round, the weather is similar to that in Nha Trang. The rainy season
is from July to November, making the best time to visit from December to July. 
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