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 The town of Phan Thiet itself is a bustling and picturesque fishing port
is pretty good for a day trip’s visit away from the noisy Saigon. It
remains a favorite weekend getaway due to its tranquil yet friendly
surroundings and its close proximity to the sprawling, sandy beach of
Mui Ne. There are also some very nice upscale resorts and comfy little
boutique bungalow properties where weekend tourists may stay at.
Nick Faldo's golf course at the Novotel in Phan Thiet is a big tourist
draw, and the consistent winds of Mui Ne bay bring a colorful scene as
wind- and kite surfers from all over the world flock to the shore to fly
their kites. Farther east and north along the coast is a scene
reminiscent of the Sahara desert. Vast sand dunes, like a beachside
Sahara, sprawl wide giving way inland where there, sitting like a desert
oasis, is the famous and strangely verdant Silver Lake amid the
towering, shifting sands -- a good day trip.
These spots, as well as other small fishing villages, around the area
make for great day trips. There are also some local Cham ruins, and the
town of Phan Thiet, famous for a brand of fish sauce (nuoc mam) made
here, is worth visiting.
Top Attractions
1. Cape Mui Ne
 Located at 20 kilometers northeast of town are Mui Ne's sprawling sand
dunes and serene Silver Lake. A trip out this way brings you through
lots of quaint seaside villages that are well worth a look. From Mui Ne
Beach, there’s a small fishing town with a very good, if little, rural
market – the best time to visit here would be during the early morning.
2. Red Dunes
Excellent views of the town and surrounding countryside reward you on
climbing to the top of the dunes. Be prepared though for there are sure
to be local kids who will be following you and trying to get you to rent
one of their plastic sleds to ride down the steep dune slopes. It can be
fun in a “sledding on sand instead of snow” novel kind of way.
3. Silver Lake
 Its an oasis amidst the sand dunes. The very fascinating Silver Lake may
be reached by a long, bumpy ride from the Red Dunes. Expect to see good
views of the coast and enjoy the stark contrast between the lake’s
glistening clarity to the expanse of the dry sand dunes. Ask at any
hotel or resort for tours. Expect to pay $10 per person for two or more
to go to the tip of the cape and the Red Dunes, and more to go inland.
4. Cham Tower
 Located at the highest point on the road between Phan Thiet Town and Mui
Ne beach, is the Cham tower, an impressive spire of crumbling brick. The
tower dates from the end of the 13th century and is worth a stop if you
weren't able to catch any of the Cham sites near Hoi An or Danang. Any
taxi will be happy to make a brief stop on the way. There are also Cham
sites some 2 hours' drive inland near Phan Rang, and all hotels and
resorts can arrange tours.
 5. Phan Thiet Market
A large but pretty standard central market located in the town. This is
where you can pick up a bottle of locally made nuoc mam (fish sauce). Go
early so you can pick from the freshly brought in catch for the day.
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